Just bought a V1 off ebay...do I need the concealed display?

Rufblackbird · 08-16-2004, 12:40 PM

I just received the V1 I bought off of ebay, and realized that the auction I bid on did not includ the concealed display (I was watching several...). Is this something I really need? I read through VaSteve's post and others as well, but I'm not sure if I need one or not. Does mounting the main unit above the mirror make it hard to see the arrows? I don't mind buying it if it will help a lot. TIA.

wilke3169 · 08-16-2004, 12:45 PM

I bought one and dont use it.

Jack Olsen · 08-16-2004, 12:47 PM

I think it's only needed if you live in a state where detectors are illegal, or if you're putting together a custom install. I have one, but have still never used it.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

BB2 = too fast for radar...

-Wayne

Purrybonker · 08-16-2004, 12:54 PM

You don't need it, but I like to use it in my cab. Otherwise with the top down you're announcing the V-1 (and all those snazzy flashing arrows) to anyone approaching from the rear.

With the remote the V-1 could pretty much go unnoticed, even in a cab, assuming black visors. With the remote plugged in the V-1 is completely dark. I mount my valentine on the passenger visor immediately to the right of the mirror.

I'm thinkin' a targa would have somewhat the same visibility issues as a cab...

Jgordon · 08-16-2004, 12:55 PM

Any of you looking to offload the remote display?

RoninLB · 08-16-2004, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rufblackbird

. Does mounting the main unit above the mirror make it hard to see the arrows?

it depends.. the V-1 chirp is not very loud.. If high db audio or exhaust you're not going to hear it. The high mounting is out of your driving vision. Once you hear it seeing it is no prob.

Randy Webb · 08-16-2004, 01:05 PM

At night people behind you can see the main display light up. Some of those people may become angry if they see you are using a radar det. Some of the angry people can give you a ticket -- for virtually anything.

The remote solves this night time problem.

Rufblackbird · 08-16-2004, 02:19 PM

Thanks guys... so when the concealed unit is plugged in the main one doesn't light up? Hmm...anyone want to sell theirs?

Jack Olsen · 08-16-2004, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
BB2 = too fast for radar...

Oh, no -- I use the radar detector. Just not the remote display. I keep meaning to install it, but the base unit works great for me.

In fact, it's riding with Tyson across country right now, (hopefully) keeping him out of harm's way.

pwd72s · 08-16-2004, 05:50 PM

I suction cup mine to a point just below the mirror, because with windows down I don't always hear the warning. But I'm a going deaf old fart... However, I always glance at the mirror every second or two...

VaSteve · 08-16-2004, 06:13 PM

Truth be told, I don't really need it either, but I like gadgets.

The arrows rock, and so does the bogey counter. That thing saves my butt all the time.

Hear the laser go off the other day. I saw a motorcycle officer sitting on the side of the road about a 1/4 mile up. I had just enough time to take it down (I was behind a truck) before I rolled by. He gave a me a look like he knew something was up.

I don't think he was using laser correctly, but it's someone else's ticket that day.

Jeff, if your using that one your coast to coast drive, you're going to love it - remote or not.

RoninLB · 08-16-2004, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VaSteve

if your using that one your coast to coast drive, you're going to love it - remote or not.

sometimes the bait would get eatten 4X/day on my rides.

fwiw. I could't complete the audio out to a seperate mono amp on the last ride. I even got the frequency from V to get the best specific speaker.

Rufblackbird · 08-16-2004, 07:09 PM

Hmm...I glance at my mirror all the time when I'm going fast, just in case I see familiar Crown Vic or Impala headlights

Steve, it's exactly why I finally bought it. I'm a gadget freak too, but need to save $$ for the roadtrip. Now with less than 10 days left in MD, I have to hurry up and learn how to make the best of it. Then again, there's that trip I have to take down to NC to pick up a Recaro seat this weekend...if the cop sees the V1 will he/she still confiscate it after I show my Hawaii license?

rdane · rdane's Garage

I use my V1 everyday. Really doubt you can see the valetine below the mirror in a Coupe or Targa from a crown vic...in fact I would bet on it.

Having just had that conversation a week or so ago with LE.

RoninLB · 08-16-2004, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdane
I use my V1 everyday. Really doubt you can see the valetine below the mirror in a Coupe or Targa from a crown vic...in fact I would bet on it.

Having just had that conversation a week or so ago with LE.

from the pass visor it's probably impossible to see. The rear line of sight has to be real low.. like if the PD were using go-carts.

Randy Webb · 08-16-2004, 07:52 PM

"The rear line of sight has to be real low..."

If you are mounting the unit too high, you will mess up the rear detection and the directional arrows to some extent. I called the V. tech. people and they told me to put it slightly below or to the side of the mirror. Also said Mike V. is a big Porsche fan.

RoninLB · 08-16-2004, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Webb
"The rear line of sight has to be real low..."

If you are mounting the unit too high, you will mess up the rear detection and the directional arrows to some extent.

no historical problem.. the rear detect works real good. In fact the rear alerts allow much time to decrease speed 'cause the approach is the difference between your speed and the PD. I get kinda bored waiting for the bear to overtake me.

Randy Webb · 08-16-2004, 08:23 PM

Ron, The bear could be in an umarked car...

My guess is that you are getting some rear signal but that it is attenuated. The manf. tech. support said dodn't put it too high, so unless I know for sure they are wrong.... well you can see my reasoning. They also seemed familiar with the issue.

RoninLB · 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Webb
Ron, The bear could be in an umarked car...

My guess is that you are getting some rear signal but that it is attenuated.

The manf. tech. support said dodn't put it too high, so unless I know for sure they are wrong.... well you can see my reasoning. They also seemed familiar with the issue.

I don't care what the bear is driving 'cause eventually he passes w/the V-1 screaming. It's still a boring wait.

I didn't say the mfg is wrong on their info.. only in that it didn't apply to me.

I'm familiar with the issue. You do what you gotta do. You can test your assumptions north of LA on I-5 'cause the PD tries real hard to be radar effective in that area and the rear shoot is effective. They even park in front of broken down trucks or vans and shoot drivers from behind after they passed him. Enjoy.

ps: my car has the traditional 1deg rake.