Newzchspy

The V1 connection allows you to run your V1 as a Remote Display off of an Android Phone (iPhone coming this next spring 2013). It also allows you to program your V1 off of the phone. Savvy allow muting for the K band falses that a LOT of V1s suffer from.

AMG_Guy

This is where mine is mounted:

Newzchspy

Get a hold of the V1 Hard Wire kit, its fast and easy and simple. Most guys runs off Cig lighter or glove box light since they're switched when ignition off/on. Some guys also prefer to leave it on a "constant " on circuit so it doesnt go off and on when turning off the car, BUT if you do this, you have to manually turn off the Detector!!

As far as getting another unit, I'd look at either the V1 and/or the Escort Redline. For sheer distance on Ka band, nothing beats the Redline as a windshield mount. Not that the V1 is a slouch either. If you're in an area where speed cams and or redlight cams are an issue, then look at the Escort 9500iX. Its a great all around unit. Its updateable with the camera locations through an online database and it can be very quiet in metro areas as well if programmed properly.

Marine Blue

This is a big reason why I'm leaning towards the V1. It performs very well and for a nominal fee it will be something I can use for many years.

speed7

Very clean!

I know now I'm going to sound like a pain in the ***... can you also take a pic of where you're mounting the velcro on the window and where on the valentine? =)

Thanks!! I know I probably sound like a needy #####...

Newzchspy

Are you saying you can update it? Yes, if and ONLY if (currently) you send it in and for about $189.00 or more (that's what I paid) get it upgraded to a new unit with ESP. The Redline by Escort is also a monstrous unit and has unparalleled range on the Ka band, particularly 35.5 which is very important.

If I were you and looking for a great "cheap" all around unit, look at a a refurb Beltronics RX 65 S7 (not the M4 model); For the $$, its one of the greatest units ever built. You can run it in USA mode for Ka band and its really good. Check Ebay for Escort Radar's store!!

Marine Blue

Interesting, so you have a V1 and they charged you $189 for the upgrade? I'm planning on buying a new unit and my thought is that 5 years from now when technology changes I can send it in and for less than half of what I paid for the unit I can bring it up to current specifications. Others have quoted $150 for the upgrade cost and in some instances Valentine doesn't charge anything if the upgrade happens shortly after purchase.

I like the Redline as well but to me it is the equivalent of the V1 and the 9500ix seems like the best alternative. I'm going new either way.

JUAN CASAUS

The redline is also invisible to police radar so they can't detect your unit and turn their radar on and off based on your signal.

speed7

I'm sure it's also about how out of date your version is, maybe?

Here is the report from V1 regarding my update:

Our V1.85 Upgrade* for this series of V1 will produce the following benefits:

Traffic Monitor Filter eliminates false alarms caused by SpeedInfo, a traffic-flow monitoring system that sends frequent K-band radar bursts into the traffic stream. This software algorithm is installed at the factory but not activated. For activation instructions, click here.

Extended Serial Protocol (ESP) enhances two-way communication with SAVVY and future peripheral devices.

*One-year limited warranty starting at upgrade date, same as new units.
-- Upgrade to V1.85: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll replace a circuit board and install revised firmware, then return it to you in the shortest possible time with a new serial number to indicate its revised capability.

PRICE: $99 plus shipping


So yeah my only gripe is the chatter from the speed sensors on the freeway.... which this update fixes.. so I need to get on that.

RobbieCLS500

I've just finished my install of a hardwired Escort 8500 X50 Black. On my 2006 CLS500. I basically ran my smart wire From engine bay fuse box. I wired it from my cigar liter fuse #54 and just ran the wires from the box under the weather strip. Seems to w

91RS

Sorry for the off topic, but does your car have the designo poplar wood trim?

Marine Blue

I'm getting ready to install the V1 I just picked up and I'm curious how you all connected up the ground wire. Specifically I plan on running the wire into glove box and I'm wondering if there's a ground wire connection somewhere that I can easily connect to without splicing into a wire. Anyone know?

Marine Blue

Ok the install is done with one exception, the ground wire. Are you guys splicing into the brown wire on the glove box light or are you connecting the ground wire somewhere else?

Any suggestions on this would be great. Thanks.

pointman

Supposedly there is a screw/ground right behind the factory cd changer.

Marine Blue

Thanks!

Another unrelated question, does anyone know if the CD changer is connected via RCA's or if it a proprietary connection? I am hoping to pull the CD player out and plug in a spare ipod in its place with an adaptor.

Marine Blue

Well there is no ground behind the cd changer and no RCA connections either. Looks like I'll need to splice into the ground wire.

91RS

The CD changer uses the MOST optical ring. If you disconnect it without properly reconfiguring the MOST ring, nothing will work. The radio, CD changer, H/K amp (if equipped), SDARS (sat radio, if equipped), phone ((if equipped), and I believe there's a possibly one other module are all connected in a ring.

maverik259

I ran mine to the fuse box area on the driver side...grounded it to one of the screws in there and tapped a 12v wire from the headlight switch...took about 15 minutes to do including finding which wire was the 12v wire...though be careful not to have your ampmeter set to mV cuz 12mV is not the same as 12v lol

Marine Blue

Splicing into the ground wire worked perfectly. Now I just need to get some velcro so I can hide the wire when I disconnect the detector.

xxaarraa

I don't think I have the designo. I want to say rosewood interior trim with black leather but I might be off on the color of the wood.