Hard Wiring a Radar Detector

[Nobimmer 694]

I got my new radar detector today (cheap Tardme one,but got it for free so meh).I have it running fine in the cigarette lighter and I don't really mind that.

But for practacality and (mainly) to lose the big arse coiled wire,I was wondering if there was a way you could hard wire it to the battery/ACC.

If so how do I do that?Can I still use the coiled wire or do I use a completly different wire.

Chur

Ashkan

[jochen 4]

It is easy to hard-wire a radar detector.

Pop down to Dick Smiths or Jaycar and get yourself the right sized DC plug for your detector - the plugs come in different sizes, so take the detector with you.

Maybe you'll find they have a power plug + lead all made for you to buy

Otherwise, fit some small twin cable to the plug, and then wire in to your car.

Choose a convienient +12V power source, ideally one that is switched with the ignition.

Use the sunroof power, mirror power (if you have auto-dipping mirror) or any other 12V source.

If you do go straight to the ignition switch, make sure you fit a fuse as well to protect you from any short circuits you might inadvertently create!

Edited November 8, 2006 by jochen

[Nobimmer 694]

Ohh yup sweet as was hoping it would be that easy.

Will give it a go tommorow

Cheers for the help

[jpp 0]

I've been considering this also. Was thinking of intergrating it into the dash also, aslong as it is parallel to the road it'll be fine.

Hrm~ find a solution so I can copy you Ashkan.

[Deftones 0]

I've wired mine through to the cigarette lighter.

Gus has wired his through the air vents.

Mine sits halfway up the windscreen. Next time I'd wire it through the air vents to the accessories wire to keep the detector close to the dashboard.

[jochen 4]

Remember - the higher the better

Top of windscreen is best, you get earlier detection of signals = more warning

[Gus 5]

air vents are good...mines wire to the stereo switched power i think and grounded to the plate where the glovebox sits on

[Deftones 0]

Remember - the higher the better

Top of windscreen is best, you get earlier detection of signals = more warning

I've heard different opinions on this. I'll try to dig up where I heard about the lower down the windscreen. Couldn't remember why they said to. Also mentioned that you don't want people behind you to see it as they end up tagging you the whole way, tailgating etc.. blah blah.

[m325i 709]

Any of you guys have V1's?

How much does it cost to update them? (latest firmware etc.)_

Hardwire FTW, (i dont have it though)

(Sorry for Hijack )

[Nobimmer 694]

K just going to start it now.With a lil luck I should be done tonight.

Just one thing before I start.What's the easiest thing to wire the power side too?I could always wire it to the stereo,but im guessing that will only come on with the head unit?Probably wrong.

If not what else could I use for the power?A/C wires seem quite close and easily accessed.

If not,discrete lil switch would be a whooole lot easier.

I've also heard that having it lower to the dash is better but yeh can't imagine it would make a huge difference.

[jpp 0]

Pics of current mounts and wishable mounts? I'm realy keen also.