Valentine 1 Radar Detector Hardwire?

[JimR]

I finally got around to hardwiring my A8, and it sure is nice.

I just ordered another hardwire adapter from Valentine, for the Boxster. Has anyone here done one? Where did you tap power, and how did you route the power (phone) cable? Suggestions?

I normally mount my V1 low, in the center of the windshield, just above the dash.

'06 987 S

Edited January 18, 2007 by JimR

[vfxbox]

I did mine using becker telephone power.

[ukchris]

Is the phone adaptor there in the 987? I didn't think it was. I saw someone do a hard wire in a 987, they just used wire behind the fuse box on an ignition line.

[robcorn]

Is the phone adaptor there in the 987? I didn't think it was. I saw someone do a hard wire in a 987, they just used wire behind the fuse box on an ignition line.

You can also wire right into the self-dimming mirrors if you have them; there's a switched power source there. Easy 10 minute job.

[JimR]

You can also wire right into the self-dimming mirrors if you have them; there's a switched power source there. Easy 10 minute job.

I assume you mean up high, at the center mirror?

Will have to look at that. I've sort of liked having the V1 down low, on the dash.

Is there room up there to hide the V1 power adapter? There was plenty of room up in the A8's map light/sunroof controls/sunroof motor area, but I wouldn't think there's anywhere near enough room to do that, around the light cluster behind the mirror, in the 987.

[Mabuhay]

I did mine using becker telephone power.

No offense meant... But your V1 location is at a very non-optimal spot. I've had Mike V. in my car myself (took him to the airport from a BMW CCA event) and he stated that the V1's best position is as high as possible on the windshield (with windshields that don't have that "film" that blocks the signal). He explained that the way I had it mounted (i.e. - I had mounted it like yours is now), the unit is pointing DOWNWARD. Signals would have to bounce off of the hood/highway before it would reach the V1. He basically states that you want the V1 mounted parallel to the ground and as high as possible.

After he corrected my installation, I asked him about making a front/rear "bumper" installation. He again stated that they have found it to limit the range by being so close to the ground. Thus, they did not.

In the exterior photo shown in a red circle is where he suggested I install it. The wire is tucked down the pillar on the driver's side. The "concealed display" unit is sitting in front of the gauges - again circled in red.

Edited January 22, 2008 by M3Armand

[70Sixter]

Like vfxbox, I also used the Becker cable on the phone line to get switched power for my BEL RX-65. One problem I had was that the Becker plug had two wires reversed. Took me days to figure out the problem. I coulda cut the car's cable, but this is cleaner and reversible.

I mounted the RX-65 on the left side of the visor temporarily as a test. I will change that to the center next to the rearview as it does not feel right, and it will get better coverage from the rear.

Another lesson I learned was to switch early from the plastic cutter to a small sanding drum to finish the rough RotoZiped opening to get press-fit accuracy. I used a blank batwing (< $7.00) to mount the remote with the mute switch by my right knee.

If you've never popped the batwing out, you will be amazed at the gusseting/bracing behind such a small part.

[sam987]

I finally got around to hardwiring my A8, and it sure is nice.

I just ordered another hardwire adapter from Valentine, for the Boxster. Has anyone here done one? Where did you tap power, and how did you route the power (phone) cable? Suggestions?

I normally mount my V1 low, in the center of the windshield, just above the dash.

'06 987 S

I just had one mounted in my 2008 Cayman S. We mounted the V1 at the top of the windshield just left of the rear view mirror with the sucky cups. The cable fit behind the headliner and between the A pillar and windshield. The cable continued beneath the dash and came up the steering column. Here, we installed the remote display - and ran the cable back beneath the dash. The installer, a BMW/Porsche independent shop, tied it into power - exactly where I can't remember. If you need to know, let me know - I'll look.

In any event, with the remote display, radar "sources" behind you can't see the V1 light up and other drivers that follow cars with radar won't!