Anyone hard-wire a Radar Detector other than the Valentine?
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Anyone hard-wire a Radar Detector other than the Valentine?
I have a radar detector that I want to use, but do not want the 12v cord hanging down my center console.
Any suggestions? Does Bipes document apply to a normal 12v line?
Thanks to all!
Any suggestions? Does Bipes document apply to a normal 12v line?
Thanks to all!
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,112
Likes: 1
Yep, I hardwired my Passport 8500...
used a fuse tap (available at radio shack) and hooked in to a switched 15amp fuse. Ran the cord to the base of the a-pillar from inside of the fuse box and then inside of the a-pillar to the headliner and then over to the mirror. Cord is entirely hidden except for the 3 inches or so where it comes from the headliner down to the unit.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2000
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I ended up pulling the a-pillar cover off and running it inside...
tho I'm not sure I would suggest doing that. The install is cleaner but not by much and pulling the cover loose was very nerve wracking as was getting it all together. Those spring clips are a pain to work with.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2000
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I'm using the hardwire smart cord...
I ran the smart cord portion down out of the bottom of the fuse box (comes out right near the VAG port) and across the bottom of the lower dash and up to the driver's knee brace. I used velcro to secore the mute switch to the aluminum part of the knee brace. It's within pretty easy reach so if the radar detector goes off I can drop my hand down from the wheel and reach down to mute it... much easier than reaching up and across the windshield to hit the mute.
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any detector should run the same way...
I don't know how the escort (or similar) wires up, but the Valentine uses a phone cord to connect to a power splitter that you can mount in your fuse box. The power splitter is then wired to power. The easiest ground to connect to is the topmost t-25 bolt which, on my car, is marked with yellow paint.