[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

The V1 shape and suction mount is actually significantly more stable than the X50s. The length of the X50 coupled with the poor design of the mount tends to cause the unit to bounce a bit. The probelm exagerates as the slope of the windshield decreases.

You know, I've heard lots of people say this, but I don't know what you're talking about. I've never had a problem with any radar detector bouncing on my windshield- V1, Passport, or otherwise. How is everyone mounting these things that they're bouncing around so much?

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

You know, I've heard lots of people say this, but I don't know what you're talking about. I've never had a problem with any radar detector bouncing on my windshield- V1, Passport, or otherwise. How is everyone mounting these things that they're bouncing around so much?

Actually, the Passport 9500i I have now kinda bounces on my windshield, too... not visibly, but you can hear the front tapping against the front windshield. I did not have this problem with my V1. That being said, my car is set on KWv2's that are set pretty stiff... and I'm still on RFT's, so the ride isn't very smooth... especially in San Antonio where the roads suck.

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

The sign sets off your radar detector and once you learn the sign locations, you might start to ignore them. Cops take advantage of this.

Ohh I know what you're talking about now... interesting... Well, the radar detector can track up to 8 different signals at a time... so I'm sure it'd differentiate two different signals... I mean, it can differentiate between two different cops, why wouldn't it be able to differentiate between a sign and a cop? So yeah, now that I think about it... you could still block out the radar sign... and the radar detector wouldn't go off... but when there is a cop sitting right under it, it'd notice that there are now 2 signals and would alert you...

[bimmerFUD]

Originally Posted by skim7x

I mean, it can differentiate between two different cops, why wouldn't it be able to differentiate between a sign and a cop? So yeah, now that I think about it... you could still block out the radar sign... and the radar detector wouldn't go off... but when there is a cop sitting right under it, it'd notice that there are now 2 signals and would alert you...

In theory, yes, I totally agree. The problem I've found is that reflections off of other cars often increase the signal count. I go by two of these signs daily, one sign for each traffic direction. My V1 often reads 3 or more, unless little traffic. So I slow down anyway.

In the end, maybe the GPS would just save me from having to hit the mute button when I pass these signs. To me, it's not clear the GPS is worth giving up the arrows.

At this point, I'd much rather see a better laser capability than GPS. But I'm not holding my breath...

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

In theory, yes, I totally agree. The problem I've found is that reflections off of other cars often increase the signal count. I go by two of these signs daily, one sign for each traffic direction. My V1 often reads 3 or more, unless little traffic. So I slow down anyway.

In the end, maybe the GPS would just save me from having to hit the mute button when I pass these signs. To me, it's not clear the GPS is worth giving up the arrows.

At this point, I'd much rather see a better laser capability than GPS. But I'm not holding my breath...

Ahh I see... well, I'm as skeptical as you are about the GPS... which is why I decided to give it the 30-day risk-free trial. So far, the only real gain that I have experienced is virtually no false alarms thus far... but I've only had 2.5 days worth of experience... I'm taking it on a road trip to New Mexico on Tuesday (900 miles each way) and I'll learn more about this detector. Of course, the GPS is only of benefit in the city and in areas you frequent... but I'll see how well it can detect radar on this road trip.

[bimmerFUD]

Originally Posted by skim7x

So far, the only real gain that I have experienced is virtually no false alarms thus far...

That would be nice. X-band causes all of my false alarms. When comparing to the V1, was your V1 in "Advanced Logic Mode" (big L displayed)?

[bimmerFUD]

Originally Posted by skim7x

road trip to New Mexico

you and every other Texan

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

That would be nice. X-band causes all of my false alarms. When comparing to the V1, was your V1 in "Advanced Logic Mode" (big L displayed)?

Yes, my V1 was in the "Advanced Logic Mode" you're speaking of... but even then, I would get false alarms all over the place. With this 9500i, it's eerily quiet... I almost feel like it's broken haha...

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

you and every other Texan

lol... hope you guys are ready for us Is the snow good??

[bimmerFUD]

Originally Posted by skim7x

Yes, my V1 was in the "Advanced Logic Mode" you're speaking of... but even then, I would get false alarms all over the place.

The V1 is damn near worthless in urban areas with X-band on. I'm thinking of turning it off.

lol... hope you guys are ready for us Is the snow good??

Yep, it's pretty good

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

The V1 is damn near worthless in urban areas with X-band on. I'm thinking of turning it off.

Exactly! That's why I decided to give the 9500i a shot... While driving on some local roads, there was only one Dry Cleaner's that set off my detector... I set the detector to block out that signal, and now it's completely quiet when I drive around my neighborhood... No false alarms!!

[bimmerFUD]

I guess the question would be whether the 9500i would also ignore a cop using X-band. I never see cops using X-band, so it would be hard for me to test.

[Hoog_23]

FYI - 9500 right now is 25% off at drugstore.com with cashback. Going to replace my original 8500 with it.

Edit - I bought the 9500i... I wonder if I should have gotten the ix?

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

I guess the question would be whether the 9500i would also ignore a cop using X-band. I never see cops using X-band, so it would be hard for me to test.

Well, the detector can differentiate between two cops both using K-band at the same time... I'm sure it does the same for X-band...

Originally Posted by Hoog_23

Edit - I bought the 9500i... I wonder if I should have gotten the ix?

Coool thanks for the heads up! Hmm... for $50 more, why not get the ix... then you don't have to block out signals manually... then again, i like to be in control... so I donno if I'd trust it blocking out signals haha...

[Hoog_23]

Too late... my order was processed. I guess I could always return it.

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by Hoog_23

Too late... my order was processed. I guess I could always return it.

Nah... you'll be plenty happy with 9500i... I wouldn't regret that choice either...

[bimmerFUD]

Originally Posted by skim7x

Well, the detector can differentiate between two cops both using K-band at the same time... I'm sure it does the same for X-band...

Yes, I'm sure coupled with the GPS, it's nice to be able to store locations of things like supermarket doors.

I assumed that because you said it was so silent in urban areas, that it also had a stronger filter for X-band than the V1, even not accounting for the GPS. If so, then my concern was that it would be too strong and filter out cops using X-band.

[wfoE90]

K40 Is The Best

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by bimmerFUD

The V1 is damn near worthless in urban areas with X-band on. I'm thinking of turning it off.

Yep, it's pretty good

If you are certain that the they dont use xband in your area then you should definately turn it off. I know I have mentioned this is other threads but you may also want to take a look at all of the programming options for the V1. The V1 is very sensitive to radar, so fortunately there are plenty of options available to tailor the audio output to your needs.

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

You know, I've heard lots of people say this, but I don't know what you're talking about. I've never had a problem with any radar detector bouncing on my windshield- V1, Passport, or otherwise. How is everyone mounting these things that they're bouncing around so much?

I am not sure what you are insuating but I specifically stated that the X50 was unstable. The V1 mount is rock solid. The X50 at best lightly vibrates against the windshield and at worst bounces. I believe a simple bit of rubber on the back corners that make contact with the windshield would settle this particular issue.The X50 also has a very poor spring retention clip to hold in the metal bracket. This eventually failed on 2 X50s of mine. These units were never mishandled either.The suction cups for the X50
windshield bracket are just as bad. I cant count the number of times the damn thing came off the windshield when the temperature changed. Fortunately it was hardwired and the cord kept it from falling onto the dash. The V1 has never fallen from my windshield.

This is no way a commentary on the detection capabilities of the X50. They are top notch. The mounting bracket though is very poor..

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

I am not sure what you are insuating but I specifically stated that the X50 was unstable. The V1 mount is rock solid. The X50 at best lightly vibrates against the windshield and at worst bounces. I believe a simple bit of rubber on the back corners that make contact with the windshield would settle this particular issue.The X50 also has a very poor spring retention clip to hold in the metal bracket. This eventually failed on 2 X50s of mine. These units were never mishandled either.The suction cups for the X50
windshield bracket are just as bad. I cant count the number of times the damn thing came off the windshield when the temperature changed. Fortunately it was hardwired and the cord kept it from falling onto the dash. The V1 has never fallen from my windshield.

I'm not insinuating anything. As I said, I don't know what you are talking about because my X50 is perfectly stable and has never fallen off the windshield in the 3+ years I've owned it. Because I have not had the problems you describe, and because I would assume that your X50 comes with the same mounting bracket as mine, I asked a very simple question: how is it that you have the detector mounted? Perhaps you have yours mounted in a way that is prone to vibration/bouncing. Perhaps not. I don't know the answer, which is why I asked the question.

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

I'm not insinuating anything.

I've never had a problem with any radar detector bouncing on my windshield- V1, Passport, or otherwise. How is everyone mounting these things that they're bouncing around so much?

You grouped the V1 along with the X50 and then used the plural "things" in the question. Thats insinuating both were bouncing. If we accept the plausible conclusion that you meant the X50 only, we are still left with the insuation that "everyone" else is not mounting them properly.

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

As I said, I don't know what you are talking about because my X50 is perfectly stable and has never fallen off the windshield in the 3+ years I've owned it. Because I have not had the problems you describe, and because I would assume that your X50 comes with the same mounting bracket as mine, I asked a very simple question: how is it that you have the detector mounted? Perhaps you have yours mounted in a way that is prone to vibration/bouncing. Perhaps not. I don't know the answer, which is why I asked the question.

There was/is no issue in how the X50 was mounted in my vehicles. If I were not interested in keeping the X50 level it would have been quite easy to get the mount stable. Just jam it a bit more into the windshield and have the display point upwards. Then I would have only have had to contend with it falling off the windshield.

The fact that on average the end user has to distort (i.e bend) the bracket to fit the bracket to the windshield speaks volumes about the quality of the design. Ive never had to modify the V1 bracket to use it in a variety of vehicles...

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

You grouped the V1 along with the X50 and then used the plural "things" in the question. Thats insinuating both were bouncing. If we accept the plausible conclusion that you meant the X50 only, we are still left with the insuation that "everyone" else is not mounting them properly.

There was/is no issue in how the X50 was mounted in my vehicles. If I were not interested in keeping the X50 level it would have been quite easy to get the mount stable. Just jam it a bit more into the windshield and have the display point upwards. Then I would have only have had to contend with it falling off the windshield.

The fact that on average the end user has to distort (i.e bend) the bracket to fit the bracket to the windshield speaks volumes about the quality of the design. Ive never had to modify the V1 bracket to use it in a variety of vehicles...

This is what happens when I break down and succumb to a rare feeling of helpfulness. Fortunately for both of us, I'm over it.

Look, I frankly don't know or care why you're having problems with the bracket. Mine works fine. I was simply asking you (and others who have this problem- that's why I used the word "everyone" in my earlier post) to post details about your mounts so that I could offer any suggestions that might come to mind. Seems to me that's a fair question to ask if I'm not having the same problems you're having with the X50's bracket.

Since you still haven't answered my question, I can only assume that you're not interested in receiving suggestions. I am therefore happy to oblige by providing none.

[scott@bmwhn]

k40 Calibre DL w/ laser jammer FTW