Radar Detector hardwire, who has done it?

[LL75]

Just purchased a Valentine 1, gen 2 radar and it is on the way. In the box, it said it includes a

"Direct-Wire Power Adapter" and a wiring harness connector.

is that all I need to do the mirror tap? or do I need to purchase one on Amazon?

Thanks.

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[SwampNut]

I used a kit that provides pins which go into the OEM connectors, and completely avoids any splicing. It seems unlikely that they would provide this, but I don't know. My Uniden R4E came with a hardwire kit that just had normal bare wires. I could have tapped a wire, the normal way. If you've installed automotive stuff before that should make sense, if not, this may be a bit challenging.

 

[LL75]

I used a kit that provides pins which go into the OEM connectors, and completely avoids any splicing. It seems unlikely that they would provide this, but I don't know. My Uniden R4E came with a hardwire kit that just had normal bare wires. I could have tapped a wire, the normal way. If you've installed automotive stuff before that should make sense, if not, this may be a bit challenging.

Thank you. I'll get one that recommend on this thread. I'm more worry about removing the cover properly than tapping the wires

 

[SwampNut]

Thank you. I'll get one that recommend on this thread. I'm more worry about removing the cover properly than tapping the wires

Definitely a pain in the ass, did you see my video on it? And do you have the plastic body panel tools?

 

[LL75]

Definitely a pain in the ass, did you see my video on it? And do you have the plastic body panel tools?

Yes I did a few times and I have a few of those panel tools from EVsportsline

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Just purchased a Valentine 1, gen 2 radar and it is on the way. In the box, it said it includes a

"Direct-Wire Power Adapter" and a wiring harness connector.

is that all I need to do the mirror tap? or do I need to purchase one on Amazon?

Thanks.

This is the V1 direct wire adapter: https://store.valentine1.com/store/item.asp?i=20305
This eBay listing has actual picture of it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2549757087...uid=yByZAdrLT9m&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

You would use this if you tap wires elsewhere, like one of the footwell fuseboxes. Some in this forum have done similar for aftermarket dash cam or 12V socket install. Looking those threads up will help you understand how you would use this. Otherwise, it's just easier and simpler to use a mirror tap, and avoid having to snake wires all the way up from footwell to where the detector would hang.

 

[LL75]

This is the V1 direct wire adapter: https://store.valentine1.com/store/item.asp?i=20305
This eBay listing has actual picture of it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2549757087...uid=yByZAdrLT9m&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

You would use this if you tap wires elsewhere, like one of the footwell fuseboxes. Some in this forum have done similar for aftermarket dash cam or 12V socket install. Looking those threads up will help you understand how you would use this. Otherwise, it's just easier and simpler to use a mirror tap, and avoid having to snake wires all the way up from footwell to where the detector would hang.

thank you. mirror tap is the way to go for me with the radar. I actally did a fuse tap to get power for the wireless charger puck from Evsportsline and their kit looked similar to the valentine one.

 

[dwestvet]

I just removed the cover and it only took a couple of minutes. I think it was easier because my truck was out in the sun for a while and the plastic got hot. So, I'd recommend that you don't try to remove it in cold weather!

 

[dap247]

Has anyone who’s done the mirror tap, run into any 12v battery drain issues? I know one comment said the drain is so minimal we shouldn’t worry but I notice mine on from time to time in the garage (without my phone). My Uniden R8 is on battery saver mode but it turns on whenever the car wakes up. Any reason for me to be concerned?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Has anyone who’s done the mirror tap, run into any 12v battery drain issues? I know one comment said the drain is so minimal we shouldn’t worry but I notice mine on from time to time in the garage (without my phone). My Uniden R8 is on battery saver mode but it turns on whenever the car wakes up. Any reason for me to be concerned?

Unplug the detector when not in use? No circuit to complete, no consumption.

 

[SwampNut]

The car turns off that circuit. No issues. Also detectors use an incredibly tiny amount of power.

 

[CosmicRivian]

This is a "for what it's worth" post to say that I hardwired an Escort Radar Detector and it's worked great. Below is a link to the product as well as the YouTube video that walked me through it.

Radar Detector Hardwire Power Cord Kit (you get three in the pack, but the one to use is the one with the smallest ends): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097MGX318?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

And, here is the video that made it possible (attention dude who made the video: I don’t know who you are, but I am SUPER grateful to you because your video and instructions were all I needed to do everything myself. Buy yourself a beer from me, you earned it!).

Installation video:

Like the video says, having the exact style pry tool he uses helps a lot and you have to pull down on the mirror cover like you’re trying to destroy your rig to get it to break free (it’s insane how hard you have to pull down). Just apply even force as you pull and trust it that will work out. As someone has pointed out elsewhere, it’s a $25-ish part. If you break it, it’s not going to break the bank.

 

[SwampNut]

And, here is the video that made it possible (attention dude who made the video: I don’t know who you are, but I am SUPER grateful to you because your video and instructions were all I needed to do everything myself. Buy yourself a beer from me, you earned it!).

Hilarious. That's me.

 

[CosmicRivian]

Hilarious. That's me.

Haha! In that case, make it a pitcher!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Hilarious. That's me.

And that video is even in this thread. Boomerang!

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