Does heat damage K band functionality?

[meking87]

I bought a used V1 about 2 months ago. Unfortunately, the K and X bands didn't work so I had to send it in for repair. Now, 2 months later my V1 isn't picking up K band. I live in South Texas, and it's been pretty hot down here the past couple weeks, plus my AC has been broken. I do always take my V1 down and put it in my center console whenever I'm parked. Is heat the cause of my problems?

[radarrob]

most of the time yes.

[speeddemon]

Yep, heat is bad for electronics generally

[AirMoore]

Yeah, veteran user CVR has long said the V1 doesn't play well in the heat... and from what I have seen, he is correct.

[Bridge Cables]

Definitely put note in with the V1 explaining the problem and letting VR know you had the unit repaired only a month or so ago and hopefully you will not have to pay another repair charge, just shipping to VR.

BC

[Jag42]

I would take down any RD out of the sun.

[unmamfqlm]

Well, heat is never a good thing for electronics. Mine performed great through the summer heat last year, but it never sits directly in the sun, either. I placed it right behind my tint strip, which seemed to keep the temperature down on it a lot. I did have it below my tint strip for a short amount of time, and the thing got unbelievably hot. There were times when it was too hot to even hold onto. Point being, you may want to consider mounting in a similar way in the future, if you haven't already. You can also try directing some AC to it while driving.

Until then, good luck on getting the issues worked out.

[Left4De@d]

Maybe for the next V1 the case will have some venting at the top so the heat will rise out of the unit, and disperse the heat better. Not saying its bad now, just an Idea to improve it.

[Silverado12]

Well, heat is never a good thing for electronics. Mine performed great through the summer heat last year, but it never sits directly in the sun, either. I placed it right behind my tint strip, which seemed to keep the temperature down on it a lot. I did have it below my tint strip for a short amount of time, and the thing got unbelievably hot. There were times when it was too hot to even hold onto. Point being, you may want to consider mounting in a similar way in the future, if you haven't already.

x2. With my V1 mounted in direct sunlight, it gets sizzling hot in mere 80 degree weather; not good at all considering summers where I live routinely reach 100+

I now have the V1 mounted behind a 5% ceramic tint that rejects 65% of all solar energy. It has no impact on radar reception, keeps the V1 unbelievably stealthy & hidden, and it works wonders for keeping the V1 cool. On the same 80 degree day behind the tint, my V1 pretty much stays cool to the touch whereas before it would be sizzling. It'll be interesting to see how the tint does in 100+ weather, but regardless, it should definitely help extend the life of a V1 & I highly recommend it to anyone who runs a V1 in a hot climate. It will naturally reduce the laser reception a little bit, but who really cares; I would much rather have the V1 hidden, cool, & protected.

So, in response to the OP's question, heat will fry these things over time. I'm no engineer, but the idea of a RD that's wrapped in black magnesium with highly sensitive electronics inside being exposed to intense heat doesn't sound like a good recipe. Unless the RD manufacturers build these things to military spec, they will be subject to heat damage. So, do everything possible to keep them cool. For a high quality tint strip (not dyed film) like the one I got, it was $55 installed. Pretty cheap insurance & much better IMO than paying VR $45 every few years when my V1 craps out. It should also help keep the thieves away from your vehicle.

[savedbygrace1226]

Mine is currently behind the tint strip but I still find it is very hot when the car has been in the sun. I am thinking about trying the visor mount so this won't be an issue.