Time for an upgrade? Currently v1.7 software 2.879

**rav** · 05-04-2008, 05:54 PM

Hello All,

I have had my valentine 1 for about 10 years now and it's version 1.7 and software 2.879.

I currently don't have any issues with it and it seems to be working fine. However, after reading this forum it seems like I should be thinking about upgrading it.

Would people recommend it? The upgrade is going to be $185, I would want to make sure that the upgrade is worth it or then wait for one that is.

Thanks,

Rav.

**<<JAZZY>>** · 05-04-2008, 07:05 PM

Sell it on ebay and call 1 800 331 3030 and ask for a returned V1 so that you can get 10% off the retail price of $399.

**V1 Dave** · 05-04-2008, 07:15 PM

If you want to try a new one that's fine but don't get rid of yours until you have tried a 1.8 and like it as you might not like the K band ghosting that comes with a 1.8 along with ultra sensitive laser chatter.
If your LEO's use 35.5Ghz a 1.8 would be your only benefit IMHO as that improved.
1.7's are die hards like you have seen they don't fall out of tune like the new ones.

**amoney** · 05-04-2008, 08:44 PM

I would agree with keeping your old unit. Get a refurbished for 369. And you can always sell your 1.7 if you are thoughly satisfied with the new V1.

**Beatlesfan** · 05-07-2008, 10:20 PM

I loved my 1.7, but mine didn't have the latest Ka, and I needed that.

**rav** · 05-08-2008, 10:18 PM

Could you expand on what you mean by the latest Ka?

I was leaning towards just asking for a tune up, but if this latest Ka is something I would need in Arizona, I'll spring for it.

Thanks.

**jdong** · 05-09-2008, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by rav

Could you expand on what you mean by the latest Ka?

I was leaning towards just asking for a tune up, but if this latest Ka is something I would need in Arizona, I'll spring for it.

Thanks.

The receiver system was modified/upgraded/re-engineered in the 1.8 to provide superior detection range on Ka band. If you have the risk of instant-on Ka band in your area, it might be a worthwhile update.

Beatlesfan might be referring to if he had such an old 1.7 that it didn't scan superwideband Ka (the Upgrade page would SCREAM at you if that were the case) in which case the only choice is to upgrade.

**Beatlesfan** · 05-10-2008, 03:55 AM

Originally Posted by jdong

Originally Posted by rav

Could you expand on what you mean by the latest Ka?

I was leaning towards just asking for a tune up, but if this latest Ka is something I would need in Arizona, I'll spring for it.

Thanks.

The receiver system was modified/upgraded/re-engineered in the 1.8 to provide superior detection range on Ka band. If you have the risk of instant-on Ka band in your area, it might be a worthwhile update.

Beatlesfan might be referring to if he had such an old 1.7 that it didn't scan superwideband Ka (the Upgrade page would SCREAM at you if that were the case) in which case the only choice is to upgrade.

Sorry about the lack of info I provided. Jdong is right, my nearly decade old 1.7 did not scan super wide Ka. I loved it and I got amazing range on it, one encounter I had was CO K band on the highway during a horrible blizzard of just above 4 miles. I upgraded because I needed the superwide, duh, and I wanted the digital temp comp.

**happya$$** · 05-10-2008, 05:15 AM

The BIGGEST difference in Ka between 1.7 to 1.8 will be on 35.5gh. There is about 8 to 9db difference!

**rav** · 05-10-2008, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the replies guys,
Thinking about it and getting an 8-9dB improvement in Ka, which is almost a tripling in sensitivity, I'll be going for a upgrade at the end of the summer.

This was the first radar detector I ever bought and bought it close to 9 years ago.

Sending it back in just doesn't feel right, but I only have the one vehicle.

Well I have to the end of the summer to decide what to do.