Version update needed?

Hi all - I'm fine tuning my recently purchased (previously enjoyed) V1. The software version is 2.869. Pretty old from what I can see. Possibly 5 years old.

Couple questions:
1. Is it recommended to get it updated? I've read mixed reviews about the virtues of software updates. Local law enforcement in my area shoot almost entirely Ka, but the state troopers shoot laser and Ka.
2. Is there any way to update it yourself? Or does it have to be sent in and get a charge of $50 simply to re-flash the unit? Guess I'm wondering if it's worth it and I'm not wanting to give it up so soon after installing it.

Thanks in advance for any tips. I've been searching for answers on this but someone has 2.869 in their sig so my search results were garbage.

If it is truly 2.869 it is 13-14 years old, was before the 97 upgrade, bet you have no band LED's, no mode memory, if so your Ka is weak on all frequencies.
Your upgrade would be trading it in for a new unit, about $279

Here's the spot to plug in your serial number.

http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

When I hold in the Control Knob, it reads 2-8-6-9 one digit at a time. I've been told the unit is 5 years old. It does have band LED's FWIW. And it does remember the mode. I just got off the x-way about an hour ago and it picked up a trooper's Ka going in the other direction with decent notice and the arrow was properly indicated.

When I plunk in the serial number at http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/, I get this:

Status Report on Your Valentine One
Serial Number XXXXXXXXXX

V1 Description: Radar circuitry known in-house as V1.7 gives high performance on all radar bands. Also,it remembers your “mode” setting when shut off. Has stack of four LEDs on front panel for band identification. Front and rear laser.

Upgrade Recommendation: While this version is not quite up to today’s V1 standard for Ka, it’s almost always good enough, and always better than detectors from other makers. X and K performance is excellent. Upgrading merely to improve radar performance is not cost effective, in my opinion, unless you’re concerned about the POP Mode operating in your area. Upgrading does bring other benefits, including our latest laser warning (front and rear), which outperforms the competitors by a wide margin, and POP Protection. Also, you'll get the new Euro Mode.

I have not paid the seller for this unit yet. So if there is the slightest chance that it's 3x older than claimed, I will either return it or offer him a much lower price. I'm a little concerned now since I've just hardwired it to my car :lol:

That's weird? Mine is one notch newer software than yours and yours seems newer (has more like rear laser sensor)
Your description sounds like it is 97-2000 since 1.8 came out around 2001.
I would be curious as to description 2.869 says that your longest optional automute on K band is only 10-sec but your description of a 97-2000 unit gives 30-sec max automute delay time.

First double check your software then try (7) (b) arrows down and see if you can get 30-sec of K mute time in logic mode not advanced logic mode.
I think your software flashing code is wrong?
With your description you should be after 2.879 up to 2.909

I'm not sure, Dave, but thanks for the info. I'll check it out tomorrow. And I'll be calling Valentine to find out the scoop on this unit. It seems to work well. The seller has offered to reduce the price by the cost of the software update.

if you paid more than $100 bux give it back and either get a new one.
or get a used 1.8 on eBay then have it sent in to get tuned up. Try to find one that is...

3.813, 3.826, 3.858, 8.863. These are all solid builds with no major bugs.

If you find a 3.813 or 3.826 make sure you send it in for a tune up, it will cost you $40 dollars.

I haven't paid for it yet. The seller would like $150 for the V1 and it comes with the Concealed Display and the Remote Audio unit ( I also ride a motorcycle). Everything is in great shape and seems to work perfectly.

dang that v1 came out when i was 7 years old!

Buy a new unit from V1 if you plan to upgrade. Get on the waiting list for a returned unit and the cost is $359. You can buy my 1 month old concealed display from me for $20.00 (plus freight) once I get my new custom LED display sent to me.

If you don't plan on up grading then it is a good deal. Sounds to low in price for a 1.7 though.

I'm not sure how that one performs against laser, but the new one are trully remarkble in terms of off axis detection from laser.