| OP MDX |
I currently have a Passport 8500 and I've been pleased with the performance with it's savings having paid for itself. However, after 18 months it consistently overheats and I have to take it down and leave it on the seat for 15 minutes before it will work again. I am considering the Valentine 1 as a new radar detector. I will share the pros/cons of my current Passport 8500.
Pros of Passport 8500
1. Programmable - I turned off X-band completely.
2. Smartcord - I installed the smartcord by the steering column for easy access.
3. Automatic mute
Cons of Passport 8500
1. Reliability - The plastic mute button broke off within the warranty period and this overheating problem after 18 months of use.
2. Bulky - It's pretty big.
3. I can only think of these two.
I would like to know the pros/cons of the Valentine 1. I always have heard the positives, what are the negatives (besides price!). |
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| DaleB |
Both are the most popular on here. I have the 8500 too and think it's great. I don't find it 'that big'...it does have a nice design.
From everything I read, it should do the best job for most people. The Valentine 1 is more bucks, but certainly more sophisticated.
I say use either, and avoid getting too crazy behind the wheel and you should be fine. Never had any problems with mine. Are you talking about the remote mute, or the one on the unit? I usually always use the remote. |
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| Number 6 |
| i love the valentine one... it saved me many times in my last NSX and it continues to serve in the MDX... i really like the directional threat arrows... it lets you know where the cops are. |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by Number 6
i love the valentine one... it saved me many times in my last NSX and it continues to serve in the MDX... i really like the directional threat arrows... it lets you know where the cops are.
What he said. I have the Valentine 1 and the arrows are great, plus they have great customer service. |
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| rjritz |
| I have a valentine too and once you've tried it , u can't live without the arrows. The best customer series in the business too. I have had mine since 94 and 2 years ago dropped it and broke the front faceplate. Sending it back was easy, they have all info of all owners, cost 75 bucks or so and upgraded to newer current looking display. Also did all test to make sure everything else working right. Valentine is well worth the money , the arrows help in making out false alarms.. |
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| RL in Florida |
I have a two V1s. One in the MDX, and one in my other car. I had some misgivings at first given the high price, but I think the V1 is well worth it. The arrows are VERY useful.
With regards to the programming capability, if you check out their website, most of the parameters on the V1 can be modified, but it takes a bit of effort.
Also, if you call the company, they often have refurbished models available, complete with warranty and full support. There are no resellers or distributors for V1s, so the company is about your only source if you want one with a warranty.
Regards,
Rick |
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| NSXBill |
| V1 for sure! The arrows are worth the extra $100. Just knowing whether the threat is in front or behind is a tremendous advantage. You have to have an unobstructed view to the rear though... |
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| octavian |
| I am on my 2nd upgrade on V's. Had one since early 90's. Sent back twice for upgrades at substantial discount over buying new. Nice feature. Good service from Mr. Valentine. Saved my rear end several times....thought I'd passed the cop, when the V told me that thar wuz another cop in them thar hills up ahead. Sho' 'nuff.....thar he wuz.....no mercy in Texas. Good thing I have my valentine to protect me!:D |
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| OP MDX |
| Well from the lack of support regarding the 8500, I supose the V1 gets the nod. I ordered one yesterday along with the concealed piece. I'm going to install that on top of the steering column. I did ask if they had any discounted returned units, but they didn't have any in stock. I also sent back the 8500 for service ($50) and I'll probably sell that on ebay if it's working correctly when received. They still go for a decent amount used. Thanks, look forward to receiving it tomorrow and I'm going out of town this weekend to break it it. |
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| Markedoc |
I have the Passport and am happy with it.
But - there is so much laser out there, you have to just be careful and slow down. By the time either unit detects it, it's probably too late. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Markedoc
I have the Passport and am happy with it.
But - there is so much laser out there, you have to just be careful and slow down. By the time either unit detects it, it's probably too late.
Another point to consider is that the price on these detectors will never drop, because the re-design costs have to be recovered. Lidar and other technologies on the horizon will keep challenging detectors.
Ironically, as smaller police departments are able to afford the newer technology, you will have to rely on older measures. Slowing down.
I do believe law enforcement will win in the long run. More safety and more revenue are formidable incentives. |
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| Number 6 |
you got that right, dale...
as much as i love the valentine 1 and as well as it works with standard radar, it doesn't help much out in the wide open spaces when you're the only car on the road.
while driving our new MDX back from california, i got nailed in junction, tx by a kimble county sheriff's deputy (who looked just like the late actor richard farnsworth). he was using a "nightstalker" instant-on radar. the detector only got one ping. since i was the only car for miles, it was pretty easy for him. he was terribly nice about it and i didn't give him a hard time (i'm an ex-cop so i don't give hard times to cops anyway...). i just signed and went on my way. he was happy to tell me all about the nightstalker and wasn't in the least upset that i was using a detector. he said that what he loses when cars are in groups he gets back by picking out the singles like me... :) |
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| Bigrob |
Yes, and it isn't just new technology you have to worry about. If you are traveling a fair distance from "home base," you have little ability to fight tickets in court. This provides a distinct advantage to local law enforcement because even inaccurate equipment or old-fashioned methodologies can pop you.
I remember traveling in Arkansas, "protected" by radar detection equipment, and getting popped. I was "clocked" on "VASCAR". Which is really nothing more than a visual assist system (a known, measured distance with sight lines is used with what amounts to a stopwatch). Nothing to detect. And surprisingly accurate, at least in my case.
I now live in Virginia. Illegal to use radar equipment here. In DC, I believe it's illegal to possess it. (In theory, you can own it here but not use it... so I could keep it stored in the glovebox waiting for those trips to NC/SC beaches or WV mountains, I suppose).
This reminds me of a joke. A young couple went to the doctor because they wanted a foolproof method of birth control. The doctor researches his books, goes to his back office, and finally emerges with an apple. His advice? "Eat an apple." The couple is delighted... "Eat an apple, that's great! So should we eat it before?... or after?"
"Instead."
If you don't want to get popped, the only sure protection is to travel within a couple of mph of the posted speed.
With that said, this seems an appropriate thread to ask the question... anyone have the "anti-laser" protection (license plate cover thingy?) Does it work? |
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| octavian |
k40 has a product:
"The DefuserPlus represents the most sophisticated anti-laser technology available... a revolutionary police countermeasure that actually makes a driver's speed undetectable to police laser guns."
Automedia
Any experience with this or radar jammers out there? |
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| octavian |
Here is something called "Stealth":
Radar and Laser Scrambler/Detector
Blocks all radar (x,k,ka,)
Blocks all Laser (lidar)
360 degree radar & laser detection
One Year Ticket Rebate
Three Year Warranty
100% FCC Legal
University Tested
Manual Scrambler Test
City,Mute,Dark Functions
Worlds Only All Band Scrambler
Cigarette plug in cord.
Suction cup window mount
Does it really work? It's about $350 buckeroos. |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by octavian
Radar and Laser Scrambler/Detector
Does it really work? It's about $350 buckeroos.
Can't tell you about this model, but Car and Driver magazine (I think)recently tested all the scramblers and blockers they could find, and none worked. Some were clearly ripoffs- neon light tubes in sealed plastic tubes. A few actually increased the detection distance, by providing the radar a really good reflective target. |
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| octavian |
| shoot, yeah, I was afraid of that....I see lotsa ads and promotions, but little hard core evidence that they really work. The last thing I want is to go cruisin' with my jammer on, without a care in the world, and some local yokel down heah in Texas pulls me over...."Say, thar, isn't that one of those new fangled scramblers I see thar on yer dashbord? Heh, heh, heh, you Yankee transplants think you can beat muh Stalker DSR??? Now, what say you and I go see the constable and see about overnite accommodashens at the Roanoke Steel Bar Hotel. Tell them Ben Dover sent ya, heah?";) |
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| OP MDX |
| I've never heard of anyone owning one, but have seen there print ads. I think it's bs. Just like throwing out an empty toilet roll filled with aluminum strips...it's bs. |
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| DaleB |
A beautiful marketing scheme. Insufficient data to prove they work, but just enough for you not to know they don't.
They say there's a thread of truth in everything, I bet ya that's a mighty thin thread!
Thanks to C&D it can now be demonstrated they are totally useless for their intended purpose. |
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| TheWorm |
Here's an entertaining read from a guy who bought the jammer(s) from Rocky Mountain Radar. He has links to some independent tests, too:
http://www.cooltrails.com/radar/ |
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| DaleB |
Would not a very simple test be to use a jammer against one of the unmanned radar trailers with the big readouts to tell you how fast you are going?
If those don't numbers don't go bonkers, that jammer is not working!
I mean come on, a static radar generator? If it does not fool one of those, how is it going to fool a cop aiming a radar gun right at you? |
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| EXCALIBUR |
DaleB,
Radar guns have long been abandoned in our state. The only threat we face is the laser gun. The Blinder Laserjammer does an excellent job against laser. Of course, it will not jam a radar signal. I do not have to worry about a static radar display giving me a speeding ticket.:roadtrip: |
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| OP MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
DaleB,
Radar guns have long been abandoned in our state. The only threat we face is the laser gun. The Blinder Laserjammer does an excellent job against laser. Of course, it will not jam a radar signal. I do not have to worry about a static radar display giving me a speeding ticket.:roadtrip:
What state are you in? |
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| csimo |
There is not one independent test that shows that any of the radar or laser "jammers" work. They are a waste of money.
They can't even put out enough of a signal to cause any kind of jamming anyway. Transmitting over (if memory serves) 100mw in those frequencies requires a FCC license. The police have to be trained to use the radar guns and the unit has to be FCC licensed. I doubt the FCC has ever issued a license for a radar jammer.
Nothing but a ripoff.
Jamming or attempting to jam a police radar gun is a federal felony with fines up to $75,000.00 under CFR 47-15.20, 333.4. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
DaleB,
Radar guns have long been abandoned in our state. The only threat we face is the laser gun. The Blinder Laserjammer does an excellent job against laser. Of course, it will not jam a radar signal. I do not have to worry about a static radar display giving me a speeding ticket.:roadtrip:
My bad, however the point was that a radar trailer would provide an easy and consistent means of validating the perfromance (?) of a radar jammer. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by OP MDX
What state are you in?
Hawaii Five O - "Book 'em Danno." |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by OP MDX
They simply do not work! This was an interesting read...
http://www.cooltrails.com/radar/
I can't speak for the Rocky Mountain Radar Products. However, driving enthusiasts here in Hawaii report excellent laser jamming results with the Blinder Laserjammer as well as the K40. YMMV.:4: |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
There is not one independent test that shows that any of the radar or laser "jammers" work. They are a waste of money.
They can't even put out enough of a signal to cause any kind of jamming anyway. Transmitting over (if memory serves) 100mw in those frequencies requires a FCC license. The police have to be trained to use the radar guns and the unit has to be FCC licensed. I doubt the FCC has ever issued a license for a radar jammer.
Nothing but a ripoff.
Jamming or attempting to jam a police radar gun is a federal felony with fines up to $75,000.00 under CFR 47-15.20, 333.4.
The operative word is, "LASER" not radar.
Here is one independent test:
http://www.blinder.net/results_1.htm
http://www.blinder.net/results_2.htm
The Blinder Laserjammer is perfectly legal as a class III laser device. It does not fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC. As such, there are no Federal Laws regulating the use of this product.
Of course, YMMV. :4: |
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| OP MDX |
| Got the Valentine. Pretty cool, though don't understand the mute process yet. Will mess with it this weekend on a drive to Destin (5.5 hr drive). Will be putting the refurbished Passport 8500 on ebay if I'm still happy with the V1 after the weekend. |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by OP MDX
Got the Valentine. Pretty cool, though don't understand the mute process yet. Will mess with it this weekend on a drive to Destin (5.5 hr drive). Will be putting the refurbished Passport 8500 on ebay if I'm still happy with the V1 after the weekend.
Good luck, the mute process is very easy. There is an inner dial around the volume/power knob that rotates just like the power knob. Set the inner dial to a position that you want the mute volume to be set at.
When you hear an alert, press the volume button and the mute level will be set to the volume of the inner dial. All new alerts will beep twice at the normal level and then revert to the mute level.
Once all of the alerts are gone, then you have to start the mute process from the beginning. Sounds more complicated than it is, once you try it, you'll see exactly what I mean. PM me if you have any questions. |
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| manus1980 |
The following is my opinions about both detectors having used both of them on seperate occasions on cross-country trips.
I'll start with the Passport 8500 which I just bought for my most recent trip from Louisiana to Florida to New Jersey. Over 20 hours on the road, mostly highway driving.
The Passport is great, it saved me from Ka, K, Laser, and even a state trooper using X. The only reason it saved my ass from Laser was that some guy ahead of me got lasered so that is what set it off but it could have been me who got lasered and there would have been no way to catch it early. There is an auto mode for all kinds of driving. I find the auto mode useless on the highway since by the time it goes off it is almost too late. The manual settings are good, just tap the button to scroll through the setting to highway. Even the highway setting, which is the most sensitive only gives you about 3 seconds advance notice in some situations. 3 seconds is really cutting it close when driving at 110 or so and have to slow down to 70. The thing I dislike most about the Passport is that it only comes with this short, curly, wire for the power outlet that can not be hidden anywhere and brings attention. The optional thin wire that you can hide in the seams is an extra $25. My most recent trip covered close to 2,000 miles and the Passport saved my ass more times then I can count. I like how it beeps loud at first to get your attention then it lowers its volume so as not to give you a headache.
Now the V1. Up until last week I was using the V1. The V1 is much more sensitive then the Passport. It gives better advance notice of traps far off unlike the Passport. Although the V1 is Too sensitive, the thing beeps nonstop at times. That little annoying beep seems to just dig into you head and I wanted to throw it out the window at one point. I never payed attention to the arrows, if it beeps I slow down. It saved me many times.
I'm not going to pick a favorite since I like them both. Neither detector is full proof from lasers or a hideing place behind a big ridge. Hope this helps. Drive safe |
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| swfongdds |
| I have both the V1 and the Escort 8500. The V1 is a much better detector. The 8500 claims to have better range. It will pick up a x band signal a half mile before my V1, but as I approach it, the 8500 misses it completely while the V1 tells me exactly where it is coming from. The V1 is in my Porsche and has saved me numerous times here in California. I have noticed many of the CHP just leave the radar on continuously making it easy to pick up. Once you get used to having the directional arrows of the V1, it makes the Escort 8500 a guessing game when it does beep. |
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| OP MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by XStatic
Do you have the blinder on your X?
I does not work!!! The V1 has been the best I've owned. Another thing I've noticed is it does not overheat like the 8500 did. |
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| teamTMS |
I've had my V1 for over 10 years now !!!
It has moved from the Accord, to the Integra and now in the MDX almost a permanent fixture.
I have it mounted and hardwired with the concealed display. The detector is just below the blue band on the windshield, just below the rear view mirror so the rear detectors work.
I had the original V1, then upgraded to include laser, and then upgraded again to include new software and rear laser.
I love the V1.
It has outdone several Passports, BELs, and Cobra units (all owned by friends) when we tested them on long drives between Pittsburgh, PA and NYC.
For all of you out there, I strongly recommend the V1.
When I get a chance, I'll post up photos of mine. |
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| capjand4 |
I just ordered a Valentine-One.
hope it will save me some tickets in the future! |
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| OP MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by teamTMS
I have it mounted and hardwired with the concealed display. The detector is just below the blue band on the windshield, just below the rear view mirror so the rear detectors work.
Would like to see photos. Where did you put the concealed display?
And again for anyone looking...I had the 8500 and now have the V1 and the V1 wins hands down. |
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