The Unit & Display
The outer case of the main unit is composed of magnesium and is designed to prevent electrical interference from other devices. Its metal construction is intended to make the device more durable than a conventional plastic case. On the front of the unit, there is a display which contains a single seven segment readout which shows how many radar sources or 'bogeys' the unit is receiving. There are four vertically aligned LED's that indicate which band of radar the unit is receiving. The detector can receive the following signals and bands:
- Laser (820 - 950 nm)
- Ka band (33.400 - 36.000 GHz)
- K band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz)
- X band (10.500 - 10.550 GHz)
- Ku band (13.400 - 13.500 GHz) (The unit does not have a dedicated LED for Ku-Band but uses the decimal point of the decimal display)
At the bottom of the display are eight horizontally aligned LEDs that indicate the strength of the radar signal the unit is receiving. As the radar signal intensifies (e.g., when closing the distance to the radar source), the LEDs gradually illuminate from left to right until all eight LEDs are lit, thus warning that the radar threat is in close proximity. Located in the center of the display is a red circle behind which is the rear-facing infra-red diode used for laser detection. To the left of the display is a set of knobs. The main, big, knob is used to power on and off the unit and to set the main volume for the unit; the smaller control knob is used to set the auto-muting volume. If set to 100% the auto-muting volume will be the same as the main volume. To the right of the display is where the rear-facing radar horn (antenna) is located.
The main knob also allows users to enter the custom programming menu, not mentioned in the user's manual. Users can disable or enable any radar band of their choice, including laser, set muting options for K-band radar, enable extra sensitivity for Ka-band, enable POP radar detection, activate European radar modes among other options.
Users who wish to keep a low profile, can opt for the concealed display unit sold by Valentine Research directly on their website. Together with hard wiring the device to the vehicle fuse box (which eliminates the traditional power cord throughout the vehicle cabin) a stealth installation is achieved. The main unit still receives and process all signals, but the display is projected in the concealed display mounted discretely anywhere in the vehicle interior. This helps, especially at night so others can not see the readout other than the driver. Some users even elect to install a kill switch so they can shut off the device without accessing the main unit. There is also a remote audio kit available that allows connection to headphones or speaker and can turn the main unit on or off as well as having a button that functions like the one on the main unit.
Each Valentine 1 unit has a serial # on the back of the unit. Users who wish to purchase a used unit, should obtain the serial # from the seller and contact Valentine Research prior to purchase, to make sure the unit is not stolen. Valentine Research will not service or repair stolen units. Once a used unit is purchased, the new owner should contact Valentine 1 to change the ownership information over to his/her name.
Valentine 1 also makes a custom carry case, which is sold separately. The case is designed to help owners protect their investment and take the unit with them in order to avoid theft. Not only does the case allow the user to take the unit with them, but it can be used to stow the unit out of direct sunlight/heat when not in use. The user should not keep the unit in contact with direct sunlight for a long period because the internal components can be damaged resulting to the unit being out of tune.
Tuning of the unit is done by Valentine Research and the user must pay shipping to and from the company plus the tune cost of $45 USD. Some common signs of a unit out of tune is missing bands/certain bands not alerting at all even though they are active and not disabled.
The Valentine 1 radar detection capabilities have proven to be very successful. The device demonstrated the ability to detect radar as far as 5–7 miles in open terrains, around roadway bends and sometimes over hills.
Read more about this topic: Valentine One
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