Valentine One (V1 Radar Detector) Install with Invisicord

[opasha]

I got permission from member dmr to post this from this thread: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=790945.

I figure, it's easier for everyone to just visit the thread because it has valuable discussion between fellow members including myself that help with settings and installation; if the moderators want me to completely re-post his install guide with pictures, I can.

Here are the links for the invisicord and suction cup holder I bought from Amazon:

1) Invisicord: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2) Suction cup holder: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Below are pictures of how it looks in my vehicle. It was really easy to install/setup using the invisicord.

[igorsvrub]

Thanx for the info
Nice tool, but regret to say it is not allowed in my country.
If I will decide to have something similar I will find possibility to have it completely hidden from eyes

[opasha]

Originally Posted by igorsvrub

Thanx for the info
Nice tool, but regret to say it is not allowed in my country.
If I will decide to have something similar I will find possibility to have it completely hidden from eyes

No problem. The one I was debating between was this and Escort Red-Line. The Red-Line is around the same price and cannot be detected by police radar. The only reason I chose the V1 because I find that it is more sensitive and has arrows. It's my first radar but so far it's been pretty good.

Also, you can't really see mine because during the day and night, you can't really see the top portion of the windshield due to that tint unless you shine bright light (my garage light) onto it. I also have tinted windows.

[Kzang]

I am thinking about selling my V1 ( 2011 model ) if anyone might be interested, PM me.
I just feel like the V1 is old technology now and with the escort with GPS would be the better choice in Radar detection.

[stewy604]

Slick! Thanks for posting. I've been considering getting an R/D again, I haven't used one in over 12 years. With our new speeding laws & fines imposed last year, speeding is an expensive endeavor that can land your vehicle in impound for travelling at 40 km/hr over the posted limit.

[hyde]

Originally Posted by opasha

No problem. The one I was debating between was this and Escort Red-Line. The Red-Line is around the same price and cannot be detected by police radar. The only reason I chose the V1 because I find that it is more sensitive and has arrows. It's my first radar but so far it's been pretty good.

Also, you can't really see mine because during the day and night, you can't really see the top portion of the windshield due to that tint unless you shine bright light (my garage light) onto it. I also have tinted windows.

How do arrows actually help you?

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by Golden Horn

How do arrows actually help you?

The arrow indicates where the source of the signal is coming from ahead of you, beside you, or behind you.

The Arrow was patented for a long while and was the main reason to get the V1. Now that the patent has expired I don't know if any of the Radar companies will take advantage of this feature? For me the V1 is too damn sensitive and chirpy.... I even purchased the Savvy adapter ( $70.00 ) which bascially mutes the V1 when I am driving under the specified speed that I set it on. I have it set at 35 mph, so any alerts while driving 35 and under are automatically muted.

More info on the Savvy here https://store.valentine1.com/store/default.asp

And Forums here http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ighlight=savvy

A STREETWISE
PARTNER FOR V1
So you can keep your attention where it belongs, SAVVY turns down the volume of V1’s alerts automatically at low speeds. SAVVY has just one control, a thumb wheel to set a speed threshold. Below your set point, the audio comes through on V1’s Muted Volume (set this with V1’s Control Lever). Above the threshold you hear the normal loudness you’ve set with the V1’s Control Knob.

SAVVY stays nearly out of sight down near your steering column where it serves as V1’s power source. It replaces the Lighter Adapter or, in “hiddenwire” installations, the Direct-wire Power Adapter. Just plug SAVVY into the OBD diagnostic port, standard on every new car and light truck built since January 1, 1996. Then plug V1’s power cord into one of two RJ-11 jacks (the other works with the Concealed Display or other V1 accessories). The thumbwheel has eight setting between 15 and 65 mph. Choose one, or select AUTO, which mutes all alerts, or choose NONE to eliminate automatic muting.

SAVVY is ideal for those who want to hide V1’s power cord. Two wire clips and a beaded tie strap are included to secure the power cord to V1. SAAVY fits in the palm of your hand and weights just 2.2 ounces. Black only.

[opasha]

I have my V1 programmed to be less chirpy and muted for false bogies and it does a great job so far. And any false alert that does come unmuted, I just tap with the button to mute and that works. The YouTube video I posted in the thread I listed really helps with programming. Also so does the small L mode for city driving.

[hyde]

Originally Posted by Kzang

The arrow indicates where the source of the signal is coming from ahead of you, beside you, or behind you.

Yes, at first I was like "what's the difference, you should try to slow down anyway, right?"
Then I found this:
http://www.valentine1.com/V1_HomeDemo.swf

I had no idea it was no problem if the radar location was to the side. I figured, any signal - better slow down. I think with the amount of "YOUR SPEED IS" pretty much everywhere in the city, we would have to constantly turn this on/off. Like you said savvy might help but it's not %100, since it rather warn you than mute if it's unsure.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Golden Horn

Yes, at first I was like "what's the difference, you should try to slow down anyway, right?"
Then I found this:
http://www.valentine1.com/V1_HomeDemo.swf

I had no idea it was no problem if the radar location was to the side. I figured, any signal - better slow down. I think with the amount of "YOUR SPEED IS" pretty much everywhere in the city, we would have to constantly turn this on/off. Like you said savvy might help but it's not %100, since it rather warn you than mute if it's unsure.

In all honesty, it's made me a much sharper driver than I already was. Like GPS, I have now memorized any false alerts in my head where I drive. I also know my highway really well and where leos usually sit so I always test around these areas and it's been pretty spot on.

[sbkim]

opasha - big thank you and OP for the detailed write up. My installation went well and still kicking myself for doing hardwire with tap a fuse in the past.

I also have older V1 - dating back to 2009 ish! I could send in for reprogram but seems to work OK EXCEPT for that darn K band falses that I think is coming from my very own car with lane assist etc. I have disable POP but to no avail. I am tempted to turn K band off. Anyone else?

Thanks

[opasha]

Originally Posted by sbkim

opasha - big thank you and OP for the detailed write up. My installation went well and still kicking myself for doing hardwire with tap a fuse in the past.

I also have older V1 - dating back to 2009 ish! I could send in for reprogram but seems to work OK EXCEPT for that darn K band falses that I think is coming from my very own car with lane assist etc. I have disable POP but to no avail. I am tempted to turn K band off. Anyone else?

Thanks

You're very welcome. Not sure if you read this post, but these are my settings:http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...7&postcount=49. It would seem that if you are having major issues with Pop, then you have to turn it off with option J (but this didn't make sense to me because this is Ka band pop). I did not do this because leos in my area still use Pop on the Ka band and I wanted to be safe rather than sorry. I still pick up newer car lane assists though, so maybe it is J (POP) that needs to be disabled.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by opasha

I have my V1 programmed to be less chirpy and muted for false bogies and it does a great job so far. And any false alert that does come unmuted, I just tap with the button to mute and that works. The YouTube video I posted in the thread I listed really helps with programming. Also so does the small L mode for city driving.

Been there done that for the past 3 years I have it on L mode as well.
No help at all especially here near NYC. I think detectors are useless here with so many false signals and now especially with the V1 detecting LED taillights as Lasers.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Been there done that for the past 3 years I have it on L mode as well.
No help at all especially here near NYC. I think detectors are useless here with so many false signals and now especially with the V1 detecting LED taillights as Lasers.

Yeah, I can understand your frustration. I was thinking about so many of them - I did a lot of research and settled with the V1 because 1) it makes me more aware of my surroundings in case I do miss something 2) it does not require a yearly $99 renewel fix fee (the stupid Escorts have this glitch apparently -they know of it and haven't fixed it so they can keep getting money from people for the radar to even work).

[sbkim]

Originally Posted by opasha

You're very welcome. Not sure if you read this post, but these are my settings:http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...7&postcount=49. It would seem that if you are having major issues with Pop, then you have to turn it off with option J (but this didn't make sense to me because this is Ka band pop). I did not do this because leos in my area still use Pop on the Ka band and I wanted to be safe rather than sorry. I still pick up newer car lane assists though, so maybe it is J (POP) that needs to be disabled.

You are the best Thanks!

[igorsvrub]

Originally Posted by opasha

No problem. The one I was debating between was this and Escort Red-Line. The Red-Line is around the same price and cannot be detected by police radar. The only reason I chose the V1 because I find that it is more sensitive and has arrows. It's my first radar but so far it's been pretty good.

Also, you can't really see mine because during the day and night, you can't really see the top portion of the windshield due to that tint unless you shine bright light (my garage light) onto it. I also have tinted windows.

Hmmm, I also have tinted windows, may be you are right Opasha.
Will have a look into this subject closer
But be honest I am not speedy driver anymore, time by time it happens of cause but not often.
And thanx for the info

[opasha]

Originally Posted by igorsvrub

Hmmm, I also have tinted windows, may be you are right Opasha.
Will have a look into this subject closer
But be honest I am not speedy driver anymore, time by time it happens of cause but not often.
And thanx for the info

I'm not a speedy driver anymore either. My FX35 only had 280 HP. I haven't gotten a ticket in years. For me personally, it's more about being safe and more aware in case I get a heavier foot with my 507 horses .

And you are most welcome!