Mounting the V1 Radar Detector

[RavenDT1984]

Radar Roy suggests as low as possible, without being obstructed by the windshield wipers. Is there a reason in particular you mount your detectors up high?

Many RD can detect Laser, but because the beam is so narrow, you would have to get it as close as possible to your headlights or license plate so you can hopefully get some splash from the laser. Thoughts?

[robm425]

@RavenDT1984 I worked for Radar Roy and this is where I disagreed.

Radar is a radio wave so the higher the antenna mean better reception

As for laser detecting it is useless cause once you detect it the cop already has your speed. So the only way to combat laser is a laser jammer if legal in your state. Additionally the V1 is the most sensitive laser detector on the market so high or low it will alert to being shot. even (if mounted high) the car in front was shot

[RavenDT1984]

@robm425 Thanks for that. Makes sense. :) I just recently purchased an Escort Redline and I am faced with the dilemma of how I am going to mount it in my vehicle. Since the suction cup has trouble sticking to the windshield and there is no way for me to mount it to the dash, I was wondering if mounting it to my visor somehow would still be an acceptable mounting spot.

So thanks for the insight. I appreciate it.

[2kargarage1]

Great advice... Mount high and level. Mike Valentine has his mounted in top left corner n his Mercedes SUV.

Drives me crazy to c radar detectors pointing

towards the sky or towards the hoods. (mostly dumb@ss cobra owners)

[Chronoh524]

is that legal?

[robm425]

@Chronoh524 As long as you are in a non-commercial vehicle and you aren't in Virginia or Washington DC they are legal to own and operate in your car.

[mcwajna]

is there any way to mount the detector away from the windshield and to keep it tucked away out of sight?

[faffaflunkie]

The problem here is that radar is passe. Most municipalities have gone to laser which is, as a practical matter, undetectable until the cop lights you up.

[QuadraplegicNinja]

Could you hardwire it and put it under your hood? Then have the external display up under your dash? Sorry if its been answered im too lazy to look lol.

[robm425]

@QuadraplegicNinja Yes you could but you would need to the V1 unit is a waterproof box

Also my mounting it like that you are destroying its performance

Best bet for a cheap hidden install would be a cheap visor pouch and cut it for the V1

[JuanPapaNicolao]

Hardwire or nothing

[wildbill0088]

is the external display something sold separate and is the actual V1 on the windshield?

[robm425]

Yes the external display is a $40 and sold separately from the V1 and the thing mounted on the windshield is the actual V1.

V1 does come with a harwire kit though so you can hardwire it into your car its just that the alerts will display on the actuall detector

[anythingthatgoes]

Hey, i gota cobra xrs 9955/9960G, Its 15 band with laser detection. Is it a good one?

[robm425]

Nope. Cobra isn't known for makign good radar detectors. But it may be enough for you. the level of speed I travel on highways a Cobra would not. Keep in mind laser detection is useless. To combat laser you need a laser jammer

[Robsprin]

so even with the small concealed one u still need the big radar

[robm425]

Yep you still need the big unit some place. The small thing is just a concealed display

[linnertson]

Question.

What happens when you get pulled over? They look at the V1 and say "Whats that"? Lol

-Alex

[robm425]

Never had a cop ask me what it is. Also if you operate your radar detector properly the goal is not to get pulled over

[linnertson]

Yeah, well thats what I'm thinking but if you get RBT'd (Random Breath Test) etc... But worth getting?

-Alex

[robm425]

Why would it matter? they aren't pulling you over speeding. They will give you a breath test and be on your way. If they pull you over for speeding and ask what it is your 95% chance on getting a ticket. But for a RBT they won't care. Cause all the matters if you are drunk or not.

[PACER2320]

thanks for sharing

[peludo336]

where do you buy V1 dectector.

[SpenserRP]

So when you use the concealed display do you just put something over the detector display so others cant see it?

[lentz29]

it is an everyday use concealed display it wont show warnings on radar detecor

[ndnbrowntigga]

don't the cops c it

[robm425]

You are more likely to be saved from the radar detector than be pulled over

[lentz29]

not if you mount the radar on windshield were some cars have the factory tint make sure the lens on radar i just below the tint that makes the radar invisible

[GirSolo]

crystal method is the shit

[UltraManX10017]

Volvo S70

my car lol

you think i should get the V1 or the XRS 9340?

[robm425]

First off do NOT buy Cobra radar detector they are the worst detectors.

V1 is a good detector, Escort 8500 x50, Escort 9500i, BEL v955 are great detectors....DO NOT BUY COBRA RADAR DETECTORS THEY ARE THE WORK DETECTORS EVER!!!!

[lentz29]

cobra radar detector leak bad to other cobra radars

[alexvrce]

how much is the V1 detector?

[robm425]

$399.99

[undergroundrocks2]

AC-NO You dont have AC on a car!

[robm425]

mentioned it in the More info of the video and now I made an annotation about it....My car does have one ac outlet though

[microminiskirt]

I don't like to put any detector out in front of the windshield for all to see.  It's better up in the visor area for better signal and it is better hidden up there. Plus it is better to dismount it if you are pulled over any way for whatever reason that you may get stopped.

[LidarDan15]

hey man, how and what did you use to mount your v1 in the bubble grid above your mirror??...It's difficult to mount, unless you got the right stuff, and you do, that's why I want in on what that is!! haha

[robm425]

Small piece of Plexi-glass that it stuck to the windshield using industrial double sided tape

[rowan4321]

nice vid your a champ

[JuggyD18]

if i was to choose hardwiring, how much would it cost? i dont have the time and know how of doing it.

[the1whoB34T5]

you sound young and smart and how far does your cop rader detect

[robm425]

Any where from 0.5-2miles if the cop has his radar turned on. I am young this video is old though but I am very smart on police counter measures

[the1whoB34T5]

i heard cops inproved and now can jam those radars

[lentz29]

were is that were the cop can jam radar ?

im not sure there is such thing like that

[Jackcc5]

they cant jam them but they can hide from them by using RF hold. its a mode on there speed radar witch means when its in hold mode the antenna is not transmitting radio waves so radar detectors can not detect it (the speed radar in the cop car) when they push hold again it quickly comes out of hold mode and clocks your speed your radar can detect that then when they push hold again the radar goes back to hold and stops transmitting so you radar detect cant detect anything. will send u a video

[lentz29]

V1 mounted high on windshield

3/4 mile to 1.mile  long range

[globenavigator]

Just hide it into the front grille, it is way to visible through the windscreen. Also the detector has not the glass absorbing more IR signal.

[robm425]

Unfortunately why mounting in the grill is a stealth install spot you are blocking the rear radar antenna with the rest of the car. Also if the grill is metal it lowers the detector reception. And lastly the V1 isn't weatherproof. And when detecting laser the V1 will alert to pretty much all laser shot at the car. The size of the laser beam is 36" when 100ft away and 18" at 500ft away so if the cop is using the standard aiming point then the detector will pick up the laser even if its not a V1

[lentz29]

mount jut little lower then factory tint

[robm425]

The detector's performance is the same whether you use the ciggerrette lighter versus hardwire

[Battlehammie]

Thanks for the vid. FWIW, a cigarette lighter is not an 'AC adapter'. No AC involved, just DC. :)

[robm425]

Yes I know. I made that correction in the descriptionof the video

[lilsurfer2020]

what do they use for Ca? radar or laser?

[robm425]

Generally it's just Ka-radar and Laser

[dbsshadow]

are those legal in california?

[robm425]

Radar detectors are legal in non commerical veicles in every state except Virginia and Washington DC....It's illegal to have something suction cuped to your windshield though in CA

[kimsnet]

Simple,

If you worry about laser , better position on lower windshield,

But for radar upper position is better.

My town, Korea have to care for Laser only. so

mounted lower. not much radar but ground looped speed calculated camera.

[thsocom41]

i heard that higher is better for laser to pick up random laser scatter shots

[stalkervision]

v1 owners always run their detectors "up high" and next to the mirror in an attempt to make it less visable to policeman. It is normally suppose to be mounted in the center of the windshield for the arrows to work well. I have to laugh because the the last time I use my v1 the policeman who stopped me with constant on radar that the v1 alerted to very poorly bent right over and stuck his head right in my car..LMAO Fortunatly my v1 wasn't mounted there. :)

[MyChoiceZildjian]

all radar detetctors work best if they are mounted at the highest possible position. it is a radar works in the same way radars on ships work. They are meant to be mount as high as possible for best results

[safricancracker]

Mounting High huh? Do some research on Laser detection when mounting high, your detector will be out of laser range with respect to your bumper's location. However, whenever you get a laser alert, it's already too late, so laser detection is usually not that useful.

[robm425]

do some research of the V1's laser detection ability!!!It can detect laser no matter where it is mounted on a windshield.

[safricancracker]

At 1000 feet range using laser, the radius of the laser beam is between 12 to 18 inches. 18 inches is much less than the height between your bumper/headlights and top of windscreen. It's just pure physics, if your detector is not in the path of the laser beam, it won't see it. Search for Radar Roy to find out more. But again, laser alerts aren't really that important, radar warning is more crucial.

[robm425]

HAHA I worked for Radar Roy! He flew me out to AZ for radar detector and laser jammer test. The V1 will see laser if it is aimed at the car. The laser sensors in the V1 can not compare to any other detector

[safricancracker]

Please check Roy's 2004 Laser Detection Test on his website. I quote, "When the beam strikes your car its maximum diameter is only 18. This means if the officer is pointing the beam at your front license plate and your detector is high or mid level on the windshield, chances are that your detector will never alert." The results of his test shows that NOT ONE radar detector gave out a Laser Alert, not even the almighty V1. Please do some research before talking or mounting your RD.

[robm425]

I personally know that Roy Lied in the testing!!!! I know Roy has lied on some of his other testing. Please search "Laser Detector Performance Comparison's by VEIL" I do my own research I am a person who regularly is invited to the testing events. Radar Roy is a great guy personally but business wise he is just out to make a buck! My personal experience and experience from other lests I have seen the V1 laser detection is king.

[safricancracker]

Ok, thanks for the reference, I'll check it out. Nice video by the way. Talk to you later.

[deanoobaby]

im pretty sure it would be 36 inch @ 1000 feet and 18 inch @500 feet

[roor25]

when you're hit with laser, your fucked. unless you have veil, you should mount high

[robm425]

VEIL is uselesss by itself...You need a jammer minimumly to combat laser

[LeftLiberalSoCal]

Mount it high. Car or SUV? Valentine says "mount it high" and I'm assuming this is for picking up laser fragments through other drivers car windows. However if you drive an SUV it reasons that you would want to mount it low. Also mine is in the center. I want to mount it like yours but the windsheild has a curve. I need it level to the groud.

[robm425]

NO I would still mount it high!!! The V1 will detect laser no matter what!!! the laser detection on the V! is the best by a long shot.

I got my V1 moutned above the rear view in my jeep now for the winter

[hammerman2006]

do you have to put it on the dash or rear view? cuz its illegal to put anything there from the state im from

[robm425]

rear veiw

[ZacharyJohnson17]

arent those illegal please cb

[robm425]

Only illegal in non commerical vehicles in the state of Virginia and Washington DC

[559Phillip]

Lol, I love how mustang owner goes onto every V1 page and starts comparing it to the K40 haha.

[StonedNT]

Nice Videos of your setup, I've got a bel 995 and a uniden cb myself,

"I use a Blinder M20 as my primary laser jammer" You've got more than one?!?!?!?! With all the additional additional electronics did you need to beef up the cars electrical at all?

I've been looking at adding some laser protection, haven't needed it where I'm at yet, NJ state troopers love their X-Band, but they're bound to upgrade sometime.

[robm425]

I use either an Anti-Laser single head jammer or a Lidatek LE30 as a backup. To get the best jammer performance you need two jammers....NJ does have some laser guns and a fine KA guns.

[mustangwner2003V6]

I will admit for a windshield radar system its awsome. I would love to test my k40-2000 with laser defuser against the valetine-1 if any taker?? i would say thats the only worthy system out there. they did a great job i enjoy watching there videos.

[robm425]

Name what major city you are buy and I can arrange a test. I hopefully might have 2 or 3 laser guns there. The event will also be recorded to show that apparently there is one working K40 system that actually exists

[mustangwner2003V6]

im in virginia now how about yourself?

[robm425]

NY

I would never drive in viginia with a radar detector unless it was the BEL STi all other detectors no matter what you can can be detected by police radar detector detectors. I wanna say that the K40 2000 isn't even VG2 proof which is the oldest RDD around. Luckily they can't confiscate detectors in VA just a $170 fine

[mustangwner2003V6]

oh really, well mine sure has not.. and I use it on a daily bases.. well i highly doupt you all know anything then about the k40-2000 w/defuser may look the same but the technology in it is far more advanced then what you say since it only came out in late 2005. never one break threw nor been detected..

[robm425]

I know alot about it! At the last SML(Speed Measurement Labs) event it was tested to not be VG2 proof I read in a report of the K40 system. And according to the registered FCC ids K40 hasn't updated there system since 2002. Anyway there is only one detector immune to Spectre 3 and Spectre 4 the newest RDDs purchased by VA and that is the BEL STi. I work with and test radar detectors...I know my stuff inside and out

[mustangwner2003V6]

oh really, well the new k40-2000 was not in the sml testing because it had just came out right after they actually did it.. but they did a test of it with a real officer and one of the sml tester** look in the report at k40 dot com and also there video proof as well. and if you did work for any radar detectors then you wouldnt give out false lies, there systems were updated. and yes they are very much so vg2 protected. come to va ill prove it for you.

[robm425]

Guys, Look for yourself on K40's website where the 2003 results from SML were labeled with "K40-2000 Remote Radar Detector" this guy is an idiot and will no longer be posting in my videos if he tries to post lies about the shitty K40 radar detectors

[boeddoddoddo]

what lasar jammer do you have in your car?

[robm425]

I use a Blinder M20 as my primary laser jammer

[559Phillip]

Yes, I realize laser alerts are worthless. However, I am veiled so they may be beneficial by giving a few extra seconds. If I remember right, you are also running a jammer. I am waiting for the LI at the moment.

[robm425]

Why ait for a product based on the hype of a prototype. Look at the past prototypes tesed by the Guys Of lidar. the AL prototype was so so much better than the thing actually released for retail

[559Phillip]

No offense Rob, but actually it is better to mount a V1 high. Everyone in the forum also feels this way as does Mike Valentine himeself on the Valentine1 website. Mounting low can cause glare from the sun. The only advantage of mounting low is better alerts from short range laser targeting.

[robm425]

Well i wasn't saying is wasn't good cause a laser alert is a guranteed ticket with out some for of passive measures like VEIL, Laser Shield, Bra, etc. I iknow detectors and have been around them for along time for my age. There are advantages and disadvantages to both mounting high and low

[OMFGpl]

actually its not always a guranteed ticket. i got the laser alert like 3 times and no ticket :D

[559Phillip]

He is 100 percent correct. Mounting high is the best (especially for v1). It is especially helpful for reducing glare and improving laser sensitivity.

Only idiots mount their RD on the dash or have it facing the sky (not level).  They are also usually Cobra owners. lol, go figure...............

[robm425]

Acually for the best laser sensitivity you should mount you detector low on your dash board with a clear view of the road infront. However ever detecting laser is useless cause it pretty much is notifying you that you are getting a ticket. I have a laser jammer on my car so I don't need laser reception too much

[Seth1508]

thanks dude, this vid really helps, I'm gonna think about getting a detector that i can conceal. personally, I don'tlike having the cords all over my car and stuff, I'd rather have it where you can't see the things. anywayz thanks man!

[robm425]

Well the way my detector is mounted the officer really has to lean in the car to see my detector. I use the concealed display and hardwire my detector there are no wires in the way..Most cars the V1 can be mounted above the rearview so it's even more out of the way. There are completely concealed detectors like the BEL RX75 or Escort SR7...They are just very expensive

[Seth1508]

there is also the whistler 3500 which is practically a hardwire free concealable detector. the radar detector goes under the hood in your car and sends a signal to the radar display that you can mount anywhere under in your car. not as strong as a VI but not as weak and pathetic as a Cobrs

[robm425]

True I have never seen the performance of that unit and I am guessing it's not the best....I'll talk about this in one of my up coming my videos in a week or so but mounting the radar recieving antenna low hurts the performance and you are better off mounting the antenna high up inside the car cabin.

[robm425]

the black piece on the center of my windsheild is my GPS mount.

[iwant2bbuff]

It looks like you have the main unit mounted at the top of your window near your rear view window...Does the external concealed display come with the V1 when you buy it or do you have to buy it separately? So the concealed display comes in colors or do you have to request that too?" Just curious because when I buy one, I'd like mine hooked up exactly like yours, I just want to use the concealed display not that black piece you have mounted at the bottom of your windshield. What is that anyway?

[robm425]

It comes with hardwire kit. So you can hardwire the detector but the concealed display was $40 from V1 with all red display lights. Colored lights with the 'lifespeed' modified display was a total of $80 for display, modification & shipping. V1 doesn't put color LEDs in their concealed display. To get colored LEDs you need to modify the the display or send it to someone to do it.