New V1 owner, So. Cali help!

[562v1]

Hello,

First time poster, this seems like a great site. I've just received my brand new V1 from Valentine Research with colored concealed display. Hardwired it and all is good. However I am worried that it's not working properly. I live in So. Cali. I am around Long Beach, South Bay, LAX area.

Here's my main concern, my entire car all around is tinted 25% and the front windshield has a 6" banner that consist of 5% tint. The installer told me it was a hybrid ceramic/metallic film tint.

A little more about the installation:

I place the V1 up high and above the RVM, right in front of it is the said 5% tint.

This is why I am worried:

Note throughout the entire time I had it it was in "A" all bogeys mode.

After the install I've encountered about 15 LEOs or so and never ONCE did my V1 go off. Here are some examples of the ones I encountered, that I thought they would trigger my V1:

3x a LEO was on the side of the road giving a ticket to someone. (Location: 2x 405N, 1x on surface streets)

1x I was merging onto the 405N and right after I got on a motorcycle LEO zoomed right pass me and my V1 didn't go off. Just to test it out, after I got on the freeway, I got right behind him, still nothing from the V1.

2x a pull out of a driveway and a LEO drive right pass me, nothing from the V1. (Location: 1x Torrance, LEO was a SUV. 1x near LAX LEO was regular CHP crown vic)

5x+ I see a LEO going the opposite way on the freeway (405N) and nothing from the V1.


I looked at the list of what radars they use in what city and I live in Long Beach, it says mostly K and Ka. Would it be okay for me to turn off X band?

I know my V1 is working as it picks up those speed limit signs that shows you your speed and it would alert me from well over a mile away on surface streets. I also get a lot of X which I assume are automatic door openers.

Today on the way to work (towards LAX) on the 405N. Within 5 mintutes, I get 2 laser, full strength, brief second then gone. Look around and I see nothing.

I ask for help as I dont know if my TINT is to blame? If so, why can I still pick up speed limit signs well far ahead?

Are ALL So. Cali. LEOs using I/O an NEVER C/O? Anyone in So. Cali. have any input or recommendation of settings?

I will be heading to Palm Desert tomorrow for the weekend and I guess that will be it's true test. Thanks for reading, sorry it's long, I am just questioning my $500+ purchase. Any input would be great!

Thanks again!

[languy99]

Remember it is a radar detector not a cop detector. motorcycle cops especially are not running radar while riding, they can't. The tint will have an effect that's for sure, but if the PO is not running radar you will not get a reading. Also on the laser, remember that are a lot of reason it can go off, tail lights, LED signs, cruise control from some vehicles, etc.

[djrams80]

Drive up and down PCH between the circle and Long Beach Blvd for a while and you will find some LEOs running radar. This is Signal Hill PD territory. They run a lot of 35.5Ka. All of LBPD speed enforcement is done by Motorcycle LEOs and only in the daytime. LBPD Crown Vic cruisers are never running radar. Signal Hill territory is your best chance of finding some active radar.

[562v1]

Thanks languy99 and djrams80!

languy99 - Yeah I understand it's a radar detector and not a cop detector, I guess Im just kind of sad it hasn't actually alerted me of one yet in the last 2 days.

djrams80 - That place is about a good 10mins away, I'll have to go and try it out. Are you from Long Beach as well? So LBPD crown vic LEOs never run radar, but do motorcycle LEOs?

Also do you guys have any suggestions for tomorrows trip from Long Beach to palm desert? I think I'll still leave it on "A" mode. Thanks again!

[djrams80]

Originally Posted by 562v1

Thanks languy99 and djrams80!

languy99 - Yeah I understand it's a radar detector and not a cop detector, I guess Im just kind of sad it hasn't actually alerted me of one yet in the last 2 days.

This is normal. Lots of action sometimes, other times nothing.

Originally Posted by 562v1

djrams80 - That place is about a good 10mins away, I'll have to go and try it out. Are you from Long Beach as well?

Yes

Originally Posted by 562v1

So LBPD crown vic LEOs never run radar, but do motorcycle LEOs?

Yes, but only stationary I/O(instant on) Ka band. There is no laser in Long Beach.

Originally Posted by 562v1

Also do you guys have any suggestions for tomorrows trip from Long Beach to palm desert? I think I'll still leave it on "A" mode. Thanks again!

Turn off pop and X band. You don't need either. CHP uses only Ka band and laser. Laser is deadly and you will get no warning at all. The only reliable defense against laser is a laser jammer.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by languy99

motorcycle cops especially are not running radar while riding, they can't.

CHP in Cali can run radar while riding ... one of my best ever saves was a moto CHP with constant on Ka.

[djrams80]

Originally Posted by djrams80

Yes, but only stationary I/O(instant on) Ka band. There is no laser in Long Beach.

THIS IS WRONG! I spotted an LTI Ultralyte on the side LBPD Moto unit today.

[iazybandit]

Originally Posted by 562v1

Thanks languy99 and djrams80!

languy99 - Yeah I understand it's a radar detector and not a cop detector, I guess Im just kind of sad it hasn't actually alerted me of one yet in the last 2 days.

djrams80 - That place is about a good 10mins away, I'll have to go and try it out. Are you from Long Beach as well? So LBPD crown vic LEOs never run radar, but do motorcycle LEOs?

Also do you guys have any suggestions for tomorrows trip from Long Beach to palm desert? I think I'll still leave it on "A" mode. Thanks again!

Those times that you saw them, they probably didnt have it on. I see cops on the side with a car pulled over as well writing them a ticket and it doesnt even go off.

There were times where there was 2-3 LEOs in the middle median and they were outside the car and no alert. I've had a couple where there was either no one in the car or the cop had the lights inside the car on and was probably writing something.

Just because you see them, doesnt mean they'll always have it on. Majority of the time, they'll have theirs off if they are in motion.

Only time I encountered LEOs having radar guns on was on my way to work. The LEO was stopped at the light. The other time was me on a highway and my STi (at the time) started to go nuts. Looked in my rearview mirror and he was coming up behind me quick. I cut three lanes and exited. He passed me and the alert started to die down.

I've had my V1 for about 2 months now and havent experienced any real threats.

I suggest just leaving it on "A" at all times. See the sticky in this forum in regards to muting.

[Jameson]

Originally Posted by languy99

Remember it is a radar detector not a cop detector. motorcycle cops especially are not running radar while riding, they can't. The tint will have an effect that's for sure, but if the PO is not running radar you will not get a reading. Also on the laser, remember that are a lot of reason it can go off, tail lights, LED signs, cruise control from some vehicles, etc.

Actually in Cali the CHP has radar installed on their bikes and its usually on.

[languy99]

Originally Posted by Jameson

Actually in Cali the CHP has radar installed on their bikes and its usually on.

Well not around here, all the bikes I have seen running anything are sitting still and it's hand held.