Valentine One Goes Apes**t For No Reason

BoostLover99 · Apr 14, 2009, 09:41 AM

I've had the same V1 unit since 1998 (yeah, these suckers are built to last) and the unit has paid for itself probably a dozen times over in any given year. It's currently hard-wired in my Evo w/ a concealed display adapter.

During the last couple of years, whenever the weather changes significantly (gets a lot colder or a lot warmer), it'll generate massive false alarms for no reason. The false alarms are usually 6-7 sources of X-band radar in all directions but Ka is also a frequent offender.

I know they're false alarms because I'm getting them in my garage and when the unit's behaving normally, no sources are detected.

Driving around with the unit is an exercise in futility because it's going completely ape s**t; this lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a week or so.

Then, with no explanation, the problem goes away until the seasons change again. The electrical connection to power is solid and the V1 doesn't have any moving parts (aside from the volume and mute control) so what could possibly be the problem?

theboricua · Apr 14, 2009, 01:17 PM

Send it in for updates and re-tune. Costs around 100.00 bucks cause its out of warranty.

kimletrim · Apr 14, 2009, 01:21 PM

I think it does that if it gets overheated. It has happened to me in the past in the summer weather.

goosey2099 · Apr 14, 2009, 02:23 PM

Retune... Thats what mine is kinda doing and its from 2004

BoostLover99 · Apr 14, 2009, 04:19 PM

Thank you for the helpful responses - do you know what happens during a "retune?"

I mean it doesn't have any moving parts, right?

mplspilot · Apr 14, 2009, 04:55 PM

Capacitors or whatever is inside dry up and you get false alarms. I think that's the reason if i recall correctly. So there are no moving parts inside, but there are parts that go bad.

BoostLover99 · Apr 14, 2009, 05:25 PM

Ahh - that makes sense. Thank you!

radicalmarkSRT · Apr 15, 2009, 02:30 PM

Just dont drive like a douche on the highway, save money

MRCole · Apr 18, 2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radicalmarkSRT

Just dont drive like a douche on the highway, save money

Makes your more aware of what's going on, not that you always speed.

To the OP, all of the responses are good, from weather and it overheating to sending in for a retune/firmware update. Good luck!

1fastevo8 · Apr 23, 2009, 10:41 AM

Turn off X band considering nobody uses it anymore. And, sending it back to V1 for an update and tuneup would def improve your overall situation.

wum · May 2, 2009, 10:25 AM

get a passport. it's got newer technology.

BoostLover99 · May 2, 2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wum

get a passport. it's got newer technology.

Yeah, that is one option.

We'll refrain from a whose detector is better debate as that's not the point of this thread.

Thanks for the idea, though.

Xearo · May 2, 2009, 01:11 PM

My detector started spazzing just for a few minutes and I figured a cop was behind me with his radar on. Well it turns out it was just a suped up cellica. After he was out of sight it stopped. I saw some crap on his windshield that was bigger than just a regular radar detector. (Might have been a nav unit and a radar detecor up there - i saw abunch of **** up there.) Anyway, is it possible he had a radar jammer or something? Dont know too much abou those?

focalart · May 2, 2009, 01:19 PM

98 way overdue for a tune. Valentine is reasonable in terms of price, you will be happy you did it.

I know it is pre POP, so for extra money you can upgrade it to 09 specs.

As for the V1 and many good detectors, you will get falses from various sources such as cheap detectors like the Cobra.

Also, the V1 is versy sensitive on laser, so many models of Infinti's with lane depart, and adaptive cruise control, will set off the V1.

Xearo · May 2, 2009, 02:11 PM

hmm whats pop?? Can all detectors be retuned?!?
that would be sweet. Mine is a bit old.