This week I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to the man, the myth, the legend, Mike Valentine, and learn all about his brand new Valentine One Gen2. I got to ask him about the new changes and improvements in this next generation V1. Here is our complete discussion for you to enjoy. 🙂
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/03/interview-mike-valentine-v1-gen2/
The Valentine 1 Gen 2 (purchase here) can be programmed using the V1connection app (free) for Android or iOS. This helps you tailor your V1 based on your preferences and driving needs.
I recommend using V1connection just to program your V1 initially. It’s much better than trying to program the V1 manually. Then when driving day to day, I recommend running JBV1 (free) or Highway Radar (free) on Android, and V1Driver ($10) or V1 Companion ($10) on iOS to add a bunch of extra functionality like voice alerts, alert logging, improved false alert filtering with automatic GPS lockouts, etc.
In this article we’ll go over how to setup and configure your Valentine 1 Gen 2 radar detector using the V1connection app.
This guide was last updated in September 2024. It is current as of the September 2024 update, firmware 4.1035.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/03/how-to-program-v1-gen-2-v1connection/
JBV1 is easily one of the best countermeasure apps available. It’s was developed by @johnboy00 for the Valentine 1 (hence the name JBV1) and it has taken the place of YaV1 as the best app (it’s Android only) to run with your V1. It has also since added integration with the TMG laser jammer, plus it can now be run standalone so you can take advantage of many of its features even if you’re not running a V1 or TMG.
JBV1 is packed with a crazy amount of features. Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the app and how to get started using it.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/03/getting-started-with-jbv1/
Valentine Research has just started shipping the new Valentine One Gen 2 ($499). This is a huge update to the legendary Valentine One. The new V1 Gen 2 includes many hardware and software improvements.
Update May 2020: The new V1 has been out for two months and you can now read my in-depth Valentine 1 Gen2 review.
VR is planning on officially announcing it on their website next week and detailing all of the changes, but pre-orders have started shipping this week. Here’s our first look at the brand new Valentine 1.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/03/valentine-1-gen-2-hands-on-first-look/
Radar detector detectors like the Spectre Elite are designed specifically to detect radar detectors. Ever wondered how RDD’s work? Will Theia be undetectable to RDD’s?
Radenso just published an amazing video going over RDD’s. In this video, they explain exactly how radar detector detectors work and then gave us a look at what we can expect with their upcoming radar detector, Theia.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/02/radenso-theia-vs-spectre-rdd/
Uniden has just released firmware 1.29 (download for Windows, download for Mac) for the Uniden R7 radar detector (purchase here). This update brings a long list of changes that Uniden has been working on the past months including many features specifically requested by enthusiasts.
Uniden R7 running fw 1.29
This firmware update improves MRCD detection range, allows you to dial back the sensitivity of the rear antenna, makes GPS lockouts safer, and includes a bunch of small changes and bug fixes.
Here are all the changes from 1.24 to 1.29, along with my notes about the changes.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/01/uniden-r7-firmware-1-29-lots-of-new-changes/
Update: As of March 2020, the new V1 Gen 2 has started shipping out to those who’ve preordered. More info coming soon!
Since March of 2019, the Valentine One has been out of stock on VR’s website.
There’s been endless discussion and speculation on the forums ever since. You guys have been regularly asking what the latest news is so let’s go over what we know.
Is Valentine coming out with a new detector? Will it be the same or will there be changes? What will the changes be? When will the detector come out? What’s taking so long? Is Valentine going out of business?
I just called them up again this morning and I’ve done that several times over the months (I have a V1 on pre-order for as soon as it becomes available again) and many others have called VR for updates and posted their findings on RDF too. Here’s the latest news on what’s going on with Valentine:
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/01/will-we-see-a-new-valentine-one/
Radenso has released firmware US19 for the Pro M which adds new alert tones for the different radar and laser alerts.
Here’s a quick demo of the 15 different alert tones. They’re individually selectable for X, K, Ka, MRCD, MRCT, Gatso, & Laser.
I’ve never been a huge fan of the default tones for K and Ka so it’s nice to have some new options.
I’m still experimenting to see which ones I like best. I’m also finding it helpful to enable the Voice to announce different radar bands while I try out and learn the new tones.
Which ones are your favorites?
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/01/radenso-pro-m-new-alert-tones-with-firmware-us19/
K40 products are generally considered among enthusiasts to be overpriced underperformers. There are far better options available.
After purchasing and testing both their RL360di radar detector and the Defuser Optix laser jammer against the competition, I found them both to be bottom of the barrel performers. Once I then had a chance to take a look at the internals, I was surprised at what I saw and suddenly everything started to make sense…
Brand new K40 RL360di radar detector ready to be installed for testing
Here’s a more detailed discussion about K40 and why I do not personally run or recommend their current products. Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/01/why-i-dont-recommend-k40-radar-detectors-or-laser-defusers/
Genevo recently released their new Genevo Max radar detector (€ 799). While I generally don’t cover European detectors that aren’t available in North America, the Max introduces some unique new features that we haven’t seen before in other radar detectors so I think it’s worth taking a closer look.
The new Max is an evolution of the Genevo One M (modified and sold in the US as the Radenso Pro M) with a new case and design, upgraded mount, plus a new motion sensor allowing you to mute the detector by waving your hand in front of it.
Genevo Max
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2019/12/genevo-max-overview/
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