Miata Mailing List: March 1995, Message #13
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   From: schertz@KMERL.Research.Panasonic.COM (Rick Schertz)
Subject: Re: Valentine
   Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 10:16:10 -0500

> SO, now that it's been established which radar detector is least likely
> to get us caught, does anyone have info on the Valentine? Like $$, phone #?

Valentine Research
10280 Alliance Rd
Cincinnati OH 45242
(800)331-3030
(513)984-8900

I purchased the Valentine One Radar Detector with Laser Warning.
$399 USD + $5 USD shipping (yes, this is a couple more dollars than
a hundred).  Subtract $70 USD and a 1/4 inch in height if you forego
the laser detection.  FYI, laser only detects in front (not rear).

I really can't compare performance to another since this is my
first detector (spoiling myself).

Pros (personal opinion):  Top rated all around.  One of the loudest rated
(good when top down) - note: when I'm blasting the (Clearwater) audio system 
you can't hear it, especially when the top is down.  But with moderate
audio and top down you can still hear it and see it.  Sometimes can hardly
see the lights in bright sunny top-down days.  Lights show direction
of source(s) and number of radar sources.  Provided with cig lighter cord
and hard-wiring kit.  Can hard-wire for one car and take mobile with
windshield mount on another and put visor mount in another - or buy
additional mounting brackets or hard-wire kits.  Take with you on trips
when you rent a car.  Uses RJ-11 4-wire cord - install yourself easily.

Cons (personal opinion):  Expensive, but most reviews will say how this is
trivial compared to what it'll save you.  This assumes that you have the
potential to get caught by police radar/laser guns.  If you never get
tickets, then you probably rarely drive fast enough to get caught, right?
If it's stolen, you're out $400.  Neither auto nor homeowners insurance
covers this affordably, right?  It's not small, even less so with laser
detection.

> Do they make a battery powered one? (Yeah, right.)

Nope, don't believe so, but call toll free 800 for facts.