ENDSMTG

Anyone else experiencing this? Certain late model Audis, both cars and trucks, have been making my V1 trigger. I know its probably some distronic feature they have, but wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing the same? Otherwise, I think I might need a software update. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

wallaka

Certain LED tailllights will set off the V1's laser sensor. Don't know if there's a fix for it or not, might be related.

GregMB

Check the V1 website.

There is a recent patch to the firmware that might apply. You can enter your S/N and the website will notify you if there are newer updates that you don't have yet.

The most promising thing coming out of Valentine is their new open-source interface protocol. FINALLY.... enthusiast will be able to customize the behavior of the V1 to suit their personal needs.


-G

Bramage

Lexus "distronic" sets off my Laser warning, but since I have yet to see a cop using laser here, I usually disregard. It is not often. I have noticed any new Audi's setting me off, but I will be on the look out now.

GregMB

I have a feeling that a lot of laser "jammers" out there are also creating false alarms too.

It's always a great adrenaline rush to get the full-on "LASER" alert out of nowhere.... wakes me up much better than a cup of coffee.


-G

pearlpower

Inifniti is the worst. Also, when I turn on my 55w HIDs- momentary trigger as the ballasts fire up.

tpick23

I encountered a new E coupe and while overtaking it, got to the rear bumper and my SRX laser jammer started shifting. I know it was the other MB since we were on a straight stretch of road without other cars around, on a country road with out houses or offices.

Also notice it when some large trucks pass by as on coming traffic. Radar goes off for a few seconds as the truck is in close proximity. I was thinking they may have some sort of field for communicating with weight stations, etc.

aghakauve

Lol I thought I was the only one..

moosejaw

Ive found that other v1s passing by will trigger chirping
perhaps those audis were sporting a V1?

aghakauve

No my buddies S5 makes it chirp.. Has something to do with a sensor I think. But like GregMB said there is a new patch out for false alarm K-Bands.

nanayaw6

Don't cars with radar/laser cruise control such as distronic work with the same technology?

ENDSMTG

Great info! Thanks to all that replied! Just thought it strange that it started doing this recently. I will look into the patch to correct the issue. I had to send the unit back to Valentine before. It wasn't picking up K band on those portable speed detection trailers on the roadside. They charged me $100 to reprogram. I thought they shouldve covered it, but it was 2 years old.

E55Dimon

They have new 1.85 software now, so your 2 MONTH old v1 will cost $289+s/h to upgrade. What a joke..and I've owned 10+ V1's over the years, love the radar.
I'll take my 9500 gps function > arrows now.

ENDSMTG

That's crazy.

GregMB

Yeah, a lot of times when the unit is too old... The upgrade costs a fortune. I'm sure what they are really doing is just sending you a brand new unit and ashcanning the old one.

In a lot of cases it seems smarter to just keep the old one and use it in a second car, or sell it and put the money towards the new one.

-G

grantwoodtx

I get the alerts around Audi's too.

I just checked their site and this is what I got for my V1.

V1 Description: Radar circuitry known in-house as V1.8.A-integrated--POP2 with Euro Mode

Comment: This is our latest and best performer on both radar and laser.

Upgrade Recommendation: You already have our best performer, enhanced by crystal-controlled frequency tuning. More recent V1s, however, have two additional features. Traffic Monitor Filter eliminates the K-band false alarms caused by a traffic flow-measuring system being installed along some U. S. highways; SpeedInfo sends frequent K-band radar bursts into the traffic stream (www.speedinfo.com to learn more). If you drive in an area with one of these systems, this upgrade will pay off immediately. Extended Serial Protocol (ESP) enhances two-way communication with future peripheral devices (details to be announced).

-- 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: $79 plus shipping

ENDSMTG

Great info, thanks!

LitiGATOR

Infinity is by far the worst for me.

E55Dimon

My friend just checked his month old v1 for upgrade a few days ago and it was the 289 price. He sold it for 400 on eBay next day. Weird!

hyperion667

wow, another reason to be annoyed by audi's

moosejaw

+ they are stupid to work on. I hate 'em. (Other than the first gen S4 and four cylinder models)

tgoss

LOL Agreed. I hate this POS car now, everything has gone down hill with it. Worst mistake I have ever made in my life. Only a few more months of dealing with it thank god.

moosejaw

This is surprising? Are you pulling my leg?

tgoss

Nope. Worst car I have ever owned. Just can't wait for the new ride. Will be a long 5 months.

enzom

Or you can buy an Escort with GPS lockout and not worry about these traffic flow monitor false alarms.

My guess is the Audi falses are caused by the blind-spot warning system that uses radar to the sides to alert the driver of the presence of a vehicle in either blind spot. It happened to me once a year or so ago with a Q7. I couldn't wait to get around it.