Valentine V-1, w/ remote display and audio adapter
(audio fed into Chatterbox headset)

There is no doubt in most rider’s minds that the Valentine V-1 is simply the finest radar detector on the market. It is pricey, but the cost is easily offset by the potential increase in insurance premiums along which would result from speeding tickets. BTDT.

Mounting the V-1 is always a compromise. Mounted up on the dash area is best, in terms of radar and laser detection, yet exposes the unit to rain. Most folks who run radar detectors in exposed mounting positions wind up simply disconnecting and storing the unit during inclement weather, eliminating their detection capabilities entirely. (Those who do not are forced to concoct protective sheathing for the unit.) On the other hand, mounting the unit in a weatherproof location reduces the unit’s ability to sense radar and in most instances eliminates the unit’s ability to detect laser, yet allows the unit to operate under all weather conditions.

Since I knew that I wanted to have the V-1 audio piped into a helmet-mounted headset, I also needed to contend with the potential location of the V-1 Remote Audio Adapter. As a result, I chose to run the V-1 inside my tank bag, and simply accept the loss of laser detection. This ensures that my radar detection capabilities are consistent regardless of weather conditions, and provides the physical mounting space needed for both the V-1 unit and the Remote Audio Adapter.

Since I am running the HJC27A headset, I am piping the audio output of the V-1 directly into the HJC27A unit. The V-1 and Remote Audio Adapter are fed switched power from a relayed and fused accessory circuit, as is the HJC27A.

To compensate for the loss of visual warning from the V-1 (the bogey counter and directional indicators are very useful) as a result of locating the V-1 in the tank bag, I also am running the V-1 remote display module on the custom dash, just below my line of sight. This unit has been made weather-resistant by sealing the case with dielectric grease and electrical tape.