Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Radar Detectors

[Charles Perry (charles]

I like your hypothetical!

 

Yes, Escort does make a combo gps/radar (passport iq, $650,http://www.escortradar.com/iq/). I have not used it but I disagree with anything that takes the focus off countermeasures. Although it may make sense for you in VA because it is built-in camouflage for the detector, so you could keep using it when you get home. Other useful features of some models include GPS-based databases of red light/speed camera locations that can be updated via internet. We have none of that technology in SC so I haven't cared about this. Around DC you might like it.

 

I am religiously fanatical about the Valentine 1 (http://www.valentine1.com/, $399) It is simply the best piece of technology I have and by far the most valuable to me. I own 8 of them now because I am terrified to be in a car in SC without one and I can't be trusted to remember to carry it from car to car. Just bought another last week for the Vanquish. You can get a concealed display unit from the factory, or several companies disassemble them and will build them into the rear view mirror for you for VA use. Incredibly sensitive and incredibly logical in displays, controls and use. They are also upgradable when new features come out, which is very rare but does save you some money. Also come set up for foreign use with some programming changes. The directional arrows are patented and without equal.

 

I agree with Hans that their laser protection is worthwhile. Like instant-on radar, you depend on it to pick up the car that got tagged in front of you because if they hit you you're screwed regardless, but I have been successfully warned. Only downside is that laser detection is also set off by Chevy Trailblazer CHMSL and Infiniti automated cruise control, but reallly no biggie once you realize that.

 

If you just want want one for the trip, I would be happy to loan you one. I believe once you've used it you'll be hooked. Other option is most places will sell you one with a 30-90 day return policy, so try one on the trip and return if you don't like it.

 

Funny V1 story - my dad and I were traveling from the F1 race in Montreal to Detroit to visit my grandmother. We got stopped somewhere along the way by Canadian province police who confiscated our V1. While the cop was in his car writing us the ticket (for having the detector, ironically, not for speeding - got visually caught in a construction zone), I was already on the phone with Valentine ordering a replacement, which we had FedExed to our hotel in Detroit. Net time without V1 protection: 11 hours. That's how much we like this unit.

 

-- charles

 

________________________________________________________

Charles G Perry IV
Vice-President, Engineering
 
Carolina Sound Communications – MuzaK
7630 Southrail Road, BLDG B
N. Charleston, SC 29420
(843) 571-4488 x105         www.carolina-sound.com

 

 

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From: Matt Boyd [mailto:ferrari308driver [at] gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 11:07 AM
To: Charles Perry
Cc: The FerrariList
Subject: [Ferrari] Radar Detectors

All,

 

Let's just say hypothetically that I just purchased Dave Quick's 1991 Bentley Turbo R. And let's just say hypothetically that it presently lives in Bellevue, Washington and that I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Also, let's just say hypothetically that I want to drive the car from there to here starting Friday afternoon and arriving home Sunday night or Monday morning. Hypothetically I would have my wife joining as a second driver from Salt Lake City. Hypothetically, of course.

 

Given that hypothetical setup....

 

What is the skinny these days on radar detectors? I haven't looked in a long time, because we cannot have them in Virginia, and my long drives recently have been in a 72 year old Rolls-Royce that cruises quite nicely at 65mph, a speed where I have no concern about speeding tickets. I used to drive the 308 long distances (not so much anymore since the 3 kids don't fit in the trunk), and when I toyed with obtaining a radar detector then, I perceived the best of a consumer radar detector to be Valentine One.

 

Is that still the case?

 

I haven't done any research. And yes I can Google it, but querying a bunch of Ferrari friends that I know seems a good place to start with practical experience/opinions.

 

Does there exist a device that, given an internet connection (via WiFi, for example), can triple as a navigation system, a speed trap advisor, and a radar detector? Any ideas on what is state of the art in not only "radar/laser detection," but also additional capabilty would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

-Matt

'85 308

'39 RR P-III

'57 Bel Air

'78 450 SEL

'91 Turbo R???