Escort 9500i vs valentine

[thunder24]

I am getting a new car. and have been reading up a lot on the two radars and i cant decide what to believe. i love the GPS, speed, voicing and the blocking from the 9500i. but the valentine one sounds good too with the arrows and how it can detect from behind. can the 9500 cover behing you just as good? or what?

[Silver Ecstasy]

I hate to be a search nazi...but...

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123698205&highlight=9500i

[stockms3]

v1

[MakeMeGoFast]

Search sucks. You type in what you think might be the key words and you get 500 pages of everything but.

[StealthWyvern]

Search sucks. You type in what you think might be the key words and you get 500 pages of everything but.

Thats becuase people sigs get searched to! lol

[Silver Ecstasy]

I typed "9500i vs V1" and found 4 legitimate threads in the top 6. I hate search too, but i'm just saying.

[Akaveli]

From personal experience I'll say the Escort 9500i is better then the V1. I have a friend who has the V1 and numerous times when we go to meets my detector is am able to pick up better signals then his fron the front and rear. Escort FTW.

[wisniaPl]

whre I can get valentine and for how much??

[xandrake]

I have had both and still have my 9500i. It's far superior.

Although cool, the arrows didn't make up for all of the false positives I got. The custom blocking on the 9500i is great, and they're making an online tool for people to share speed trap locations and traffic cams across the world.

The 9500i has rear detection too. An important factor to any radar is its placement on the windshield. Read up on it and you'll be fine.

[ragindark]

Nothing beats the Valentine One in radar and laser detection. The Valentine One blows the Escort 9500i away in rear radar detection as well because it is the only radar detector with a front and rear radar antenna with arrows to locate radar. No other detector has this because Valentine Research has the patent on front and rear facing radar antennas in a single radar/laser detecting unit with arrows.

The results don't lie:

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detector-performance/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/charts-by-radar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/charts-by-police-laser-gun/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/tables-by-radar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/tables-by-police-laser-gun/

[ragindark]

where I can get valentine and for how much??

http://valentine1.com/

[xandrake]

You never hear about V1 guys talking about how they never get false positives, just complaining about how many they really DO get. The V1 is a great detector, but having something that goes off only when it needs to is great.

I forgot to add that rear detection shouldn't be a deal breaker...if a cop is behind you and is smart, he'll use his accu trac and not shoot radar.

[mazdaspeedster3]

I have used both the V1 and the 9500 (still have it) also still have an 8500 that I like better than the V1 and the 9500 in my opinion is a better unit and has won awards and beat the V1 in many comparos. The arrows are meaningless to me as I have a secondary alert unit behind my steering wheel and very rarely look at the unit itself. The V1 is a bigger unit as well and boxie old looking. All truly boils down to which unit you prefer. Read the reveiws and the tests and make your best judgement. Ultamately they are equivalent units. If you really want to drop the dime and have the ultimate hook up go with the RX75. Go to Radarbusters.com, that site will set you up!

[ragindark]

The V1 is a bigger unit as well and boxie old looking.

The V1 is a bigger unit you say?

Size (from smallest to largest):

Valentine One -> 16.20 cu. in.
Bel RX65 Pro -> 16.33 cu. in.
Bel STi Driver-> 16.33 cu. in.
Escort 8500 X50 -> 18.95 cu. in.
Escort 9500i -> 21.72 cu. in.

Weight (from lightest to heaviest):

Valentine One -> 181.5g (6.40 ounces)
Bel RX65 Pro -> 236.6g (8.35 ounces)
Escort 8500 X50 -> 253.7g (8.95 ounces)
Escort 9500i -> 269.2g (9.49 ounces)
Bel STi Driver -> 291.6g (10.29 ounces)

The Escort 9500i is the largest in size and the Beltronics STi Driver is the heaviest. The Valentine One is the smallest and lightest radar detector of the top five radar detectors made today.

[r00k]

I only have experience with the V1...it kicks ass. The arrows help...A LOT. You get an idea of where to look for traps. I drive to Las Vegas about 10times a year and each time I go...it works like a charm.

...I still want to tryout the Escort 9500i though.

[mazdaspeedster3]

Size certainly is deceiving you are right however, looking at them side by side on my kitchen table the V1 is smaller but the square shape is what throws it off.

[mazdaspeedster3]

Also, my Valentine is 5 years old. I have not seen a new one lately, are they that much smaller?

[numbnuts22715]

i think the arrows are a gimmick.
if theres a cop behind you, you need to slow down, if its beside you in any direction, you need to slow down, if its in front of you, you need to slow down.
all this crap about how cool the arrows are dontmake sense to me.

[mazdaspeedster3]

4.5 in. L x 3.6 in. W x 1.0 in. H. V1

1.25" H x 2.85" W x 5.32" L escort

So width versus hieght then a little. I concede however that the v1 is slightly smaller in over all size.

Good job everyone!

Now, I still like the idea of a totally hidden unit with just the alert displays where I want them!

[mazdaspeedster3]

LOL... I keep jumping in with more nonsense.

Anyone see that 9500ci? ci for custom install? Anyway, it is a hidden unit with the GPS attached. Pretty sweet till I saw the price, $1599.00

[ZooMIN3]

^^ Holy crap! that's a set of nice coilovers!!!

i thought about getting the V1...i don't even speed.... I just want it because its another gizmo for the car..... ARRGHHHH..... I hate the addiction of buying something shiny and blinking just cuz.... =\

[pdqgp]

V1 Period /thread.

Seriously, I can appreciate the fact that you can rule out false alert areas, but IMO that's not good. You'll rule out an x or k false alarm and leave yourself open to a cop really being there next time.

If one can't tell a false alarm vs real on a V1 then they need to learn how to "read" the unit.

[r00k]

V1 Period /thread.

Seriously, I can appreciate the fact that you can rule out false alert areas, but IMO that's not good. You'll rule out an x or k false alarm and leave yourself open to a cop really being there next time.

If one can't tell a false alarm vs real on a V1 then they need to learn how to "read" the unit.

^^dats what I'm sayin!

[Texaco]

I have both, with the V1 being their latest and greatest version. I work with military radar systems, so I am sort of "in" to these kinds of things.

I have used a V1 for many years and got the 9500i three months ago. The GPS muting works really well on the 9500i and after storing false alarms the unit is dead quiet except for real signals. When a unit is this quiet, it really gets your attention when it goes off. Advantage 9500i. With the V1 you are constantly muting the same old false alarms.

If you want that last little bit of protection and can deal with muting false alarms, then get the V1. Running them side by side, the V1 always goes off first. The V1 also has a wider "view", front and back. I think the 9500i made a trade-off here to get better sensitivity. The 9500i does great when the radar is close to center, but not as good with an offset radar (like a cop around the corner).

The 9500i does NOT have a rear radar antenna like the V1. The 9500i does have rear facing laser sensor.

In most laser situations you are pretty much screwed no matter which detector you have. If you don't see the cop about ready to pull the trigger, your detector just confirms that you will get pulled over if you were speeding. I have only had a few laser "warnings", and only when they were shooting the cars directly in front of me. Testing however has shown that the V1 has the best laser detection of any detector. Good luck with those laser guns.

Instant-on radar can be as bad as laser. But many cops can't wait long enough between trigger pulls and you can get advanced warning that something is up there. In light traffic situations though, instant-on is a serious threat. Avantage V1 with its better sensitivity and wide view front and rear.

Being anal about this I am torn between the two. I REALLY like the 9500i GPS muting, so much so that I am willing to sacrifice a little performance. Plus, the 9500i can display your speed and is a poor mans heads up display. Over time, you will use it versus looking down at the speedo. Plus..all your friends now know when you go over 100....(boom04)

The 9500i now resides in the MS3 and my son got the V1.

[Texaco]

V1 Period /thread.

Seriously, I can appreciate the fact that you can rule out false alert areas, but IMO that's not good. You'll rule out an x or k false alarm and leave yourself open to a cop really being there next time.

If one can't tell a false alarm vs real on a V1 then they need to learn how to "read" the unit.

There is a lot of information on the web, pros and cons regarding the GPS "Truelock" feature. This is not the thread to debate it, but the info is out there for those interested. I am comfortable using it once I learned how to properly set it up. The owners manual is vague in this area, but there is detailed info on the web.

[solort]

i think the arrows are a gimmick.
if theres a cop behind you, you need to slow down, if its beside you in any direction, you need to slow down, if its in front of you, you need to slow down.
all this crap about how cool the arrows are dontmake sense to me.

The arrows help you locate the signal to help you decide if signal is a true threat. I find it extremely useful. I also find that a lot of other radar detectors give off false K and sometimes Ka signals that can be perceived as true signals. The arrows help you locate direction and therefore what is causing the radar signal. The GPS feature of new passport will not help with these signals. The newest V1 has a new feature that seems to recognize many of these bogus signals and alerts them as junk. I don't think that there is a better unit on market right now. Also, ask Valentine rep if they have any returned V1 units. They cannot sell them as new, and will take off around $30 and give you a full warranty with all new accessories. Best way to get the best unit available today.

[Gran-T]

Thunder, you don't say where you're from. I've used and always wanted to own a V1. They are very much among the best in design, build and execution. They are good at alot of things.

My problem is I live in the BigBrother state of Arizona. My two big threats are garden-variety pigs w/ radar/lazer speed guns and also the automatic stationary speed cams. Our DPS is currently installing more than 100 through out my state with more to come. That being noted , I drive alot for biz and need to know where these stationary cams are located, thus the GPS functions of the Passport 9500ix have won me over. I'ts currently on my way via UPS, I'll post its cons and benefits after a few days.

[85ms3]

I hate these threads, they allways make me want to upgrade my 8500.

[goldhawk]

(homework)Escort 9500i blows the V1 out of the water. Check out the V1's 77 score compared to the Escort at 97. Do you want a scholar or mediocre student? Do your homework but get an Escort (homework).

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=1064

[Lil_vicious559]

I have owned numerous radars and i own the 9500i and 8500 x50. But to be honest the x50 has never given me false signals or that it detects late. I think it works better than my 9500i!! I paid 499 for my 9500i and 230 for my x50. Oh yeah by the way i also own another 8500 not x50 though. the passport 8500 is the best radar out there on the market and my friend who upgraded his vector 995 to a V1 he evens admits that the V1 throws out to many false signals and like's my passport better.


Here's My 9500i and x50 http://f450.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1_18613_1_74296_0_AC%2FFtEQAAB4xR0ykq ghpw1zNcjM&fid=%40S%40Search&pid=2&prefFilename=attachment&clean=0&inline=1

[Crazee D]

next question, where to get one cheap?

[Lil_vicious559]

next question, where to get one cheap?

You want cheap. Go to Walmart, Target, or radioshack lol. These radars are not cheap!!

[pdqgp]

It's not a gimmick. They come in very handy. Especially in situations like here in Ohio where there's most always more than one cop or trooper working radar in a trap. Sure, you want to slow down if there's radar in use, but knowing where it's coming from and how many where is key.

Often times I'll pass a cop traveling the other way with his gun activated, thus lighting up the V1 for a while, but then I watch it go from pointing ahead to the side, to the rear....only to then alert me of the second bogy, up ahead shooting at a stand still. Even then alerts me as I pass him to see if he's still shooting in the same direction or has turned to shoot back towards me.

Believe me the arrows really help. You have to use one regularly to see what I mean I guess.


i think the arrows are a gimmick.
if theres a cop behind you, you need to slow down, if its beside you in any direction, you need to slow down, if its in front of you, you need to slow down.
all this crap about how cool the arrows are dontmake sense to me.

[Lil_vicious559]

It's not a gimmick. They come in very handy. Especially in situations like here in Ohio where there's most always more than one cop or trooper working radar in a trap. Sure, you want to slow down if there's radar in use, but knowing where it's coming from and how many where is key.

Often times I'll pass a cop traveling the other way with his gun activated, thus lighting up the V1 for a while, but then I watch it go from pointing ahead to the side, to the rear....only to then alert me of the second bogy, up ahead shooting at a stand still. Even then alerts me as I pass him to see if he's still shooting in the same direction or has turned to shoot back towards me.

Believe me the arrows really help. You have to use one regularly to see what I mean I guess.


In all honesty who cares where the arrows are coming from. Once your radar detects and its going off. YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN. That's how i am, I'm not in the need to look where the damn popo is at. More excess of getting into an accident while driving

[pdqgp]

I care when I see an arrow pointing ahead and can "read" the detector and notice if the cop is moving or standing still or as he is coming towards me, where he is....up front....or maybe coming up from the rear.

I can't tell you how many times, I've picked up a signal up ahead pulsing like he's standing still only to see nothing until I then pick up a strong signal to the side and by experience know, he's up on the on ramp that I'm about to pass by....thus saving my ass as I can actually figure out where he is vs wondering if it's a false alarm or a cop in the distance up ahead.

I also use the arrows in conjunction with multiple cops....one, two or often three cops up ahead with guys pulled over on the other side of the road only to find my V1 is telling me there's a cop shooting from up on the bridge or ramp behind me.

Weather I'm prepared at that moment or not, I'm at least the one driver who found the shooter and then knows where they are / typically wait for my next trip in that area. Others just drive by thinking they are lucky they didn't get pegged and go on still not knowing where the shooter was sitting.

Maybe you jam on your breaks and slow down at a moments notice, but I don't have to as I can pretty much tell where the shooter is at.


In all honesty who cares where the arrows are coming from. Once your radar detects and its going off. YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN[/SIZE]. That's how i am, I'm not in the need to look where the damn popo is at. More excess of getting into an accident while driving

[Lil_vicious559]

I care when I see an arrow pointing ahead and can "read" the detector and notice if the cop is moving or standing still or as he is coming towards me, where he is....up front....or maybe coming up from the rear.

I can't tell you how many times, I've picked up a signal up ahead pulsing like he's standing still only to see nothing until I then pick up a strong signal to the side and by experience know, he's up on the on ramp that I'm about to pass by....thus saving my ass as I can actually figure out where he is vs wondering if it's a false alarm or a cop in the distance up ahead.

I also use the arrows in conjunction with multiple cops....one, two or often three cops up ahead with guys pulled over on the other side of the road only to find my V1 is telling me there's a cop shooting from up on the bridge or ramp behind me.

Weather I'm prepared at that moment or not, I'm at least the one driver who found the shooter and then knows where they are / typically wait for my next trip in that area. Others just drive by thinking they are lucky they didn't get pegged and go on still not knowing where the shooter was sitting.

Maybe you jam on your breaks and slow down at a moments notice, but I don't have to as I can pretty much tell where the shooter is at.


(lol).............that's a good excuse as to why to buy the V1!!

In all honesty, im glad i chose the Passport 8500 over the V1. It was a toss up between the two but when my friend said he was going to upgrade his vector 995 to the V1 i went ahead and got the x50.

He even admits the V1 throws to many false signals and likes my x50 better!!


BTW: no one says you have to slam on the brakes once the radar goes off. Just decrease your speed and let it cruise!! But technically what your saying is you won't slow down until you see the cop!! THATS A SMART ONE(confused)

[ragindark]

(homework)Escort 9500i blows the V1 out of the water. Check out the V1's 77 score compared to the Escort at 97. Do you want a scholar or mediocre student? Do your homework but get an Escort (homework).

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=1064

I prefer a scholar and not a student that likes to cheat and lie about his performance. It's time for you to get schooled by the professor. I guess you should have done your homework.

First of all, Radartest.com is run by a guy named Craig Peterson who is a paid shill that works for Bel and Escort which are the same company. He likes to bash the V1 every chance he gets and promotes only Bel and Escort products. He got busted trying to sabotage the Guysoflidar.com 2007 radar detector test and he had to part with a couple thousand dollars on top of the $1000 radar gun that he hid under camouflage on top of a mountain to throw off the testing. Why did he do that you might ask...because he knew that their unbiased testing would show the V1 to be #1 which would make everybody doubt his crappy biased site.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/march-2007/sabotage.html


The Valentine One is the undisputed champion of radar and laser detection.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detector-performance/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/charts-by-radar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/charts-by-police-laser-gun/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/tables-by-radar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/tables-by-police-laser-gun/

[ragindark]

Anybody want to tell me how useless the arrows are on the Valentine One at night?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udNPS5jbr5o&

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak9iB_n5QAw&

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goMR1-81a4o&

[pdqgp]

what I'm saying is I react differently depending on the situation so that I don't stand out as the guy hitting his breaks for all to see. If I'm driving at night where visibility is thus limited I'm usually alerted pretty darn early as to which direction the cop is located. That is priceless. Especially since I often times will then slide over or move up to use other cars and semi's to block my line of sight from him.


But technically what your saying is you won't slow down until you see the cop!! THATS A SMART ONE(confused)

[goldhawk]

I prefer a scholar and not a student that likes to cheat and lie about his performance. It's time for you to get schooled by the professor. I guess you should have done your homework.

First of all, Radartest.com is run by a guy named Craig Peterson who is a paid shill that works for Bel and Escort which are the same company. He likes to bash the V1 every chance he gets and promotes only Bel and Escort products. He got busted trying to sabotage the Guysoflidar.com 2007 radar detector test and he had to part with a couple thousand dollars on top of the $1000 radar gun that he hid under camouflage on top of a mountain to throw off the testing. Why did he do that you might ask...because he knew that their unbiased testing would show the V1 to be #1 which would make everybody doubt his crappy biased site.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/march-2007/sabotage.html

Basically, you posted hearsay. Who is to say that someone else didn't plant the device? Like a competitor trying to make Craig look bad. And you are telling me that the "Guys" don't possibly have a hidden agenda. Tests can be rigged to prove almost anything. Everyone has an agenda whether they are conscious of it or not.

[Rotus8]

I have personal experience on this question, I ran a V1 and a 9500i together for about two weeks, one on each side of my car. I found that both responded very much the same with the V1 possibly a bit more sensitive. However, I couldn't stand the "noise" from the V1, going off all the time on stuff that wasn't interesting. Yes, if you pay attention the arrows help narrow down if a hit is interesting or not, but pretty soon you get numb to the alerts and start ignoring everything. The 9500i after you have trained it on stuff you know is a fixed radar source is quiet most of the time and when it goes off, you know you better pay attention. I sold the V1 and kept the 9500i. The 9500ix may be better because it self-trains, but I have no experience with it (yet).

[mazdaspeedster3]

So... All boils down to personal taste. You give up one thing for another, make the choice. If you are opting for the 8500 X50 let me lend you this advise, the Bel 940i is the exact same technology and is ovr $100 cheaper. Same menus, display and features, exact. The only is no blue display available.

[Lil_vicious559]

I have personal experience on this question, I ran a V1 and a 9500i together for about two weeks, one on each side of my car. I found that both responded very much the same with the V1 possibly a bit more sensitive. However, I couldn't stand the "noise" from the V1, going off all the time on stuff that wasn't interesting. Yes, if you pay attention the arrows help narrow down if a hit is interesting or not, but pretty soon you get numb to the alerts and start ignoring everything. The 9500i after you have trained it on stuff you know is a fixed radar source is quiet most of the time and when it goes off, you know you better pay attention. I sold the V1 and kept the 9500i. The 9500ix may be better because it self-trains, but I have no experience with it (yet).

How do you like the 9500i?? I got one and also have a 8500 x50!! for some reason i think the x50 has get's better signals and picks up al ot quicker.

[Prodigy]

http://i34.tinypic.com/egzs4x.jpg

[ragindark]

Basically, you posted hearsay. Who is to say that someone else didn't plant the device? Like a competitor trying to make Craig look bad. And you are telling me that the "Guys" don't possibly have a hidden agenda. Tests can be rigged to prove almost anything. Everyone has an agenda whether they are conscious of it or not.

It is not hearsay, the records are in the court where the financial settlement took place. Don't you think if the GuysofLidar were lying that Craig Peterson from RadarTest.com would sue the GuysofLidar for slander or libel? Their non-profit website would be shut down in one day after RadarTest.com's lawyers sent a nice letter. It is the truth and you can choose to believe Craig Peterson's BS or not but isn't it interesting that RadarTest.com has paid reviews on Bels and Escorts sites.

[ragindark]

I have personal experience on this question, I ran a V1 and a 9500i together for about two weeks, one on each side of my car. I found that both responded very much the same with the V1 possibly a bit more sensitive. However, I couldn't stand the "noise" from the V1, going off all the time on stuff that wasn't interesting. Yes, if you pay attention the arrows help narrow down if a hit is interesting or not, but pretty soon you get numb to the alerts and start ignoring everything. The 9500i after you have trained it on stuff you know is a fixed radar source is quiet most of the time and when it goes off, you know you better pay attention. I sold the V1 and kept the 9500i. The 9500ix may be better because it self-trains, but I have no experience with it (yet).

You can't run two or more detectors together at the same time and expect accurate results.

http://guysoflidar.com/twodetectors.html

Two Radar Detectors in the Same Vehicle?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many people familiar with radar detectors know that false alerts can sometimes be caused by other radar detectors operating nearby. But just because two radar detectors do not cause alerts on each other mean that they are not interfering with each other. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't run two radar detectors together in the same vehicle.


It can "Fool" the false alert filtering

Summary:
"Detector A" sees the police radar and also sees signals which leak from the other detector in the vehicle, "Detector B". Detector A thinks that the police radar is also leakage from Detector B, and tries to suppress the alert. This results in diminished range or no alert at all from Detector A.

The Details:
Radar detectors "sweep" the radar bands for police radar. But what is not so obvious is that during their regular sweep, the detectors are also scanning for other non-police radar frequencies that, if detected, could block or prevent an alert. This is due to filtering techniques which attempt to prevent Ka falsies from other detectors. These techniques work wonders in normal situations. But with another detector operating close by, range can be reduced or alerts can be completely blocked.

Superhetrodyne radar detectors contain "Local Oscillators" (or LO for short). LOs create a radar signal that is utilized to "mix down" the incoming radar signal for detection. Although the LO is generated inside the detector, in most cases the LO is "leaked" or "transmitted" from the radar detectors. Many detectors on the road have a 1st LO that operates in the 11-12 GHz range. The problem is, that these LOs also produce "harmonics" at multiples of the LO frequency. So, in once classic example, an LO operating at 11.558 GHz would produce a harmonic at 34.674 GHz, well within the valid bandpass for a Stalker Ka radar unit.

Of course, this poses a problem for detector manufacturers: they must filter the Ka false alerts caused by these other detectors on the road, while still providing superior protection against Ka radar.

Luckily, they have a novel technique at their disposal. In the example above, not only is there a Ka signal produced at 34.674 GHz, but because the Ka signal is being produced by oscillator harmonics, there will also be signals present at the oscillator's fundamental frequency of 11.558 GHz and the second harmonic at 23.116 GHz. These signals would not be present with real Ka police radar since it transmits Ka directly. So if the detector sees a signal around 34.674 GHz, the detector might also look for signals around 11.558 GHz, or the second harmonic at 23.116 Ghz. If one or both of these were present, the detector would know that the Ka radar was a false harmonic from another detector and not police radar, and can suppress the alert as a false.

For example, if there is any interference seen in the 11 GHz and/or 22 GHz range, some detectors might "lock out" Ka band or a section of Ka band for a certain duration in order to prevent a false alert from another detector in the area.

The whole technique gets pretty complex:

-the 11.558 GHz scenario mentioned above is only one example. There are several frequency schemes used by different detectors, that detector manufacturers must account for in order to prevent K/Ka false alerts from other detectors.
-the oscillators in the detectors are sweeping
-the oscillators in some detectors will "park" at different points throughout their sweep

One other technique that is sometimes used, is the detector will look for brief recurring "blips" of radar at certain frequencies which are indicative of the sweeping oscillator of another detector. When the detector sees these blips, it might "lock out" or raise the threshold for a section of K or Ka band for a certain duration in order to prevent false alerts from the nearby detector. Of course, if this other detector is in the same vehicle, then these blips never go away, and sensitivity is never restored as long as the interfering signal is present.

A detailed description of the methods used to filter alerts from other detectors is beyond the scope of this article. Hopefully the above examples are enough to illustrate how running two detectors in the same vehicle can be a problem in light of the techniques used.



It can cause a detector to "park" often during it's sweep or switch to a "slow scan"

Summary:
"Detector A" is kept busy analyzing and rejecting false alerts due to leakage from "Detector B", instead of looking for police radar. This results in diminished performance.

The Details:
Some detectors operate by sweeping quickly until they see a radar signal, then they "park" their LO or switch to a "slow scan" to get a closer look at the signal, in an attempt to determine if it is really police radar. With another detector operating in close proximity, it might see leaked oscillator interference from the other detector and "park" or "slow scan" in order to analyze them. Even if the detector determines that it isn't police radar and does not trigger an alert, this will still have the effect of unnecessarily slowing down the overall sweep, reducing effectiveness against real police radar. This can be especially critical to performance against weak instant-on at a distance, or POP.



It could raise the "noise floor"

With microwave oscillators operating in close proximity, it has the potential to raise the "noise floor" in the radar bands. Modern DSP detectors use averaging of multiple sweep samples in order to reduce the noise floor for maximum sensitivity. Raising the noise floor would have the effect of making it so that a stronger signal would be necessary for the detector to be able to pick out radar signals from the noise.



But I've ran two detectors together before and they seemed OK. I didn't notice any difference.

Sometimes two detectors running in the same vehicle will operate quite normally and there is no problem at all, at least part of the time. It might be OK on some bands or frequencies, but problematic on others. It might work just fine, except for certain times when the sweeps of the two detectors coincide with each other in a certain way. And, there's no way to test this, or to "try it out and see if they interfere" because you just don't know what the detectors are doing internally.

The bottom line: there's no way to be sure when they might be interfering or when they're not.


What about the BEL STi Driver?

People frequently ask the question: since the BEL STi Driver does not "leak" then it shouldn't interfere with another detector, right? Actually, the BEL STi does technically still "leak". However, the leakage is so low that there is no detection from today's RDDs (Spectre).

Consider the following facts:
Compared with today's high-end radar detectors, Spectre isn't all that sensitive: it uses the same receiver as cheap "Quintezz" radar detectors sold overseas.


The normal operating range for Spectre is well beyond the separation you would have when operating two detectors in the same vehicle.
So, could there be a problem with operating a radar detector which is more sensitive than Spectre at a distance which is much closer to the STi than the normal operating range for Spectre? We have posed this question to some of the brightest minds in the industry, but there's no clear-cut yes or no answer. The STi still has the potential to interfere.

Can other detectors interfere with the STi? Definitely.


Conclusion

My recommendation: don't run two detectors in the same vehicle if you are depending on them for protection. As for comparing performance between two detectors: any results are always going to be questionable if they are obtained when running two detectors together. For unquestionable results, test each detector individually against the radar source. After that, if you want to run both together for demo purposes, go for it. If the results happen to be significantly different than when the detectors were run individually, you'll know why.


http://valentine1.com/lab/DoItYourself.asp

First Problem: Detectors hate each other - Every superheterodyne receiver—that includes all of today's radar detectors—receives and transmits during normal operation. As you probably know, these detector signals sometimes set off other detectors. Out on the road, other detectors are the most common nuisance signal V1 has to deal with.

What's not so obvious is this. Even if a detector isn't set off by another one, its internal defense system may be affecting its radar sensitivity. This problem compounds when you bring two operating detectors into the same car. Up close, the transmitted signals become much stronger than a normal design would anticipate, and the weak signals that wouldn't bother at normal distances can send the defense system into hyperdrive.

V1 inspects every signal it receives and decides, Is it really radar? Is it maybe radar? Is it not radar. But it isn't designed to operate within a few feet of another detector, and we know of no other detector designed for that high-stress condition either.

Here's the irony: If you put two detectors together and one of them seems sluggish, you might decide that one is inferior. In fact, it may have a superior defense system, and the detector that appears to work better may be a grotesque polluting transmitter.

It's more trouble to test detectors by powering up one at a time, but it's the only way to tell which is better at finding radar.

Second Problem: What if they don't seem very different - Since all detectors warn when they go line of sight with the radar transmitter, they often sound their warnings well before you see the radar. But as I explain at length in Radar Detector Tests, the critical test of early warning is, What do you get "when the headlights are still beyond the hill?" The point here: To test meaningfully, you need to know the location of your radar. Are you really over the hill, or are you dipping in and out of line-of-sight as you approach. If you're dipping, both detectors will seem very similar in their response.

Reliable measurements of early warning are rarely done in normal driving. I recommend this approach: find a false alarm (they don't move on you). Go out of range, preferably beyond a rise in terrain. Then approach, and note where the alert begins. Test each detector separately. Make at least three runs for each. For different bands, find different false alarms.

One caveat here: the typical false alarm is very weak compared to real radar, so range will be short and the difference between detectors will be compressed. Expect much larger differences against traffic radar.

[Lil_vicious559]

You can't run two or more detectors together at the same time and expect accurate results.

http://guysoflidar.com/twodetectors.html


You're the only person claiming the V1 is better than the x50 or 9500i!! a buddy of mine owns one and admits it throws to many false signals!! Not only did (car&driver) say the same thing but they chose the V1 over 8500 because of the arrows, which i think is useless!!

I have no personal experience with the V1 but I've had people tell me including my buddy that the V1 throws to many false signals. "He likes the x50 better!!

I live in the valley, so there are quite a bit of open areas around here. x50 has always done it's job and it's well worth the price for what you pay.(thumb)

[goldhawk]

It is not hearsay, the records are in the court where the financial settlement took place. Don't you think if the GuysofLidar were lying that Craig Peterson from RadarTest.com would sue the GuysofLidar for slander or libel? Their non-profit website would be shut down in one day after RadarTest.com's lawyers sent a nice letter. It is the truth and you can choose to believe Craig Peterson's BS or not but isn't it interesting that RadarTest.com has paid reviews on Bels and Escorts sites.

Have you seen the court records? Can you link to them? Still hearsay without even a footnote on your part. I am not trying to be difficult or insulting to you so don't take this personally.

[Lisa]

My man has a Valentine in his Z06. It never lies. Out here in the High Desert we can see the CHP unlike other areas with lush vegetation. So the warnings are easy to validate. It is in logic mode 2,and is never fooled and displays where the radar or radars are located. On a trip To Vegas it paid for it self as we were caravaning in a small pack of BMW's and a Ferrari at over 110MPH. The Valentine went off we pulled into the slow lane and hit the brakes. Our friend's M3 with the Escort 9500 was in the front and got NAILED! He said he didn't get enough warning and then hesitated to slow down in time. Ruined his trip.
My CX-7 has one also. But I don't speed! And that is the real truth.

[Lil_vicious559]

My man has a Valentine in his Z06. It never lies. Out here in the High Desert we can see the CHP unlike other areas with lush vegetation. So the warnings are easy to validate. It is in logic mode 2,and is never fooled and displays where the radar or radars are located. On a trip To Vegas it paid for it self as we were caravaning in a small pack of BMW's and a Ferrari at over 110MPH. The Valentine went off we pulled into the slow lane and hit the brakes. Our friend's M3 with the Escort 9500 was in the front and got NAILED! He said he didn't get enough warning and then hesitated to slow down in time. Ruined his trip.
My CX-7 has one also. But I don't speed! And that is the real truth.

:bs:

[ragindark]

You're the only person claiming the V1 is better than the x50 or 9500i!! a buddy of mine owns one and admits it throws to many false signals!! Not only did (car&driver) say the same thing but they chose the V1 over 8500 because of the arrows, which i think is useless!!

I have no personal experience with the V1 but I've had people tell me including my buddy that the V1 throws to many false signals. "He likes the x50 better!!

I live in the valley, so there are quite a bit of open areas around here. x50 has always done it's job and it's well worth the price for what you pay.(thumb)

The Valentine One alerts to all police radar and laser which is why it seems more "noisy" than the 8500 X50 and the 9500i. The 8500 X50 doesn't alert to quick pulls of the radar gun's trigger 100% of the time like the Valentine One and the 8500 X50 doesn't alert to the Laser Atlanta laser gun in stealth mode. Just because your detector is quiet doesn't make it better. The only people that find the arrows useless are the idiots that can't afford a radar detector with 2 radar receiving antennas and arrows like the V1 instead of one radar receiving antenna and no arrows like every other POS detector. Valentine One for the win forever!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rieai6mk5Ug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiSaa-7I0-s

[Lil_vicious559]

The Valentine One alerts to all police radar and laser which is why it seems more "noisy" than the 8500 X50 and the 9500i. The 8500 X50 doesn't alert to quick pulls of the radar gun's trigger 100% of the time like the Valentine One and the 8500 X50 doesn't alert to the Laser Atlanta laser gun in stealth mode. Just because your detector is quiet doesn't make it better. The only people that find the arrows useless are the idiots that can't afford a radar detector with 2 radar receiving antennas and arrows like the V1 instead of one radar receiving antenna and no arrows like every other POS detector. Valentine One for the win forever!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rieai6mk5Ug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiSaa-7I0-s

1.)Your completely just a Fanboi!!

2.)Who need's arrows to tell you where the signal is coming from!! If your radar goes off, do you need to stay on the gas until you see the Cop? (NO) Just back off!! Simple

3.) I have multiple radar detectors ranging from RMR to Escort!! I Can afford just about any radar i want!!

4.)There is a Reason why valentine one radar detectors send to many false signals!! (Hence why they made the arrow's to make up for the goofy false signals that go off). I wouldn't want to brake all the time my (V1) goes off because of a false signal.

5.)escort 8500 X50 has and detects laser mode!! (You don't know what the heck your talking about).

6.)Your talking bad about the X50 but probably don't have any/no experience with it!! Me on the other hand, don't know to much about the V1. But my buddy thinks it's a POS!! (Thats sad) He even admits the x50 is better!! but that's just an opinion.

7.) test results showed the x50 is the better radar detector over the V1. But the V1 got chosen over the x50 due to the lame (ARROWS)(loser)

[ragindark]

1.)Your completely just a Fanboi!!

2.)Who need's arrows to tell you where the signal is coming from!! If your radar goes off, do you need to stay on the gas until you see the Cop? (NO) Just back off!! Simple

3.) I have multiple radar detectors ranging from RMR to Escort!! I Can afford just about any radar i want!!

4.)There is a Reason why valentine one radar detectors send to many false signals!! (Hence why they made the arrow's to make up for the goofy false signals that go off). I wouldn't want to brake all the time my (V1) goes off because of a false signal.

5.)escort 8500 X50 has and detects laser mode!! (You don't know what the heck your talking about).

6.)Your talking bad about the X50 but probably don't have any/no experience with it!! Me on the other hand, don't know to much about the V1. But my buddy thinks it's a POS!! (Thats sad) He even admits the x50 is better!! but that's just an opinion.

7.) test results showed the x50 is the better radar detector over the V1. But the V1 got chosen over the x50 due to the lame (ARROWS)(loser)

Check the videos you friggin dumb fu** because the 8500 X50 does not detect the Laser Atlanta laser gun in stealth mode and it will not alert 100% of the time when a cop does a quick pull of the radar gun. You show your lack of intelligence by disputing my evidence on video and unbiased websites that I have provided. It is not a false signal when the Valentine One alerts to all police radar and laser and the 8500 X50 is completely silent which results in a ticket for the dumba** 8500 X50 owner.

You also own a RMR detector which further proves my point that you aren't very smart because they barely work and they can't jam radar or laser. You base all of your thoughts on the V1 by listening to what your "buddy" says which is a joke. Mike Valentine, the owner and inventor of the Valentine One, started the Escort radar detector company back in the day but sold his shares because they were getting commercial and crappy which is why they filed for bankruptcy after he left.

[Lil_vicious559]

Check the videos you friggin dumb fu** because the 8500 X50 does not detect the Laser Atlanta laser gun in stealth mode and it will not alert 100% of the time when a cop does a quick pull of the radar gun.

WOW!! Now I'm a dumbfuck?? uh oh an E-THUG over the internet along with just being completely a Fanboi.

I don't need to check any videos. I own one and know how it works!! My radar goes off on "Ka band" when my radar detects a (highway patrol).

When a in-town cop on a motorcycle bike is pointing his gun at me. My radar detects and reads just only "K"band.

Sometimes my radar will go off in laser mode!!

You don't have a fricken clue what the heck you're talking about. Yet you say I'm basing my facts off of other people. Yet You're basing yours off of a video.



You show your lack of intelligence by disputing my evidence on video and unbiased websites that I have provided. It is not a false signal when the Valentine One alerts to all police radar and laser and the 8500 X50 is completely silent which results in a ticket for the dumba** 8500 X50 owner.

Your STUPIDITY just really shows right here!!(gossip)


You also own a RMR detector which further proves my point that you aren't very smart because they barely work and they can't jam radar or laser.

Neither can the V1 or any other radar!! You can't Jam any cop's radar!!

I experience radars unlike you.

I've gone through many radar detectors ranging from a (whistle) to a (bel) to (Phantom laser jammer) to (RMR C-302, C-312), to (Escort passport 8500 to the X50 to a 9500i)!!

I buy radar's, because i like to experience and know how one's different from the other. Unlike you, you base off of a website and video's from (youtube)!!


You base all of your thoughts on the V1 by listening to what your "buddy" says which is a joke.

Who said i base all of my thoughts!! I said my buddy completely thinks his V1 is garbage. (You have selective hearing)smart guy!!


Mike Valentine, the owner and inventor of the Valentine One, started the Escort radar detector company back in the day but sold his shares because they were getting commercial and crappy which is why they filed for bankruptcy after he left.

Quit being a (magazine instigator). FTL