dsleedesign

Here are a few pictures of the installation.

Its an Escort 9500.... it works pretty well in the location. Wiring was pretty easy except figuring out the fuse to use. I used an open slot and it worked.

Fuses are really crammed into this car.

Redd

I've put a bit of 3M's industrial "Velcro", same thing that is used on the EZ-Pass, on the windshield above the rear mirror and just below the p/s sun visor. And a matching piece on the metal bit that actually hooks into the mount of the radar detector. Now the radar detector just velcros onto the windshield, no bulky suction mount, unobtrusive and out of sight but easily still heard and read.

And as mentioned elsewhere, there's power from the overhead console--just no handy socket for the button assembly, so I'm using it bare for the while.

panthers1521

Looks great, I think Blendmount has a system out now.

live2fly

Is there any chance you could post a picture of the fuse box and you hardwire connection to it? I just got a 2016 TTS. The manual claims the fuses are behind the airbag panel below and to the left of the steering wheel. I tried to take a look, but was unable to get the cover off using what I considered to be a reasonable amount of force. Do you have any tips?

Gbob

I have never invested in these radar/lidar spotters.
Do they really work/keep you from getting tickets?

steve1ddd

It can save you with radar. But with laser, it basically just lets you know you are about to get a ticket lol. Unless you have a jammer which are illegal.

live2fly

Radar detector has saved me many times and many times the cost of the detector. Previous poster is correct that laser detector is less valuable, but I have had instances where mine went off when they were targeting someone else.

i3adSaab

The cover to the fuse box is a pisser to remove......just pull harder. I had an Audi mechanic pull mine because I thought it would break. It just has very snug retaining clips.

I was able to wire into a fuse......but it was more difficult to find a spot for a proper ground. You need to touch various metal pieces to see what's grounded.

live2fly

In a previous response I mentioned how radar detectors work pretty well vs. radar, but not so well with laser. With laser you may (unlikely) get a warning in time, but more likely you just get an audio confirmation that you are getting a ticket. There are a few other features to consider when wondering whether buying a radar detector is worth it.

• A database of red light and fixed position speed cameras. You will be automatically alerted whenever you approach one of these hazards.
• The ability to add your own caution points to the database.
• Some, Escort & Beltronics, maybe others, have a bluetooth accessory cable that can be used to tie your radar detector in with an app on your smartphone. In conjunction with a service like EscortLive, this allows you to get real time updates on speed traps and where other app users are seeing radar, laser, etc. you will be automatically alerted when you approach those hazards.

So if you get a detector that has all of these features, you have a good chance of avoiding the vast majority of revenue generating traffic enforcement activities.

The bad part is that the database and EscortLive service are subscriptions and add cost over time.

My rationale is, if I am going to have to pay someone, I would prefer to pay the radar detector company. It is probably cheaper in the long run. I would prefer not to pay the city, traffic enforcement department, red light camera operating company, speed camera operating company, and insurance company. I don't want to pay them, and hence reward, their parasitic, revenue generation in the guise of "safety", officer has to meet his ticket quota, policies.

On the other hand, I might just have a bad attitude ;-)

Disclaimer: I own an Escort 9500ix radar detector with an EscortLive smart cord. I am not necessarily familiar with the features of other radar detectors or companies.

audi16wvu

I have recently just purchased a 2016 TT and have hard wired my 9500ix to my rear view mirror. I was able to tap into the power harness, behind the rear view mirror, for both power and ground. It is very nice having the detector come on when the vehicle starts as well as not having to run a cord all the way to the center console. I purchased the following to hard wire the detector.

Hard wire tap:
https://www.amazon.com/Radar-Mount-M...V20J4Q62WYBFT5

New mount:
https://www.amazon.com/Windshield-Su...s=9500ix+mount

The mount that comes with the 9500ix is terrible and when hard wiring the detector to the mirror's power harness I wanted to ensure the detector never moved or fell.

Tapping the power harness and and ground and maintaining a solid connection is very tricky as well. If anyone wants specific steps or pictures of how I have my setup id be more than willing to post, just let me know! Looking back I should have recorded the instal and uploaded to youtube