VALENTINE 1 - Which Version / Firmware?

[oak3x]

VALENTINE 1 - I'm reaching out to all you Valentine experts...
In reading all the posts, there are some obvious problems with the V1 Detectors indicating the "J - Junk" signal and "The Ghosting".

Which Version - 1.7 or 1.8, did these issues start with? Which Firmware update did it start with?

A friend has the first 1.8 Version, without POP and he says he had no problems. Is he just lucky, or should he be experiencing it as well?

Thanks

[GTO_04]

If it is a non-POP version, it will be impossible to have "J" issues on real alerts. If POP is not used where you drive, you should probably not get the POP ugrade. I have never had a real alert "J" out, but several others have. Firmware version 3.824 or 3.825 are the first V1s with POP2 capability.

GTO_04

[V1 Dave]

Started around 11/04 firmware 3.818 first 1.8 POP2 version.
Seems that some people have not had a junk alert problem either some units are better or the users don't drive much?
There were some versions before 3.818 with an (I) code in the reprogramming that could have been an attempt at POP but I think that they are OK, PM Brick he had one.

GTO_04, it is not possible to have a "J" alert on a non POP as the "J"unk alert started with the POP version.

[laserblaster]

when i'm next to the uk gatso i can get a ghost k band and thats firmware

3.769 but when close to a radar sorce ghosting can appear, this can be classed as normal operation.

[oak3x]

In my consideration to purchase a VALENTINE DETECTOR, would you recommend buying the Version 1.7 or Version 1.8 (pre / no POP)? Which of these Versions are more stable (less Quality issues).

Is either the 1.7 or 1.8 better at Filtering False Signals?

Thanks

[laserblaster]

from a technical point the 1.8 because its newer and will have better software not to mension the awesome laser detection..

[GTO_04]

Started around 11/04 firmware 3.818 first 1.8 POP2 version.
Seems that some people have not had a junk alert problem either some units are better or the users don't drive much?
There were some versions before 3.818 with an (I) code in the reprogramming that could have been an attempt at POP but I think that they are OK, PM Brick he had one.

GTO_04, it is not possible to have a "J" alert on a non POP as the "J"unk alert started with the POP version.

I agree. That's what I was getting at, sort of in a roundabout way.

Maybe the incidence of "J" outs of real radar coincides with the presence of junk RDs. I just don't get many "J" alerts period where I drive. I get more falses on my BEL 985 than my V1. But I do not view the number of false alerts as a problem for the newer BELs.

GTO_04

[oak3x]

Serial Number - Besides which Version, does the Serial Number tell you anything else? (ex date of build, firmware etc...)

[laserblaster]

end of serial number..........year of manufacture.......... v1 number
399 ......................................1992 - 1996 ------------------1.7
400 - 439...............................1997 - 1998------------------ 1.7
440 - 599...............................1998 - 2001 ------------------1.7
600 and above........................2001 - 2005 ------------------1.8

hope this helps..

[oak3x]

end of serial number..........year of manufacture.......... v1 number
399 ......................................1992 - 1996 ------------------1.7
400 - 439...............................1997 - 1998------------------ 1.7
440 - 599...............................1998 - 2001 ------------------1.7
600 and above........................2001 - 2005 ------------------1.8

hope this helps..

Perfect! Thank you very much !!!

[laserblaster]

the updated slimline model came in 2002 with ku band added, firmware for the v1.8 starts from 3.619...

i have also heard that some the very first v1's around 1992 without the ku band look identical to the 2002 slimline modal..
and i wouldnt have thought they'd have laser detection..

[ghz1]

The .826 blow's me away :mrgreen:

[V1 Dave]

the updated slimline model came in 2002 with ku band added, firmware for the v1.8 starts from 3.619...

i have also heard that some the very first v1's around 1992 without the ku band look identical to the 2002 slimline modal..
and i wouldnt have thought they'd have laser detection..
That's correct, In the first few years VR actually sold two versions, a non laser in the current smaller case for $329 and the pre 2001 laser version that had 1/4" more height for all the laser circuitry including the six laser sensors is in the bottom 1/4"
If you look at the inside of an STI they seemed to copy the older V1 front laser sensors even putting two of them at a 45 degree angle like VR did.

[Robert46123]

end of serial number..........year of manufacture.......... v1 number
399 ......................................1992 - 1996 ------------------1.7
400 - 439...............................1997 - 1998------------------ 1.7
440 - 599...............................1998 - 2001 ------------------1.7
600 and above........................2001 - 2005 ------------------1.8

hope this helps..

Perfect! Thank you very much !!!

You can also plug in the serial number at the Upgrade section of their website and see if any updates were done to that particular RD. That may be your safest bet if you're considering buying a used one.