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.
First up, here’s the unboxing and hands-on look at the new V1 Gen 2. It’s a 1 hr 40 min livestream and covers a TON of information.
Here’s a few of the highlights of the new V1 Gen 2:
- All new underlying hardware platform
- Longer range than the V1 Gen 1
- Much better BSM filtering
- Brand new LED display
- Front knob is gone, replaced by a mute button and two volume buttons on top
- Bluetooth is now integrated in the detector
- No GPS
There’s a TON of testing to be done so stay tuned for updates as we learn more!
Valentine 1 Gen 2
Read my complete V1 Gen2 review here.
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I’m guessing the V1 gen2 will have much better range, somewhere equal or a little better than the Max 360c at least on 33.8 Ka.
I wonder if the laser fales alerts has been fixed.
Just got off the phone with V1 sales. No trade in of newer units only units that can’t be upgraded!! I bought a new one anyway. I love the thing, what can I say.
Sold my old V1 in one day. I got more than double what they were offering for the older V1’s. They still have good value.
How much is the V1 Gen 2?
Author
$499
when can i buy this new model?
Does you know of the V1 apps
Play thru Apple car play to the screen of your auto or only thru the phone
Sorry do you know if the V1 apps play thru Apple car play
Author
Nope, Apple is super restrictive on which apps can integrate with CarPlay.
Can I buy one at Valentine 1 Gen 2 now? I don’t see it on their website.
The web sight has been updated. Lots of new stuff & you can place an order now on line.
I Frank I seen on Valentine 1 website you has a upgrade you send them your old V1 only the Radar no cords only the unit. They will take off $110.00 you have to type in your serial number then print out the form fill it out you keep one copie send the other copie in with the Radar unit. Plus $389.00.
It said taking orders today I think you can best thing to do is call them.
Also, can I use the R7 and Valentine 1 Gen 2 together in the same car? Since the Valentine 1 Gen 2 doesn’t have GPS to locate all the speed and red light cams.
Author
Not simultaneously, no. You need to run only one detector at a time or else they will interfere and cause problems with one another. https://youtu.be/nxtBGUhwpBE
Does the V1 Gen2 false on newer Mazda’s? I am looking to replace my R3. It constantly gives false alerts on K on my 2020 CX-5. I emailed Valentine and I have not received a response.
Author
Looks like things are much better with the V1 Gen2 in this regard, including if you drive a CX-5. https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/97248/page-8#post-1401002
Most fales alerts from Mazda’s on the V1 comes from laser bad filtering, when you turn off laser reception on the V1 it becomes quite vs Mazda’s.
No change on the V1 Gen2 on laser.
Author
That applies to laser, certainly, but not the K band falses.
True!!! That was my meaning.
As far as for K falses it does seems to do the job much better.
On ebay?
Vortex, appreciate your vids I have learned so much from reading your posts and watching your videos. My question is will the mirror tap for the gen 1 work with the gen 2?
I will be glad when you have tested thoroughly the Gen 2.
Does the new gen 2 have MCRD reading? I have been looking online and quite frankly have gotten mixed responses in regards to that where as some say it picks up on it and others don’t. I live in Iceland and here they have really taken to planting speed camera cars all over the place and those things are ruthless when it comes to ticketing. I am a fan of V1 and have ordered the new gen 2 but was later informed that the new version may not be able to spot these cameras out for me and that I should go for a Uniden R7 instead. However the R7 does not appeal to me as much since for example it does not have Bluetooth and since I ride a motorcycle as well and transfer the detector between that and my car I want to be able to connect to my helmet speaker setup wireless.
I would really like to be sure of what I am buying, but also want to thank you for all of your very informative videos on pretty much all questions I have had on either detectors or jammer related issues, keep up the good work.
Author
I’m not 100% sure yet, but it looks like it doesn’t. https://www.vortexradar.com/2020/05/valentine-1-gen2-review/#MRCD_MRCT For MRCD, I think your best bet is to get another detector with support for that.
I just received my V1G2 today and I can’t wait to test this thing on the open road. One thing I noticed off the bat, I have it connected to a switched 12v, but I have to press the power button every time I start the vehicle. Is this the new norm for V1? Thanks I’m advance. -Chris
Author
Once the detector is powered on, it should be able to automatically power on/off on its own with the car. You shouldn’t have to manually turn it on every time.
That’s what I figured. I tried the provided cigarette lighter and it does power up without pressing the button. It’s on a Blendmount Mirror Tap and it requires pressing the button. Blendmount support is looking for answers on that side. I appreciate the reply. I’m having great range down here in Texas with the V1G2.
Author
Sounds like it may be an issue of where you’ve tapped into. Can you probe around for another wire to connect power to for the MirrorTap? I’ve got my V1 running on a MirrorTap and it works just fine with the ignition. Maybe there’s something funky going on with the specific pin you’ve chosen to tap into? If all else fails, you can always run a traditional hardwire and run the cable around and down from your headliner.
Yeah, that’s what I am figuring. The V1G1 powers up fine, the V1G2 must pull more power. V1Driver doesn’t show a dip in voltage and meter shows a steady voltage. Just a weird deal. I’ll have to do some checking and probing around this weekend. Thanks again.
Does the Gen 2 function with the old Gen 1 concealed display?
Will I need to rewire my car? I have the old phone type RJ wire hardwired through the A Frame to power supply. Will the same power supply work?
Also visor clip. I have several V1’s all hardwired and a couple on visor clips. Will the new one fit or will I need to rewire? Didn’t see if it ships with a replacement visor clip.
Have the manufacturing issues been resolved yet?
Thanks
Author
The same power supply works. The mount is different so you’ll need to use the visor mount it ships with instead. Manufacturing issues do look to be improved, but it doesn’t look like they’ve been fully resolved yet.
Are there still quality issues with the new V2 model? I’d like to order but will wait if issues exist.
Valentine hasn’t been taking orders for upgrades. Their case supplier is not keeping up with demand. Like you msylver22 I’ve been waiting until the word is that the bugs have been worked out. I have several V1 units and my biggest hope is to stop the annoying false alarms ever time driving near a car that has some form of radar…
Thank you for going over this as I have a Escort Max and thinking about getting a Vi 2nd gen