New V1 Laser False :(

[tom p.]

Setec, a few thoughts from Mikey, perhaps you've seen them:

Why am I getting laser alarms when I follow some cars?
- J.J., Michigan


Red neon is occasionally used for the CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Lamp) on new cars. We know of these models: GM Trailblazer and Envoy, the Lincoln Mk VIII and the latest BMW 3-series convertible.

These lights use a neon-plasma light source. The red lens allows red visible light to pass, and also invisible energy near infrared. The source is powered by a pulsating voltage on a frequency that happens to be similar to the repetition rate of legitimate laser-gun pulse trains. In other words, the CHMSLs have an invisible energy leakage that’s nearly identical to the beam used by traffic laser. If we suppress the interference, we’re likely to damage laser sensitivity.

Another source of alarms: a few new cars have cruise controls that use laser to measure distance to the car ahead. This feature is available on the Lexus LS430, Infiniti FX35 and FX45. This, of course, is real laser, not a false alarm.

If you’re really bothered by these alarms, you can reprogram V1 to disable its laser reception. It’s a DIY project. Here’s a link to the instructions on our website:

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/mikeslabrpt3.asp

I've also noticed that when I pass thru certain EZPass lanes the detector emits a Laser false alarm for a few short seconds. i get this with both the V1 and the X50.

[beachy]

Hey just follow someone else who is speeding. So far, it has proven safe for me every time.
OOPS! Now I've tempted fate!

[gbogh3]

It would be nice if they narrow the band of nm (nanometers) so that we don't get false alarms, like a laser jammer. However even having the laser on a dectector is all but useless. If it were real and you were speeding, it would be all over.
If you want you can disable the laser from your V1. Call V1 and they will walk you through it.

Hopefully they will have a fix out shortly, exspecially with more and more cars going to laser cruise control.

[ManiZ]

That's a very common and well-known issue with laser-guided cruise controls. Mike Valentine even has a section dedicated to that on the V1 site.

EDIT: Just noticed the post above.

[gbogh3]

Originally Posted by ManiZ

That's a very common and well-known issue with laser-guided cruise controls. Mike Valentine even has a section dedicated to that on the V1 site.

EDIT: Just noticed the post above.

The bigger problem is that if you are using your V1 or any radar dectoctor for Laser, you are playing with fire! You get so many false alarms, that you may not even pay attention to it once its real! Unfortually they have to include them to be competitive in the market.

[Accumulator]

Heh heh, in my experience most of the time laser detectors are just ticket announcers anyhow Sometimes they zap somebody ahead of you, but when they really want to clock me with laser it's all a matter of my spotting them (visually) before they trigger it as opposed to relying on the V1. It's such a a narrow beam and brief exposure, and most of the LEOs in my area are pretty skilled with the things.

[Deemo]

Originally Posted by BoxsterCharlie

That sucks. Until now, my chief problem has been Chevy Trailblazer brake lights.

Yeah....why is that?
Not laser

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by Deemo

Yeah....why is that?
Not laser

Some of those LED taillights which are becoming increasingly common seem to have a IR component (or increased intensity) which is close enough to the Lidar frequency to set it off.

[gbogh3]

Originally Posted by Deemo

Yeah....why is that?
Not laser

Laser is measured in nanometers (nm) for wave length. The LED's fall within the nm range for radar. CURRENTLY. They need to tighten it up. Radar jammers do not have this problem.

[Yal]

Does anyone know if any of this technology is inadvertently affecting the cop laser guns too?