How to hard wire radar detector

[Carbon]

How do you hard wire a radar detector? What do you tie into for the power and for the ground. Thanks?

 

[ELVATO]

What radar detector do you have? Find out which wire is for ground, and which one is the "live" one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twC5pCQYC90
This link might help.

Actually, I'm a member of radardetector.net. You might want to go on over there once you get the install over for some useful information.

Here's a pic of where I have mine installed. It's an Escort X50.


It's on top of the rear view mirror for two reasons. A) For the best radar reception and B) Since it is resting on the rear view mirror, it is less likely to "bounce" and possibly fall. Also, since it is right below the tint strip, the sun doesn't hit it as badly.

Mine isn't direct wired, though because I take it off whereever I go. Prolonged direct sun exposure is bad for radar detectors (any electronics, really.)

I thought I remembered someone on here having a V1, maybe they could also chime in.

 

[Carbon]

i have the escort x50 too. I thought about placing it above the mirror like you have done, but what did you do with the power adapter that goes to the cigarette lighter, please tell me it doesnt hang down. The coiled cord isnt long enough for me to wire it from the top around the window to the cigarettte lighter, thats the reason i want to hard wire it, with the cord that came with it.

 

[ELVATO]

Yep, I'm using the coiled chord that came with it. It reaches. Don't know where the plug is on a 2007, though.

If you want, there is also this option.
http://www.invisicord.com/index.html
Basically, it plugs into the back of the autodim mirror on the Expeditions. Don't know if it will work with an 07.

There are also extension chords for a 12V power point, sold at many auto stores. Also, they sell bare wire 12V plugs, that plug into the 12V power point, and have the two bare wires there, so you can hook up whatever you want (in this case, a possible hardwire kit.) That way, you wouldn't even have to open up your fuse box.

Also, just in case you're wondering, here is a list of reported radar band usage in various towns in Texas. (Got it from the rd.net forum)

Basically, they say unless you travel through south Texas, you might as well turn off X band. Also, I'd prolly turn off POP (if it isn't already off) it isn't used much. Even if it was, cheap detectors will set it off more than a real threat.

Hope this helps

Texas (thanks xihua, wkopplin, f_399, ryansandlin, hookem202, StlouisX50, magamaga, duality, erikonphoenix)

Austin: K,Ka,laser
Beaumont: K, Ka, Laser
Blanco County: K
Burnet County: *X*, K
Centerville: Ka (unconfirmed)
Chambers County: K, Ka
Clear Lake Shores: K
Comal County: K
Dallas/Fort Worth: K, Ka, Laser, Pacing
El Lago: K
Galveston County: K, Ka, Laser
Garden Ridge: Ka
Harris County: K, Ka, Laser
Hill Country Village (San Antonio): K
Horseshoe Bay (Burnet County): K
Houston HPD: K, Laser (PL3), possible POP
Huntsville, Texas Ka,K,Laser
Irving/Dallas, Texas: K, Ka, Laser, POP
Jefferson County Sheriff: K, Ka
Johnson City: K
Kemah: K
Lakeview: K
LaPorte: K
League City: K
Marble Falls Police (Burnet County): K
McLennan County: K, Ka
New Braunfels: K, Ka
Pasadena: K
San Antonio: K, Ka
Seabrook: K
Shenandoah: Laser
Texas DPS: Ka, Laser
Universal City: K
Waco: K, Ka, laser
Webster: K, Ka, Laser (PL3)

 

[chuck s]

I'm still trying to figure out where to run the wires for my GPS and Valentine One. Nothing seems to be handy on my '07 dashboard and I'm not ready to drill holes.

-- Chuck

 

[Carbon]

Originally posted by Carbon
i have the escort x50 too. I thought about placing it above the mirror like you have done, but what did you do with the power adapter that goes to the cigarette lighter, please tell me it doesnt hang down. The coiled cord isnt long enough for me to wire it from the top around the window to the cigarettte lighter, thats the reason i want to hard wire it, with the cord that came with it.

that invisa cord looks a little rigged. No way would i do that. After a little research I just purchased a add a circuit fuse holder. These things make direct wiring with the smartcord so much easier, no splicing or anything. They use these on that website radarbusters.com, didnt purchase them there too much, they were half price from parts-express.com

Here is the link.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=071-580

 

[Carbon]

thanks for the list in texas.

 

[ELVATO]

Yea, the add-a-circuit would prolly be the best option. And yes, it is cheaper at other places. Roy's price is a "convenience" price, since some people like to get everything all at once.

 

[PaisanNYC]

I know I am really late here. But I have an 04 Expy. I basically attached my radar detector to the compass gyro that is behind the rear view mirror. the radar detector attaches on directly below the bottom of the mirror also. I purchased a straight power cord for it, ran it around all the moldings, and had a friend add a cigarette lighter port BEHIND my dash for a hidden look. The radar detector is attached with industrial strength velcro for (semi-) easy removal, and will not budge or fall off no matter how bumpy the road may be! If someone is interested in looks, let me know and I will take pics.

 

[AvroAero]

I don't really know much about detectors since they're illegal here but is it not just getting the detector 12v? Maybe a switch if your tapping into a 'hot at all times' circuit?