Valentine acting up

[Pontatoc1]

I switched bikes recently (r1100rt to a r1200rt) and mounted my Valentine One, and power it directly to the battery (thus avoiding all the canbus nonsense.) I attended the Beemer Bash in Quincy,CA this past weekend and every time I accelerated (or de-accelerated) every light on the face panel lit up. It would stay that way until my speed became constant. It did however pick up radar signals, but the non-stop false signals made me crazy after 2,400 miles. Any suggestions?

[bobanddianne]

A parallel question on the V1...

 

On our new R1200RT we have been running the V1 in the tank bag.

It runs just fine, but the unit gets surprisingly hot in there. Has anyone ever had any V1 problems because of heat build up?

 

Thanks,

[Rocket_Cowboy]

The only time I've seen a problem like you describe (erratic behavior of the indicator lights) was when I was running my V1 hard wired to the bike on both Suzuki's I've owned ... 2002 GSX-R750 and a 2003 Hayabusa. Both had fairly noisy electrical systems, and at least on the Busa I believe I had the V1 powered off the headlight lead.

 

I've now got my V1 running on my R1200RT, via a fuse block so that it's isolated from Canbus along with all my other goodies, and have not seen anything like what you're describing. My first thought would be that you have a loose connector somewhere, possibly with the ground, but that's just a guess on my part without having seen how you have things wired in.

 

Bob ... I keep my V1 in an enclosed acrylic box, specifically the Legal Speeding/Hoon Hardware V1 case. There is zero airflow through that box, so I would imagine that it gets pretty warm in there, but probably not as warm as the map pocket of my tank bag. Still ... 3 years and over 55K miles on the V1 between my RT and ST1300, and it's had no problems from heat. I've ruined one remote audio adapter by leaving it out unprotected on the bike while riding through the rain, but the V1 itself has been flawless.

[BrianT]

Might be where it's located on the bike. If it's too close to the motronic or whatever the brain for the bike is called now a days it might just be picking up too much electronic noise from it. Maybe try repositioning it to another location on the bike. Or maybe the cable you're using for power is routed near the Motronic and picking it up. Maybe try rerouting that. On a previous bike I used to get false laser warnings when I hit a certain RPM range.

 

As for heat that V1 heats up no matter where it's at. Mine is mounted inside the tank bank and gets hot, but has been fine for years there. Even in the car suction cupped to the windshield it's very hot to the touch on the top that faces the sun.

[Smoky]

Bob,

 

My V1 rides in the map pocket of my tank bag. The clear plastic cover blocks the heat vent on top of the V1, and it gets hot, but it's been there for 4 years and 80,000 miles and no diminished performance that I can see. Gets pretty warm on a hot day when you add sunshine to the mix.

[smiller]

The V1 can be sensitive to electrical noise on its DC input, although I'm not sure accelerating/decelerating would cause this. One thing you can try is to temporarily run the V1 on a separate 12 volt battery and see if the problem goes away... at least that way you can isolate the problem between power or some sort of external RF interference.

[bobbybob]

This is the 2nd issue I recently saw re. Valentine. Why does everyone continue to buy these with issues like this when there are so many other options? Or ARE there? What makes V so special?

[E30TECH]

What makes V so special?

 

The arrows.

 

I just got mine on Monday. I hooked up the electrical and tried it with the XM antenna on the bike. No issues. Hopefully there wont be any when the bike is running.

[bobbybob]

What makes V so special?

 

The arrows.

 

OK--what are "the arrows" ?

[smiller]

OK--what are "the arrows" ?

The arrows are indicators that tell you the approximate location of the radar signal (front, behind, sides) in addition to its mere existence. The feature is so useful that it essentially becomes mandatory once you're used to having it.

[bobbybob]

OK--what are "the arrows" ?

The arrows are indicators that tell you the approximate location of the radar signal (front, behind, sides) in addition to its mere existence. The feature is so useful that it essentially becomes mandatory once you're used to having it.

 

Sounds like a neat feature--why does it become "mandatory"?

[Whip]

You didn't happen to add a Zumo too????

[smiller]

Sounds like a neat feature--why does it become "mandatory"?

You pull onto a highway and receive an alert. Is the LEO ahead of you or coming up behind you?

You get an alert and don't see the LEO, and then see the signal pass to your side, and then behind you. You know you have passed the LEO.

etc., etc...

 

Plus the V1 will display the number of radar sources in addition to their direction. Always get an alert passing the drug store so you always ignore it? But one day you see two sources instead of just one... hmmm...

 

In these and similar cases all you would receive with another detector is an alert. As to what the real circumstances might be or your position with respect to the LEO... you can only guess. Once you get used to having the information being forced to guess is very annoying, hence it quickly becomes an essential feature.

[russell_bynum]

In these and similar cases all you would receive with another detector is an alert. As to what the real circumstances might be or your position with respect to the LEO... you can only guess. Once you get used to having the information being forced to guess is very annoying, hence it quickly becomes an essential feature.

 

+1

[bobbybob]

Sounds like a neat feature--why does it become "mandatory"?

You pull onto a highway and receive an alert. Is the LEO ahead of you or coming up behind you?

You get an alert and don't see the LEO, and then see the signal pass to your side, and then behind you. You know you have passed the LEO.

etc., etc...

 

Plus the V1 will display the number of radar sources in addition to their direction. Always get an alert passing the drug store so you always ignore it? But one day you see two sources instead of just one... hmmm...

 

In these and similar cases all you would receive with another detector is an alert. As to what the real circumstances might be or your position with respect to the LEO... you can only guess. Once you get used to having the information being forced to guess is very annoying, hence it quickly becomes an essential feature.

 

Yeah, I see what you mean. And I take it NO other brand has these features....bummer. Always nice to have some good ole capitalist competition.

[smiller]

And I take it NO other brand has these features

Not that I know of. And there are other attractive qualities of the V1 as well, particularly its build quality. Russell even likes to drive over his, or toss it from a moving bike whenever the mood strikes him.

[bakerzdosen]

...or toss it from a moving bike whenever the mood strikes him.

So, it sounds like the Golden rule applies here...

[gezerbike]

OK--what are "the arrows" ?

The arrows are indicators that tell you the approximate location of the radar signal (front, behind, sides) in addition to its mere existence. The feature is so useful that it essentially becomes mandatory once you're used to having it.

 

Are you saying that, instead of slowing down immediately once the detector goes off, you look, first at the arrows so see where the radar is coming from, then at the source , before you slow down ? Wouldn't it be better to have the confidense in your detector to know that you should slow down immediately when it goes off ? Seems to me that one should react first ( slow down ) THEN, and only then , start looking for the source. Looking first and reacting second seems a sure receipe for a ticket.

[Emoto]

And I take it NO other brand has these features

Not that I know of. And there are other attractive qualities of the V1 as well, particularly its build quality. Russell even likes to drive over his, or toss it from a moving bike whenever the mood strikes him.

 

Plus, V-1s can be upgraded when a new version comes out. It isn't cheap, but is far less than getting a new one.

 

My V-1 did the same thing the original poster mentioned, until I disabled the Laser alert. I have purchased an electronic noise filter that I am going to put on the power cord and see if that doesn't fix the problem.

[smiller]

Are you saying that, instead of slowing down immediately once the detector goes off, you look, first at the arrows so see where the radar is coming from, then at the source , before you slow down ? Wouldn't it be better to have the confidense in your detector to know that you should slow down immediately when it goes off ? Seems to me that one should react first ( slow down ) THEN, and only then , start looking for the source. Looking first and reacting second seems a sure receipe for a ticket.

No, I'm not saying that. You should indeed react to the first alert, then utilize the additional info as appropriate.

[russell_bynum]

Are you saying that, instead of slowing down immediately once the detector goes off, you look, first at the arrows so see where the radar is coming from, then at the source , before you slow down ? Wouldn't it be better to have the confidense in your detector to know that you should slow down immediately when it goes off ? Seems to me that one should react first ( slow down ) THEN, and only then , start looking for the source. Looking first and reacting second seems a sure receipe for a ticket.

No, I'm not saying that. You should indeed react to the first alert, then utilize the additional info as appropriate.

 

My reaction depends on signal strength (which you can tell right away from the audible tone), radar band (ditto), and how much above the speed limit I'm going.

 

If the initial signal is weak, then you've got time to look and see where it is. If it's stronger (and I'm going more than about 10mph over the limit), I drop anchor and figure out the details later.

 

That's where the extra info the V1 gives you is so good...after your inital reaction, you can process what it is telling you, categorize the threat, and deal with it appropriately. With a normal detector all you know is you're getting some hit from somewhere. You basically can't do anything but sit there and behave until you visually ID the source or you stop getting hits (and in the latter case you don't know if you stopped getting hits because the cop is ahead of you and accelerating away, behind you and dropping back, you just passed him on the opposite side, or what. Another classic that I see a bunch is those annoying "Your speed is" signs. They set of the detector. You pass the sign, and get back on the gas...then get nailed by the second radar source...a LEO. With the V1 you'd see that second source and you'd know that he was still ahead of you after you pass the sign.

 

I'm about the cheapest SOB you'll ever meet, and I consider the money I spent on my V1 to be money VERY well spent.

[frenchwv]

I didn't know the V1 would be effective if it was stuffed in a tank bag. Does it lose any capabilities if you have it in the tank bag or between the clear map holder?

[Davis]

You lose the laser alert if it can't see the beam, but laser alerts just tell you to pull over anyway The effect of thin polymers on radar reception is unnoticeable. You lose a slight amount of range the lower its mounted, but again it really isn't an issue between mounted on the dash or in a tankbag.

[bobanddianne]

In response to why use the V1?

In short, because it is the best.

 

The longer version goes like this:

On a recent trip from L.A. to central Oregon, our V1 more than paid for itself numerous times.

In northern California (North of Sacramento) and Oregon also, the LEO's are numerous and quite active. The V1 NEVER missed a beat. The early signals would be picked up about two+ miles before sighting the LEO unit in the trees, around the bend, etc.

And yes, it let us know of the one comming up behind us also. I don't know who he was chasing, but he was flying when he passed us (yes, we were already down to a conservative speed)

 

I just finished mounting the V1 up on the dash and am appreciating the arrow information again.

 

In town (Greater LA) we repeatedly get beeped by the automatic door sensors from businesses and comercial buildings. The side arrows clarify this signal.

They are weaker signals than would be received from a LEO and are only received a block or so before passing the building, as opposed to the strong LEO signals, which can be received miles before passing the sending unit.

 

Our V1 has paid for itself not only in $$$ but in the peace of mind that we are 'safe' from spending the big bucks as we travel down the road at typical BMW speeds.

 

OH YES,

For the V1 there is no need to do any direct wire connections to the battery (as I've done for my driving lights).

I simply have mine plugged into the accessory plug. It draws very little current and works perfectly this way.

There is no need to turn it on or off either, the bike will shut it down shortly after you shut off the ignition. And then it is 'automatically' turned back on when we start up the bike again.

[KMG_365]

You lose the laser alert if it can't see the beam, but laser alerts just tell you to pull over anyway

I beg to differ. I've had two "saves" with my high mounted unit. See the details at Mike Valentine's Page for more good info. YMMV.

[smiller]

Thought I would add some info to the original topic of this thread (V1 acting up due to interference) since I experienced a very similar problem upon installing my trusty V1 on a newer K1200GT. I was receiving intermittant but frequent rear laser alerts for no apparant reason, most commonly at slower engine speeds including idle. The problem occured only when the engine was running. A conversation with a technician at Valentine Research indicated that this a known issue with some installations and is caused by radiated EMI or noise on the DC power supply or both. If you read around it would appear that this is not an uncommon issue with the V1 with some vehicles.

 

I was powering the V1 from the CANbus accessory power output, but connecting directly to the battery resulted in no improvement. I then tried powering the V1 from an external battery and under that condition the fault did not occur, indicating that this was primarily a problem with noise on the DC supply. I was able to cure the problem by bypassing both positive and negative leads of the CANbus auxilliary power output to ground (real ground, meaning the frame or (preferably) the negative battery terminal) through 0.1 uf ceramic bypass capacitors. This seems to have cleaned things up enough to prevent the falsing.

 

By the way the problem seems to be more acute in the older (thicker) units. I tried a newer-hardware V1 (indicated by a thinner case height-wise) and it did not exhibit the problem. So if you are experiencing a similar problem and own an older unit an upgrade might be another cure, although in my case that would have cost $220 for the upgrade vs. 50 cents for the caps so I went with the latter.

 

Anyway, just passing all this on on case it helps anyone...

[der Wanderer]

Is the V1 waterproof? Or does it have to be protected with plastic bags, etc? Mentions of putting it in the tank bag suggest it's not water proof...

Thanks

[smiller]

The V1 is not waterproof and the manufacturer advises against getting it too wet. There are waterproof cases available but FWIW my V1 has been doused more times than I can count without any damage. The important thing to remember is to turn it off if it gets wet as it doesn't like water in the power connector when operating.

[jblaze5779]

This happens on the escort 8500x50 too... supposidly something with the voltage fluctuations of the engine on acceleration triggers false laser. I know on my escort they came out with a new cable to address this issue. I haven't had any problems personally with mine though.

[smiller]

Yes, I've been reading up and apparently interference issues between CANbus and sensitive electronic devices are not uncommon. I imagine such glitches will eventually disappear as aftermarket manufacturers gain more experience in this area. Just another day in the life of designing accessories to work with modern automotive electrical systems... in the '12 volt' world if it's not one thing it's another. The CANbus system itself is quite interesting, a lot of engineering in there. It has been designed to be extremely resistant to outside interference but apparently is not always as kind to external devices.