Radar Detector?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 54
From: Westminster Colorado
Just wanted to add a little info... The technology is changing rapidly. Just a year ago the detectors recommended here would all serve you well, today maybe not so much. New type of Laser speed gun is cheaper and harder to defeat. Almost guarantees you will get the ticket if you are above their threshold.
The technology in the Radar detectors is also different. I looked heavily at the Escort Max 360 and decided against it because of the digital technology it uses. The "M4" design is less effective on certain radar guns, the ones you want it to be most effective on. Also the GPS is a double edge sword. With new Ka band traffic monitors and collision avoidance sensors on many new vehicles the false alarms will be plentiful. The GPS will track where they are however some are moving targets. Evidently you can fill the GPS's memory with this information rendering it useless or much less effective.
I was going to put in a built in system but the only ones that do the entire job, dealing with false alarms, collision avoidance, traffic monitors, new laser guns, instant on radar, segmentation of Ka band and more is the new Escort Max Ci 360 ($3800 installed) or using the AL Priority system with an existing detector ($2000 not installed). Seems those are the only 2 on the market that will get the entire job done. I can pay a lot of speeding tickets for that amount. That said I have only had 2 speeding tickets in 20 years (no radar detectors the entire time).
I had a 9500 ci new in the box but decided against the integrated installation in the C7 and sold it. After looking at many and contemplating the Max Ci 360 I choose to go with the New Valentine 1. It has a couple of features I preferred although it still doesn't do the complete job like the 2 mentioned. The V1 does not have GPS. It deals with the false alarms of the collision avoidance and traffic monitoring systems differently (Junk Filter). It also uses an Analog "M3" sensor that is said to be more effective for distance and for Ka instant on radar guns. The arrows as mentioned are also on the Max 360 but based on the extensive reviews I read, the reaction and accuracy of the arrows is superior on the V1. The V1 also tells you how many signals are being received. Only the newest V1 has the "Junk Filter" and the old ones are an upgrade that cost almost as much as just buying a new one. Another feature I liked about the V1 is the remote display allowing you to run the detector in "Dark" mode. This allows you to mount the display lower than the dash and not have lights flashing in view for everyone around you to see.
I just purchased the new V1. Understanding the limitations of the Laser detector, it still wont be the complete package. Essentially the laser detector tells you exactly when you got the ticket if you use it to speed beyond the threshold of what they let slide. Mostly I'm hoping the analog range of the instant on and the junk filter make it a better choice over the Max 360. It was really difficult to decide between the 2.
As other have expressed, I'm not trying to set land speed records and overall I'm not a lead foot BUT the C7 makes it easy to exceed acceptable speeds. $500 for the V1 is cheap insurance vs. $3800 !!!
The technology in the Radar detectors is also different. I looked heavily at the Escort Max 360 and decided against it because of the digital technology it uses. The "M4" design is less effective on certain radar guns, the ones you want it to be most effective on. Also the GPS is a double edge sword. With new Ka band traffic monitors and collision avoidance sensors on many new vehicles the false alarms will be plentiful. The GPS will track where they are however some are moving targets. Evidently you can fill the GPS's memory with this information rendering it useless or much less effective.
I was going to put in a built in system but the only ones that do the entire job, dealing with false alarms, collision avoidance, traffic monitors, new laser guns, instant on radar, segmentation of Ka band and more is the new Escort Max Ci 360 ($3800 installed) or using the AL Priority system with an existing detector ($2000 not installed). Seems those are the only 2 on the market that will get the entire job done. I can pay a lot of speeding tickets for that amount. That said I have only had 2 speeding tickets in 20 years (no radar detectors the entire time).
I had a 9500 ci new in the box but decided against the integrated installation in the C7 and sold it. After looking at many and contemplating the Max Ci 360 I choose to go with the New Valentine 1. It has a couple of features I preferred although it still doesn't do the complete job like the 2 mentioned. The V1 does not have GPS. It deals with the false alarms of the collision avoidance and traffic monitoring systems differently (Junk Filter). It also uses an Analog "M3" sensor that is said to be more effective for distance and for Ka instant on radar guns. The arrows as mentioned are also on the Max 360 but based on the extensive reviews I read, the reaction and accuracy of the arrows is superior on the V1. The V1 also tells you how many signals are being received. Only the newest V1 has the "Junk Filter" and the old ones are an upgrade that cost almost as much as just buying a new one. Another feature I liked about the V1 is the remote display allowing you to run the detector in "Dark" mode. This allows you to mount the display lower than the dash and not have lights flashing in view for everyone around you to see.
I just purchased the new V1. Understanding the limitations of the Laser detector, it still wont be the complete package. Essentially the laser detector tells you exactly when you got the ticket if you use it to speed beyond the threshold of what they let slide. Mostly I'm hoping the analog range of the instant on and the junk filter make it a better choice over the Max 360. It was really difficult to decide between the 2.
As other have expressed, I'm not trying to set land speed records and overall I'm not a lead foot BUT the C7 makes it easy to exceed acceptable speeds. $500 for the V1 is cheap insurance vs. $3800 !!!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 512
Likes: 158
From: Augusta Maine
I haven't received mine yet but I did get the Bluetooth adapter. My understanding is you need it to do all the advanced features and change the settings. If you have an Android phone, you can download the app and use it to check the type of Bluetooth you have. This helps determine which Bluetooth adapter you can use. It also lets you use the app in Demo mode to see what the features are. One of the things I like about it beside what I noted is you can create profiles with different settings and just select the profile for what you want the settings to be. Example, you can setup a City profile and highway profile etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
I a new V1 one sitting off to the side waiting for some time to do a hard-wire install. I also ordered the remote display which is also a "problem" because it will not work/fit where I intended. I wanted to install it in place of the cigarette lighter, but because of the way the cable attaches to the display there is not enough room. 
Anyway, I'll solve this eventually.
I chose a V1 because I've had one since the 90's.
Anyway, I'll solve this eventually.
I chose a V1 because I've had one since the 90's.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,218
Likes: 4,345
From: Chirper Island
I could comment on many points on your post, but I thought I would ask about this one: What new laser tech?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 512
Likes: 158
From: Augusta Maine
http://dragoneyetech.com/dragoneye-speed-lidar.html
http://dragoneyetech.com/assets/regi...dl-options.pdf
As I understand it, not an expert just did a lot of reading and phone calls, they use a new random (or variable) pulse modulation of the laser beam. The lidar that is more easily jammed uses a fixed pulse frequency. Once the jammer sees the laser it calculates the pulse freq and matches it to confuse it. The random design makes that extremely difficult. Currently AFAIK there are only 2 systems capable of defeating it, the new Escort Max CI 360 and the AL Priority.
That is the extent of my knowledge on the new technology of the Lidar.
Here is another of the new Lidar guns ... http://www.lasertech.com/Speed-Enfor...asurement.aspx
Regardless of the use of a laser jammer LTI lasers can still capture a measurement and also will indicate that a jammer was used.
Impervious to lidar and radar detectors
Costs less than most lasers and is priced closer to handheld radars
Impervious to lidar and radar detectors
Costs less than most lasers and is priced closer to handheld radars
Last edited by springer-; May 9, 2017 at 11:09 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 2,304
From: Central UT
Recently purchased an Escort 360 Max. Really like it. Like the GPS getting rid of stationary falses, like the directional (will show front, rear, side, and multiple bands and threats at the same time), sensitivity, etc. Easy to use and program/reprogram.
However, the posts about the false alarms from many new cars are real. But the 360 does a much better job of sorting them than our 9500ix. We have a CT6 with night vision that uses infrared that sets off the laser alert so I need to shut that off when using it in the CT6.
Many like the under-mirror mount. I don't like the detector there because it blocks too much view for me. I hard wired and set it just to the right of the mirror in all our cars - and you can still put the visor all the way down. (the wire you see in the pic is not to the radar det - it's the 220 to the lift).
We still have a 9500ix and we took a trip with both of them. 360 had better distance and a few less falses. It's a good one, but I'm sure the V1 is really good too.
However, the posts about the false alarms from many new cars are real. But the 360 does a much better job of sorting them than our 9500ix. We have a CT6 with night vision that uses infrared that sets off the laser alert so I need to shut that off when using it in the CT6.
Many like the under-mirror mount. I don't like the detector there because it blocks too much view for me. I hard wired and set it just to the right of the mirror in all our cars - and you can still put the visor all the way down. (the wire you see in the pic is not to the radar det - it's the 220 to the lift).
We still have a 9500ix and we took a trip with both of them. 360 had better distance and a few less falses. It's a good one, but I'm sure the V1 is really good too.
Last edited by Hopper12; May 9, 2017 at 11:28 PM.
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 54
From: Westminster Colorado
http://dragoneyetech.com/dragoneye-speed-lidar.html
http://dragoneyetech.com/assets/regi...dl-options.pdf
As I understand it, not an expert just did a lot of reading and phone calls, they use a new random (or variable) pulse modulation of the laser beam. The lidar that is more easily jammed uses a fixed pulse frequency. Once the jammer sees the laser it calculates the pulse freq and matches it to confuse it. The random design makes that extremely difficult. Currently AFAIK there are only 2 systems capable of defeating it, the new Escort Max CI 360 and the AL Priority.
That is the extent of my knowledge on the new technology of the Lidar.
Here is another of the new Lidar guns ... http://www.lasertech.com/Speed-Enfor...asurement.aspx
http://dragoneyetech.com/assets/regi...dl-options.pdf
As I understand it, not an expert just did a lot of reading and phone calls, they use a new random (or variable) pulse modulation of the laser beam. The lidar that is more easily jammed uses a fixed pulse frequency. Once the jammer sees the laser it calculates the pulse freq and matches it to confuse it. The random design makes that extremely difficult. Currently AFAIK there are only 2 systems capable of defeating it, the new Escort Max CI 360 and the AL Priority.
That is the extent of my knowledge on the new technology of the Lidar.
Here is another of the new Lidar guns ... http://www.lasertech.com/Speed-Enfor...asurement.aspx
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,930
Likes: 12,343
From: NE South Carolina
I bought one of the first Passport Max detectors for my September 2013 built Z51 C7.Just sold the car and installed that detector on my new Grand Sport. Used the Blendmount mirror power cord but like my 2014 I use the Escort "sticky mount" high on the right side of the mirror. No blocked vision. Have it programmed to remind me of radar trap spots, school zones etc.
Would not drive without it.
Drifting
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 759
I'd agree the hard wired detectors have more range, but generally the Solo does the job.
If you have a sports car like a C7 and you DRIVE the car, I'm astonished you'd even ask if you 'should have a radar detector?'. But it's your driver's license.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 464
From: Raleigh/Cary NC
I've had many detectors that have saved me from numerous tickets, but I've also gotten numerous tickets from instant-on, VASCAR (which doesn't use radar or laser) and from just me being stupid.
That last category is easily avoidable without spending money.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 933
From: Just outside a swamp in Florida
I have the max 360. I also have a business phone and personal phone so I am able to run both the max 360 app open along with the Waze app open at the same time. I am consistently getting warnings on the Waze app before I do the max 360 app.
There are a lot of people out there running the Waze app, and because you get points for identifying issues, it's become a pretty popular game.
There are a lot of people out there running the Waze app, and because you get points for identifying issues, it's become a pretty popular game.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,488
Likes: 1,028
From: MN
I use to mount my V1up by the mirror, but on my last car I moved it to this position. I like the ability to mute easily with my left hand, and it's easy to glance at when it goes off. I realize I lose rear laser detection, but not a big deal. I tested sensitivity (just basic tests to known sources) and did not notice any difference.
Just a note regarding laser. Unless you are lucky to be close enough to the car in front of you being scanned, laser is almost useless. Plus the proximity sensors of Volvo's and Infinit's set it off . . .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 384
Been using a couple of the V1's for many years. Top notch engineering and manufacturing quality. Mike Valentine was one of the founders of Cincinnati Microwave (Escort brand radar detector), later left to start his own company. Very innovative and has kep the price unchanged for decades - a very resourceful engineer.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,488
Likes: 1,028
From: MN
Just one data point: A few years ago I was stopped by IO on a rural road. I was going to get a warning until they saw the detector . . . actually, they noticed I slowed down as they scanned me, but you are right--the RD cost at least one ticket!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 933
From: Just outside a swamp in Florida
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 54
From: Westminster Colorado
I suspect LEO's want to really believe they are useless due to their expertise. However common sense tells me the minute they scan anyone ahead of me, I'll know about it (radar).
And yes, I know all warnings will simply go away if they actually see it on the windshield.
And yes, I know all warnings will simply go away if they actually see it on the windshield.
Last edited by sparky973; May 10, 2017 at 12:11 PM.
