Valentine 1 question

[JFlo]

So... I've had my V1 for several years now and recently transferred to my newly acquired '09 M3. Lately while commuting to work I have had a couple of instances where I have passed a cop on the interstate and I can see the guy sitting with some sort of laser/radar gun out the window, without getting any type of warning!

I know that the V1 is a radar detector, however from what I know it will give you a signal if you are being hit by a laser.

I have also considered the possibility of the cops in Northeast, FL using pop-radars or instant-on... BUT per V1 website you should be able to pick those up as well; not necessarily in time (due to the new technology), however I was expecting some sort of alert.

Of course, there is always the possibility that at the time I passed the cop he had shut it off, OR he was pointing the gun at someone else/away from me.

I was just curios on your guys' thoughts on this, and see if you have experienced anything with the V1 or any other detector similar to this.

Oh and BTW, wasnt quite sure what sub-forum would be appropriate, so please move to desired location if this is not right. Thanks!

[nullrouted]

Originally Posted by JFlo

So... I've had my V1 for several years now and recently transferred to my newly acquired '09 M3. Lately while commuting to work I have had a couple of instances where I have passed a cop on the interstate and I can see the guy sitting with some sort of laser/radar gun out the window, without getting any type of warning!

I know that the V1 is a radar detector, however from what I know it will give you a signal if you are being hit by a laser.

I have also considered the possibility of the cops in Northeast, FL using pop-radars or instant-on... BUT per V1 website you should be able to pick those up as well; not necessarily in time (due to the new technology), however I was expecting some sort of alert.

Of course, there is always the possibility that at the time I passed the cop he had shut it off, OR he was pointing the gun at someone else/away from me.

I was just curios on your guys' thoughts on this, and see if you have experienced anything with the V1 or any other detector similar to this.

Oh and BTW, wasnt quite sure what sub-forum would be appropriate, so please move to desired location if this is not right. Thanks!

I've owned a V1 for quite a few years -- let's just say these days it's largely become a paperweight. From what I've seen here in FL, almost all LEOs are using lasers now. However, FL law does not ban laser-interceptor devices, so I am contemplating having the system installed on my M3 when it arrives. They will defeat the laser entirely, and give you a warning so you can slow down and deactivate the system so by the time the LEO re-aims and shoots again, he gets a reading, albeit a slower one (legal speed hopefully) and is none-the-wiser about your interceptor. The V1 then serves as primarily a backup device for those LEOs still using Radar guns (which the V1 easily detects up to a mile away in my experience).

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by nullrouted

I've owned a V1 for quite a few years -- let's just say these days it's largely become a paperweight. From what I've seen here in FL, almost all LEOs are using lasers now. However, FL law does not ban laser-interceptor devices, so I am contemplating having the system installed on my M3 when it arrives. They will defeat the laser entirely, and give you a warning so you can slow down and deactivate the system so by the time the LEO re-aims and shoots again, he gets a reading, albeit a slower one (legal speed hopefully) and is none-the-wiser about your interceptor. The V1 then serves as primarily a backup device for those LEOs still using Radar guns (which the V1 easily detects up to a mile away in my experience).

Thanks for chiming in! Interesting what you're saying about the lasers. I've been contemplating getting a jammer/blinder myself, but been slightly hesitant due to the price as well as some rumors about the LEOs liking the new instant on radars etc. I know it varies from state to state, so you're saying that FL are moving to laser huh? Well that'a a good thing IMO, cause a blinder/jammer will take care of that "easily"!

I dont know what you've been looking into, but Ive considered the Laser Interceptor and the HP 905 Blinder. The LI is pretty tempting, considering they have the "BMW Package" that mounts in the grills. Looks pretty flush! However, I am not quite sure how the coverage/protection is like when they are mounted vertically. To my understanding the LEOs aim towards the headlights (especially since we dont have a license plate in the front in FL), so maybe by the "air intakes" below the headlights is a better location from a protection standpoint?

[THE TECH]

I have a V1 in every car we have and I would still suggest one to anyone who asks. I disagree that law enforcement agencies have moved to laser only.

My guess is that in your instance, the gun was not actually on at the time you saw it.

[OilPatch]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I have a V1 in every car we have and I would still suggest one to anyone who asks. I disagree that law enforcement agencies have moved to laser only.

My guess is that in your instance, the gun was not actually on at the time you saw it.

Would you recommend both or do you think I could get away with just the V1? The reason I ask is because the laser jammer is considerably more expensive. I have no idea what law enforcement agencies use here but in bfe west Texas I can't imagine most of them using lasers.

[In Extremis]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I have a V1 in every car we have and I would still suggest one to anyone who asks. I disagree that law enforcement agencies have moved to laser only.

My guess is that in your instance, the gun was not actually on at the time you saw it.

Agreed. My v1 doesn't go off every time but has saved me many times. I find leos still use radar in easy spots with a high volume of traffic. Many times they're just sitting on the other side of a parkway over pass with it on all the time. I'd assume their logic is that most people don't have detectors. I know the majority of people I run into don't have one, so regular old radar really isn't out dated imo.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

Would you recommend both or do you think I could get away with just the V1? The reason I ask is because the laser jammer is considerably more expensive. I have no idea what law enforcement agencies use here but in bfe west Texas I can't imagine most of them using lasers.

Hard to say since I have never had a laser jammer nor thought it was necessary. The sticky issue you get into is that some laser guns can detect jammers. My feeling is that until laser becomes the norm, the V1 will take care of you for the most part.

"Laser Jammers and Radar Jammers are illegal in the states of Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC.
If you decide to use a laser jammer in one of the states that they are outlawed, consider getting the Blinder M-20 or M-40 or the Lidakek LE-30. The Blinder and the Lidatek are the only laser jammers made today that give minimal "error codes" to the police laser guns."

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I have a V1 in every car we have and I would still suggest one to anyone who asks. I disagree that law enforcement agencies have moved to laser only.

My guess is that in your instance, the gun was not actually on at the time you saw it.

For sure! I have had the V1 for a long time, and I will definitely keep it. I guess I have been in a couple of unique situations lately, which made me question whether or not the LEOs have changed their game a little.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by JFlo

For sure! I have had the V1 for a long time, and I will definitely keep it. I guess I have been in a couple of unique situations lately, which made me question whether or not the LEOs have changed their game a little.

This could definitely be the case in your instance. You would have to research a bit further to find out.

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by jordanE92

Agreed. My v1 doesn't go off every time but has saved me many times. I find leos still use radar in easy spots with a high volume of traffic. Many times they're just sitting on the other side of a parkway over pass with it on all the time. I'd assume their logic is that most people don't have detectors. I know the majority of people I run into don't have one, so regular old radar really isn't out dated imo.

Ya, the V1 has been a saving angel many times, so I will definitely keep it! It's more a matter of upgrading the set-up for just in case!

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Hard to say since I have never had a laser jammer nor thought it was necessary. The sticky issue you get into is that some laser guns can detect jammers. My feeling is that until laser becomes the norm, the V1 will take care of you for the most part.

"Laser Jammers and Radar Jammers are illegal in the states of Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC.
If you decide to use a laser jammer in one of the states that they are outlawed, consider getting the Blinder M-20 or M-40 or the Lidakek LE-30. The Blinder and the Lidatek are the only laser jammers made today that give minimal "error codes" to the police laser guns."

I do like some of the newer jammers though that only jams for a period of time and then shuts off automatically, so you can slow down and then the LEO gets a reading. Obviously less suspicious than if you blast by him on the interstate and he's not getting a reading on you!

[nullrouted]

Originally Posted by JFlo

I do like some of the newer jammers though that only jams for a period of time and then shuts off automatically, so you can slow down and then the LEO gets a reading. Obviously less suspicious than if you blast by him on the interstate and he's not getting a reading on you!

The LI system has been discussed quite a lot on these forums -- I don't think anyone has been unhappy with the system's performance. I agree that it is expensive, but I've read it does not throw codes to the guns. Also, the system can be used as a Park-Distance indicator, and can be fitted with a switch that will actually -erase- the entire laser-jamming system function, turning it into nothing but a park-sensor, even if they were to impound the car, they could not make it jam laser (however the functionality can be restored by uploading the firmware to the car with a PC). So they would have no concrete proof to claim you jammed them.

I'm not bashing on the V1 either, its still necessary for those times that radar is deployed... I'm just saying in my anecdotal experience on FL roads (I-75, I-95, 301, 441), the majority of LEOs I've seen have had lasers, some of which activate the V1's laser sensor, but of course it's way too late to do anything at that point.

TheTech: Doesn't Mike Benvo have an LI system on his car? How does he like it?

[BPMSport]

I have it but it has never gone off once since the install. I also have the v1 as well. That has saved a few times.

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by nullrouted

The LI system has been discussed quite a lot on these forums -- I don't think anyone has been unhappy with the system's performance. I agree that it is expensive, but I've read it does not throw codes to the guns. Also, the system can be used as a Park-Distance indicator, and can be fitted with a switch that will actually -erase- the entire laser-jamming system function, turning it into nothing but a park-sensor, even if they were to impound the car, they could not make it jam laser (however the functionality can be restored by uploading the firmware to the car with a PC). So they would have no concrete proof to claim you jammed them.

I'm not bashing on the V1 either, its still necessary for those times that radar is deployed... I'm just saying in my anecdotal experience on FL roads (I-75, I-95, 301, 441), the majority of LEOs I've seen have had lasers, some of which activate the V1's laser sensor, but of course it's way too late to do anything at that point.

TheTech: Doesn't Mike Benvo have an LI system on his car? How does he like it?

Agreed! And that has been my observation as well, every time I see a LEO I often see the laser guns. Some of them I recognize from Radar Roy's website. As you pointed out, people seem to be pretty happy about their LI, so I might have to make that investment sooner rather than later!

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I have it but it has never gone off once since the install. I also have the v1 as well. That has saved a few times.

Never!?!? That seems odd, either the LEOs in your area have converted to different methods of reading or it doesnt work properly. How long have you had it installed?

[TexasSpartan]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

Would you recommend both or do you think I could get away with just the V1? The reason I ask is because the laser jammer is considerably more expensive. I have no idea what law enforcement agencies use here but in bfe west Texas I can't imagine most of them using lasers.

I driven up that way a few times (daughter and son-in-law) live in Midland. My V1 saved me a couple times on the trip as it does down here in Houston. The directional arrows is a must for me now as it tells me where to look and gives me an indication of how much time I have before I see the LEO.

[TexasSpartan]

By the way if you have a iphone, the V1 Connection is now available.

http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/v1connection/ios/

[PandaM3]

What's worked really well for me is a combination of using my V1 together with Waze on my iPhone.

Since Waze is social media based there is no way LEO can escape that.

The more people use Waze the more accurate it is at spotting the LEO.

I've used both Waze and Escort live side by side and Waze seems to work much better mainly because it is much less buggy and much easier to use than Escort live.

I've gotten many more saves from Waze than I am from the V1

V1 + Waze has spotted cops 90% of the time

It's like situational awareness from the V1 plus live reconnaissance from waze

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by PandaM3

What's worked really well for me is a combination of using my V1 together with Waze on my iPhone

Yup, or trapster. I just returned from a CA, OR, WA road trip over the 4th... 8 hours/day for 6 days and I saw a LOT of leos... Probably picked up at least 30 hits: mostly ka, some k, and 1 laser... I even got one "j" (look THAT one up!) . V1 nabbed them all with plenty of time.

V1 + waze + dont be an idiot

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by JFlo

Never!?!? That seems odd, either the LEOs in your area have converted to different methods of reading or it doesnt work properly. How long have you had it installed?

Yup, never. It's been installed for maybe two months max, but I've been daily driving the M5. I haven't been around too many cops in the M3, the V1 has been quiet as well. It does work when I shoot it with the remote that it came with.

Hopefully one time it will save me and then the pain of the install and the 1K I spent will be well worth it. I'm going to look into this V1 iPhone thing, looks interesting.

[dagolfpro]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Yup, or trapster. I just returned from a CA, OR, WA road trip over the 4th... 8 hours/day for 6 days and I saw a LOT of leos... Probably picked up at least 30 hits: mostly ka, some k, and 1 laser... I even got one "j" (look THAT one up!) . V1 nabbed them all with plenty of time.

V1 + waze + dont be an idiot

Originally Posted by PandaM3

What's worked really well for me is a combination of using my V1 together with Waze on my iPhone.

Since Waze is social media based there is no way LEO can escape that.

The more people use Waze the more accurate it is at spotting the LEO.

I've used both Waze and Escort live side by side and Waze seems to work much better mainly because it is much less buggy and much easier to use than Escort live.

I've gotten many more saves from Waze than I am from the V1

V1 + Waze has spotted cops 90% of the time

It's like situational awareness from the V1 plus live reconnaissance from waze

Totally agree. I've been using Waze and its network of users is growing. I've seen more cops with Waze than my V1 recently. I looked into Escort Live prior to purchasing my V1 and opted not to. The thought of having to pay $69/year would detract the number of users. Trapster was okay but didn't have as many users as Waze.

V1 + Waze = WIN

[JFlo]

Originally Posted by PandaM3

What's worked really well for me is a combination of using my V1 together with Waze on my iPhone.

Since Waze is social media based there is no way LEO can escape that.

The more people use Waze the more accurate it is at spotting the LEO.

I've used both Waze and Escort live side by side and Waze seems to work much better mainly because it is much less buggy and much easier to use than Escort live.

I've gotten many more saves from Waze than I am from the V1

V1 + Waze has spotted cops 90% of the time

It's like situational awareness from the V1 plus live reconnaissance from waze

It sounds like I have to give Waze a try! The only thing that makes me hesitant with Waze is just the fact that you have yet another thing you're doing while you're driving. I am pretty against texting and talking, not to mention emailing etc. on your phone while driving! Nothing drives me more nuts than catching up with someone that is swerving back and forth, and then you pull around them to realize that they are on the phone and completely oblivious! I guess I feel strongly about this crap due to the fact that a friend was rammed from behind in his brand new 135, while he was at a red light; by a girl who was doing her makeup!

Anyways... sorry for going off topic! I will check out Waze! haha