Valentine 1 mounting help and advice

[Donny Carlson]

I have decided to buy a Valentine 1. I need some advice and opinions.

Their website recommends mounting high. Is there room for it to be mounted next to or near the rear view mirror? It is small enough to be inobtrusive, and more importantly, would it be in such a place as to be a hazard during a collision? Is it better to use the dash mount, and if this is used, how is performance degraded?

Next, what are opinions about direct wiring tapping off of the power going to the map lights. Is the problem that they are constantly hot, so the detector would be on when the car is parked? Is it better to run the wire down to the gage pod and tap in there?

Or, is it just better to stick the V1 up on the windshield as needed, using the lighter socket for power, then stowing it in the accessory case. Upside is that it's out of sight when thieves come shopping.

Actually, any tips on mounting (including links to pics in the gallery) will be greatly appeciated.

[Glenn]

This subject has been discussed in previous threads. The best spot is above the mirror on the dots with large suction cups slightly behind the roof console. If you have any window tint you can not see it from behind even if it is in alert mode. Wire it directly to the cable coming out of the rear of the mirror. It is ignition on power - great for radar detectors. Mine works great - no problems after 6 months. The best detector for othe money is the Beltronics 940/960 (same as the 980 w/o the bells and whistles). See the web reviews. Only the V1 and in some tests the Passport rate better for alot less money.

Glenn

[Donny Carlson]

Wire it directly to the cable coming out of the rear of the mirror. It is ignition on power - great for radar detectors. Mine works great - no problems after 6 months. Glenn

Thanks Glen. What wires did you tap in (colors), and what kind of taps did you use?

[ultravorx]

I have decided to buy a Valentine 1. I need some advice and opinions.

Their website recommends mounting high. Is there room for it to be mounted next to or near the rear view mirror? It is small enough to be inobtrusive, and more importantly, would it be in such a place as to be a hazard during a collision? Is it better to use the dash mount, and if this is used, how is performance degraded?

Next, what are opinions about direct wiring tapping off of the power going to the map lights. Is the problem that they are constantly hot, so the detector would be on when the car is parked? Is it better to run the wire down to the gage pod and tap in there?

Or, is it just better to stick the V1 up on the windshield as needed, using the lighter socket for power, then stowing it in the accessory case. Upside is that it's out of sight when thieves come shopping.

Actually, any tips on mounting (including links to pics in the gallery) will be greatly appeciated.
Hey, im actually working on a conversion to house the V1 radar detector where the compass currantly is. I want to have it "integrated" into the car, so if i do get pulled over, they do not see a radar detector. Once im done, i'll post pictures, im just trying to see where else the compass can go, or if i'll get rid of it totally. I'll keep you all posted.
Frank

[Glenn]

There are three wires coming form the rear of the mirror. A black one for ground a signal wire for the mirror and positive wire. Unsnap the mirror cable from the mirror - it a phone type connector. Pull the cable onto the front of the mirror surface. It is a delicate operation to strip the wires back. They are about 22 gauge. Solder in your detector power wires to the mirror power wires. I believe the pink wire is the positive ground, but check it with a voltmeter.

Glenn

[Big Joe P]

I had a Valentine and tried a few mounts and ended up sending it back. I also thought about mounting it in the overhead, but I heard the dot matrix pattern on the windshield would affect the performance?? I'm going to get the K40 built in with front and rear antennas and the laser defuser. I had one in my Impala SS and it was sweet.....

[FordNut]

My V1 is beside the rearview on the passenger side. Some people prefer the driver side. I ran the wire along the top of the windshield, tucked under the headliner, then under the post on the A-pillar (I believe that's what you call it) on the passenger side, then under the dash and connected to the voltmeter power. It is only on with switched power. With it mounted on the windshield it still has both front and rear antennas functional. I love it, the best radar detector I've ever owned. Paid for itself many times over. It has never fallen off or been removed from the windshield, which is saying a lot for the suction cups. I've never had another unit that would do that.

[Marauder386]

My V1 is beside the rearview on the passenger side. Some people prefer the driver side. I ran the wire along the top of the windshield, tucked under the headliner, then under the post on the A-pillar (I believe that's what you call it) on the passenger side, then under the dash and connected to the voltmeter power. It is only on with switched power. With it mounted on the windshield it still has both front and rear antennas functional. I love it, the best radar detector I've ever owned. Paid for itself many times over. It has never fallen off or been removed from the windshield, which is saying a lot for the suction cups. I've never had another unit that would do that.

Y'all do realize that these things only help you when its too late...right ?
With my radar on the Highways and Biways of SC , I run it all the time in
stealth mode. Then I flash it on and laugh at the Rice burnin Slow and Stupid kids slam their front ends into the asphalt....but who am I ? Just a ornery old SCHWP....See ya on I -95....


M386

[BruteForce]

I installed mine similar to FordNut with the exception that it is flush with bottom center of the rearview and wiring heads to the driver side under the liner & pillar, etc and is wired into the fusebox.

[Murader03]

I have decided to buy a Valentine 1. I need some advice and opinions.

Their website recommends mounting high. Is there room for it to be mounted next to or near the rear view mirror? It is small enough to be inobtrusive, and more importantly, would it be in such a place as to be a hazard during a collision? Is it better to use the dash mount, and if this is used, how is performance degraded?

Next, what are opinions about direct wiring tapping off of the power going to the map lights. Is the problem that they are constantly hot, so the detector would be on when the car is parked? Is it better to run the wire down to the gage pod and tap in there?

Or, is it just better to stick the V1 up on the windshield as needed, using the lighter socket for power, then stowing it in the accessory case. Upside is that it's out of sight when thieves come shopping.

Actually, any tips on mounting (including links to pics in the gallery) will be greatly appeciated.

Mine is on the windshield next to the rearview mirror, driver's side. Power was run as FordNut had done except I added a power point under the dash on the passenger side. I sometimes run the V1 in another car and need the plug in as I did not hard wire the unit. I'll try and post a picture to you in the morning. Someone has suggested that they are working on a mount to place the detector where the compass is. I can only guess that the mount will hang done so that the detector has a clear shot both front and back. My small indicator for my K40 Laser diffuser is also mounted net to the detector on the overhead console.


Marauder386 is also correct that if he's in stealth mode, it'll be to late when he burns you, but the range and any intermittent burst almost always shows up on my V1. If you in the middle of nowhere and geta hit, you could almost bet that smokie may be lurking!

[Logan]

My V1 is beside the rearview on the passenger side. Some people prefer the driver side. I ran the wire along the top of the windshield, tucked under the headliner, then under the post on the A-pillar (I believe that's what you call it) on the passenger side, then under the dash and connected to the voltmeter power. It is only on with switched power. With it mounted on the windshield it still has both front and rear antennas functional. I love it, the best radar detector I've ever owned. Paid for itself many times over. It has never fallen off or been removed from the windshield, which is saying a lot for the suction cups. I've never had another unit that would do that.

Ditto. Exact same thing I did with mine... 'cept I have mine on the drivers side of the mirror as high up as she'll go and she works awesome. :up:

[FordNut]

Y'all do realize that these things only help you when its too late...right ?
With my radar on the Highways and Biways of SC , I run it all the time in
stealth mode. Then I flash it on and laugh at the Rice burnin Slow and Stupid kids slam their front ends into the asphalt....but who am I ? Just a ornery old SCHWP....See ya on I -95....


M386
Nope, not too late. Saved me bunches of times. They shoot somebody way out in front of you with the instant-on and you get advance notice of what's coming up. Now if you're the leader, that's when you're in trouble. The thing about the V1 is that it has very few false alarms. The el cheapo units go off all the time and you start to ingnore them. Better not ignore the V1.

[Logan]

Again, What Fordnut said!

Radar is easy to spot, Lidar is easy to defeat with a jammer. Case closed, haven't had a ticket in ages. Without my setup, I'd of been nailed too many times to count.

[David Morton]

Y'all do realize that these things only help you when its too late...right ?
With my radar on the Highways and Biways of SC , I run it all the time in
stealth mode. Then I flash it on and laugh at the Rice burnin Slow and Stupid kids slam their front ends into the asphalt....but who am I ? Just a ornery old SCHWP....See ya on I -95....


M386You da man! Me loves dat shet! Now let's blow their minds and tell them what the global positioning sensor is really there for. Here's a clue boys, the man can find out who you are before he can see your licence plate.

I have never wasted my money on radar detectors and don't plan to. I have 15 years of consistently breaking the speed limit by 10% and no more (unless I get passed by a block-car) and have only gotten a mild stare from a trooper I was passing once. I let up immediately. He must've been just coming from church. :D

[rookie1]

You da man! Me loves dat shet! Now let's blow their minds and tell them what the global positioning sensor is really there for. Here's a clue boys, the man can find out who you are before he can see your licence plate.

I have never wasted my money on radar detectors and don't plan to. I have 15 years of consistently breaking the speed limit by 10% and no more (unless I get passed by a block-car) and have only gotten a mild stare from a trooper I was passing once. I let up immediately. He must've been just coming from church. :D

ooooooooooh that would equate to a whopping 71.5 mph here in my state! In MI it would be a sight blurring 77mph almost enough to keep you from getting run over by the slower semi drivers.

[Gagfish]

Don't the V1 have an optonal remote display? I always thought of mounting one on the BACK windshield, facing forward, and integrating the remore display somewhere into the dash.

[Donny Carlson]

Don't the V1 have an optonal remote display? I always thought of mounting one on the BACK windshield, facing forward, and integrating the remore display somewhere into the dash.
That wouldn't be practical. The concealed display has only a mute button and no control to turn off the main unit. It also has no way to adjust volume of the alert sound or the muted alert sound.

[David Morton]

ooooooooooh that would equate to a whopping 71.5 mph here in my state! In MI it would be a sight blurring 77mph almost enough to keep you from getting run over by the slower semi drivers.I thought anybody would have included block-semi's in the generic block-car usage there.

Down here in FL we can go 75 legally. I've gone through wolf-packs of troopers and never been stopped going 82.5 mph. (That takes 43.636 seconds to go 1 mile and those mile markers are always exactly 1 mile apart.)

I check the accuracy of my speedo regularly to account for tire wear. Also, knowing how to do so would help me in court should I ever run-up on a 'Barney Fife'.

[rookie1]

I thought anybody would have included block-semi's in the generic block-car usage there.

Down here in FL we can go 75 legally. I've gone through wolf-packs of troopers and never been stopped going 82.5 mph. (That takes 43.636 seconds to go 1 mile and those mile markers are always exactly 1 mile apart.)

I check the accuracy of my speedo regularly to account for tire wear. Also, knowing how to do so would help me in court should I ever run-up on a 'Barney Fife'.

wasn't trying to diss U bro, I was cranky from insomnia when I made my comment.

[woaface]

Ok, well, I'm slow so I just found out that the Stalker units used in Greenville County aren't pop units like MPH Industries. I figured it was really hopeless with that new pop-mode crap (Although I'd take it to court...but what good did the detector ever do me then?)

So I've posted threads and done a lot of thinking, and after Indy, I'm gettin' a V1.

I'll either have it on the drivers side of the rear-view mirror, or just below it...to make sure it has a clear view through the back window!

BigJoeP...the Dot Matrix will limit, somewhat, your ability to find Lidar. But, you'll need a laser jammer for that anyways. It's stuff like the metallic tints on the Lexus SUV's that really hurt.

Oh hey, I heard the V1 beeps in volume as to how close a radar or laser unit is? How well does it work for those of you that have it? I met a guy the other week and he said his 8500 would only pick up for a mile or two on a straight, where-as his V1 would pick up over 10 miles. Don't ya think a lot of beeping could go on then? I really want to know HOW the V1 reacts when a unit has been found. What exactly happens you know? Just so I can oggle and say "man, i really DO need that!"

[Go Mifuni]

I have decided to buy a Valentine 1. I need some advice and opinions.

Their website recommends mounting high. Is there room for it to be mounted next to or near the rear view mirror? It is small enough to be inobtrusive, and more importantly, would it be in such a place as to be a hazard during a collision? Is it better to use the dash mount, and if this is used, how is performance degraded?

Next, what are opinions about direct wiring tapping off of the power going to the map lights. Is the problem that they are constantly hot, so the detector would be on when the car is parked? Is it better to run the wire down to the gage pod and tap in there?

Or, is it just better to stick the V1 up on the windshield as needed, using the lighter socket for power, then stowing it in the accessory case. Upside is that it's out of sight when thieves come shopping.

Actually, any tips on mounting (including links to pics in the gallery) will be greatly appeciated.
I've had my V1 since Sept of last year and IMHO think it is the best detec... oops, I mean locator I've owned. Knowing where they are is not only handy, it's fun :D
Mine is mouted on the driver's side of the rear view below the dots. You can't see it unless you duck down low and if I get a cop behind me, I unplug it.

[Heavy351]

I have my prehistoric (better than nothing!) uniden mounted as high as possible on the right side next to the console as close to the dots as possible towards the center of the windshield. I have found it will not stick for long to the matrix trim on the glass. The passenger can still use the visor and push it slightly past vertical.

I pulled the overhead console down (see other threads for that adventure) and use line tap connectors to the switched hot lead of the compass and the ground. (found with a voltmeter) Only operates with the ignition on. Because it is so high up you really cannot see it from the outside with the tint on the windshield, also as a bonus the overhead console blocks it from view entirely when you are standing outside the drivers door looking in.. :up:

[FiveO]

Thought I'd post a couple pics:

The previous owner left this Val 1 hardwired in the car... :cool4:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4556869/57382390.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL283/1552930/4556869/57382403.jpg

Same place I had my other Val 1 wired in on my SHO.

[Dan]

The place just shown in the photograph is the best possible place for the V1 as far as height and rear rader/laser locating. The only issue that I have found with it is that it is so easily detectable by those annoying "Detector Scabs" - people who won't buy a locator themselves but will speed behind you for miles while watching yours.

The remote unit is key. Mine is located up under the dash hood that sticks out above the gauges. It is positioned to the right of the view from the steering wheel so that when I look right from the drivers seat nothing is in the way and so that it is low enough to be seen only by me. It is attached using a special double sided tape that they use during installs at Best Buy.

There are cops who will put you in the "auto ticket" category once they see a locator. Having this set up makes life so much easier. My locator is so inconspicuously mounted that if I got stopped all I would need to do is pull my visor down and it would be concealed. Since I know that cops look for excessive movement when performing a stop and I am not doing anything unusual I know that I am not alerting the cop and I am not divulging that I have a locator.

Best,

Dan

[jparrie]

I don't know about I-95, but my neck of the woods is what you might call a "target rich" environment. When you flash it on, theres probably quite a few vehicles you could be looking at other than mine. But now I know your in the neighborhood, and I will play nice :)

I most always try not to be the fastest guy in my comfort zone. Just the other day I refrained from showing some clown with his family stuffed in a mini van my rear bumper after he passed me at 95 on I-5. I figured he would make a good scout, and he did right up to the part where he got what he deserved.

95+ with the family in the mini van, what the hell was he thinking?


Y'all do realize that these things only help you when its too late...right ?
With my radar on the Highways and Biways of SC , I run it all the time in
stealth mode. Then I flash it on and laugh at the Rice burnin Slow and Stupid kids slam their front ends into the asphalt....but who am I ? Just a ornery old SCHWP....See ya on I -95....


M386

[Architect]

I have one in each of my cars...
I bought mine when mr. Valentine first came out with it....dang must have been 1988-89?
Had it upgraded to Laser later on....
Bruteforce... does yours come on only with the ignition switch?
I couldn't find a fuse that was not "Hot" all the time...even with ignition off...
If there is one ...which one????
architect

[fastblackmerc]

I have one in each of my cars...
I bought mine when mr. Valentine first came out with it....dang must have been 1988-89?
Had it upgraded to Laser later on....
Bruteforce... does yours come on only with the ignition switch?
I couldn't find a fuse that was not "Hot" all the time...even with ignition off...
If there is one ...which one????
architect
I too have a V1 and I think it's one of the best detectors out there. I have mine mounted high near the rearview mirror, but not "looking" through the dot-matrix material. I mounted the remote in the "carbon-fiber" dash piece between the radio and HVAC controls. PM me if anyone wants detailed pictures of the install, please include a "regular" email address so I can send the pics.

[BruteForce]

I have one in each of my cars...
I bought mine when mr. Valentine first came out with it....dang must have been 1988-89?
Had it upgraded to Laser later on....
Bruteforce... does yours come on only with the ignition switch?
I couldn't find a fuse that was not "Hot" all the time...even with ignition off...
If there is one ...which one????
architect

I had mine installed by a car audio shop. Has power only when the car is running. I don't think you need it hot at all times.

[Shora]

Anyone know how the Val 1 performs with matallic tints? I have the 28% Llumar matallic tints and they have prevented me from buying a Val 1 because I was told that they cut performance up to 95%.

Thanks for your help

[Rider90]

My V1 is in the same spot as FiveO's. I also have 5% rear window tints and they do not affect the V1 at all.

[Shora]

My V1 is in the same spot as FiveO's. I also have 5% rear window tints and they do not affect the V1 at all.Are they the matallic type tints? I heard that those are different and affect the performance of the V1 up to 95%.

[Rider90]

Are they the matallic type tints? I heard that those are different and affect the performance of the V1 up to 95%.
This I do not know. Sorry.

[Petrograde]

My V1 is beside the rearview on the passenger side. Some people prefer the driver side. I ran the wire along the top of the windshield, tucked under the headliner,


^^same here^^ except I have the Passport 8500,..

Mines hardwired to my ignition. :burnout:

[marauder307]

Time for me to weigh in...

Here's a few tips/tricks/errata for getting around in the modern highway environment:

1) Find semi's. The only speed these guys know is faster than the posted limit; time is money, and a load undelivered is wasted cash. To paraphrase Burt Reynolds: Get in the rockin' chair. Hiding in groups of semis has two benefits. One, you don't look like you're speeding---you're going the same speed they are, and therefore don't stand out. Two, you can practice something well-known by military pilots as "terrain masking". Smokie'll shoot the radar in your direction, but it'll catch the semi and not reach you. Despite the advances, trooper radar still can't penetrate large groups or 18-wheelers, so you can scoot around the other side of the Big Guys and be missed completely.

Bonus points: If you find one that's tolerant of you hugging his butt (not literally, now), you can draft like a big dawg on him and gain a bit on mileage.

2) Actually stay in the flow of traffic. Now this option means you go slow for awhile, and admittedly it's frustrating---when I ran the route between Daytona Beach and Montgomery, there's some parts of Hwy 231 at the ALAFLOR line that drop down to a piddely 25mph. But they're short, and we've got lots of power reserve in the MM, so as soon you clear the towns, stomp it. The local PDs in these areas don't care what you do outside their town---only what you do while in it. Play it cool, don't upset the lil' old ladies, and you'll make up the lost time on the other side.

3) Drive a Marauder. Sounds a little jingoistic, doesn't it? But the fact of the matter is that we DO look like the police, and that fact is muddied still further by the high occurrence of Marauders on real police duty, particular in my adopted home of Florida. In STL, the Black Hulk has gotten me through probably 2-3 dozen speedtraps just on appearance alone; STLPD issues all of its precinct captains black CVPIs, and the local PD in STL, for all their skills, still can't make the distinction when I'm blazing by at 75-80 between CVPI and MM. By the time they figure out that those 18" polished rims and 3" Megs exhausts aren't police issue, I'm 5 miles away and going hard. And in the officer's mind, they know I coulda taken any turn in that distance; I might even be home already.

Lastly....try not to speed. In the face of everything I've just told you that sounds kinda weak...I daresay I'm gonna get an earful from Mac. But the fact of the matter is that for every time I've busted the limits, there's at least 2 or 3 times when I haven't. Trying to drive through Hurricane Bonnie in Norfolk in the summer of '96, for one. Speeding in a hurricane's a bad idea.
Speeding in any kind of inclement weather is a bad idea, because the speed induces a multiplier effect in the weather damage that you're inflicting on your car, and the low viz that accompanies the weather means you can't see well enough to get stopped in time. Pushing the limits in crowded traffic is a lousy idea too; the ricer types are all guilty of this one. Those are other cars (with real people in 'em, by the way), not pinballs, and this AIN'T Grand Theft Auto. Lift off, cuss under your breath (beating the steering wheel into submission is a favorite of mine), and plod along until the road opens up a bit and you can do an end run around the "left-lane vigilantes".

Hope this helps... :coolman:

[SergntMac]

Time for me to weigh in...Lastly....try not to speed. In the face of everything I've just told you that sounds kinda weak...I daresay I'm gonna get an earful from Mac. Now why would you think this?

Anyone that wants to cruise the highways 10-15 MPH over the posted, I say it's your license, just be an adult about it when you get caught. If you're going to speed, pay attention tom your surroundings and do it safely. Yes, there is such a thing...

I do think that hanging with the truckers seems a waste of time, IMHO. Haven't seen many of them over 70 MPH, which happens to be the legal limit in many states. Plus, they have to keep logs recording driving time and distance, as well as rest periods, and it's way to easy for them to get caught. They are too slow, and often too careless, for me to remain in their presence very long, I like them a half mile in front, or, behind me.

I'll add some advice you missed, 307. Cops on the highway don't work alone. When you see one laying in the weeds, or, on a stop, bet your last dollar there will be another one a few miles down the road. See one, look for two.

I've put a lot of highway miles on my MM going to meets and events, or, just visiting friends. I've been stopped only once in the past 3 years, and it had nothing to do with speeding..."Those Lincolns are here!"

[crowdog]

I have decided to buy a Valentine 1. I need some advice and opinions.

Their website recommends mounting high. Is there room for it to be mounted next to or near the rear view mirror? It is small enough to be inobtrusive, and more importantly, would it be in such a place as to be a hazard during a collision? Is it better to use the dash mount, and if this is used, how is performance degraded?

Next, what are opinions about direct wiring tapping off of the power going to the map lights. Is the problem that they are constantly hot, so the detector would be on when the car is parked? Is it better to run the wire down to the gage pod and tap in there?

Or, is it just better to stick the V1 up on the windshield as needed, using the lighter socket for power, then stowing it in the accessory case. Upside is that it's out of sight when thieves come shopping.

Actually, any tips on mounting (including links to pics in the gallery) will be greatly appeciated.
Mine is mounted above the left side of the rear view and my remote display is mounted on my steering colum just below the speedo and has worked great.The wire to the distrubution block run down behind the window pillar and the detector itself is hardly noticable. As far as a collision goes , I try not to think about such a horrible thing.

[Badger]

I live in the communist state of VA where RADAR detectors are illegal. My CB is my best friend.:bandit:


They are too slow, and often too careless, for me to remain in their presence very long, I like them a half mile in front, or, behind me.
I agree 100%. I never stick around trucks (especially dump truck operators who seem to be a lesser truck driver life form) except to let them know via CB if I'm passing them in low vis or giving them a chance to maneuver in traffic. I've know several professional truck drivers but they're not the majority.

Unfortunately my bad habit of traveling 1-5 mph faster then traffic makes me more susceptable to speed enforcement. :alone:
I just find myself more alert if I'm gaining on traffic rather then "schooling" with my fellow drivers.

[DEFYANT]

I live in the communist state of VA where RADAR detectors are illegal. My CB is my best friend.
When I had my ole Mustang, my cheepo Radio Shack CB got me out of more than one jam in VA. I probably wasnt going fast enough to get stopped, but the CB was good insurance.

I plan on putting one in the MM. My hold up is I am not happy with the antenna options and I cant settle on a good location in the car for it.

[rocknrod]

....3) Drive a Marauder. Sounds a little jingoistic, doesn't it? But the fact of the matter is that we DO look like the police, and that fact is muddied still further by the high occurrence of Marauders on real police duty, particular in my adopted home of Florida. In STL, the Black Hulk has gotten me through probably 2-3 dozen speedtraps just on appearance alone; ......Don't think the Arizona Highway Patrol has heard of this thought. I have been stopped TWO (2) times there. Once he gave me a ticket. The other time I was insistant that h e bring the video to court with him (long story) he just told me to go away.....No ticket (He was wrong!):)

[Badger]

Defyant: I recently switched to a Wilson 1000 trunk lid mount. Its got better grounding then the magnetic mount.
I'm still using my CB mount composed of 1/8" aluminum bar bent to grasp the console on the passenger side. It gives enough that even an eager-to-meet-the-dashboard passenger will not break anything.

The antenna specialist mount I was using previously, with the integrated GPS antenna, was not properly matched for the 27-28 MHz band. My range was being compromised which is very important for receiving long range transmissions.

Hopefully I'll see you at one of the future meets where we can discuss this sepcor. :D

[DEFYANT]

Defyant: I recently switched to a Wilson 1000 trunk lid mount. Its got better grounding then the magnetic mount.
I'm still using my CB mount composed of 1/8" aluminum bar bent to grasp the console on the passenger side. It gives enough that even an eager-to-meet-the-dashboard passenger will not break anything.

The antenna specialist mount I was using previously, with the integrated GPS antenna, was not properly matched for the 27-28 MHz band. My range was being compromised which is very important for receiving long range transmissions.

Hopefully I'll see you at one of the future meets where we can discuss this sepcor. :D
I had a Cobra CB in the company car w/ a K40 antenna trunk lip mount. I got some real good range and was planning to upgrade to the Wilson 1000. Both the magnet and trunk lip mount damage the paint over time. The through the glass "works" but it is not good for transmitting very far.

[MarauderMarc]

I have a great idea for ya....read the owners manual....Mr Valentine did extensive research and testing for many years and still does. He devotes his life to detecting police radar/laser. This manual covers every basis for questioning and leaves no subject untouched. Next time you play "king of the throne" and have a few minutes, take the manual with you and read it. You should have no questions after that.

[Fourth Horseman]

Just ordered my Valentine 1. Think I'm going to try tapping into the rear-view mirror power as others have done. Anybody have any pictures of the power cable and where you tapped in?

[N40GL]

Just ordered my Valentine 1. Think I'm going to try tapping into the rear-view mirror power as others have done. Anybody have any pictures of the power cable and where you tapped in?

For what its worth, I tapped the map lights. At least they go 'off' after a period when the car's shut off.

[Fourth Horseman]

For what its worth, I tapped the map lights. At least they go 'off' after a period when the car's shut off.

Was it difficult getting into the overhead console? I can't figure out how to take it all apart. I'm debating either tapping into the mirror power, or possibly just running a line across the front of the head liner then down the driver's side A-pillar and into the fuse block. It looks like this option might not be very difficult at all. Decisions decisions. I should have my V1 this week, and a road trip this weekend, so I gotta make up my mind soon.

[Rider90]

Was it difficult getting into the overhead console? I can't figure out how to take it all apart. I'm debating either tapping into the mirror power, or possibly just running a line across the front of the head liner then down the driver's side A-pillar and into the fuse block. It looks like this option might not be very difficult at all. Decisions decisions. I should have my V1 this week, and a road trip this weekend, so I gotta make up my mind soon.
I ran it across the head liner into the A pillar and into a fuse. I forgot which one.

[Fourth Horseman]

I ran it across the head liner into the A pillar and into a fuse. I forgot which one.

I'm guessing the cover over the A pillar just pops off, right? I'm assuming there are a few clips which will release if I just pull straight out.

[N40GL]

Was it difficult getting into the overhead console? I can't figure out how to take it all apart. I'm debating either tapping into the mirror power, or possibly just running a line across the front of the head liner then down the driver's side A-pillar and into the fuse block. It looks like this option might not be very difficult at all. Decisions decisions. I should have my V1 this week, and a road trip this weekend, so I gotta make up my mind soon.

My console is shortened because of the aftermarket sunroof. Just unscrew the screw in the front of the console (the front of the car, that is) and then pull down until the clips pop free. There's four of those - one at each corner.

[Rider90]

I'm guessing the cover over the A pillar just pops off, right? I'm assuming there are a few clips which will release if I just pull straight out.
Yep, start from the top.

[Fourth Horseman]

Thanks for the help guys.
:beer:

[Fourth Horseman]

Wow, putting the power cord in was easy. It pushed back under the head liner with ease, and down behind the A-pillar cladding, behind the dash and out right by the fuse block. The only thing I'm not sure of is where to hook up the black ground wire. I'm going to probe around a bit with a volt meter tomorrow to see what would make a good connection. Daylight ran out on me today before I could finish up, but I'm pleased at how easy it was to stash the wiring out of sight.

[Rider90]

Wow, putting the power cord in was easy. It pushed back under the head liner with ease, and down behind the A-pillar cladding, behind the dash and out right by the fuse block. The only thing I'm not sure of is where to hook up the black ground wire. I'm going to probe around a bit with a volt meter tomorrow to see what would make a good connection. Daylight ran out on me today before I could finish up, but I'm pleased at how easy it was to stash the wiring out of sight.
I put the ground wire on one of those circle-shaped connectors and unbolted a small bolt near the fusebox.

[Fourth Horseman]

I put the ground wire on one of those circle-shaped connectors and unbolted a small bolt near the fusebox.

Hmmm. I tried putting the red wire into one of the switched leads of the fuse block, turning the key to accessory (tried "on" as well) and then holding the black wire to a couple of those bolts, but didn't get a peep or any lights out of the V1. I know the V1 works, though, as it powers up fine from the cig lighter adapter.

I've got the colors right, don't I? Red is positive and goes to the fuse block and black is ground, right? Sorry for being stupid about this, I'm new to wiring car stuff up. Thanks for the help.

[Rider90]

Hmmm. I tried putting the red wire into one of the switched leads of the fuse block, turning the key to accessory (tried "on" as well) and then holding the black wire to a couple of those bolts, but didn't get a peep or any lights out of the V1. I know the V1 works, though, as it powers up fine from the cig lighter adapter.

I've got the colors right, don't I? Red is positive and goes to the fuse block and black is ground, right? Sorry for being stupid about this, I'm new to wiring car stuff up. Thanks for the help.
Yep, you have it right. Do you still have the owners manual? Inside is a list of which fuse powers what and if it is on all the time. If not, I'll get out my manual and help you out.

[Fourth Horseman]

Yep, you have it right. Do you still have the owners manual? Inside is a list of which fuse powers what and if it is on all the time. If not, I'll get out my manual and help you out.

Yup. I selected one that was for the audio system. I think I wasn't finding a good grounding spot. I'll check with a meter tonight and find a good ground. Thanks for your help.

[Fourth Horseman]

I got my new Valentine 1 installed and wired. It was easy with the handheld volt meter (I had to borrow my dad's. Guess I should pick one up for myself). I found that the metal frame that holds the fuse block was a good ground, so I loosened up one of its screws and put the ground wire there. Then the red wire just went into one of the fuse spots. A few zip ties to keep excess cables out of the way and I'm off to the races.

Thanks for the pointers and help, folks. Now I'm looking forward to seeing what radar/lidar lurks out there. :banana:
Here is a pic of finished install. (http://www.paveway.net/temp/v1installed.jpg) Nice and clean.

[Rider90]

Looks Great! That is how mine looks except I am now using the visor bracket hooked into the headliner rather than the suction cups. Nice job.

[fastblackmerc]

Looks Great! That is how mine looks except I am now using the visor bracket hooked into the headliner rather than the suction cups. Nice job.
Be careful that you don't rip or tear the headliner. Don't mount the detector behind the dot matrix material around the rearview mirror either.

[Fourth Horseman]

I'd like to see some pics of your visor mount, if you get a chance. If I like that better I might follow your lead. :) Thanks.

[TechHeavy]

My hold up is I am not happy with the antenna options and I cant settle on a good location in the car for it.Have you thought about getting the K40 antenna with the M40 magna-mount, (magnetic mount)?

This was the only solution I was interested in as I will not drill, and did not even want to tighten mounting screws to the trunk.
I should have this set-up next week for my Detroit trip. I'll let you know how it works if you're interested.

UPDATE:

Ahhh... I just read your post regarding the K40 and the magnetic mount. Well, I won't have my K40 on the car all the time... only for long trips, so long-term paint damage shouldn't be a problem.

Dave

[metroplex]

Get a Bel RX65 or Passport X50. They are still better than the V1 with the latest updated. It appears the V1's POP detection is still sub-par with the X50/RX65 for the past year... perhaps V1 will upgrade the hardware within the next 1-3 years (that's the only way to get better POP detection performance).