tofu_house

iTrader: (2)

where can i purchase the valentine 1?

mikal

http://www.valentine1.com/

rominl

iTrader: (4)

from what i have read, the k40 is no match to the v1. i think v1 and the passport are still the two best out there

beauphus

even better than the K40 hardwired? mine is built into the car and it wasnt cheap so i hope its as good as i expected. i have the leds on my dash and a sensor at the rear and front. does V1 have a similar setup?

fisher_price

FutureGS-- you should check out www.ticketassassin.com -- the information on that site has gotten me out of several speeding tickets (Califonia-specific).

Also, keep in mind that when you get pulled over for speeding and radar was used, you should ask for the officer's radar certification card and tuning fork.

f_p

whoster

future GS, where was your V-1 mounted?


on valentine's website it's got that thing about mounting the V-1 for optimal performance...

videcormeum

Eh, I think common sense is requiring that vehicles travelling at speed be able to stop within a reasonable distance; i.e. decent brakes, suspension, driver training - to help insure signal usage, a proper interval between vehicles on the road, etc - and revised licensing. Common sense dictates that 18-wheelers should have their own 60mph limit lane on interstates; dedicated lanes or ticketable lane rules.

And let's be honest - whether you're going 70 or 85 - if you hit something at those speeds, chances are that you're not going to make it - same goes for whatever it is that you hit.

And erratic driving at any speed is more dangerous than speed itself. It's the self-sure "i just got my 18's on the CRX" folks that I worry most about. Not somebody doing 15-20mph over in a GS or other luxo-barge on the interstate.

M.

mmarshall

No arguments...most of what you say is correct. And as far as erratic driving, it would depend on how erratic and at what speed. Most so-called "erratic" driving comes from either alcohol or unfamiliarity with the road and the destination..

Iceman

Can someone explain to me how pointing a remote (an infrared transmitter or, in rare cases, RF transmitter) at a Valentine 1 will set off it's laser detection features?

On a separate note, I'm of the firm belief that radar detectors of any sort are pure wastes of money. To all the people who say that the things have saved their a$$es multiple times, I would ask, "How do you know?" The thing beeped, you slowed down, you didn't get a ticket. Aren't there lots of other explanations (they tagged someone else first, you were in a crowd of cars, etc.)? And if you were on an empty road by yourself, then all the beeping could be is a speeding ticket indicator because the radar energy has tagged you and recorded your speed--slowing down after the beep does NOTHING.

It's like all the people you see who SLAM on their brakes on the highway when they see a cop on the side of the road. IT'S TOO LATE, PEOPLE! If nothing else, the cop seeing your brake lights as you fly by is clear evidence that you were speeding. You're either caught or you're not--and if you're caught, then please just SUCK IT UP and take your ticket like a man. You were breaking the law, you knew it, you knew the potential consequences, and you were caught. Pay your ticket and move on. Accept some freaking responsibility for your actions.

Whew! I guess 1SickLex's ranting thread rubbed off on me!

NoS

Nah I feel the States car regulations, speed limits are too strick and not strick enough on the people who really cause the wreaks mostly drunk drivers. It should be a one time and your done offense.

GS wanted

iTrader: (9)

I joined and I'm in the process of a "Trial by Written Declaration" right now. Hope my luck is as good as yours has been. Also purchasing the Escort Passport 8500 x50 (hopefully with the $$ I save from beating the ticket.)
jd

mmarshall

You're also aware, aren't you, Iceman, that in our state ( VA ) the use of one ( not necessarily the possession ) is illegal?

FutureGS400

Have to disagree with your firm belief regarding the usefulness of radar detectors, Iceman!
I don't know what (if any) personal experience you have had using one, but to those of us who use them on a regular basis it is not even a question of whether or not they are beneficial.
I suppose it it true that you can't know positively that the alert saved you from getting a ticket, but it is a very reasonable assumption to make depending on the circumstances. In my driving on various freeways, highways, county and city roads here in So. Cal. there are MANY "opportunities" to avoid getting a ticket.
BTW, the idea of a radar detector is that it gives you advance warning before the radar can "see" you. This is dependant on many variables, including the sensitivity and location of the detector . I can tell you that it does indeed work that way although not infallibly of course!
With regard to your advice to "Accept some freaking responsibility for your actions" I would agree wholeheartedly! You'll notice that I did just that in my initial posts. I have no sympathy for whiners who act like they didn't know it was illegal to speed (or roll through a stop sign etc., etc.)
Nobody LIKES to get a ticket, but that is the price you pay now and then...

FutureGS400

I mount mine high on the windshield with the provided suction cups as recommended. Mine is not yet hardwired.

Lil4X

Had my V1 hardwired and mounted high on the windshield of my first RX, but after 3 years of occasional beeps, it probably saved me about a half-dozen tickets. I have never installed it on my new RX - and have been very lucky. I'll probably put it back in my new car next year.

K and X band radar gives you plenty of warning - even the "instant-on" radars either scatter enough RF in standby mode or reflect sufficient energy at longer ranges that you can almost always avoid them. Now Lidar (Laser Radar) is a different animal. The beam is tight and range relatively short. Barring an incredibly lucky reflection from a leading vehicle, when you are painted by the laser, the V1 simply yelps to tell you to reach for your wallet. You are hosed.