Anyone use a V1 in their Z8?

[CraZ8's Johnny Q]

I have a V1 radar detector that I use in my cars. I attach it to the windshield with suction cups and plug it into the cigarette lighter. This makes it easy to move it from car to car.

If I do this in the Z8, since the plug is so far back, the cord gets in the way of the shifter.

Is there a good solution for this, short of hardwiring?

[macfly]

I had mine hardwired in, I just clip in to the sun visor, and the cable is permanently there. Peter Pan did the work, they ran the cable from the fuse box down by the driver's left knee are, and the plug comes out infront of the center area of the screen. If the V1 isn't being used the wire tucks behind the sun visor.

Before having it hard wired I'd plug it into the cigarette lighter and run the cable up to the V1 from the passenger side cup holder mount, where it could be pressed in keeping enough tension to stop it flapping about, as you can sort of see here (http://bmwz8.us/htmlL/test1.php?GalleryID=165&ImgID=983).

[Z8Mania]

I do this. I actually get a V1 for each car so I dont have to move it back and forth. Its just that I don't want to mess with the electrical systems of the cars. Its no big deal to get it hard wired but the wire does not bother me- its very simple to remove it.

[Lupin]

is the V1 the best?
Luigi
2001 Black/red

[macfly]

It is very good here in CA where the police use Ka band radar more than anything else. The V1 'sees' Ka band much, much farther away than any other unit in the tests I read, and it has saved me on countless occasions. I have never tried another unit, but everyone I track with, and all my speed loving friends are all V1 users, and have been for over a decade.

There isn't much that will save you from the instant on hand held lasers that you see police using in urban areas, unless you want to try jammers, and you can get into legal trouble with those. Also by now I know where the cops tend to hide out around my area to generate revenue with those things, so I always keep the pace down there. Besides, I always keep my speeding for the deserted wide open spaces that are such a big part of the reason I moved to California.

[Z8Mania]

Just like anything, the question of "the best" is a loaded one. If you do a search here or on other web forums you will see that most members will say, yes, the V1 is the best. I think it currently is. But the new units from Escort have their plusses- they are better at rejecting false alarms and they even have a unit that uses GPS to help filter out false alarms- it remembers where they are and I believe it has a database that gets updated from other users too. I think Valentine will eventually have to go to this. In the end, though I love having the arrows, and as far as false alarms go, I just leave my unit in the "A" mode- which is to show me everything and let me decide if I want to believe it or not. Aside from GPS tracking, the only other real improvement Id like to make to the V1 is better display of which band of radar is being reported. Right now its a little red dot next to the printed word. These are little issues though- overall I think its the best one out there.

[CraZ8's Johnny Q]

Thanks Andrew. I'll have to find my straight cord, as opposed to my coiled one. Then I'll give it a shot.

I had mine hardwired in, I just clip in to the sun visor, and the cable is permanently there. Peter Pan did the work, they ran the cable from the fuse box down by the driver's left knee are, and the plug comes out infront of the center area of the screen. If the V1 isn't being used the wire tucks behind the sun visor.

Before having it hard wired I'd plug it into the cigarette lighter and run the cable up to the V1 from the passenger side cup holder mount, where it could be pressed in keeping enough tension to stop it flapping about, as you can sort of see here (http://bmwz8.us/htmlL/test1.php?GalleryID=165&ImgID=983).

[Z8Mania]

any telephone cord will work. you can go to Radio Shack and get one.

[Lupin]

a year ago I have seen a Z8 for sale with an Escort radar professionally mounted in the ashtray in the middle and I really love the idea , but I always heard about the V1 that's' why ......
I don't like any cord going hanging around the car :o) but if that is the solution......I'll keep you posted
Thank you guys
Luigi

[macfly]

Mine is invisible now - once you get it hardwired in it is the very best of all solutions. I'll post some pix next time I get the car out of the bubble!

[KenZ8]

But the new units from Escort have their plusses- they are better at rejecting false alarms and they even have a unit that uses GPS to help filter out false alarms- it remembers where they are and I believe it has a database that gets updated from other users too.

I would be leary about this feature. Our local law enforcement now sits at the most common false alarm areas in wait for the unsuspecting enthusiast who automatically discounts the warning as false. Seeing them outside of Duncan Donuts I could understand, but they are frequently hiding in front of some local stores who have very "loud" door openers or interior motion detectors. I've been getting the usual K or Ka signal, then a quick blast from the laser. They have even resorted to stopping cars without front plates. I knew I should have ordered the rocket launchers or the oil slick options.:D

[Musta10000]

V1 is the way to go. I have both my cars hardwired and have one for each. However, I moved to Virginia last year and now keep mine in the trunk until I cross the stateline as they are illegal in Virginia. :mad:

[Z8Mania]

Ken- this is true and lets face it- NO detector will save you from instant on. You've got to be smart.