Father knows best

As a retired LEO, I knew exactly what radar detector to recommend when my son asked my advice. “V1, hands down.” I explained that all he was reading about the others having GPS was actually to their disadvantage. All LEOs know how to play those detectors; we’ll set up in an area known to be … continued


One is the loneliest number

I’m driving home. For weeks there’s been a “your-speed-is” trailer set up after a bend in the road. V1 always reads it as a K-band alert, one on the Bogey Counter, and I had gotten used to the brap sound as I neared home. Now here’s where V1 steps to the front of the pack. This time, … continued


No defense against quick-draw tactics

May 1st was Law Day in Arizona, and I was on my way to hear a judge deliver a speech on the county courthouse steps. It was a blue-sky day, and light traffic, just one car oncoming over the crest of the next hill. Unfortunately, that one car was an unmarked unit of the Arizona … continued


A town as dark as its Sheriff’s heart

I live in Fountain Hills, a small desert town off the northeast edge of Scottsdale, Arizona. Besides having a 29-acre lake with a fountain that briefly jets water high in the sky every hour (9am to 9pm), Fountain Hills has another distinction—it’s an International Dark Sky Community. The sky is dark and so are the … continued


Wait till next time

My 2008 V1 was freaking out, apparently maddened by the junky K-band signals from nanny warning systems intended to keep drivers from caroming off each other. So I sent it in for an upgrade. The good news: the turn-around was an amazingly-short five days. The bad news: on day three I got pulled over for … continued


When K isn’t Junk-K

I don’t leave home without my V1, so the trip to the Sunshine State from Tennessee was no different. V1 was working like a charm … wait, I didn’t tell you I hadn’t upgraded yet. I was just lazy and I didn’t want to spend the money, so I would just hit “Mute” on all … continued


Top grades for the Upgrade

About six years ago I purchased a V1 and it worked better than I ever expected, but within the last few years it would constantly sound alerts. It got to the point of being annoying, so I just parked it, put it away for about a year. Last month I sent it in for an … continued


The ranger and the robot

I was driving in a national park in Utah. The road had an outrageously low speed limit. As I crested a hill, V1 encountered strong X-band. Almost immediately, I also received a Ka-band hit straight ahead. Two for the price of one, you might say. Because right behind the “Your Speed Is…” sign was a … continued


Situation Awareness in Indiana

I was driving into Indianapolis on I-65 on my way to Des Moines when I got the Indy Welcome, a big ka-band hit, with the counter showing three ahead. Naturally I slowed and moved to the middle lane. Almost immediately I saw two Indiana troopers oncoming in the opposite roadway. The V1 count after they … continued


Clothing the naked

Sent my V1 in for an upgrade and got the email this morning saying it’s on its way back to me. I’ve heard a hundred times, “You never miss something until its gone.” I miss my clothes; I feel I’ve been driving naked for three days. Guys, I truly appreciate your fast turn-around time. Craig … continued