My first impression with a V1.

[Cips]

Introduction: First radar detector was a Bel Vector 995, then I upgraded to an STi, then I upgraded to the V1. I've only had it for two days now, so I'll become more familiar with it.

The V1 is overwhelming at first. All the information it gives you is stellar. How many threats, where, and what bands - That's what makes it overwhelming. With the previous Bel's it gave me moderate information, and I had to decide what to do. The V1 gives you everything you need to know, then lets you make a decision. It'll take time to get used to and understand, as I have a steep learning curve to trek upon.

Is it chatty? Yes, but doesn't have to be. The reason it's chatty, as I observed, is because the wealth of info you get. Audio tones for different bands and strength alerts, as well as the bogey lock tone? C'mon - that's stuff you need to know. My Bel was a lot quieter, but audibly never told me when it picked up more alerts, if it even found them. How do I make it quieter - I have enabled the 30 second/4 light K-Band automute, and leave the muted volume set low in the little L mode. It does help.

The windshield mount felt flimsy at first, but after I actually mounted it to the windshield it was solid. I didn't like the spot I had it in because it wasn't high enough (the truck has the dots on the windshield) so now I'm using the visor clip.

I work nights, so most of my driving is at night. It's really tough to see what bands are being detected, almost impossible unless you're very familiar with the face of the V1. To fix that, I have two concealed displays on their way to REBinc to get new different color LED's.

Conclusion: The V1 is almost annoying at first, unless you program it to how you would like to be alerted. As I said I have a tough learning curve ahead of me, as I now have loads of more information to process. I'm sure I will begin to love it like all those zombies out there.

-Anthony

[Arvetus]

When you get used to it, you won't have to look at what band is being used. You'll know by the sound of the tone...and that won't take but a couple days to get that down. You'll just give a quick glance to see where it's coming from as you move your foot to the brake

[InTheAir]

It's really tough to see what bands are being detected, almost impossible unless you're very familiar with the face of the V1. To fix that, I have two concealed displays on their way to REBinc to get new different color LED's.

I'm finding the "issue" (if you can call it an issue). Unfortunately, I don't have a need for the concealed display (yet), so I might be left to memorizing the tones.

[V1 Dave]

That's good you found the 30 second/4 light K-Band automute.
I believe you need X band in NJ that's too bad.
Turning off POP will quiet it down a little on K and Ka.
You could bring K auto up to 6 light automute and I like adding rear K mute at all times when looking for falsing suppression, LED's still work in small logic.
Which bands are chatty to you?
If it's X band and logic is not stopping it your only option is to turn down the volume or turn it off.

For me mine is real quiet as X is not used at all and K band is not used on our freeways so some people are turning off K band but I prefer to automute all 8 LED's of volume on K band still having the option of LED's, a separate muted volume for K band, bringing back regular K band volume in (A) mode.
(Something to consider if you drive a lot and K band is overwhelming)

[Rottman]

so I might be left to memorizing the tones.

I think it's very easy to fig out which is what band....

[InTheAir]

so I might be left to memorizing the tones.

I think it's very easy to fig out which is what band....

Not for a newbie.

[erickonphoenix]

I don't think the V1 audibles are as distinctive as Escorts. Not even close. But once you get used to them they are good enough.

[Cips]

That's good you found the 30 second/4 light K-Band automute.
I believe you need X band in NJ that's too bad.
Turning off POP will quiet it down a little on K and Ka.
You could bring K auto up to 6 light automute and I like adding rear K mute at all times when looking for falsing suppression, LED's still work in small logic.
Which bands are chatty to you?
If it's X band and logic is not stopping it your only option is to turn down the volume or turn it off.

For me mine is real quiet as X is not used at all and K band is not used on our freeways so some people are turning off K band but I prefer to automute all 8 LED's of volume on K band still having the option of LED's, a separate muted volume for K band, bringing back regular K band volume in (A) mode.
(Something to consider if you drive a lot and K band is overwhelming)

X is still used in NJ but K-Band I notice is very chatty.

How would I go about going to a 6 light automute? That would better suit my taste.

[Rottman]

so I might be left to memorizing the tones.

I think it's very easy to fig out which is what band....

Not for a newbie.

In time you will bro....KA is a distinct BRAP..... that help?

[amoney]

I don't think the V1 audibles are as distinctive as Escorts. Not even close. But once you get used to them they are good enough.

I also agree.