Valentine 1`Radar detector--a cheaper alternative

I'd love some specifics about the wiring for a Valentine. You should probably post it for those of us who are going to NEED to get one soon.
 
I've read very good things about the V-1 radar detector. The only thing is, a lot of folks aren't willing to fork over $400 for one. I use an Escort Solo. It costs half as much and it runs on two double A batteries. I like the idea of having a cordless radar detector. I don't have to worry about frying out my bikes electrical system like Black Panther did w/ his alarm & radar detector set up(stay away from my bike dude!). I also purchased extra mounting hardware for my other vehicles so I can transfer it quickly between them without wearing out the suction cups. I've had good luck with this Radar Detector and I just wanted to pass on the info. to you guys. It saved my butt twice last week. Paid for itself many times over. Here's the url www.escortradar.com/solomanl.htm

[This message has been edited by Squid Vicious (edited 20 December 1999).]
 
It's standard on mine! ;) My Valentine 1 already payed for itself; saved me twice going 100+ on a 40 and 55 MPH zone, respectively. Gave me plenty of warning on both occassion (enough to slow near speed limit.)

I've got the radar unit plus remote display and audio adapters. Works very well and everything you need comes with it, except helmet speakers. For that I got a pair of Mini-blasters from Collett Electronics in Canada(http://www.collett.mb.ca/frame_monster.htm).

Wiring is extremely simple. Critical part is getting a switched 12V lead (which I got off the rear license plate light after removing the rear cowl). Other than that, most of the work is spent routing all the provided cables. I mounted the remote display above the gauges and the radar unit and audio adapter on a base that installs through the fork stem opening. I got the base through a friend that knows the local builder.

I looked at cordless units before deciding on the V1, and the only big concern with them is what happens when the batteries start to go! Are you willing to risk getting a ticket on a set of bad batteries? I wasn't.

--Felix
 
Good looking out. I've been contemplating the Valentine but couldn't get over the price or how I would wire it into my bike. I will take this piece into serious consideration as I feel that a radar is practically a must have on the 'busa.
 
I went that route, (Escort)until I got stopped by highway patrol(in my truck)one night.Not sure if he was using radar or laser, since he was stopped.My detector didn't give any warning.He let me go, but I never trusted any of the weaker stuff again. I liked the convenience of the cordless,and had a cordless Bel for a while. They both saved me some tickets, but there is no comparing either of them with a Valentine.
The wiring thing is really fairly simple if you know a couple of tricks which I would happily divulge.
If you can't afford a Valentine, then a cordless is a step in the right direction, but don't kid yourself that you are getting anywhere near Valentine performance or protection.
 
SlowHand, the remote display is just a copy of all the display gadgets on the radar itself. The "sensors" are still located on the latter. So this answer to your question in yes, side and rear detection are still enabled.

--Felix
 
Guys,

I bought a V-1 when they first came out back in 93? Since then, it's been upgraded 2 or 3 times now. Excellent company with an excellent product. It's worth every dollar you pay for it! Couldn't begin to even think about how much money it's saved me over the years! In short: you get what you pay for! If you can afford the Busa, you can afford the V-1!

Later,
Boomer
 
Very simple choice to make, either you hand over money to V1 for the bes detector or,

You hand over your license and reg to a cop and then you hand over your money to a Judge.

Don't scrimp on a few bucks taht will come back to bite you in the butt if you don't.


OLD STORY: Pay now or Pay LATER!
 
Excellent posts from everyone! It seems that the Valentine one is the way to go. Especially when I too find myself going over the speed limit in town(Long, wide streets) when traffic is low. Smoky can be anywhere and I am not looking forward to being chased and pulled over at gunpoint. Some of these cops get what is called "Contempt of Cop" syndrome and start flashing pistoles when it takes more than 30 seconds to pull you over. A lot of them start to think that because you didn't see them you are evading them. I have seen and heard about that one too many times and would definitely feel its worth a few extra dollars to avoid this.

As well thanks for the install tips. I hope I don't run into problems but if I do a cry for help is sure to be posted on this board. :)
Later!
 
Coco did a good job on describing the remote installation. Coco, do you have rear and side sensing when you use the remote?
I just did the simple windshield mount so I can transfer the unit between vehicles. Will describe that when I get a little more time.
 
Falconfool, you are right that "instant-on" poses additional problems. The really dangerous traffic cop(to us) is the guy who keeps his unit turned off until he has you at close range, then zaps you. Or is parked where most of his signals are blocked by turns,hills, bridge abutments, etc.
Fortunately, most cops catch all of the speeders they need just by driving around with their units on. Front or rear,with the Valentine I usually pick them up miles away, and by watching signal strength often don't even bother slowing down for a while.Also, most instant-on jockeys when parked can't resist zapping a lot of cars. I have picked up the scatter from cars getting zapped ahead of me, even though the cop was shielded by a turn. I have also picked up scatter at a distance over hills. It all helps. As Falconfool says, you aren't suddenly immune to radar or laser.Still,common sense, combined with constant use of the Mark 1 Eyeball and a Valentine will save you most of the time.
 
Gentlemen... this is all good information. I agree the V1 is the best... have used it for years in all my cars... the question that hasn't been addressed (to my knowledge) is what happens when it rains? none of these parts are waterproof are they? doesn't the remote display also need to be protected from moisture? HELP
 
No detector will give you enough warning if the police are using instant on radar! Beep..your had! 'Course I am not saying detectors are of no value..they are just not completely safe.
 
Coco, I understand the remote display. I have seen several in cars. It's by far the slickest way to go, visually. My question regards the sensing ability. In a car it's pretty easy to locate the detector and another sensor front and rear where you still get all around protection.
I'm not real smart and couldn't find a way to locate my detector using a remote kit with or without a remote extra sensor so that I got the designed-in 360 degree protection,and still had everything protected from the weather and out of sight. What I don't understand is, when you locate the detector low on the bike facing in any direction, the bike blocks off the signals from any other direction. A remote sensor or another detector facing the other direction would work, but its kinda complicated and I couldn't find a good place to pick up signals from the rear. It doesn't matter what capability your display has if there isn't a sensor pointed in that direction.
If your unit is mounted facing forward near the forks it can't pick up anything from the rear. If it's in the tail section the reverse applies. How did you get it to do both?
 
The v1 will pick up instant on before the cop pushs the button. When the radar unit is on it still leaks a minute amount of radar. You will just get a flash on your v1 with no audible. You have to watch real close. This is why the double bubble is so nice, so you can see. I have heeded these small "hits" on the v1 and they have been more accurate than a full blown visual and audible activation. Watch your v1 close if you see any light activate for a split second pay close attention. Also on all of these small hits the cop has always been in front of me.
 
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