For those of you that have taken the plundge and purchased the most advanced radar protection device out(ive noticed a couple)... take a look at this. Just incase you want a little more features/things to play with

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

 

also, this is a pretty trick install

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/1058883.phtml

 

Thanks, I appreciate that info. I can now increase the sensetivity
of my Ka band. That should help a LOT around these parts, since
that is what most of HPD uses.

~wade

 

Turbo,

Thanks for the links. Pretty cool, esp that Audi' guy's install. I had a similiar idea but that guy did a great job integrating it very nicely into his Audi.

See my install here:

http://www.4runners.org/articles/valentine/

Bob

 

Bob,
Nice install! but since you went through all that trouble hardwiring it, why didn't you mount it on the top of the windshield? Its really worth mounting it up hi. They wrote a whole article on about antenna placement on theV1 site and why removable units are better b/c you have to mount the antennas so low in an "in car" models. I am also really tall so with it mounted hi, I don't have to look very far to get the 411, its right in my field of vision. I'll snap some pics a little later of my install. I haven't gotten the display yet, but I did hardwire it and to add the display will be a snap.

"hidden radar article"
http://valentine1.com/lab/Previously1.asp

other interesting things to read about radar etc.
http://valentine1.com/lab/LabReports.asp
http://valentine1.com/lab/Previously.asp

 

Turbo,

Yup, I've read through their site. I do recognize that they say that there is an optimal mounting position, but for me, I've been happy at the results I've gotten so far mounting it about 1/4 of the way up from the dash. If you look at the pic on my write up, it looks mounted low---I know. Since then, I've mounted it much higher. Maybe about 4 inches higher.

I thought about running the hardwire up the A-pillar, across 1/2 of the driver's side headliner and down to the rear view mirror area but decided not to for the following reasons:

1) Those a-pillar grab handle screws are next to impossible to remove w/o an air impact driver
2) I didn't want to remove the headliner
3) I did not find any appreciable difference mounting it up by the visor.

Maybe I'll get around to it, but for now, all is well.

Basically all I do is plug in the main V1 unit from the cord (running from inside the dash to outside the dash---see the pic). After I do that, I put the display unit on the top of the steering column.

The whole purpose of mounting the display unit so low is b/c I've had a few instances on the I5 (main highway b/n So Cal and No Cal) where some idiots are driving right next to me "mooching" off my radar detector. This way, there's really no way anyone could see---unless they are higher than me.

Yeah, post your pics. I believe you had yours on your visor or suctioned to the left of your mirror, right?

Bob

p.s. now that I'm done with my cupholder mod (Turbo, I know you'll want to do this too! Just finishing up the write up...), I may put that concealed display in the area of the old dash cupholder if it fits.

 

Your right... to the left of the mirrior...



Except I didn't have to take any of that apart, I just crammed the wire into the a-arm and accross the headliner. It stays in there w/o a problem.

 

Turbo,

The pic didn't come out.

Bob

 

I just put it up there, and I think I might try the visor mount, but we shal see. Another thing about mounting it up there is cops don't look for it up there. They are MUCH more willing to give you a warning/let you off if you don't have a radar dector...