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  1. #1

    Default My experience today running the X50 + V1

    First off, yes, I know it's not recommended to run two detectors at the same time. Now that we have that over with...

    Received the X50 in the mail last night, played with the settings a bit, and mounted it. Most of you probably already know this, but the user interface of the X50 with regards to programming puts the V1 to shame. Yes, Mike Valentine says his detector is perfect from the factory, so there isn't a "need" to make it easy to reprogram. Well, most of the X50 settings are personal preferences, things that don't directly change the performance of the detector. Yes, you can turn bands on or off, but why shouldn't you be able to turn X-band off easily if your state doesn't use it?

    After my final I decided to go for a drive. The V1 is hardwired, mounted directly underneath the mirror. The X50 ran off the cigarette adapter (nice incorporation of a mute button on the adapter btw), and was mounted low in the center of the dash, above the wiper blades. It's possible mounting the X50 low had adverse effects on performance compared to the V1, but I wouldn't think this would matter so much for Radar detection, plus different sources say mounting the X50 low is better anyways. :?

    First I did a direct comparison with a known K-band source. I had the V1 in A mode, X turned off. X50 was running highway mode, automute off, X-band off, POP on, standard meter mode. I did each test from both directions on the highway (west/east).
    • Both detectors turned on at the same time: V1 picked K up first, with X50 about 2 seconds behind (driving 70mph), about 50 yards before exit sign. Coming the other direction (this time the source is on the far side of the freeway), V1 picks it up (at bridge), X50 is blank. V1 also gave a "more aggressive" tone than the X50 when they both got it, but like I mentioned with the SML tests, this is only a test of accuracy, not range.

    • V1 ON, X50 off: This time the V1 picked it up later, right at the exit sign rather a couple seconds before it. Other direction it still got it at the bridge.

    • V1 off, X50 ON: Barely picked it up right as I passed the source 1st direction. Blank the 2nd direction.

    V1 seemed hands down winner of that crude test.

    After that I decided to drive to San Luis Obisbo (~110 miles from Santa Barbara). This was the most interesting test. I kept both detectors on the entire way. I was hit with Ka nearly 10 times I'd say. Should have kept a log. Each time from the front. Every encounter of Ka, the V1 alerted at least 2 seconds or more before the X50. Thoughts on this in a moment. The V1 also caught 2 "junk" detectors, but I have to assume they were traveling the opposite direction as I couldn't see any detectors in any of the cars around me. During both junk alerts, the X50 stayed quiet. For now I'm saying this is a good thing. I wonder if the X50 has a junk feature as well, but just mutes it from the start.

    I have a few theories as to the inferior detection of the X50 (in my short test anyway).

    1: Mounting - It's possible I suppose that the ~12 inches of height the V1 had on the X50 gave the V1 its advantage in early detection. I'm not sure if I buy that though, since all alerts were on flat or curved roads, not hill situations. Also, I drive a hatchback, so it's not like if I were in a truck where the V1 would ride above traffic and the low-mounted X50's line-of-sight might "hit" the car roofs ahead.

    2: Running both detectors simultaneously: I had a weird situation occur during the drive. V1 picked up Ka in a curvy area, couple seconds later the X50 does as well. They pick up strength until they are both near constant tone. Suddenly, the X50 says POP, and the V1 junks out. After that I immediately disabled POP on the X50 and the situation didn't repeat. My guess is that the X50 interfered with the V1 when it falsed on POP. I assume it falsed anyways, since why would a LEO running constant Ka shoot POP?

    Also, sometimes if I already have the V1 turned on, and proceed to turn the X50 on, the V1 gets a Ka and K bogey alert of about 2 bars, and then those go away one the X50 has completed its startup sequence. Bizarre. The X50 has no such reaction when the situation is reversed. My assumption is that the superior shielding of the V1 prevents the X50 from being affected. However, because the X50 certainly is not as well shielded as the V1 (just look at the Spectre tests), it IS detected slightly by the V1.

    3: X50 Filtering - The delay in the X50 could be attributed to the algorithm that determines if the radar is a legitimate source or not. This would explain the fact that the V1 received junk alerts, while the X50 stayed quiet.

    Overall it was a fun experience, and I definitely received some looks (and followers) by having two detectors stuck to my windshield. I also ran into a fellow X50 (I think, maybe RX65) user in a large Ford truck. I enjoyed using him as a rabbit :wink: Honestly, the test made me feel a little hesitant about the X50, and more confident in the V1. I definitely will have to use the X50 more in the coming weeks while my V1 is sent in for 3.825. Maybe it will grow on me. One thing definite positive thing I can say about the X50, is that if the V1 had feelings, it would feel real jealous of the X50's display and interface.

    Oh, what's with the X50's speaker? It's wimpy next to the V1![/list]

  2. #2
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    Default Re: My experience today running the X50 + V1

    Quote Originally Posted by erobinson
    First off, yes, I know it's not recommended to run two detectors at the same time. Now that we have that over with...
    Just to be a jerk, I have to say it: You should not run both at the same time. heheheheeh

    You know somebody is gonna say it before this thread is over, despite your warning.

    Excellent post BTW!

  3. #3

    Default Re: My experience today running the X50 + V1

    Quote Originally Posted by lordhamster
    Quote Originally Posted by erobinson
    First off, yes, I know it's not recommended to run two detectors at the same time. Now that we have that over with...
    Just to be a jerk, I have to say it: You should not run both at the same time. heheheheeh

    You know somebody is gonna say it before this thread is over, despite your warning.

    Excellent post BTW!
    :shock: :P

    Thanks, and yes I know. I also know the immediate response will be that I'm diehard V1 and don't have an open mind. But, I bought the X50 so that I could experience and be open to other detectors. I might be biased, but I'm trying to avoid that.

  4. #4
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    Default

    Nice post, I think the V1 is probably getting better K reception like you said from the X50 filtering it. If this is a K band false then I suppose it doesnt matter how quickly you were alerted.

    As for the low X50 and high V1, the higher the mount the better radar reception, the lower the mount the better laser reception. It is truly amazing that when mounted high the V1 picks up laser aimed at the plate or headlight. (ok i gave v1 a compliment) The V1's audio is much louder than the X50, but that little brap that the v1 makes is not pleasant in my opinion.

    I presume you will come up with the same opinion as everyone else that has tried the two. The X50 and the V1 have about the same range in radar, maybe a slight edge to the X50. The X50 doesnt false as much as the V1 in the city. The V1 is better at laser. The V1 is better from the rear. All of these are personal choices on what you think is a greater threat. What's important to the user is what it boils down to in the end.

    If V1 would make their programming easier, use a display like the X50 with arrows and get rid of the little LED's, add an automute with dimmer, the V1 might be worth the extra $100 for the updated look.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by PassportToSpeed
    The X50 doesnt false as much as the V1 in the city.
    I'm not entirely sure that is true... I think it may be partially a matter of perception due to the x50s better automute function.

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by PassportToSpeed
    Nice post, I think the V1 is probably getting better K reception like you said from the X50 filtering it. If this is a K band false then I suppose it doesnt matter how quickly you were alerted.

    As for the low X50 and high V1, the higher the mount the better radar reception, the lower the mount the better laser reception. It is truly amazing that when mounted high the V1 picks up laser aimed at the plate or headlight. (ok i gave v1 a compliment) The V1's audio is much louder than the X50, but that little brap that the v1 makes is not pleasant in my opinion.

    I presume you will come up with the same opinion as everyone else that has tried the two. The X50 and the V1 have about the same range in radar, maybe a slight edge to the X50. The X50 doesnt false as much as the V1 in the city. The V1 is better at laser. The V1 is better from the rear. All of these are personal choices on what you think is a greater threat. What's important to the user is what it boils down to in the end.

    If V1 would make their programming easier, use a display like the X50 with arrows and get rid of the little LED's, add an automute with dimmer, the V1 might be worth the extra $100 for the updated look.
    Well, the alerts shouldn't be friendly on the ears. I think it should sound kind of ugly, lol.

    So you think the slight difference in mounting height was what caused the X50 to have inferior Ka detection in experience today? Like I said, it's possible, but have we seen tests that show what percentage decrease arises by mounting low? Hmm...

    About the last paragraph. You're absolutely right. If the V1 had those things (it does have an automatic dimmer, something the X50 lacks, and it is brighter overall it seems, maybe just because of the bigger letter), it would sell much better. They don't seem like things Mike is not capable of adding either. Maybe we will have to wait until version 2.0?

    You're probably right about the K detection. I do have version 3.824, so maybe once I get 3.825 and put it in big L they will be the same. Then again, I did have the X50 in highway mode.

  7. #7

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    One more thing, it's a little annoying then I pay $100 less for a detector, and it comes with a nice case, and my $400 V1 just has the cardboard packaging. Not like I'll sell the V1 over that, but come on...

  8. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by erobinson
    One more thing, it's a little annoying then I pay $100 less for a detector, and it comes with a nice case, and my $400 V1 just has the cardboard packaging. Not like I'll sell the V1 over that, but come on...
    Amen.

    Although, I've I'm spending $250 or whatever the heck the escort costs now adays, I'd rather have the hardwirekit and the visorclip than the stinkin' case.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by erobinson
    One more thing, it's a little annoying then I pay $100 less for a detector, and it comes with a nice case, and my $400 V1 just has the cardboard packaging. Not like I'll sell the V1 over that, but come on...
    Mike V should be making a huge profit on his detectors, the very least he could do is include the carrying case.

  10. #10
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    I never used the large case that came with my original Escort. I think it's best to leave it as optional if it would raise the cost of the detector. I don't concern myself with how much profit a company is or isn't making, just whether I'm willing to pay the price for the product or not.

    Why not throw in the concealed display as well? :wink:

    Ed

 

 

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