2013 S4 and Valentine 1 radar a no go ???

[QuattroRocket]

So I have sworn by my V1 for a number of years now in my B6 but after installing it in my B8.5 S4 it went nuts with K band falses from the time it booted up till I shut it down. I spoke with Valentine and was told there is a filter that they have had good results with in Audi's to get around the blind spot sensors setting off the radar. Sadly my detector was too old to have programmable features so I sent it to Valentine and 2 weeks later my new detector arrived ready to go. I installed it and activated the filter they suggests (programmable setting "J" I believe) and got no better results than 2 weeks and $200 ago ![rolleyes]

The K band goes nuts all the time, even with the blind spot mirrors turned off [confused]

Anyone been able to setup theirs to run properly ?

[dparm]

I have heard of this from a few folks. My Escort 9500ix doesn't have this issue, nor does it have problems with the traffic-flow sensors some highways use.

[RJBS4]

I turned off Pop Mode on my V1 and that resolved my issue.

[John@Roc-Euro]

You need to disable K band.

Assuming you just upgraded with that $200/V1, these directions should help.

http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf/manual_2012/Report3-REVforPDF.pdf

I do not believe any of the built-in software filters will do the trick. Most K band stuff is "your speed is" signs, automatic doors, road signs, junk like that.

[Green Neenja]

I was having the same problem.

My The unit has firmware 3.893 installed and was reporting false K band alerts from the rear. I was using the Savvy link for power.

I've disabled POP (option J), turned on the Traffic Monitor filter (option T), and programmed it to mute all K band rear alerts (option G).

I switched the power source to the cigarette lighter socket today and after 130 mile round trip I had zero false alerts. I'll power it like this for a few more days to ensure the false alerts are gone and then wire it permanently to the fuse box if no false alerts occur.

I'm also going to restore option G and option T to defaults one at a time and see if I get false alerts again.

I have the extension of an engineer at Valentine to contact about the Savvy link - I'll try to get in touch with him tomorrow.

[Doc Brown]

You need to disable K band.

Assuming you just upgraded with that $200/V1, these directions should help.

http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf/manual_2012/Report3-REVforPDF.pdf

I do not believe any of the built-in software filters will do the trick. Most K band stuff is "your speed is" signs, automatic doors, road signs, junk like that.

Except PA where the State Police ONLY use K band

[B8 S FOR]

Except PA where the State Police ONLY use K band

^This EXACTLY!!!

[dparm]

K-band is still used extensively. Don't turn it off.

My opinion? Sell the V1 and get a detector that doesn't have the issue. Plenty of good choices out there.

[FrankO]

No issues with my Escort.

[QuattroRocket]

I was having the same problem.

My The unit has firmware 3.893 installed and was reporting false K band alerts from the rear. I was using the Savvy link for power.

I've disabled POP (option J), turned on the Traffic Monitor filter (option T), and programmed it to mute all K band rear alerts (option G).

I switched the power source to the cigarette lighter socket today and after 130 mile round trip I had zero false alerts. I'll power it like this for a few more days to ensure the false alerts are gone and then wire it permanently to the fuse box if no false alerts occur.

I'm also going to restore option G and option T to defaults one at a time and see if I get false alerts again.

I have the extension of an engineer at Valentine to contact about the Savvy link - I'll try to get in touch with him tomorrow.

I am powering the unit through the Savvy adapter too, I wonder if there is an issue there ??? Can you please keep me posted with your results as you seem a little further along with the process than I am. I have may happy safe years with my V1 so I am not about to dump it before trying a few things, and no shutting down K band is not an option ! Muting k rear is not really a solution as the damned thing will light up like Xmas early all year long but I will try some of the other things you mentioned.

[LYKUNO]

I agree with previous posters about disabling the POP feature in the V1. That should solve the false alarms. I doubt it the savvy adaptor, but let us know if you find out that it is.

[Green Neenja]

I just got the phone with an engineering at Valentine.

The Savvy should make no difference. It only sends power and a mute/unmute signal to the detector depending on speed. He thinks what I experienced with powering it from the lighter socket was just coincidence.

The false alerts begin to occur when a K-Band signal is encountered - at that point the detector starts a more aggressive scan on that frequency, it finds and latches on to the cars signal. After it finds the cars signal it won't let it go until the unit is powered off, so the car becomes the source of the false alerts.

He suggested restoring everything to defaults and only enabling Option T (Traffic Monitor Filter) and possibly Option J (Turn POP Off). If more filtering is needed, begin tweaking Options B through G.

I'm going to connect the detector back to the Savvy (I really like the auto-mute below a certain speed feature), try Option T only and go from there.

Some other info:

The mode ("A", "l", "L") the detector is in also affects the audio/display output for rear K-Band:

"A" mode = audio and display
"l" mode = no audio, display only
"L" mode = no audio or display

Also, Option 7 must be enabled for Options B through Option G to work. So the Option G (Mute Rear K-Band) I had enabled was doing nothing.

[dparm]

POP can produce false positives, but check if your town or state actually uses them.

The newer Escorts all have a similar thing to traffic monitor filtering, so maybe that's why I don't experience any false alarms.

[A4 Centaur]

Hey, had the same issues with my 2012. Sent the V1 in upgraded etc.

Bought a 2012 Beltronics STI Magnum and problem solved. My wife was following me with her V1 and she said it flipped out the whole 2 hour drive. It's the side assist?

Friggen V1 goes off on Lexus and MB speed and distance sensors too!

[netwrkr]

You need to disable K band.

negative on that ghost rider. Disable K band at your own peril. You need to turn off POP.

[LYKUNO]

... Some other info:

The mode ("A", "l", "L") the detector is in also affects the audio/display output for rear K-Band:

"A" mode = audio and display
"l" mode = no audio, display only
"L" mode = no audio or display

...

Those mode descriptions are not quite right. According to the V1 website's Controls and Functions PDF http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf/manual_2012/Pg16-18_ControlsFunctions.pdf, those are "Computer Modes", described on the PDF as follows:

Computer Modes: A new way to interpret alarms
In the All-Bogeys® (A) mode, all bogeys will be reported
as soon as they are detected. Use your judgment to decide
whether or not they are threats.

In the Logic® (l) and Advanced-Logic® (L) modes, you are
deferring to the internal computer which will use its own
logic to screen bogeys before reporting them to you.

In Logic, X-band bogeys the computer judges to be
non-threatening will be reported at the “muted” volume. If
they become threatening, the audio warning will upgrade
to the “initial” volume before you are within radar range.

In Advanced-Logic, X-band bogeys that the computer has
reason to believe aren’t radar will not be reported at all.
One exception: To be failsafe, the computer will always
pass extremely strong signals along for your judgment.
This mode is particularly useful in metro areas.

The computer is smart: It never operates the receiving
circuits at less than maximum sensitivity and it knows that
Instant-on is a greater threat than ordinary radar. So it will
always warn you immediately at the “initial” volume when
those radars are detected, no matter what mode you’ve
selected.

To change modes, press and hold the Control Knob for
one second.

Final note, the Logic mode symbol is not really a "l" (lower case "L"), but actually looks like an upper case "L" missing the top half. See the PDF for the actual symbol.

[Green Neenja]

I left out a bit of info - that's how the modes operate when encountering K-Band signals when Option G (Mute Rear K-Band) is enabled. Sorry about that.

Thanks for expanding on the the little "L" explanation.

[CWILLI01]

Thanks for posting this. I am having this exact problem and it is driving me nuts. I have POP disabled and Traffic Monitor disabled and I'm good until I get a rear K alert and then the darned V1 won't shut up until I cycle the power on it.

This morning I muted rear facing K band (option G) but this is a poor solution in my mind. I may pull the fuse for side assist in my S5 because I don't use it.

All in all, very dissatisfying.

Chuck


I just got the phone with an engineering at Valentine.

The Savvy should make no difference. It only sends power and a mute/unmute signal to the detector depending on speed. He thinks what I experienced with powering it from the lighter socket was just coincidence.

The false alerts begin to occur when a K-Band signal is encountered - at that point the detector starts a more aggressive scan on that frequency, it finds and latches on to the cars signal. After it finds the cars signal it won't let it go until the unit is powered off, so the car becomes the source of the false alerts.

He suggested restoring everything to defaults and only enabling Option T (Traffic Monitor Filter) and possibly Option J (Turn POP Off). If more filtering is needed, begin tweaking Options B through G.

I'm going to connect the detector back to the Savvy (I really like the auto-mute below a certain speed feature), try Option T only and go from there.

Some other info:

The mode ("A", "l", "L") the detector is in also affects the audio/display output for rear K-Band:

"A" mode = audio and display
"l" mode = no audio, display only
"L" mode = no audio or display

Also, Option 7 must be enabled for Options B through Option G to work. So the Option G (Mute Rear K-Band) I had enabled was doing nothing.

[aaronz]

K-band is still used extensively. Don't turn it off.

My opinion? Sell the V1 and get a detector that doesn't have the issue. Plenty of good choices out there.

+1

[bengtc]

+1

what would you recommend, I was looking at a V1 but it seems like a hassle using it with our B8's

[dropshadow]

I used a V1 in my B8 S4 P+ and now my A4 Avant Prestige (side assist, adaptive cruise, and rear parking sensors) and have no problems. I get an occasional false alarm from electronic billboards on my commute, but not a peep from side assist or ACC. I bought it new about 5 months ago, so I think they've addressed some of the issues in the newest firmware.

[Lamprey]

I'd recomend the Escort or Belltronics (made by Escort). I'd opt for the Belltronics as its color scheme matches teh Audi better:
https://www.beltronics.com/store/stir-plus.html

FYI, Here is a DIY of the Belltronics with integrated/stealth rearview mirror display:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/457551-DIY-Bel-STI-R-Plus-Escort-9500ci-install-w-integrated-rear-view-mirror-display
and another: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/471727-Nate-s-build-thread?p=7405155&viewfull=1#post7405155

And if you aren't into DIY you can have it done. There might be other places, but here is one that I found:
http://www.radar-mirror.com/Store_Bel_Mirrors.html


Cheers!

[LYKUNO]

Thanks for posting this. I am having this exact problem and it is driving me nuts. I have POP disabled and Traffic Monitor disabled and I'm good until I get a rear K alert and then the darned V1 won't shut up until I cycle the power on it.

This morning I muted rear facing K band (option G) but this is a poor solution in my mind. I may pull the fuse for side assist in my S5 because I don't use it.

All in all, very dissatisfying.

Chuck

That doesn't sound right. Have you checked the serial number for your unit on Valentine's Upgrade page?

https://store.valentine1.com/Upgrades/GoUpgrades.asp

I had the problem with traffic monitors setting off my V1 until I sent it in for an upgrade. My Side Assist was also giving false alarms until I disabled the POP option. Double check to ensure your's is really turned off.

I checked my serial number and got this report:

STATUS REPORT ON YOUR
Serial Number 105XXXXXXX

V1 Description: Radar circuitry known in-house as V1.8-POP2 with Euro Mode. This is our latest and best performer on both radar and laser, lacking only the crystal-controlled frequency tuning of later units to safeguard the limits of band coverage. Later V1 versions also include ESP (Extended Serial Protocol), and Traffic Monitor Filter, a critically important feature if you drive on highways where the SpeedInfo system is used to monitor traffic flow.
Upgrade Recommendation: For operation in North America, you already have a strong performer as it left our factory. However, this upgrade adds the crystal-controlled frequency tuning of later units to precisely maintain the limits of band coverage over the long term. Traffic Monitor Filter, our latest feature, eliminates the K-band false alarms caused by traffic flow-measuring systems being installed along some U. S. highways; SpeedInfo sends frequent K-band radar bursts into the traffic stream (www.speedinfo.com to learn more). If you drive in an area with one of these systems, this upgrade will pay off immediately.

Here is the suggested upgrade path:

UPGRADE PROPOSAL FOR YOUR
Serial Number 105XXXXXXX

Our V1.85 Upgrade* for this series of V1 will produce the following benefits:

Crystal-controlled Frequency Tuning to permanently safeguard coverage at radar-band edges.

Traffic Monitor Filter to eliminate false alarms caused by SpeedInfo, a traffic-flow monitoring system that sends frequent K-band radar bursts into the traffic stream. For more information, click here. This software algorithm is installed at the factory but not activated. For activation instructions, click here.
Extended Serial Protocol (ESP) enhances two-way communication with SAVVY and future peripheral devices.

* One-year limited warranty starting at upgrade date, same as new units.
-- Upgrade to V1.85: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll replace two circuit boards and install revised firmware, then return it to you in the shortest possible time with a new serial number to indicate its revised capability.

PRICE: $199 plus shipping

I thought I already had the Traffic Monitor Filter (and don't have any issues with the SpeedInfo monitors anymore), so I'm going to contact Valentine tomorrow and inquire. I might consider getting the Savvy device while I'm at it, since there seem to be positive reviews here about it.

[100Daily]

After an hour on the phone with a V1 engineer "Mike", and trial and error I found what is the best setup for me in Colorado.

Long story short... I just fully disabled rear K-band and turned off PoP. Problem solved. I still have front K-Band which is fine for me. No false alarms now. Traffic filter works. Nearly all (if not all) cops in Colorado use KA (or laser) so lack of rear K is not really an issue here at least.

If K is really a problem in your area, and you have to have rear protection, you probably want to ditch your V1. Otherwise the settings above will provide good front K protection, and no false alarms.

[phillips2024]

Havent read thru the responses but Do you have side assist? Just turn POP radar off

[QuattroRocket]

I have pop off and its not good enough for me. The side assist still falses the V1 and the "your speed is" signs make it go ballistic. I will call V1 tomorrow and walk through some options but I have to admit that after 6 or so years I am seriousily thinking about dropping the V1.

And yes I sent mine in for an upgrade a couple months ago so its the newest firmware.

[audistealth]

what would you recommend, I was looking at a V1 but it seems like a hassle using it with our B8's

+1

[100Daily]

Thanks for posting this. I am having this exact problem and it is driving me nuts. I have POP disabled and Traffic Monitor disabled and I'm good until I get a rear K alert and then the darned V1 won't shut up until I cycle the power on it.

This morning I muted rear facing K band (option G) but this is a poor solution in my mind. I may pull the fuse for side assist in my S5 because I don't use it.

All in all, very dissatisfying.

Chuck

Oh, and can't pull the fuse. It disables other things on the same circuit. And even if you turn the feature off, its still emits pop K.

The V1 engineer explained what is happing with the K band. After you pass a false K, the V1 starts "sniffing" for other sources of K. Since your side assist uses PoP K, the V1 then starts "focusing in" on all K band frequencies. You can toggle through the settings, L, l, A. Once you cycle through, it will forget about that K signal, until its finds another K signal to "focus in" on. I went through all of the things you are going through. The options above in my last post are your only choice. You will have to give up rear K, and PoP if you want your V1 in your new B8.5 without constant false alarms. V1 said they might update the firmware, but they don't have a fix. I too tried updating my V1 to the newest one, it won't help.

[phillips2024]

That won't work. It picks up on false K band signals, and then focuses in on the K-Pop. Even if disabled.

Too bad, worked in my q7

[100Daily]

I have pop off and its not good enough for me. The side assist still falses the V1 and the "your speed is" signs make it go ballistic. I will call V1 tomorrow and walk through some options but I have to admit that after 6 or so years I am seriousily thinking about dropping the V1.

And yes I sent mine in for an upgrade a couple months ago so its the newest firmware.

Please read my previous post on this. It fully explains what is happening, and your only options for "fixing" it. I am a loyal V1 and loyal Audi man myself, and had to make some hard choices. Disable Pop and Rear K. Otherwise, what you are experiencing will keep happening. If you can't live with those options off, time for a new radar detector.

[100Daily]

Too bad, worked in my q7

That is interesting. There must be some differences between the system on the Q7 and the B8.5's system. What Quattro Rocket posted about is exactly what happened to me with PoP disabled, and is a known issue from Valentine. You are lucky!

[Ynnekdude]

You need to disable K band.

Assuming you just upgraded with that $200/V1, these directions should help.

http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf/manual_2012/Report3-REVforPDF.pdf

I do not believe any of the built-in software filters will do the trick. Most K band stuff is "your speed is" signs, automatic doors, road signs, junk like that.

Don't disable K-band unless you are 100% positive that it is not in use.

Disable POP and you will be good to go. Might occasionally pick up a K signal from the side assist but it will be much better than it currently is.

[100Daily]

Don't disable K-band unless you are 100% positive that it is not in use.

Disable POP and you will be good to go. Might occasionally pick up a K signal from the side assist but it will be much better than it currently is.

True with Q5. Not true on a B8.5.

[S4morris]

My V1 never shuts up and I don't even have the blind spot sensors. Unfortunately due to the amount of falses I get on it I don't even pay attention to it half the time, it's like the boy who cried wolf. I did get the savvy unit and that at least shuts it up around town, but I only find it useful for road trips on the highway at this point

[Ynnekdude]

True with Q5. Not true on a B8.5.

Hmmm, they must have changed the frequency or something along those lines

[100Daily]

In reading through this is appears that in pre-2013 Audi models, just turning of Pop was ok. But 2013+ models are clearly different.

[adro0332]

I have not had any problems like this and I own a 2013. I guess i'll consider myself lucky, but why is this problem happening in the first place?

[100Daily]

I have not had any problems like this and I own a 2013. I guess i'll consider myself lucky, but why is this problem happening in the first place?

Read through the thread for your answer. Do you have side assist? Do you have a V1 with POP? My guess is no, or you would definitely be in the same boat. The V1 engineer didn't even let me finish explaining my issue before he knew exactly what I was talking about. I think they get hammered with calls about it.

[audibmi]

if the solution is to mute the rear k band on the valentine to resolve the issue with the side assist on the newer 2013 audis, would you be at any disadvantage compared to other detectors on the market that do not have a rear antenna?

[theswoleguy]

interesting thread... seems like i should get a shifter and a radar detector

[achilleas101]

so is this ONLY a problem if you have side assist in the 2013s? anything else cause a problem, like adaptive cruise control? rear view camera with parking sensors?

[samq45]

but why is this problem happening in the first place?

Because Audi has put the K band emitter signal for side assist right in the middle of the K Band Licensed for speed detection use. The band for side assist could easily be moved.

Audi has been asked several times to move the signal to a band that is not allocated by the FCC for police radar.

K Band is making a comeback in the US, so shutting it off in most states is not an option. There are some new lower power K band guns out there. PA is using some and this just compounds the issue.

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/enforcement-technology-tactics/74030-rebirth-k-band.html

Beltronics/Escort detectors will generally not alert to the Side Assist from inside the car or when you are in front of the offending vehicle. As soon as I get behind a side assist vehicle, all my detectors are unbearable. The Sti-r Plus alerts to I/O just about every 20 secs, from 1/2 mile away.

Somehow we need to comunicate to Audi to move the frequency out of the range the detectors are looking for. Several other carmakers have done this with no issue and I suspect a higher rate of detector use in Audis than the general population uses them. Some of the countermeasure makers tried to help, but Audi said their customers have not complained about it, so its not an issue that they need to address.

[QuattroRocket]

With pop off and k rear off its much better but it still freaks out on the "your speed is" signs along the roadside.

[Mael]

With pop off and k rear off its much better but it still freaks out on the "your speed is" signs along the roadside.

I'd imagine those signs have a built in radar gun. I'd be worried if it didn't go off when I passed one.

[rich8506]

Had my V1 for 2 days, and im returning it already. The amount of False Alarms is ridiculous. It goes off constantly. I don't know what's a real threat, and what's not. Im sat at a stop light and its detecting 5 K band frequencies. I have POP turned off, Rear K band muted, and it made no difference.

I will be returning it asap, and getting the 9500ix. Hopefully I wont have the same issues with the Passport.

I am amazed at how many people rate the V1 as the best detector when it gives so many false alarms.

[dropshadow]

Use Advanced Logic mode. Mine only gives me two known false alarms during my commute, and they're from digital billboards. Otherwise, it's been perfect and has saved me (and paid for itself) on more than one occasion.

[rich8506]

I tried to search Advanced Logic mode, and checked on Valentines site, http://valentineone.com/Lab/TechReport3.asp but I cant find any information on how to change it into Advanced Logic, and what it actually does in this mode?

[dropshadow]

It's explained in the manual (PDF link) (http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf/manual_2012/Manual_V1.pdf):



In the Logic® (little l) and Advanced-Logic® (L) modes, you are deferring to the internal computer which will use its own logic to screen bogeys before reporting them to you.

In Logic, X-band bogeys the computer judges to be non-threatening will be reported at the “muted” volume. If they become threatening, the audio warning will upgrade to the “initial” volume before you are within radar range.

In Advanced-Logic, X-band bogeys that the computer has reason to believe aren’t radar will not be reported at all. One exception: To be failsafe, the computer will always pass extremely strong signals along for your judgment. This mode is particularly useful in metro areas.

The computer is smart: It never operates the receiving circuits at less than maximum sensitivity and it knows that Instant-on is a greater threat than ordinary radar. So it will always warn you immediately at the “initial” volume when those radars are detected, no matter what mode you’ve selected.

To change modes, press and hold the Control Knob for one second.


Give that a shot. It made all the difference for me.

[well_armed]

I've had both V1 and Escort 9500ix

I like the GPS notifications of red lights and speed traps with the Escort.

[audibmi]

with the v1 connection app (only for android now), which allows for custom sweeps, could the v1 be programmed to ignore the new side assist frequency audi is using now?

reading this thread, it appears that the k band is so narrow, it may not be that easy to isolate.

http://www.radardetectorforum.org/showthread.php?t=20514

[dropshadow]

The newer V1's aren't affected by side assist. I have side assist, adaptive cruise and rear park assist and don't get false alarms from any of them. My V1 was purchased new in July 2012.

[Green Neenja]

The newer V1's aren't affected by side assist. I have side assist, adaptive cruise and rear park assist and don't get false alarms from any of them. My V1 was purchased new in July 2012.

What version of firmware is your V1 running?

[dropshadow]

What version of firmware is your V1 running?

I believe it is 3.892.

[audibmi]

The newer V1's aren't affected by side assist on prefacelift audis. I have side assist, adaptive cruise and rear park assist and don't get false alarms from any of them. My V1 was purchased new in July 2012.

perhaps your statement requires an edit as noted above. the op of this thread indicates issues with 2013 audis that appear to use a different k band frequency for side assist which triggers falses on the v1.

for reference, i also have a facelift b8.5 and the latest version of the v1 (purchased a few weeks ago) with software 3.893, and i have the same issues with k band falses originating from the rear.

[Green Neenja]

This is probably the case. I have a facelift 8.5, my V1 is running 3.893 firmware and I experience the rear K-band issues.

[dropshadow]

perhaps your statement requires an edit as noted above. the op of this thread indicates issues with 2013 audis that appear to use a different k band frequency for side assist which triggers falses on the v1.

for reference, i also have a facelift b8.5 and the latest version of the v1 (purchased a few weeks ago) with software 3.893, and i have the same issues with k band falses originating from the rear.

News to me, thanks for the heads up.

[LeeChamp]

2013 s5 8.5. V1 came today, new. Went berserk when plugged in. Gonna try some of the above but if not better, quick, it's going back. Worse than not having at all

[100Daily]

2013 s5 8.5. V1 came today, new. Went berserk when plugged in. Gonna try some of the above but if not better, quick, it's going back. Worse than not having at all

Disable rear K-band and turn off PoP. Run in logic mode if you are in the city, or All bogey's mode out in the country. Having arrows is worth the sacrifice.

[dropshadow]

I picked up a 2013 S4 a couple weeks back and am running the same V1 I've had for almost a year now and used in two other B8's (as noted earlier in this thread). No problems, very few false alarms, and only from known areas around town. The new car doesn't have side assist or adaptive cruise, but it does have rear parking sensors. I'm in Advanced Logic (big L) mode all the time.

[BCasir]

I have a Passport 9500ci custom installed and it's literally already saved me from jail. So....... that's what I'd recommend.

[aaronz]

what would you recommend, I was looking at a V1 but it seems like a hassle using it with our B8's

I have an x50 I bought for an ex girlfriend (I have my own) been sitting around for a year...pm me if your interested. Red version and matches decently, no false alerts with the s.a.

[yohdiggity]

I love my V1. I have had it for several years and it has saved my butt multiple times. My S4 doesn't have the blind spot notifier option but my V1 goes off constantly when I am near other Audi vehicles that have the blind spot technology. I am not ready to make the switch to another radar detector just yet so I'll try disabling POP and see what happens. I live in PA so I'll want to keep K band active. Thanks for recommendations in this thread.

[Green Neenja]

Your blind spot problem would be solved by turning on the Traffic Monitor Filter, which is available in firmware 3.891 and above.

[s4ve]

Just hard wired my V1 on my brand new 2013 S4... been using it for 2 weeks without any issues.

[QuattroRocket]

Your blind spot problem would be solved by turning on the Traffic Monitor Filter, which is available in firmware 3.891 and above.

Will try that in a few minutes, dont think I have messed with that filter setting yet.

[dii]

Just got my V1 as well, falses coming from the rear like no other, going to disable POP, K-rear, and hopefully be done with it. Hopefully doesn't make the V1 unreliable when a real threat comes along?

[skiracerblah]

A little off topic guys, but i had my Valentine One for at least 7 years. Recently the K band is constantly triggering when i'm driving in places where it did not used to. So, is the unit starting to die/malfunction? Anyone else have these types of symptoms?

[dropshadow]

A little off topic guys, but i had my Valentine One for at least 7 years. Recently the K band is constantly triggering when i'm driving in places where it did not used to. So, is the unit starting to die/malfunction? Anyone else have these types of symptoms?

There are a lot more cars on the road with passive radar systems. I've been getting more K alerts too. I disabled it.

[LYKUNO]

A little off topic guys, but i had my Valentine One for at least 7 years. Recently the K band is constantly triggering when i'm driving in places where it did not used to. So, is the unit starting to die/malfunction? Anyone else have these types of symptoms?

If you've had your unit for 7 years and haven't checked for upgrades, it could be that you're missing some of the new features, e.b., the traffic monitoring filter, that could be contributing to "false alarms". I suggest that you check the serial number for your unit on Valentine's Upgrade page:

https://store.valentine1.com/Upgrades/GoUpgrades.asp

[migo1980]

Escort Maxx and Escort LIVE resolved any doubts about me selling my V1 when I got into my S4.

[skiracerblah]

Thanks guys i'll check for the update and also try to turn off the K band...

[QuattroRocket]

Yeah been having that too Ski, havent really found a solution and am not entirely comfortable spending all that money and they shutting off the entire band as I believe thats the band that rolling highway cars run.

[xuandatou]

I have heard of this from a few folks. My Escort 9500ix doesn't have this issue, nor does it have problems with the traffic-flow sensors some highways use.

The Audi Side Assist will alarm the K-brand for 9500

[ALWAYS4UDI]

Going on my 8th year with my v1. I guess I don't mind the excess alarms, mute it real nice. At least I know it's still alive.
Driving around Honolulu, the K band is going off every minute anyway (traffic flow radars), so I guess I stopped giving a shit. Maybe one day I'll upgrade software... maybe.

[johnstah]

I have heard of this from a few folks. My Escort 9500ix doesn't have this issue, nor does it have problems with the traffic-flow sensors some highways use.

+1 for the 9500ix.

The other day it was going off when I was driving around a mall parking area. I ignored the alarm warning and drove about 30mph in a 15mph. Little did I know, I was pulled over by unmarked cruiser. lol. luckily only warning.

[CinciKid]

Going on my 8th year with my v1. I guess I don't mind the excess alarms, mute it real nice. At least I know it's still alive.
Driving around Honolulu, the K band is going off every minute anyway (traffic flow radars), so I guess I stopped giving a shit. Maybe one day I'll upgrade software... maybe.

Just updated mine, nice to not have to mute it every other minute on my commute now because of the flow radars.

[skiracerblah]

My V1 has been going off in my residential neighborhood in the mornings. On my commute home, the V1 doesn't go off as often. There have been a string of burglaries in my neighborhood the past few months and maybe more alarm systems were installed recently. Wondering if the home alarms are triggering the k-band...

[skiracerblah]

Hmm...looks like if i send mine in for a upgrade, i'll get a brand new unit

-Instant Upgrade to V1.85 w/ESP, Improved Euro Mode, Traffic Monitor Filter activated and Junk-K Fighter activated: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you'll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.

PRICE: $289 plus shipping

[LYKUNO]

Hmm...looks like if i send mine in for a upgrade, i'll get a brand new unit

-Instant Upgrade to V1.85 w/ESP, Improved Euro Mode, Traffic Monitor Filter activated and Junk-K Fighter activated: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you'll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.

PRICE: $289 plus shipping

That's the kind of upgrade I did a few years back. Nice to have a brand new unit with all the latest technology. I did one upgrade in 2005 where they changed some internal component ($65) and then did the exchange to a new unit in late 2011 for $215. Well worth it IMO.

[s14roller]

Have no issues - my car has side assist and I have the V1 "t" filter on. Thought about a Passport before as well, but after spending time with the passionate people on the Radar detector forums, I decided to stick with the V1.

[BillyG]

Hmm...looks like if i send mine in for a upgrade, i'll get a brand new unit

-Instant Upgrade to V1.85 w/ESP, Improved Euro Mode, Traffic Monitor Filter activated and Junk-K Fighter activated: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you'll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.

PRICE: $289 plus shipping

skiracer,
I'm in the same boat as you. I haven't updated mine since I bought it in 2007. I'm running it on an SQ5 with side assist and that doesn't set it off, still works great. It will false a bit when it's cold, but that stops within a minute or so after it boots up.

I should probably bite the bullet and jump on this although last time I checked, probably last year, it was only $200. Getting a new one for $289 sounds decent though.

[Works2shoot]

Hmm...looks like if i send mine in for a upgrade, i'll get a brand new unit

-Instant Upgrade to V1.85 w/ESP, Improved Euro Mode, Traffic Monitor Filter activated and Junk-K Fighter activated: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we'll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you'll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.

PRICE: $289 plus shipping



skiracer,
I'm in the same boat as you. I haven't updated mine since I bought it in 2007. I'm running it on an SQ5 with side assist and that doesn't set it off, still works great. It will false a bit when it's cold, but that stops within a minute or so after it boots up.

I should probably bite the bullet and jump on this although last time I checked, probably last year, it was only $200. Getting a new one for $289 sounds decent though.

I just did the 289$ upgrade for convenience-sake since I'm about to go on a road trip. The old ones are still going for over $200 on ebay, so if time isn't an issue, I'd check out that route.

[ALWAYS4UDI]

Just updated mine, nice to not have to mute it every other minute on my commute now because of the flow radars.

Ahh so the update WILL rid me of that? Might be worth a go then.

[PSUGOLD]

Weird that I just saw this topic today. I have an older model V1. Never really had an issue with false's until today. From the time i left my house for the first 5 miles or so it was going ape shit. Was reading 3, 4, 5 things, mostly Ka band. Had to mute it. Once I got on the highway it stopped though and worked fine. Really odd. Been debating getting a new one one of these days too, I have gotten 2 tickets since I got it, once when the cop was following me and had me paced, the other was Vascar in my area. I rarely see cops hiding anymore on the highway using the usual radar methods, they seem to be on all the damn side streets using Vascar now.

[Bob in NY]

All the technology on new cars sets these units off ( blind spot detector, adaptive cruise, pre-sense collision detection, etc). I followed the instructional video on the Valentine site and it cured the problem. If you have Audi side assist, it's still activated even if you set the off button on the door. It shoots radar behind to detect moving cars. If you don't reprogram the unit and eliminate the POP function it will be on almost always.

[Johnson]

FWIW I have hardware version 1.8 with software version 3.863. The only false alerts I get are on the interstate from what I assume is coming from semi trucks or this traffic monitor people speak of. I don't have side assist or adaptive cruise.

Does the new update rid (or minimize) the false alerts on the interstate? I'll get a K-band alert and it increases in strength like a threat would, which always throws me off.