12V Switched connection?

Where will be the closest (to the underdash) switched 12V power tap for an upcoming radar detector installation? I apologize for asking what no doubt amounts to an elementary question but this vehicle is still just 2 days for me and there's alot I'm wondering about

Does anyone have any clever ideas for the best location for a Valentine1 remote readout unit? (In my Vette it fits nicely in the ashtray in the center console.)

Thanks in advance for any info.

[kwhopper89]

I went with the Escort Solo S2 for a detector - it's cordless...

[WOW_FCTR]

I want to get a Valetine1 as well (see previous post about 'warning ticket' ). Let me know when you get yours in and how you did it.

Thanks.

mounted mine up by the mirror and got 12 volts switched from the mirror and put the remote on top of the dash, easy to see and hard for cops to see.

Any indication which color wires are 12V + and (-) ground from what I'll find in the mirror wires? Hoping to receive the V1 and remote before the weekend to do the install Saturday. Thanks, Will post pics when job is complete.

I did mine over two months ago and I just can't remember, but you can use a small 12 v light available from any auto store check the wires useing the key switch to find voltage in the key on position.
good luck, I did the same thing on my C5 vette.

I just completed the hard wire installation of my Valentine1 and remote head unit. Very easy install thanks to the close proximity of switched power and a negative lead in the mirror plug assembly. Thanks to the suggestion from budsvet (see above posts). I have made a simple 1-page installation instruction sheet with photos which I have attached.

Send me an email or make a new post if there are any questions.

You may recall I found and tested an installation that tapped power out of the mirror. Well while it "appeared" that all worked well with Version 1 of my wiring scheme I deleted the referenced post and instruction sheet I made up because as it turns out something odd happenned; when the vehicle was placed in reverse the power to the V1 cut out. I tried to find a different lead in the mirror connector pack to which that did not happen but to no avail except a non-switched lead. So, I undid that install (which has a great side benefit in removing all that wiring from the backside of the mirror)....

OK, here the simple new solution, where I should have started from the beginning:

1. Place V1 high in windsheild so that it can "see" back as well as front. Use 8' flat cord and run this line to under the passenger seat by pulling the edges of the plastic trim along the way.

2. Mount the remote unit wherever desired. Run its flat cord along the underside of the dash so that it meets up with the cord from the head unit under the passenger seating.

3. Join these two cables using the hard wire "junction connection"(the one with 12v+ and 12 ground [red and black] hard wire leads).

4. Open the fuse panel in the center console by sliding the front passenger seat all the way forward and folding the seatback forward,

5. Tap 12V+ from a switched fuse, I used the one marked 'ignition'. Run the wires under the console edge.

6. Wire the black lead to a secure ground connection. I found a handy grounded hole on the seat track that did not interfere with anything.

7. That's it, you're done, and it looks clean, and switches on-off with the key.

8. Even though when the attached photo was taken it was wired up the old way I have included a photo showing where my two units are located.

good clean installation, well done. I had the same reaction as you when I shifted into reverse, but choose to ignore it.....

[Brownhornet]

I have the same type of Cell phone. Where did you get the mounting kit for it. I like the way it sets on your dash. I could use that when I am driveing.

[kwhopper89]

The Escort S2 Solo 'sees' to the rear as well - and has correctly alerted me a few times (has paid for itself) - no wires at all...

Plus, it can go with me in ANY vehicle - even the rentals when I'm on business out of town...

Install is two suction cups- plus it shuts itself off after the vehicle is stopped for 20 min... 2 AA batteries lasted almost 2 months...

I do have a corded Bearcat BC700A (PAD: Pursuit Avoidance Device) - positioned under the ashtray w/ antenna line running to behind the seats, power from one of the 12 volt outlets near the ashtray. The handheld ICOM R3 is in the center console - great for close in PD action or broadcast TV.

Installing a battery powered compass w/ outside temp guage this week...

My cell phone sits in the tray behind the sterring wheel...

[freezer]

A lot of people do not notice the two unswitched power outlets on either side of the ash tray and use the lighter outlet instead. There is also a covered outlet in the right rear corner of the bed under the bed cover latch.

Cell phone mount comes from Radio Shack PN 1700544, $3.49 but you first need the model-specific belt clip device that snaps to the back of your phone. Radio Shack has several models to fit many late model phones.

[Slingshot]

kwhopper89

Show a picture of your compass/temp gauge when installed. Where did you get the unit?

Slingshot

[kwhopper89]

http://www.herringtoncatalog.com/m698.html

Gain a New-Found Sense of Direction While You Drive, With the Digital Compass That Also Measures Temperature, Barometric Pressure and Altitude.

I haven't installed it - but like the Escort Solo S2 - I plan on moving it between my vehicles...

Herrington also stocks the Escort Solo S2 - at a price that compares with other websites - when I searched FROOGLE...

[freezer]

One thing that you can consider for removable items is to use the clips molded into the sides of the console. These were put on both sides so that items could be clipped there.

[WOW_FCTR]

Freezer,

I'm not sure what you're talking about here. Can you eloborate or post a picture?

[cruzned]

I would think he is refering to the clips that hold the fold out cupholder on the console. Am I right Freezer? Thanks for the tips Freezer. Always nice to have an engineer in the trenches giving input.

[nostoc]

I thought the cupholder was a bit flimsy. I never put it in the clip, for fear it will easily break. Then again, I have not even had a drink or eat in the SSR. I can't bear to see crumbs or take a chance on a dribble. It still seems an unlikely candidate for mounting an accessory. I would be afraid of hitting it with my knee...or more likely my passenger might accidentally kick it.

#1692

[Zainossr]

Hey, are you young enough to carry them kickin' passengers? lol

[lloger]

I use the passenger side clip for the cupholder and my garage door opener clips into the driver side clip. Its easy to get to and is not in the way at all.

[beer100]

What brand remote are you using that it fits into the drivers side clip.

[SMKN_SSR]

Originally Posted by cruzned

I would think he is refering to the clips that hold the fold out cupholder on the console. Am I right Freezer? Thanks for the tips Freezer. Always nice to have an engineer in the trenches giving input.

Don't use those clips! They break real easy!! Ask me how I know

[lloger]

I'm using an old craftsman remote that has a u-shaped wire clip on the back that used to clip over the sun visor. It fit perfectly into the cup holder clip. I have had the remote on the drivers side and the cup holder in the passenger side for over 4 months and have no problems. If you do use the clips you have to remember to remove whatever you have in them before you run the seat all the way forward or the seat will hit them and you could break the clips.

[SMKN_SSR]

And don't put anything heavy in the aux. cup holder, not even a 12 oz. bottle of water. Ask me how I know.