new V1 or do checkup/update firmware

[Arvetus]

Haven't been around the forum for a while. Livin' life and all...lost track of the V1 updates.

Still using my 3.813 in the Tahoe. New in 2003...been back to V1 twice for a checkup/tune. Still working great! I'm hesitant to get rid of this version!!

Have a 3.863 that I bought new in 2008, never been back for a checkup. Is this still considered a good version, or should I get it checked out and update the firmware.

What is the comparison of the new firmwares to the old, tried and true 3.813?

I am not necessarily interested in the smartphone displays, but I may be interested in putting the V1+SAVVY combo in the truck since it is the DD. The other V1 would be used as a spare or taken when I need to fly out for business and rent a car on the other end.

Going to FL next month for work...would like to bring along one of the V1's...
Also driving the Tahoe from TX to MI and back in June...

What should I be looking for? Keep the 3.813 and update the 3.863? If I don't care about SAVVY, can they just do a checkup and then FW update the 3.863? What is the latest firmware for the 1.8 hardware?

[N8N]

Might want to run your serial numbers through Valentine's web site and see how much it would cost to update either of your units.

Mine was about $200 but I still gladly paid, mine was new in 2001 and I took a job with a company car in 2005 (when my V1 was still relatively current, and I also a) moved to VA and b) wasn't allowed to use a RD in a company vehicle) so as of last fall it had never been updated... better than $400 for a new unit unless you think that you might have a need for another one for whatever reason.

[Arvetus]

yes, it's $200 for the upgrade, but I don't know if it's worth it.... that was my question.

What is the latest firmware and is the 3.863 firmware as good as the latest firmware?

[zappy]

If you don't need ESP (aren't going to use V1connect and/or Savvy with full functionality), then it is probably not worth upgrading. I only upgrade when their is a major hardware change affecting detection or there is a new accessory I want to use. Admittedly, it appears the newer units have slightly better reaction time for quick I/O shots but not enough to upgrade though in my opinion. I have only upgraded twice, the first was to get superwide Ka and laser, the second time was to get a 1.8 with LO locked to a crystal and to get one that is programmable as my old old 1.7 was not. I will probably upgrade again soon as I want to use V1connect and Savvy. FYI, my rev is 3.858

[Arvetus]

well, I haven't done away with my 3.813 since it was the best pre-POP version ever. I'll just stick with sending it in every 3 years or so for a tune up.

I don't need ESP, so with that said, is there a "pre ESP" V1 firmware that's considered one of the best like the old timey 3.813 is? Really miss the GoL....