Completed Hardwiring my Radar Detector

[phobos512]

Well, I just finished hardwiring in my Valentine One (V1). Thanks to everyone who gave me information in the other thread. I wanted to make this a new thread to get it more visibility.

Here's how it went:

I started off by running the wire. I don't know how other detectors work, but the V1 uses a single telephone cable for power from the direct power adapter (DPA). I ran the cable by pulling down the headliner just slightly and cramming the wire in the small gap. I started just to the left of the protrusion in the center of the car and continued along to the A-pillar. I then slid the cable edgewise into the crevice between the A-pillar trim and the windshield. To my surprise, it slid right in no problem all the way down to the front left corner of the dash. I then brought the wire back across the dash in the seam between the trim and the dash (this was pretty tight). I then slipped the cable behind the trim for the airvent door connector and wrapped it down to the footwell area.

This is where I had a problem because I couldn't find the fuse panel. After searching around with a flashlight for a bit, I went over to my dealer and asked for some help and they helped me out. For those who don't know, the fuse panel is located behind the panel that covers the lower part of the dash (right above your knees, it's an Alcantara and plastic part). This just unhooks from the top then slides off from the bottom from two hinges (unhooking this from the top takes what we all thought was a good deal of force). The left hinge is like a hook while the right hinge is a protrusion (on the dash) that hooks into a hole on the panel.

Once the panel was off it was very easy. I just brough the wire in from the bottom and plugged it into the DPA. I plugged the DPA into the Radio/Cell fuse using an adapter (Link (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partn umber=071-580)).

I put the DPA ground on a screw holding two of the metal dash supports together. Then I turned on the V1 and turned the ignition to ON and sure enough it worked. I used the DPA's built in Velcro with some of my own and hooked the DPA box up in a small alcove right above the fuse panel. Then I ziptied the wires nice and pretty and popped the panel back on.

EDIT
pictures located here: http://public.fotki.com/phobos512/valentine_1/

[phobos512]

EDIT

First post updated with picture info

[mistermike]

I put a little 12V socket behind the wonder-mirror I installed. Went without a hitch.
http://www.ba-services.co.uk/Man%20Electrocuted.gif

[Shocker]

ok you took a way different way. The other member put it on top of the windshield above the driver. I dont like the cups they leave marks and fall off in the hot weather. I plan on putting it on top of the radio front plate, and just bring it down tight against the dash. Or popping it off and tuck.

[phobos512]

Yeah I liked the setup you made. Didn't want to do anything like that, I'm not to that level of modding yet :)

[Shocker]

their wont be any modding.

[phobos512]

The suction cups fall off in the hot weather? Do you know where I live? Mojave desert, pleased to meetcha. The cups stuck to the windshield of my 300M all last summer, with outside temps up to 117 for weeks at a time (and that's not max either). Don't think the temp is a problem.

[Shocker]

i have problems with them is changing heat here in Chicago the temp changes all the time.

[phobos512]

There have been days here where you get a 60+ degree differential between pulling out of the garage in the morning and the heat of the day. Yesterday it was in the low 70s here, today mid 90s. And in the winter, while it doesn't get into minus territory, we do spend time in the teens and 20s (altitude).

The other thing is, if you aren't using the cups, how are you mounting it? On the dash? Because then you're getting lower range and much more ground and hood scatter for the detector to sort through.

[Shocker]

vel-co, never had a problem mounting it their all the family cars (5) have them on the dash and it picks up all the cops still.

[phobos512]

The higher the better my friend...and then you get that goo all over the dash...Yech :)

[Shocker]

no, a little wd40 gets everything clean. You cant get those cup marks off your windshield after the years. ;)

[phobos512]

Wouldn't matter if I couldn't because from the driver's seat it's mounted so as to be right along the bottom of the mirror line. The suction cups are hidden by the mirror. I have it mounted just low enough so that the rear sensor can see out the back.

[Shocker]

different ways for different people!!!

[phobos512]

Speaking of that rear sensor, doesn't having it mounted on the dash obstruct its view out the back?

[Shocker]

I've never had obstructive problems. The V1 gets everything the love this radar!!

[phobos512]

Have you modified the programming of your V1 in any way? I did...I have the sensitivies all turned up and what not, and I have the Ku band detect turned on (options described on the V1 website). (I turned on Ku because there are occasionally speed meters on the side of the road where I work that weren't being detected...now they haven't had any out in a long while so I still don't know if I can talk to them but we shall see).

[Shocker]

KU? you mean Ka right? x/k/ka/L? havent change settings. My Dad gave me one for buying my first car and loved it since!!

[phobos512]

No, I mean Ku. It's popular in Europe but is essentially unused in the US as far as everyone knows.

X-band: 7.25 GHz to 8.4 GHz
Ku-band 10.7 GHz to 14.5 GHz
Ka-band 17.3 GHz to 31.0 GHz

[dmonty]

ok you took a way different way. The other member put it on top of the windshield above the driver. I dont like the cups they leave marks and fall off in the hot weather. I plan on putting it on top of the radio front plate, and just bring it down tight against the dash. Or popping it off and tuck.

Cool thing about mounting up high other than getting better range is that if you have the tint strip on the windshield you cannot see the detector from the outside. Mine did fall alot on really hot days tho. I am going to try using bigger cups or maybe fabricate a hard mount bracket to clip in above the headliner if possible.

_DM

[phobos512]

dmonty -

The problem with mounting it really high (as in, at the tint strip) is that the tint strip tends to block some of the radar and laser energy that the detector is looking for and thus becomes less effective.

[dmonty]

dmonty -

The problem with mounting it really high (as in, at the tint strip) is that the tint strip tends to block some of the radar and laser energy that the detector is looking for and thus becomes less effective.

Ah, Valentine owner... <bowing down> This is NOT sarcasm!

I understand your point, but wouldnt this be true for reflective tint only? If that is the case you could get the strip done with regular tint.

I am going to get my side windows redone anyway. Not opaque but they definitely need to be darker. You can see right in my door windows and the sun actually heats my leg and that is just not right. Maybe one shade darker than legal sill be fine.

_DM

[phobos512]

I guess you're probably right on the metallic thing. I just remember reading on the V1 site that there were issues with Pontiac tinting, but that may just have been the Montana with that funky purple stuff.

[svede1212]

i installed my detector just like the opening post and it went suprisingly quick and easy. the hardest thing was figuring out where the fuses were and then how to get the panel off. the salesman didn't know and said "look in the manual". the manual says it's "under the gauge cluster". i started by taking off the kick plate cover. :) i just have it up with suction cups for now. it suprised me that they stuck to those bumps so well. in my GTP i epoxy glued the cups onto the windshield. i didn't dare on this one because of those bumps. i think the bumps would only affect the laser and not the radar. i like it up there because you can't see it except from inside the car.

[phobos512]

Bumps?

[Shocker]

you glued the cups on!! oh man i feel sick. me and phobos were complaing about marks.

[JuniorCruzer]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I would not mind getting ahold of those pics of the install. I am planning to install my radar detector this weekend and would love to get some pics of this.

Jon

[WINGNUUT]

When they shoot Laser at you they aim at your number plate, so you want the detector low. scatter off hood.

[Heinous]

If I were to do this without one of those TAPA circuit dual fuse adapters, what wire would I clamp the wiring harness connector to?

Someone must have set this up using just the Direct-wire Power Adapter that came with the Valentine.

[Heinous]

Anyone?

[phobos512]

Anyone?

I did use the DPA that came with the V1. I just used the fuse tap gadget to power it rather than tapping into something in the wiring harness direct.

There are some wiring diagrams for the stereo on this page that might be of use to you: http://www.myyellowgto.com/

You'd want to tap off a line that is switched with the ignition, obviously.

It's by far easier to spend the $2 to buy the fuse tap though.

[Heinous]

I'll have a look at the nearest autozone for one of those fuse taps. I had another look under the dash and I really don't want to mess with any of that.

[MIAGTO]

Have you modified the programming of your V1 in any way? I did...I have the sensitivies all turned up and what not, and I have the Ku band detect turned on (options described on the V1 website). (I turned on Ku because there are occasionally speed meters on the side of the road where I work that weren't being detected...now they haven't had any out in a long while so I still don't know if I can talk to them but we shall see).

Phobos-
Can you show me the link to modifying the programming of a V1? (sensitivity adjustments) Also, do you have a working link to the pictures you took of the install? Lastly, what length phone cord gets you to the fuse panel?

Thanks!
m

[Heinous]

The long cord that comes with the V1 works great. I'ts 8 feet long.

[Heinous]

Alright, I finally tracked down one of those add a circuit fuse taps. I'm all wired in, and it works great. The wires are totally concealed and looks awesome.

[phobos512]

Pics are here (first post updated as well): http://public.fotki.com/phobos512/valentine_1/

Programming of the V1 is here:
http://www.valentine1.com/lab/mikeslabrpt3.asp

[MIAGTO]

Good stuff Phobos, thanks man. Pix help tremendously...I still havent looked under the dash of the GTO.

Same wiring route as my GTP, except I had to go to the other side of the dash. So the phone cord that comes with the V1 will reach to the fuse panel?

Finally....no more dangling cord!

[Heinous]

Yeah, I used the cord that came with it, and I ended up with almost a foot spare. I do have mine a little higher up on the windshield than phobos does though. Mine is directly to the left of the mirror and right next to it.

[TA455]

Nice installation, phobos. I almost installed mine the same way; but I finally opted for the rear mount that DesertGoat used. Cost was increased by ~$100; because it required purchase of the remote display, remote controller, and a longer power cord. Pics are below...all wiring is routed under carpet and/or center console. I picked up power at the fuse box under the dash.

Valentine One on rear window shelf
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=23931&stc=1&d=1132072554

Valentine One remote controller on center console
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=23932&stc=1&d=1132072554

Valentine One remote display on steering column
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=23933&stc=1&d=1132072554

[phobos512]

I didn't get from dg's old pics that that is how he ended up mounting it - I had something totally different pictured. Looks great!

My plan is to get the 2nd display and mount it like you have, just haven't got around to it yet. Not sure about the control box or putting the unit itself someplace else - it'd be easy to do though.

[MIAGTO]

Yeah, I used the cord that came with it, and I ended up with almost a foot spare. I do have mine a little higher up on the windshield than phobos does though. Mine is directly to the left of the mirror and right next to it.

Thanks man...just want I wanted to hear!

[MIAGTO]

I didn't get from dg's old pics that that is how he ended up mounting it - I had something totally different pictured. Looks great!

My plan is to get the 2nd display and mount it like you have, just haven't got around to it yet. Not sure about the control box or putting the unit itself someplace else - it'd be easy to do though.

I have the V1 remote display, never used, only owner, and I dont plan on using it...any interest?

[Groucho]

Damn...this is my next project. That friggin' coil cord keeps getting in my way!

[TA455]

My plan is to get the 2nd display and mount it like you have, just haven't got around to it yet. Not sure about the control box or putting the unit itself someplace else - it'd be easy to do though.

If you decide to put the main unit somewhere out of your reach, you will need the control box. The only control function on the 2nd display module is a mute button. ie: without the seperate control box, ON/OFF and VOLUME must be done at the main unit. That, obviously, was unacceptable in my application.

A major advantage of hardwiring with the unit in the rear is that it is much more stealthy. The main unit cannot be seen from the outside of the car with a tinted rear window...or from the drivers window unless one leans into the window and looks for it. My knee blocks the view to the control box for anyone standing at the drivers window. The 2nd display module is, of course, in plain sight; but not really obvious when the unit is turned off and not lit.

[HotRodGuy]

The suction cups fall off in the hot weather? Do you know where I live? Mojave desert, pleased to meetcha. The cups stuck to the windshield of my 300M all last summer, with outside temps up to 117 for weeks at a time (and that's not max either). Don't think the temp is a problem.


yea, I had mine mounted in my acura for almost 6 years and never removed the suction cup connector once. As far as marks, so you clean it, or never move it :dunno:


Thanks for the write up phobos!!

[Heinous]

I have had this installed for quite a while now, but I have a quick question. I am taking the goat in for some warranty stuff, including one the window switches not lighting up. Should I uninstall the direct wire kit? I don't want them to say that my self-install is a problem.

[rally2247]

I did use the DPA that came with the V1. I just used the fuse tap gadget to power it rather than tapping into something in the wiring harness direct.

There are some wiring diagrams for the stereo on this page that might be of use to you: http://www.myyellowgto.com/

You'd want to tap off a line that is switched with the ignition, obviously.

It's by far easier to spend the $2 to buy the fuse tap though.



Where did you find one of those "fuse adapters"? Radio Shack? Auto Zone?

[Heinous]

The only place I was able to find one was Pep Boys.

[phobos512]

Where did you find one of those "fuse adapters"? Radio Shack? Auto Zone?

Autozone. Littelfuse add-a-circuit

[Razor04GTO]

im having a kinda weird radar detector problem.. i just got a new cobra detector , and it has a built in compass.. but when its mounted on the windsheild its always reading north.. if i take it down the right directions display ... any ideas on this , im thinking there is somthing magnetic near the unit that is messing it up ?

[addbass]

im having a kinda weird radar detector problem.. i just got a new cobra detector , and it has a built in compass.. but when its mounted on the windsheild its always reading north.. if i take it down the right directions display ... any ideas on this , im thinking there is somthing magnetic near the unit that is messing it up ?

you have to calibrate it, refer to your owners manual.

[GEMELLI]

^^I'm sure he's figured it out by now, that post was in May. :)

[Razor04GTO]

LOL actually no the problem hasnt been fixed yet.. im just kinda dealin with it.. since i usually know where im goin anyway.. but thanks for the reply.. i did calibrate it a few times.. didnt do anything though.. maybe its defective

[phobos512]

LOL actually no the problem hasnt been fixed yet.. im just kinda dealin with it.. since i usually know where im goin anyway.. but thanks for the reply.. i did calibrate it a few times.. didnt do anything though.. maybe its defective

It's always interesting to me how this thread of mine seems to pop up a couple of times a year. Wonder why that is :)

I'm not aware of anything around the windshield that would cause weirdness like that. Where exactly on the windshield do you have that problem? If you move it around to different spots on the windshield are there places where it will work and places where it won't? Do you have an aftermarket powered mirror, satellite radio antenna, anything like that?

Solving EM intereference problems is basically what I do for a living :)

[Razor04GTO]

It's always interesting to me how this thread of mine seems to pop up a couple of times a year. Wonder why that is :)

I'm not aware of anything around the windshield that would cause weirdness like that. Where exactly on the windshield do you have that problem? If you move it around to different spots on the windshield are there places where it will work and places where it won't? Do you have an aftermarket powered mirror, satellite radio antenna, anything like that?

Solving EM intereference problems is basically what I do for a living :)


so far i havnt really moved it around too much. but its mounted in the center of the windsheild about 1/3 rd of the way up .. but if i take it off and hold it.. the compass directions seem to work fine .. nothing aftermarket in the car.. no power mirror.. no XM .. no antenna's

i may try moving it to another car and see what happens.. really isnt that huge of a deal for me.. but still it would be nice for it to work

[LS2Greg]

I can't find a 12 volt "switched" wire under the dash to hardwire the V1 to. Can anyone tell me where to find one I can use. I have tested over 30 wires so far and I can only slip and poke myself with a voltage finder so many times.

[LS2Greg]

Would this be the appropriate part to complete the hardwiring project as you did for the 06 with minifuses?

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnu mber=071-585

[Heinous]

I think that's what I used for mine

[LS2Greg]

Would you snap a pic of the installed piece and perhaps explain a bit of how you did it? I'm a little bit confused how I can use this wiring for the install using what V1 sent us and this kit.

I really appreciate it!

[RKT SHP]

where did you get that mount for the back

Nice installation, phobos. I almost installed mine the same way; but I finally opted for the rear mount that DesertGoat used. Cost was increased by ~$100; because it required purchase of the remote display, remote controller, and a longer power cord. Pics are below...all wiring is routed under carpet and/or center console. I picked up power at the fuse box under the dash.

Valentine One on rear window shelf
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=23931&stc=1&d=1132072554

Valentine One remote controller on center console
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=23932&stc=1&d=1132072554

Valentine One remote display on steering column
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=23933&stc=1&d=1132072554

[LS2Greg]

I just finished the install, everything is in.

TA455, can you share with us more about the rear mount install. Possibly include the parts list and step-by-step instructions. That would kick arse!

[REBinc]

Does anyone have pics of the Valentine One concealed display integrated into the dash. Here are some pics of other cars with it:http://www.sound-in-motion.com/images/jpg/radar/019.jpg

http://www.sound-in-motion.com/images/jpg/radar/001.jpg

http://www.sound-in-motion.com/images/jpg/radar/008.jpg

http://www.sound-in-motion.com/images/jpg/radar/014.jpg

[Gregory]

That's a kewl installation in the rear view mirror.
A quality installation. Does the back of the mirror have a large control box extruding from it?

Does anyone have pics of the Valentine One concealed display integrated into the dash. Here are some pics of other cars with it:
http://www.sound-in-motion.com/images/jpg/radar/001.jpg

[REBinc]

That's a kewl installation in the rear view mirror.
A quality installation. Does the back of the mirror have a large control box extruding from it?
No, its a concealed display, which still requires the main unit to be mounted elsewhere.


lol, that was probably one of my first 10 posts here. How far I have came.