V1 (and other RD) Companion app now on Carplay

masraum · 01:14 PM

I've been using the V1 Companion App with my V1 for a year or two now.

It's much better than the V1 app that's available from V1, and having the V1 with the app is better than having Just the V1. And it works fine with just a smart phone, but now if you have carplay, it works there too.

Just running along, no alert

With an alert

You can also display a V1 Companion screen that is essentially a V1 Companion screen that integrates into Apple Maps and allows navigation using Apple Maps. I don't have/use that screen because I use Waze for all of my Nav needs.

It's a pretty cool update.

They also support several other radar detectors.
V1, R8, R9, R4, DS1 Companion

rfuerst911sc · 08-13-2026, 03:53 PM

I assume just for V1 Gen 2 ?

masraum · 08-14-2026, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I assume just for V1 Gen 2 ?

Actually, no.

"*Requires V1 Gen2 Radar Locator or V1 Gen1 Radar Locator with V1Connection LE Bluetooth module sold separately."

https://store.valentine1.com/store/item.asp?i=20232

rfuerst911sc · 08-14-2026, 01:54 AM

Interesting . Thanks

pavulon · 08-14-2026, 05:18 AM

The V1,G2 is pretty remarkable with or without an app.

masraum · 08-14-2026, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

The V1,G2 is pretty remarkable with or without an app.

Yes, I have a REALLY old V1 gen-1, and purchased a gen-2 a few years ago. The gen-2 is better than the gen-1 (which is great). The ability to easily update the code in the gen-2 is fantastic (actually, I need to update my gen-2 with a new version of code that has dropped in the last week). And the integrated BT connectivity is nice. I have the app disable the lights on the screen of the V1 so that it's always dark. I figure not having the lights visible through the rear window is probably a good thing even if it's minor.

A930Rocket · 08-14-2026, 07:05 PM

My V1 is from 2000, so I imagine it needs an upgrade. Can you still send it back to the factory and what does it cost?

rfuerst911sc · Yesterday, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

My V1 is from 2000, so I imagine it needs an upgrade. Can you still send it back to the factory and what does it cost?

Based on the V1 website they no longer update Gen1 detectors . At least I couldn't find any info to allow that . What they do offer is a $100.00 dollar trade in value towards the purchase of a Gen2 . The process on how to do that is on their website . At some point in time I am going to trade my old Gen1 in for a Gen2 .

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

I traded in my old Gen 1 for the Gen 2.

The software updates are vital. So many cars have radar based cruise control that the old Gen 1 was just useless, it was on alert all the time.

To sit in the garage and update the software for detector is cool.

Danimal16 · Yesterday, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I traded in my old Gen 1 for the Gen 2.

The software updates are vital. So many cars have radar based cruise control that the old Gen 1 was just useless, it was on alert all the time.

To sit in the garage and update the software for detector is cool.

I had two Gen 1's and sold them as soon as the Gen 2 came out. The Gen 2 is a worthwhile upgrade for all the reasons you cite above. The bluetooth connectivity is a HUGE benefit and the constant new programs and integration into mapping is just amazing.