(edit: side note, I wrote the following thinking that T100 was gonna buy a used V1 - my mistake, he was talking about a used 8500. I'm gonna leave the note in place 'cause it's something that anyone should do when buying a used V1)


When you get it... Hit the Valentine Upgrade page and pound in the serial number. If it's not a pretty late version I would STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to get it updated.

V1 has made a LOT of changes since the early days, or even in the last year. It keeps getting better.

A local buddy just got his back from an upgrade and he can really feel a difference. And his box was already the latest _hardware_ (v1.8).

 

well i bought the passport 8500 today.. its nice.. i like it.. but does it suppose to tell you when a cop car or emegency vehicle is approaching??? if so how do you get it to do so?

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/radar-detector.htm

Everything about it is there. If you learn how it works well, you should be able to use all of its features and capabilities and learn where cops are!

 

I'll bet that you're talking about the SWS capability (Safety Warning System). Personally, I've never seen it work, nor have I known anyone else with a SWS receiver to have it work.

The SWS system is based off of a modified K-band technology, and it's meant to be used to warn motorists of "rock slides" or "bridge out" type things. There are about 50(ish) pre-programmed messages that can be triggered by a roadside transmitter (which is low power so that it doesn't "bleed").

Honestly.. I think that it was a good idea when it got started, but not enough communities bought into it and it's basically dead.


The Escort manual covers a bit of the function... if you didn't get a manual from your buddy, you can download it from Escort's site:
http://www.escortradar.com/manuals.htm

 

I don't even use a detector any more, but when I was running my Whistler 1610, I did see it scroll "Road Work Ahead" when I was in Dallas. It did say "Caution" before I crossed an ambulance a time or two. Other than that, most areas prob don't bother with it.

 

jeffires-where in new orleans do you live? my dad just moved there about a month ago.. he lives around metarie or however you spell it

 

I also have a V1 and it's the best purchase I've made.. saved me tons.

 

I live uptown near Audubon Zoo, I work in Metarie off of Causeway Blvd.