radar detector

[Tedrudich]

There seems to be many viable choices for great radar detectors. My first one back in the 1980's was the escort. I wound up staying with Mike Valentine over the years and have many V1's. I recently purchased and installed the lasted V1. I think it works very well although there appears to be some limitations when compared to the competitors.

There is a site www.vortexradar.com that does a great job comparing radar detectors and other products like jammers and dash cams. He does many very helpful videos as well.

As far as install I went the simple route. I used Valentines product called Savvy which plugs under the dash in the OBD-II port. I ran the wire along the A pillar on drivers side and then simply plug into the OBD port. 5 minutes and works perfectly.

Ted

[Bill in Bama]

I second the V1 recommendation. I, like you, went with Mike V. from the start with Escort, then Passport, then when he started Valentine 1 I switched over, have owned several and use the SAVVY device to easily hook up power. I upgraded two of my three units to the 2nd generation recently and from my experience the V1 has the best range of any detector. Not always the best filter, I still get false alarms from automatic door openers and the plethora of radar-based stuff on cars now with all the proximity sensors is a challenge for all detectors I guess. But the V1 will let you know way before the radar finds you that its out there. Now if I could just get my wife's new BMW to work with the V1, there's something in it that sets it off constantly and she has forbidden me to put it back in her car, so I fly blind except for WAZE.

[Tedrudich]

Ah the BMW. I had a 535 and had that issue constantly. It has to do with the cycling of the power in the car. I spoke to the engineer at V1 and he admitted the issue but no resolution. It happened to me when I locked the car and the alarm set. Funny but it was very intermittent. Drove me nuts.

[Tom]

Are there any (good) radar detectors today that you can install more permanently in a 992, without the coiled up cord and box stuck to the windshield? Something like those onboard cameras that mount up by the rear view mirror? I've seen mirror mounts, but don't like the way the detector hangs down and looks like an afterthought....

[dr bob]

I'm casually shopping for the same thing. Looking at a few that use RJ-11 connectors on phone wire, and tap into wires in the mirror or the overhead console.

While placing the detector up high like that is generally a Good Idea, the tint and the grid (if you have one) at the top will interfere with radar some, but really affect any laser detection you might be relying on. Laser isn't used here where we live now, so not that big a deal if it's crippled some. Usually it's a warning that you've already been busted anyway, but there's always that chance that you can catch a stray reflection not intended for you. It would be way rude to just add some randomly sweep-modulated 405nm (I think...) IR LEDs in the headlight buckets, and just leave them on all the time, but that's the only real avoidance available.

[rhart]

There seems to be many viable choices for great radar detectors. My first one back in the 1980's was the escort. I wound up staying with Mike Valentine over the years and have many V1's. I recently purchased and installed the lasted V1. I think it works very well although there appears to be some limitations when compared to the competitors.

There is a site www.vortexradar.com that does a great job comparing radar detectors and other products like jammers and dash cams. He does many very helpful videos as well.

As far as install I went the simple route. I used Valentines product called Savvy which plugs under the dash in the OBD-II port. I ran the wire along the A pillar on drivers side and then simply plug into the OBD port. 5 minutes and works perfectly.

Ted

Hey Ted
I'm new as of an hour ago to this site and saw your post. Like you I've been a long time user of counter measures. Starting with a Fuzz Buster in the early 60's. Yeh I'm an old fart.
Valentine warns that there is a small batt draw with the Savvy. Have you noticed any diff? I have a few P cars and some sit for weeks between drives. Do you think this would be a problem? Also how long is the wire from OBD to the detector? Will it reach to right side of the dash?
Thank you
PS to you all. I've owned and still own a few V1 and V2 Valentines. These are the very best in my opinion.

[Bill in Bama]

I use a SAVVY on both of my Porsches with no ill effects. I do have a trickle charger that I will sometimes place on the 718 GTS if its going to sit for a long time, but I've noticed no drain from the V1 to speak of. As for the length of the cord, I run them down the left to the OBD port but there is always a good bit of slack that I have to coil up and zip tie to keep out of the way, so it might be long enough for the right side. If it isn't a phone cord works just fine in its place.

[rhart]

I use a SAVVY on both of my Porsches with no ill effects. I do have a trickle charger that I will sometimes place on the 718 GTS if its going to sit for a long time, but I've noticed no drain from the V1 to speak of. As for the length of the cord, I run them down the left to the OBD port but there is always a good bit of slack that I have to coil up and zip tie to keep out of the way, so it might be long enough for the right side. If it isn't a phone cord works just fine in its place.

Perfect. Thanks Bill

[audi4t]

I installed the Uniden R7 which is attached to a mirror mount bracket.

Appear to work well and has been reviewed may times elsewhere.

I like the mirror mount and it provides a sturdy connection with multiple adjustments.

The detector can be disconnected quickly simply by depressing a button on top of the detector.

[Tom]

Interesting. How do you wire it and does anything need to be drilled or otherwise modified for that mount? And does it block your view at all?