I just got my Valentine 1 and Concealed Display hard-wired to my G35. I thought I would share some pics, as I think it's a pretty cool idea how I installed it. The concealed display is, in fact, concealed...in the ash tray. You can close and open it as before. Here are the pics.

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01297.jpg" target="_blank">Before - Main Unit</a>

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01298.jpg" target="_blank">Before - Wire Clutter, Power From Cig. Lighter</a>

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01300.jpg" target="_blank">Before - Concealed Unit</a>

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01301.jpg" target="_blank">After - Main Unit</a>

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01303.jpg" target="_blank">After - Ash Tray Closed w/ Concealed Display Inside</a>

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01305.jpg" target="_blank">After - Concealed Unit</a>

<a href="http://www.shaunmathur.com/_images/V1/small_DSC01306.jpg" target="_blank">After - Clearly Visible When In Drive</a>

I should point out that I had it installed, didn't do it myself.

2003 G35 Sedan
{21%_Tints} {Matte_Finish_Race_Pedals} {Black_w/Graphite_Leather} {Premium_Pkg.} {Sport_Tuned} {Winter-Sport} {Navigation} {Xenon} {Sunroof} {Aero-Body_Kit_w/Spoiler} {Trunk_Mat}

 

Exactly how I installed mine - except I mounted the main unit on the passenger side and also put a power switch in the ashtray next to the remote display so I could mount the V1 further behind the rearview mirror and not interfere with the functioning of either visor. Great job!!

 

Great pics.

I still wonder why several of you are putting your remote display by the gear shift. Is it really practical or safe to look down every time your detector goes off?

Russ

Black 6MT Coupe
Jax, FL
PS2 and Headrest Monitors Thread

 

I have the same install, except my V1 is to the right of the rearview...

As for TrentaCinque's question.

It is sometimes a pain to look down to the V1 for every alarm, but I've had my V1 for a few days now and I can distinguish between diff radars, and also hear how strong of a signal it is (amount of beeps)

So sometimes you just need a really quick glance, and its all good. It's kinda like taking a look at what radio station you are on.

04 Black G35C 6MT | Premium | Navigation | Grounding Kit | AEM Cold Air Intake

 

I can only speak for myself, but, it's hella easy to mute without looking, the V1's arrows make only a glance necessary, and I don't find it at all distracting to look in that area - beats the hell out of looking up and over to the passenger visor area.... I also didn't want it visable when the car is parked - the main unit is mostly behind the rear view mirror and in the upper tint band, so isn't easy to spot from outside the car, and I wanted the remote display to be able to be hidden when not in use. The ashtray was the best place to locate it.... If I didn't have Nav, I would have used that space.

Tom

 

Nice job! I'm working on a very similar install right now, but instead of just having the concealed display mounted in the ashtray, it's mounted in a piece of ABS plastic that fills in the hole around the sides. Also, I will be putting my V1 main unit to the right of the mirror so my visor doesn't block it, as others have mentioned. I'm excited...it should look pretty good when it's done.

2003.5 G35 Coupe 6MT Black/Willow
- Texas Tech Mechanical Engineering -

 

I know what you mean about learning the alarms. I have mine mounted so you can see it w/out taking your eyes off the road. It also can't be seen from outside the car.

Russ

Black 6MT Coupe
Jax, FL
PS2 and Headrest Monitors Thread

 

The place it's in now makes it extremely easy to mute. All you have to do is glance at it anyway (like looking at the CD Track info). After having it for 2 weeks, I have figured out the different beeping sounds it makes. I have even pointed out upcoming cops to my friends 2 or 3 times.

The range on the V1 is amazing. FzyLgic mentioned that it was placed behind the upper tint band; you could lose signal strength there. And the reason i placed it on the left side was because i wanted to give the rear detector a "better" view through my window since the antenna is on the right side of the main unit.

I have read many people placing the concealed unit in between the steering wheel, where all the gauges are. How do you reach the mute button then?

Minor details; still one hell of a radar detector!!!

2003 G35 Sedan
{21%_Tints} {Matte_Finish_Race_Pedals} {Black_w/Graphite_Leather} {Premium_Pkg.} {Sport_Tuned} {Winter-Sport} {Navigation} {Xenon} {Sunroof} {Aero-Body_Kit_w/Spoiler} {Trunk_Mat}

 

Definetly one hell of a radar detector...had mine for just a few days, and I'm lovin it.

I had many false alarms on X band...but then I got one that was a lot stronger than the others and pointing just ahead. Well, a cop was busting a U turn right up ahead of me!! Amazing little machine.

advanced logic mode for me though

04 Black G35C 6MT | Premium | Navigation | Grounding Kit | AEM Cold Air Intake

 

I just hit the mute on the main unit by the mirror, usually at stop lights. Not too often I have to mute. I have my volume set pretty low. The detector can go off and I can see if before I hear it since it's in my line of sight.

Russ

Black 6MT Coupe
Jax, FL
PS2 and Headrest Monitors Thread

 

jus' chimin' in, but that's a great looking install!

n1cK

jUs' bE [img]/w3timages/icons/cool.gif[/img]

 

Does metallic tint affect the V1's reception? like it does for FM signals.

DP G35 coupe/ AT / Prem graphite / Sport / Titanium 19 tint / 5 wire hyper-ground kit / clear corners / hyper white clearance/ i-Pod mini silver
San Diego, CA

 

Yes, I believe that metallic tint is detrimental to the performance of radar detectors. I'm not sure how much effect it has, though.

jjellyneck

 

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt2.asp

2003.5 G35 Coupe 6MT Black/Willow
- Texas Tech Mechanical Engineering -
- Texas Tech Advanced Vehicle Engineering -

 

That's an interesting article .. . anyone that has tint and V1, can you verify? So, then I should super glue my V1 on the hood of my car? That would be some mod, now wouldn't it! =)

DP G35 coupe/ AT / Prem graphite / Sport / Titanium 19 tint / 5 wire hyper-ground kit / clear corners / hyper white clearance/ i-Pod mini silver
San Diego, CA