Are any of you guys using radar detectors? If so, what brand is your favorite. How did you wire it in?

Wouldn't it be nice if the adaptive cruise could be used as a detector? Of course that would not help us with V's

Bob

Do a search for Radar Detectors and you'll get ALL of the thoughts on the subject from this WELL EDUCATED crew!!!

Regards

I've used http://www.valentine1.com/ for 10 years and, knock on wood have never been caught on radar, and I'm always flying low. This unit sees front, rear and sides, and with a red arrow shows where the bear is, and it dose work around curves and hills. I just hot wire into the fuse box to make sure it's on when I fire up the V and my van.
Bob
Now lets not talk about helo's or planes, that's a tracking system.Are any of you guys using radar detectors? If so, what brand is your favorite. How did you wire it in?

Wouldn't it be nice if the adaptive cruise could be used as a detector? Of course that would not help us with V's

Bob

Bob,

As XLR I FL stated search radar detectors, there's another thread with great info. I've been using V1's for years and just recently bought an invisicord for my XLR. Works great! www.invisicord.com

Cubby558

Yea! everyone has a favorite, I guess
BobBob,

As XLR I FL stated search radar detectors, there's another thread with great info. I've been using V1's for years and just recently bought an invisicord for my XLR. Works great! www.invisicord.com (http://www.invisicord.com)

Cubby558

cubby558,

Did you do your own installation at the mirror? How were the pins connected (i.e., to what color wires)?

Do you have any pictures of the installation?

Thanks.

Chuck

Because I don't really rely on mine, I selected the low-price Walmart version... don't even know what brand for sure but here is a discussion about wiring: http://www.xlrforum.com/showpost.php?p=5774&postcount=21

Because I don't really rely on mine, I selected the low-price Walmart version... don't even know what brand for sure but here is a discussion about wiring: http://www.xlrforum.com/showpost.php?p=5774&postcount=21

so if you don't rely on it and you have a cheepo model....isn't it just an annoyance???

Chuck,

Yes it was pretty simple to do. I do have electrical knowledge on my side though--been at it thirty-one years. I'll try and get a picture or at least let you know which wires Iplugged into. galen called me today and wanted to know also. It will probably be over the weekend--my XLR is going in tomorrow for the Onstar update. I'll get back with the info this weekend.

Cubby558
Kevin

so if you don't rely on it and you have a cheepo model....isn't it just an annoyance???

It can be annoying when there is a county cop or something like that behind you on an interstate, but in my experience the expensive ones aren't much better about either finding everything or finding door-openers. What it does for me is alerts me to the reactions of other drivers who suddenly see a trouper parked in the bushes... people do funny things.

Another relevant post:

http://www.xlrforum.com/showpost.php?p=12758&postcount=2

Thanks Guys. It looks like the V1 is the hot setup. The link to the bracket did not work for me.

Cubby, I'm looking forward to seeing your setup. We'll probably have lunch at the airport.

Bob

Valentine One is the only way to fly, it's like diplomatic immunity!

Wired mine to the mirror connection so that there is no ugly cord. Just don't leave it out while parked, way too attractive to smash and grab folks...

Saves me almost every day and gives a huge warning.

Hey Paul, glad to hear you have the V-1. If it's ok with you, we'll let you take the front door to B/G in August. There's two of us coming from Orlando and I know of another coming from St Pete/ Clearwater area. Then there's the professor from the panhandle. Looks like we got us a convoy in the works. Bill (ocool):seeya

I wired mine across the windshield and down the post to the fuse box. Could you share with me how you attached it to your mirror connection?Valentine One is the only way to fly, it's like diplomatic immunity!

Wired mine to the mirror connection so that there is no ugly cord. Just don't leave it out while parked, way too attractive to smash and grab folks...

Saves me almost every day and gives a huge warning.

:crazy

Works been getting in the way lately. Will have time tomorrow night to check my wiring and will post later at nihjt.


Cubby558

If you guys don't mind a little work you might what to look into the Passport SRX with Shifters..
I did my own install and it took about 3 1/2 hours but the second would only take about 2.
I did a post about 2 years ago on this forum with photos so you might look for it. If you need some photos I still have them...

Blaise

OK got up early this morning and looked at my wiring. The plug into the mirror is a 16pin connector with a pressure release at the top of it. Push down and pull the connector out. Looking at the connector from the back, my 2004 XLR has the following wires on the connector--there are 2 rows of 8 pins, I'll number them 1-8 from the left to right.

Top row
1. Black wire-no stripping
2. Blank--no wire in ths slot
3. Black with Orange stripe
4. Black with White stripe
5.-7. Blank no wires in these slots
8. Black with White stripe

Bottom row
1. Black with Purple stripe
2. Black with Orange stripe
3. Black with Yellow stripe
4. Black with Purple stripe
5. Black with Green stripe
6. Black with Blue stripe
7. Blank no wire in this slot
8. Black with Green stripe

I used the first slot in top row (Black wire) for my ground (Green wire on the invisicord) and the third wire on the bottom row (Black with Yellow stripe) for the hot wire. This setup works with the ignition. It will turn on when the car starts and go off when the car is off. I would think the wiring for all the years is the same,bu am not positive. I would check your wiring against my list above to verify your is like this. The invisicord is simple to install, as the connectors are flat and slide right into the slots in the back od the mirror connector. They also supply a little wire tie to secure the wire to the mirror wiring. Hope this helps everyone out looking for a quick install:seeya

Cubby558

I saw pictures of the Inivisicord product and made on myself. Simple enough to do. get an old phone cord and cut in off to the proper length, strip it and solder small needles (you have to shave down the wire a little to get it to fit in the eye of the needle) use some heat shrink to cover the back end of the needle where the wire joint is and there you go. total cost a few bucks. and it is the proper length. I used a black phone cord and it work well, I just have taken down the V1 since I got two tickets within two weeks and obviously it just wasn't performing well enough.

Thanks Cubby. You gave great directions. I'll give it a try.

Chuck

How do we get into the mirror or is it obvious? Thanks for the instructions
bob

Bob,

There is a plug in the back of the mirror(windshield side) that unplugs the wiring harness for your OnStar, map lights and dimming mirror. Once you unplug it from the mirror you will understand my above directions

Cubby558

Thanks CubbyBob,

There is a plug in the back of the mirror(windshield side) that unplugs the wiring harness for your OnStar, map lights and dimming mirror. Once you unplug it from the mirror you will understand my above directions

Cubby558

Cubby,
One more Q. How can you tell the ground from the hot lead on that phone type connection of the Valintine 1? This may sound funny since I hot wired mine to the fuse block and have no idea at this time how I determined which was the ground, but before I un-hook I would ask.
BobBob,

There is a plug in the back of the mirror(windshield side) that unplugs the wiring harness for your OnStar, map lights and dimming mirror. Once you unplug it from the mirror you will understand my above directions

Cubby558

Bob,

I bought the invisicord and it had red and green wires in it. The red is hot and the green is ground. The V-1 cord appears to use a standard phone cord (4 wires), but I believe only two are used. If you look at it the red and green are the two center wires. Hope this helps.

Cubby558

OK Cubby
Now I'm going to do this thing today because my wire keeps drooping down over the black box on the passenger side. I have mine down the inside of the post cover and into the fuse block and your idea woud make it a lot nicer.
Thanks
BobBob,

I bought the invisicord and it had red and green wires in it. The red is hot and the green is ground. The V-1 cord appears to use a standard phone cord (4 wires), but I believe only two are used. If you look at it the red and green are the two center wires. Hope this helps.

Cubby558

Cubby, I popped the connector but when I bring it around to the mirror side to view it, I'm not sure I'm seeing it the way you described it.
I have it in the position with the release button on top.
The top row is exactly like you described with two empty spots.
but on the bottom row, the one empty is exactly opposite from wher you described.

I tried and old V cord I had with three colors. Red, Green and yellow. cut the end off and I plugged the red and green into the positions you said to use, but the detector would not turn on while the car is running.
Do I have to plug it in to make it work or should it work while I have the plug out. I would think the latter.
thanks for any help
BobOK got up early this morning and looked at my wiring. The plug into the mirror is a 16pin connector with a pressure release at the top of it. Push down and pull the connector out. Looking at the connector from the back, my 2004 XLR has the following wires on the connector--there are 2 rows of 8 pins, I'll number them 1-8 from the left to right.

Top row
1. Black wire-no stripping
2. Blank--no wire in ths slot
3. Black with Orange stripe
4. Black with White stripe
5.-7. Blank no wires in these slots
8. Black with White stripe

Bottom row
1. Black with Purple stripe
2. Black with Orange stripe
3. Black with Yellow stripe
4. Black with Purple stripe
5. Black with Green stripe
6. Black with Blue stripe
7. Blank no wire in this slot
8. Black with Green stripe

I used the first slot in top row (Black wire) for my ground (Green wire on the invisicord) and the third wire on the bottom row (Black with Yellow stripe) for the hot wire. This setup works with the ignition. It will turn on when the car starts and go off when the car is off. I would think the wiring for all the years is the same,bu am not positive. I would check your wiring against my list above to verify your is like this. The invisicord is simple to install, as the connectors are flat and slide right into the slots in the back od the mirror connector. They also supply a little wire tie to secure the wire to the mirror wiring. Hope this helps everyone out looking for a quick install:seeya

Cubby558

Sorry I didn't get back to you until now--was out of town. I'll recheck tonight and verify my info. If you read my original post though, I have an '04--not sure future years are the same. But I would think they would use the same harness. Yuo can also check eack one if you have a voltage tester that will test at 12 volts DC.

Cubby558

Gents,

You might find this useful. Its the 05 model.

Ben


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s162/benjaminpaulhofman/SNV13652-mirrorharness.jpg

Hi all, Been following this thread and i have severel detectors the best one is in my RUF BTR C-4 and mr ruf wired it in somewhere some how never found it. but works great only pob is here in PA the bears sit between the hidden pull offs facing the road and when you go by they pull the trigger on hand held unit for a few sec's and puff your done. In 40 yrs of driven close to 2 mil mils i had over 40 tickets. No system works in PA. I play the game. Hire an atty go to to court settle on a 31-11 (failure to abide by electronic devises!) pay the fines and attyy and get no points. I know i know but like van halen I cant drive 55!!! its like driven thur mashed potato's! jim f

Gents,

You might find this useful. Its the 05 model.

Ben


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s162/benjaminpaulhofman/SNV13652-mirrorharness.jpg

standby,

After looking at this post, my numbering is looking at the back of the plug (where the wires are entering the plug) therefore my numbering is actually backward from the above picture.

Here is my wiring renumbered per the picture:

Top row
8. Black wire-no stripping
7. Blank--no wire in ths slot
6. Black with Orange stripe
5. Black with White stripe
4.-2. Blank no wires in these slots
1. Black with White stripe

Bottom row
16. Black with Purple stripe
15. Black with Orange stripe
14. Black with Yellow stripe
13. Black with Purple stripe
12. Black with Green stripe
11. Black with Blue stripe
10. Blank no wire in this slot
9. Black with Green stripe

You would then use #8 as your ground and #13 for your hot wire according to the diagram. My particular wiring does not match up exactly to this diagram. My XLR is an '04.

Hope all this helps. Looking forward to seeing you in BG!!

Cubby558:)

Many thanks to all involved. the only question left is, I have the two wires that I striped back, do I just stick these ends into the appropriate numbers to test the Valentine while motor is on, and just leave them there while I snap the unit back into place? You mentioned a different way to make it secure.
bobstandby,

After looking at this post, my numbering is looking at the back of the plug (where the wires are entering the plug) therefore my numbering is actually backward from the above picture.

Here is my wiring renumbered per the picture:

Top row
8. Black wire-no stripping
7. Blank--no wire in ths slot
6. Black with Orange stripe
5. Black with White stripe
4.-2. Blank no wires in these slots
1. Black with White stripe

Bottom row
16. Black with Purple stripe
15. Black with Orange stripe
14. Black with Yellow stripe
13. Black with Purple stripe
12. Black with Green stripe
11. Black with Blue stripe
10. Blank no wire in this slot
9. Black with Green stripe

You would then use #8 as your ground and #13 for your hot wire according to the diagram. My particular wiring does not match up exactly to this diagram. My XLR is an '04.

Hope all this helps. Looking forward to seeing you in BG!!

Cubby558:)

the only question left is, I have the two wires that I striped back, do I just stick these ends into the appropriate numbers to test the Valentine while motor is on, and just leave them there while I snap the unit back into place? You mentioned a different way to make it secure.
bob

Bob,

I took two needles and soldered them to the ends of the two wires then covered the solder with heat shrinkable solder-cover tube (one red and one black). The needles then just get pushed into the back of the harness (alongside with the wires coming out the back of the harness) so that they are 'secure.' Plug the harness back into the mirror, route your power cord to your V1 and you should be in business.

Ben.

Ben,
With this info, I'm finally ready to do it tomorrow. It's not that I'm not fired up through my fuse box, it's just that hanging wire over that black box on the window. The wire will not tuck in over top and keeps coming out, but the rest is hidden well across the window and down the post and into the fuse box.
Thanks a bunch,
BobBob,

I took two needles and soldered them to the ends of the two wires then covered the solder with heat shrinkable solder-cover tube (one red and one black). The needles then just get pushed into the back of the harness (alongside with the wires coming out the back of the harness) so that they are 'secure.' Plug the harness back into the mirror, route your power cord to your V1 and you should be in business.

Ben.

Bob:

I am worried that Hans and you will over run the range on the detector at the speeds you are planning to do the trip at. Does your detector have "Air Assult" warnings as well???

Be sure to bring the number of your now nationally famous attorney and additional nitrous.

REGARDS

I will have a drone that will be flying above us to take care of the helo's
BobBob:

I am worried that Hans and you will over run the range on the detector at the speeds you are planning to do the trip at. Does your detector have "Air Assult" warnings as well???

Be sure to bring the number of your now nationally famous attorney and additional nitrous.

REGARDS

I have had the old Escort and Passport detectors for some time. Many of you like the Valentine. I have looked on their website and they have a nice unit.

Yesterday I called the Escort/Passport sales line wanting to hear a pitch. I even asked the salesman what advantages did his unit have over the Valentine, and why I should buy a new Passport? This guy was about as dynamic as a stick in the mud and could not sell icewater in #ell. He mentioned the GPS technology of the new 9500I, and claimed that the sensitivity is the same as the Valentine.

Any of you have experience with the new Passport unit? I had better have something if I hope to keep up with the caravan headed to BG!

Bob

I applaud the Valentine one. I have one in my V and one in my van and have never had a ticket via laser or any radar x's y's z's bands while using this unit in the last 12 or 14 years, and I drive like the devil is after me. Lets just not mention helo's who clock you from mile markers.
Just go for it, you won't be disappointed.
BobI have had the old Escort and Passport detectors for some time. Many of you like the Valentine. I have looked on their website and they have a nice unit.

Yesterday I called the Escort/Passport sales line wanting to hear a pitch. I even asked the salesman what advantages did his unit have over the Valentine, and why I should buy a new Passport? This guy was about as dynamic as a stick in the mud and could not sell icewater in #ell. He mentioned the GPS technology of the new 9500I, and claimed that the sensitivity is the same as the Valentine.

Any of you have experience with the new Passport unit? I had better have something if I hope to keep up with the caravan headed to BG!

Bob

:thumbs Based on your advise and recomendations, I ordered a Valentine unit. I wanted to have it for the drive to BG. Not that I would ever exceed the legal speed limit of course, but for monitoring and safety purposes only.

Bob

I'm glad to see none of the caravans plan on coming through Alabama on the way to BG.

The Alabama State Troopers are running a campaign this week titled "Take Back the Highway." They are issuing every Highway Patrol employee (down to the secretary) a car and radar gun. Over one hundred are on the road this week. They have adopted a zero tolerance approach (no such thing as 5 - 10 over the limit :nono ). I could definitely sense the impact on the over all speed of traffic going to work yesterday. I also saw a few tickets issued in places I never have seen before.

That strategy sounds like a lawyers dream!!!

QUEST: How long have you been operating a radar gun and are you certified?

ANS: Duh I was just given the gun yesterday and I THINK I know how to turn it on.

Where did they get all of the money to buy that many radar guns???

That strategy sounds like a lawyers dream!!!

QUEST: How long have you been operating a radar gun and are you certified?

ANS: Duh I was just given the gun yesterday and I THINK I know how to turn it on.

Where did they get all of the money to buy that many radar guns???
Your comments about training the force are the same buzz all over the state.

The State Trooper "spokesperson" on the news yesterday stated that only "certified" radar operators would be using them and that the "additional force" would be issuing the citations. In other words, one "shoots 'em" and "one grills 'em."

The NEXT question would be "When was the gun last calibrated"?

It ought to get real interesting over your way.

Of course you could be one of the unfortunates that got a ticket in Virginia. WOW do they have the fines jacked up!!!!

Reminds me of the legal battle over radar detectors when they were first being used.

The official position of the detector manufacturers (per the insert that came with mine) was that "there is no law restricting a device from receiving and processing signals. If so, even your FM radio could be restricted." That was their legal stand against States and Cities deeming Radar Detectors illegal. I'm sure there are a lot of arguments still in the courts about that.

It's very easy to calibrate the radar guns, you just hold a tuning fork in front of it and read the speed.

XLR KEN

You ought to see what the troopers have planned at "The Dragon" this weekend!!! They are really going to be out in force there!!!

XLR KEN

You ought to see what the troopers have planned at "The Dragon" this weekend!!! They are really going to be out in force there!!!

It's about time--maybe all the crotch-rockets will stay off of it. My buddy calls me every weekend form Athens, TN to give me the death toll figures.

Cubby558:cool

:thumbs Based on your advise and recomendations, I ordered a Valentine unit. I wanted to have it for the drive to BG. Not that I would ever exceed the legal speed limit of course, but for monitoring and safety purposes only.

Bob Mr. XLR sends his best, I look forward to u leading the way at below the posted limit.....see u thursday for lunch with Cubby.

Ditto CTS. Our airport steak house is famous for the "elephant ear" sandwich. Have an appetite!

I sent Cubby some directions earlier today.

Alan gave me a call this evening and we had a nice visit. Too bad he cannot be in BG. I asked if GM would fire up the jet for him but so far that has not worked. If my plane was faster and I was not involved in the activities there I'd fly him.

See you around 11 Thursday

Bob

Are any of you guys using radar detectors? If so, what brand is your favorite. How did you wire it in?

Wouldn't it be nice if the adaptive cruise could be used as a detector? Of course that would not help us with V's

Bob
So how are you liking your V1?? I assume you have it hooked up and on the prowl.

It works nicely. I'm glad I bought it. Much more feedback than the Escort unit.

Bob

Like rleonard1 I spent a TON of time researching the leading contenders in the radar shootouts.

I read every article i could find on the "Independent Evaluation" sites and then some.

The leading contenders are V1, BEL STi Sport, and the new Passprot with GPS.

In the end, it seems that the V1 in my assessment still beats them all AFTER you sift through some of the non essential features and functions and consider that the V1 is currently the only detector that is able to be indefinitely upgraded to the latest technology by the maufacurer for $45 plus S&H.

FWIW: Here's some Q&A's that I posed to the V1 specialists for those who are considering a newer radar purchase or were just curious.

Regards

----- Original Message -----

From: Pete Kaufman

To: roadking1@msn.com

Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 4:26 PM

Subject: RE: V1

Dear Sir:

Thanks for your email.

In our opinion, it's a stretch to call these independent evaluations. Many of them are done by paid consultants (i.e., Speedzones and radartest.com) or even radar detector dealers. To us, they are hardly fair or objective tests, so we'd take any of these results should be taken with a grain of salt.

We have some issues about the radartest heat evaluation. The V1 will operate at +158F and can be stored as high as +185F with no deleterious effect. We've been manufacturing the V1 since 1992 and it has seen action in some of the hottest places on earth. Heat is not an issue, unlike plastic-cased units. Also, the V1 does have self-diagnostic circuitry (it has for at least 10 years).

Radar detectors are only illegal in Virginia. We are working on ways to combat the Spectre in that state, but so far do not have a fix as of yet.

We are the only ones who do hardware and software upgrades. You would send it in for the upgrade. As you know, no one else in the business does this, as they all practice the planned obsolescence game.

Cordially,

Pete Kaufman
Sales Department
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jerry S724 [mailto:roadking1@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 3:22 PM
To: Sales
Subject: Re: Valentine Research

I am just curious;

1. "INDEPENDENT EVALUATIONS" --I am sure you have read the "Independent Evaluations" done recently on the V 1 and the new Escort. My take is that you should be able to detect the frequent radar spots with the V 1 whether if they are there due to the V 1's extended range.

2. EXCESSIVE HEAT-- Is there any truth to the statement in one article that the V1 will shut down and possibly not work correctly if the heat it is stored in is above 140 degrees?? They said that 3 of the units would not work or work properly after that even when the temperature was brought back down to normal ranges with the car air conditioning. I live in Florida and the inside of the car would get that hot possibly. ( I would add this consideration to your FAQ's)

3. RADAR DETECTOR/DETECTORS-- With the new Virginia increased ticket costs along with now Georgia and Alabama, It would seem that you guys would be working on the ability to minimize detection of the V1. Tickets seem to be the new source of significant revenue so Detecting the Detectors isn't going to go away soon.

4. FUTURE UPGRADES--Will you eventually migrate to "downloading upgrades as at least 1 unit is preparing to do so we can keep ahead of the tech changes on the battlefield?

THANKS VERY MUCH !!!!!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.... I bought the new C5 Radar Detector bracket and Invisicord combination part number BC5001 from VOZtech www.vettemods.com for my new V1 Detector.

I spent a considerable amount of lot of time modifying it so that the V1 (will work for the Escort, BEL too) would sit forward form the sun visor and near the mirror.

I have made it easy for the next interested person(s) to quickly make this change.

So IF you are interested, send me a private message with your email address. I have pictures and instructions on "How To Do It"

Just let me know and I'll send them along.

In the meantime I sent my "corrections" to VOZtech along with the pictures. They are thinking about making my revised bracket and offering it for sale. (NO I don't get any money)