V1 Gen2 Tech Display & Firmware 4.1036

Finally!! After many years of me hoping for this, Valentine has finally added support for a dedicated frequency display! It’s not on the V1 Gen2 itself (though hopefully that also comes in time), but rather on an updated new concealed display called the Tech Display.

V1 Tech Display front angle

Compared to the original CD, the new Tech Display adds a frequency display. It’s also thinner, has a smaller connector, and adds a new V1 button that lets you save and recall previous alerts.  It retails for $95 and is available now from Valentine’s website.

It’s compatible with both the original V1 Gen1 with ESP as well as the new V1 Gen2. For full functionality, Valentine has released firmware version 4.1036 for the V1 Gen2, the early-December 2024 upgrade.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/12/v1-gen2-tech-display-fw-41036/

Viofo A229 Pro vs. Viofo A329: Head-to-Head Comparison

The Viofo A229 Pro has been my go-to dashcam for its video quality and feature-set, but the upgraded Viofo A329 introduces new features worth considering. Both dashcams are strong contenders for being the best dashcam of 2024. Which one should you choose?  Let’s compare.

Here is my full video review of the A329, along with explanations of all the key improvements:

 

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/viofo-a229-pro-vs-viofo-a329-comparison/

Black Friday 2024 Deals on Radar Detectors & Dash Cameras

Black Friday runs Nov 21 – 29 and then Cyber Monday runs Nov 30 – Dec 2. It looks like we’re getting some of the biggest discounts of the year.

Black Friday 2024

Check back daily as more BF/CM discounts go live. Let’s take a quick look at some of the best countermeasures that you can buy on sale today with Black Friday and Cyber Monday pricing.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/black-friday-2024-deals-radar-detectors-dash-cameras/

Uniden Releases R/TACH Radar Detector App

Uniden has finally released their own native app for their Bluetooth compatible detectors including the R4/R4w, R8/R8w, and R9/R9w. The free app is called R/TACH and is available for download on iOS and Android.

It was just released this week and I’ve just started playing with it. Here’s a look at the app’s features and my initial impressions.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/uniden-rtach-radar-detector-app/

Vantrue E360: A 360 Degree Dashcam & Action Cam

I’m a fan of 360 degree dashcams to help provide additional coverage compared to traditional dashcams, and Vantrue has released a new model that caught my eye, the Vantrue E360. It’s a dual fisheye lens camera that’s sort of a cross between a vehicle dash cam and a portable action cam.

Vantrue E360 panoramic

I’ve been keeping an eye on its development over the past few months and it’s finally been officially announced this week at SEMA. Let’s take a look at the early key info about the E360.

It’s available for pre-order now and is estimated to start shipping December 5th.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/vantrue-e360-creative-360-degree-dashcam/

Uniden Announces Wi-Fi Capable Radar Detectors: R4w, R8w, R9w

Uniden has just announced three new Wi-Fi capable detectors, the R4w, R8w, and R9w.

They’re effectively the same as the original R4, R8, and R9, with the exception that they now have 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi built-in, letting you connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and update your detector over the air.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/uniden-wifi-radar-detectors-r4w-r8w-r9w/

Uniden R8 Firmware 1.35

Uniden has released firmware 1.35 for the Uniden R8. This has several new features (Mazda CX-5 K block and improved autolockouts!) along with several bug fixes. If you remember firmware 1.34 that was briefly released before being pulled due to GPS errors, this update is essentially a fixed version of 1.34.

Uniden R8 firmware 1.35

I’m still waiting on Uniden to provide a full changelog and clarifications for this update, but here’s what I know so far regarding all the updates. For more info, here’s the full discussion area on RDF.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/uniden-r8-firmware-135/

What ‘The Best’ Really Means: A Reviewer’s Perspective

When something is rated as “the best,” does that mean it’s flawless, with no issues or potential problems? And if you run into a problem, does it mean that product—and the whole brand—is bad, and no one should buy from them? It turns out it’s more complicated than that.

I sometimes struggle with calling a product “the best,” knowing about its issues and seeing reports of problems and failures from some fellow users. But when I look at all the available options, there are usually even more issues elsewhere. So while no option out there is perfect, one still has to be considered the best, right?

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/10/what-the-best-means/

Prime Big Deals Day 2024 Discounts on Radar Detectors & Dashcams

Amazon Prime Big Deals Day 2024 runs October 8-9. As usual, we’ve got some nice discounts on radar detectors and a bunch on dash cameras. Here are the discounts on my favorite countermeasures.

Prime Big Deals Day 2024

For many of these deals, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member. Sign up for a Free Trial of Amazon Prime.

Radar Detectors

Uniden

While Uniden doesn’t officially participate in Prime Day sales, there’s some nice discounts across their lineup of detectors you can take advantage of. Prices do tend to bounce around during the sale so be sure to check current pricing, but here’s some of my favorite picks for the best bangs for the buck.

Uniden R8

Uniden R8 for $699 $638 (9% off)

The R8 is my favorite high end Uniden with arrows and extremely long range. It’s one of my go-to picks for an all-around solid detector.

Uniden R7 for $499 $443 (11% off)

This is my favorite bang-for-the-buck radar detector w/ arrows. This isn’t a Prime Day specific deal, but it’s on sale nonetheless.

In one of my cars, I run it full time with the custom international firmware for more features, even in the US. It makes for a very well-rounded detector.

Uniden R4 for $379 $329 (14% off)

If you don’t need the arrows, the R4 is the best performing non-arrow detector around, plus it adds Bluetooth for app compatibility. This detector is regularly on sale, but given how much this detector blows away basically anything in its price range, it’s a killer deal.

Bonus: If you’re a Sam’s Club member, check out the R4 on sale here.

Uniden R3 for $299 $266 (11% off) Deal expired

For the lowest price deal on a Uniden detector, the R3 is available with a discount as well.

Bonus: You can also check out the factory certified used detectors from Uniden here.

Escort

Escort is one of the few radar detector companies that actually does participate in Prime Day sales. Here’s a look at their detectors on sale:

Escort Redline 360c and M2 dashcam

Escort Redline 360c + M2 Dashcam Bundle for $949 $899 (5% off)

This is Escort’s flagship radar detector with long range, arrows, GPS, autolockouts, bluetooth and WiFi. For Prime Day you can get it discounted when bundled with their M2 dashcam, a 1080p add-on dashcam that shares the same mount and power cable for easier installation and integration.

Escort Max 360c Mk II for $699 $617 (11% off)

To save some more, you can get the Max 360c Mk II by itself and then opt for a different dashcam (which will likely have more features). The Max 360c Mk II offers a very similar featureset to the Redline 360c, but it offers a little less range and it lacks the radar detector detector stealth features (which most people don’t need anyways).

Escort Max 360 for $499 $399 (20% off)

Escort’s original detector with arrows is also on sale for Prime Day, but personally I think the Uniden R7 for a few bucks more is a way better detector.

Escort MaxCam 360c $849 $737 (13% off)

This popped up towards the end of Prime Day, but I think it’s the best deal Escort is offering. It’s an integrated radar detector and dashcam, the MaxCam. Basically like a Max 360c Mk II, but with a 2K dashcam built in.

Radenso

While Theia is still a no show, Radenso also makes detectors like the DS1.

Radenso DS1

Radenso DS1 $399 $299 (25% off)

This is a long range non-arrow detector with Bluetooth and GPS. It competes directly with the Uniden R4 and Escort Max 4 (personally I think the R4 is better than the DS1), but this is the lowest price I’ve ever seen the DS1. You can also pick up the smart hardwire cable on sale too.

Accessories

Blendmount

Blendmount (10% off w/ coupon “Vortex10”)

This is a solid aftermarket mounting solution to avoid dealing with suction cup failures. I run a Blendmount in each car and I highly recommend them.

Dash Cameras

Viofo

Viofo’s are my go-to pick for excellent video quality and the core features you need in a dashcam.

Bonus: Save an extra 5% off at checkout with the coupon FALLSALE2024

Viofo A119 Mini 2

Viofo A119 Mini 2 (2K) for $129 $98 (24% off)

For an inexpensive front-only dashcam, this is my go-to recommendation. It builds on the A119 series dashcams, adding a Starvis 2 sensor, WiFi, and more useful features. It’s an easy pick, especially around $100 for Prime Day.

Viofo A229 Plus 2CH (Front 2K, Rear 2K) for $259 $179 (31% off)

This is one of the best options for a front/rear dashcam. It features the same 2K Starvis 2 sensor front and rear that the A119 Mini 2 uses. It’s essentially a more affordable 2K version of the A229 Pro which is one of my favorite dashcams.

Viofo A229 Pro 2CH

Viofo A229 Pro 2CH (Front 4K, Rear 2K) for $369 $279 (24% off)

Viofo A229 Pro 3CH (Front 4K, Rear 2K, Interior 1080p) for $399 $299 (25% off)

This is one of my favorite dashcams on the market and the one I run in both of our cars. The 4K video quality is among the very best I’ve seen, plus its night time HDR works better than the A229 Plus’.

I run the A229 Pro 2CH in my wife’s car and the A229 Pro 3CH w/ the added cabin camera in mine.

Blackvue

Want a cloud connected dashcam that can give you remote notifications if something happens to your car and let you livestream the video from your phone? Blackvues have the best cloud features.

Their flagship DR970X Plus series dashcams all use the latest 4K Starvis 2 sensors up front and come in a variety of form factors.

Blackvue DR970X-1CH Plus (4K) for $359 $323 (10% off)

Blackvue DR970X-2CH Plus (Front 4K, Rear 1080p) for $469 422 (10% off)

This is the standard version that I run in my cars. Pair with the CM100G LTE and purchase a separate SIM card to give it an internet connection. 

Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus

Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus (Front 4K, Rear 1080p) for $539 $485 (10% off)

The LTE version builds the LTE antennas into the dashcam for a more integrated setup, though the dashcam does become a bit larger as a result.

Blackvue DR970X Box Plus

Blackvue DR970X Box-2CH Plus (Front 4K, Rear 1080p) for $499 $449 (10% off)

Blackvue DR970X Box-2CH IR Plus (Front 4K, Interior 1080p) for $529 $476 (10% off)

For the most stealthy setup and added security, check out the “Box” versions that have a separate box for the brains and memory card that get tucked out sight and thus have a smaller front cam. The rear cam is a bit bigger than the regular versions with its tamper-proof case. To add an LTE connection, pick up the CM100G LTE.

For parking recording, you can add the B-130X battery to power your Blackvues while parked. It integrates nicely with Blackvue dashcams and the app.

Thinkware

Thinkware specializes in their energy saving / low power / long term parking recording features.

Thinkware U3000 2CH

Thinkware U3000 1CH (Front 4K) for $429 $379 (12% off)

Thinkware U3000 2CH (Front 4K / Rear 2K) for $549 $479 (13% off)

Features a 4K Starvis 2 sensor up front and an optional 2K Starvis sensor back behind. Killer feature is the super low power / long term parking recording mode with radar to allow it to record motion before any impacts.

Thinkware U3000 2CH (Front 4K / Rear 2K) + iVolt Mini Battery for $799 $679 (15% off)

The U3000 2CH front/rear (my preferred configuration) is also on sale when bundled with the iVolt Mini battery. Since the U3000 sips so little power, you can opt for the smaller battery to save money and still get well over a week of parking recording time. If you want even longer parking record times, you can get the larger iVolt Xtra battery for 8% off.

Thinkware iVolt Xtra Battery for $399 $369 (8% off)

VanTrue

Vantrue N4 Pro 3CH with phone

VanTrue N4 Pro (Front 4K / Rear 1080p / Cabin 1080p) $379 $279 (21% off)

If you’d like a Starvis 2 dashcam with an integrated interior cabin cam, the VanTrue N4 Pro is on sale.

VanTrue N5 (Front 2K / Rear 1080p / Front Cabin 1080p / Rear Cabin 1080p) for $399 $279 (30% off)

If interior recording is a priority and you’d like not just one but two cabin cams, pick up the VanTrue N5.

VanTrue F1 Motorcycle Dashcam (Front 4K / Rear 1080p) $399 $279 (30% off)

If you ride a motorcycle, this is a dedicated waterproof front and rear dashcam you can use.

Escort

Escort M2

Escort M2 (1080p) for $199 $149 (25% off)

If you run a windshield mount Escort radar detector (or a Uniden on a single suction cup mount or Blendmount), you can connect this an add on a dashcam that shares the same mount and power cable as your RD. It’s a simple dashcam without a ton of bells and whistles, but it makes for a very convenient install.

Nexigo

Nexigo D90 Gen3 Dashcam

Nexigo D90 Gen3 Rear View Mirror Dashcam / Backup Camera (4K Front, 1080p Rear) for $299 $239 (20% off)

I recently installed this in my mom’s car and it’s been great. It’s a 4K Starvis 2 rear view mirror style dashcam / backup camera. Add the hardwire cable for parking recording and a cleaner install.

Dashcam Accessories

BBMC PowerCell 8 Battery

BlackboxMyCar Powercell 8 Battery for $379 $349 (8% off) to power your dashcam while parked

256GB SanDisk High Endurance MicroSD Card for $59 $22 (62% off)

512GB SanDisk Extreme MicroSD Card for $43 $39 (6% off)

Vortex’s Favorite Prime Day Deals

There’s a bunch of stuff on sale. Here’s a list of my favorite options 👍 in this list:

Radar Detectors: Uniden R7, Uniden R8Hardwire Cable

Front only 1CH dashcam: Viofo A119 Mini 2, Hardwire Cable, Memory Card

Front/Rear 2CH dashcam: Viofo A229 Pro 2CH, Hardwire Cable, Memory Card

Front/Rear/Interior 3CH dashcam: Viofo A229 Pro 3CH, Hardwire Cable, Memory Card

Cloud Dashcam: Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus, Battery, Memory Card

Long Term Parking Recording: Thinkware U3000 2CH, Battery, Memory Card

Bonus Prime Day Deals

Here’s some stuff that I enjoy and find useful. They’re not necessarily countermeasures, but I think they’re worth checking out regardless. 🙂

Apple AirPods Pro 2 $249 $168 (32% off)

Apple AirTags 4 Pack $99 $79 (19% off)

Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen $249 $169 (32% off)

Google Pixel Watch 2 $249 $179 (28% off)

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $329 $169 (48% off)

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 512GB $1419 $1069 (25% off)

Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones $348 $228 (34% off)

Instant Pot Pro 10-In-1 Pressure Cooker $169 $99 (41% off)

Playstation 5 Console & Digital Edition for $50 off (10% off)

Vitamix Explorian Blender Renewed for $319 $269 (16% off)

Noco Jump Start Battery $124 $79 (36% off)

iOttie Wireless Charger Phone Mount $49 $37 (24% off)

Amazon Echo Dot $49 $22 (54% off)

iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum Q011 $249 $139 (44% off)

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier $24 $16 (33% off)

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional $45 $29 (35% off)

Check out ALL the Prime Day deals here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/10/prime-big-deals-day-2024/

Rove R2-4K Dual Dashcam Review

Rove makes several popular fake 4K dashcams including the R2-4K and R2-4K Pro. They have recently released a 2 channel model for both front and rear recording called the R2-4K Dual.

Rove R2-4K Dual, Front

This is also a fake 4K dashcam, but the front sensor is upgraded from Starvis 1 to Starvis 2. More notably, they’re also adding a rear 1080p camera.

Let’s take a look at the R2-4K Dual’s key features, its improvements over the single channel versions, as well as how it stacks up to the competition.

Full Disclosure: Rove supplied me with these dashcams for test and review. I’m not sponsored by Rove or any other manufacturer. I also have no restrictions on what I can say, good or bad. These are my actual thoughts. If you choose to buy a dashcam, the purchase links in this article are affiliate links and I do make a percentage of the sale at no cost to you which lets me continue doing tests and reviews like this.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/09/rove-r2-4k-dual-dashcam-review/

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