Power and mount both a Valentine Gen2 radar detector and a dash cam

[Alwaysthinkin]

New member here. Making a road trip in July from Georgia to Wyoming and wanting to figure out the best way to mount both a radar detector and a dash cam in my 2020 Ford Expedition Limited Max.
The radar detector is already chosen, Valentine 1 Gen2, with the concealed display Gen2. Dash cam is yet to be determined (I'm open to suggestions). Not wanting interior view, just forward view unless someone has other thoughts.
I have seen the thread about accessing power from the mirror and think that is the way to go. However, haven't located any information on powering both dash cam and radar detector. Can that method of power support both items? Also, any help in location for all three items (radar detector, dash cam, and Valentine concealed display would be of great help.

 

[5280tunage]

I did exactly this. Bought the rear view mirror tap kit, and integrated both. Was a little tricky, and had to buy the 12V to 5V converter from my camera brand (since it operates at 5V like USB instead of 12V). I also integrated a small fuse, just to be sure. the taps are super narrow gauge and are very flimsy. Mine actually broke and I had to re-solder the pin. I also made sure I used heat shrink where possible and small zip ties to hold it all together.

Couple small things to remember, unless you use some kind of quick disconnect, make sure you buy better suction cups if you use them. I actually bought the mechanical rear view arm for my detector since the suction cups would fail every time the sun was on them for long. I also bought an upgraded detector mount, they both fell one day and snapped the narrow gauge wires.

I picked up the gear on Amazon:
AmazonSmile: Radar Detector 12" Mirror Plug Wire Tap RJ11 Hardwire Power Cord Kit for Escort Valentine One Uniden Beltronics | Tap Existing Mirror Plug | Inline Fuse with Braided (Dual Size Pins): Car Electronics
AmazonSmile: Radar Mount Mirror Mount Radar Detector Bracket for Escort IX EX Max360C (3001007): Radar Mount: Car Electronics

But your valentine might have different plugs and mounts, so make sure you order the right ones.

Here's the converter I used but to be clear, I tested the leads and cut it, since I'm not connecting it to my OBD port, and just connected directly to the leads from the tap.

AmazonSmile: APEMAN Dash Cam Hardwire Kit CH45, Mini USB Hard Wire Kit for Dashcam, DC 11.5V-40V to 5V Car Charger Power Kit, Build-in G-Sensor and Low Voltage Battery Drain Protection for Dash Cameras

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

Thanks 5280tunage, really good information. Question, when you mention a mechanical rear view arm for the detector do you mean a mirror mount? I have heard the suction cups on the detector mounts are a weak point so I'm considering a mirror mount but not crazy about the lower mounting point that presents. Thanks again!

 

[5280tunage]

That is correct, I included a link for one. My camera has a pretty powerful suction cup but even it falls off of it sits in the sun long enough.

 

[Big H]

I ran my dash cam from the fuse box on right footwell. Radar powered from mirror. Also used heavy duty suction cups for both; haven’t had them fall. Also OBD2 power for the Nguage tuner.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mommas car]

Police in my area use instant on radar renders a radar detector useless. By the time it picks up their radar they got you

 

[Hamfisted]

The visor clip mount works very well for the Valentine setup. I mounted mine over on the passenger visor so it's out of the way. You can still see the warnings and arrows and it keeps it out of the sun, and out of prying eyes.

 

[5280tunage]

Police in my area use instant on radar renders a radar detector useless. By the time it picks up their radar they got you

Most are these days, heck my sports radar gun is instant on. The are most effective when there are others on the road and someone in front of you is being observed, it will detect that signal(s) and warn you. Laser is the exact same way. But yes, if you're the only one on the road and the only one they are targeting it won't help much at all. Where I am, on mountain passes, its nice to have if someone in front of you is being clocked, even around blind turns, it will notify me. For me, I like to have them regardless of whet I'm speeding or not.

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

It's been 3 or 4 years since I last used a radar detector, but agree with 5280tunage. If you don't have a vehicle out in front you, you lose the advantage of picking up on a warning when they target that vehicle. Never did much over 5mph over speed limit if I was all alone on the road. Only time I was stopped and given a warning was when my radar detector (Valentine 1) was beeping all around for several minutes. First showed bogeys to left, then in front, then to right, then behind. After a few minutes of this I thought what the hell and bumped up the speed. When I was pulled over the trooper mentioned that I had been clocked by an airplane! Always trusted the detector after that.