Valentine V1 Mirror Integration

[ukchris]

Thought you guys might be interested to see this, I just finished integrating the V1 concealed display in to an OEM cayenne mirror for someone.

[GranburyChuck]

How did you do that? Can other displays be done the same way? iPod?

[ukchris]

How did you do that? Can other displays be done the same way? iPod?

The mirror has been etched from behind to allow the display to show through the glass. I suppose that in theory I could do this with an iPod but I doubt it lends itself to being disassembled and reassembled easily. Have you tried taking an iPod apart?

Obviously the V1 Concealed Display is the main item I have worked with, I'll soon be testing the Escort 9500 display for someone else all being well.

Chris.

[GranburyChuck]

Unfortunately I have tried taking the iPod apart and now it doesn't work. Plus I would need to get a really long ribbon cable that matched the pin layout. On the mirror you have where do the electronics go? Does it make the mirror thicker?

[ukchris]

Unfortunately I have tried taking the iPod apart and now it doesn't work. Plus I would need to get a really long ribbon cable that matched the pin layout. On the mirror you have where do the electronics go? Does it make the mirror thicker?

The mirror contains the concealed display, not the whole V1, it does not make it any thicker, the mirror is the same with the addition of a jack plug onthe back to connect to the V1 and the mute/mode button also on the back.

The guy I made this for hasn't responded to emails for a month so I am considering it available if anyone is interested, if he resurfaces I can always make him another one.

Chris.

[ukchris]

Unfortunately I have tried taking the iPod apart and now it doesn't work. Plus I would need to get a really long ribbon cable that matched the pin layout. On the mirror you have where do the electronics go? Does it make the mirror thicker?

I've never taken an iPod apart but I have done so with an iPhone, the inner workings are so small and delicate I don't think I'd ever try it again. As you probably found out that don't containg "cables" but super thin ribbon connecters with hirosh connectors and the like, very difficult to modify without proper tools. I suppose that depending on the mirror a complete iPod nano could be placed inside with the display then in landscape orientation, could it then be controlled from some sort of remote maybe if that is what you're looking for? There are headphones with controls on them and so on, I think it'd be a lot of work though and I'd question if the mirror is the best place for the iPod to be located but that's all personal taste.

[ukchris]

For those of you who expressed an interest you might like to check out the group buy here http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31429 which could get you up to 25% off the purchase price.

[Gary H]

Chris, where would you mount the V1 itself - is it possible to conceal it?

[ukchris]

Chris, where would you mount the V1 itself - is it possible to conceal it?

It depends on the car, in a Boxster it can be attached to the rear wind shield, a 996/997 a bracket on the headliner or rear window, just about any car it can be elevated from the back shelf... I made acrylic brackets for a while but couldn't get access to enough cars to make all varieties.

A good starting point is to reverse the suction cup mount and see how it looks at the very top of the back window.

[Gary H]

...OK. I see that...but then what happens when the roof's down? (Sorry, sounds like a dumb question!)

[Cannoli]

Having the main unit concealed is a great feature, especially if one gets interviewed often by Johnny-Law.

I use an Escort 8500 in my cars and I've noticed that when the unit is installed in the Cayenne, the sensitivity drops off. In both cars, I mount the detector on the front windshield, just above the dashboard.

On a side-note, I use a toll transponder for toll roads/bridge tolls. Inspecting the front windshield, I noticed that there is a factory film installed, and it has a gap (no film installed) along the rear view mirror location. If I place the transponder there, it works. The Homelink signal may be broadcasted at this location as well. Additionally, the transponder works in the Cayenne when the unit is placed (momentarily by hand) along the sun-roof glass.

The point I'm trying to make is that the factory film (tint) reduces (attenuates) the signal of the radar detectors. To have the greatest radar detector range/sensitivity, it is best to have the detector's receiving unit outside of the vehicle's interior.

My other car has ceramic-based film instead of metal-based film (yes, I installed film on the front windshield). I have no issues with signal attenuation with the ceramic-based film.

Edited May 19, 2010 by Cannoli

[ukchris]

Having the main unit concealed is a great feature, especially if one gets interviewed often by Johnny-Law.

I use an Escort 8500 in my cars and I've noticed that when the unit is installed in the Cayenne, the sensitivity drops off. In both cars, I mount the detector on the front windshield, just above the dashboard.

On a side-note, I use a toll transponder for toll roads/bridge tolls. Inspecting the front windshield, I noticed that there is a factory film installed, and it has a gap (no film installed) along the rear view mirror location. If I place the transponder there, it works. The Homelink signal may be broadcasted at this location as well. Additionally, the transponder works in the Cayenne when the unit is placed (momentarily by hand) along the sun-roof glass.

The point I'm trying to make is that the factory film (tint) reduces (attenuates) the signal of the radar detectors. To have the greatest radar detector range/sensitivity, it is best to have the detector's receiving unit outside of the vehicle's interior.

My other car has ceramic-based film instead of metal-based film (yes, I installed film on the front windshield). I have no issues with signal attenuation with the ceramic-based film.

Do you have the Escort 9500ix? I am getting a lot of requests for integration with the 9500ci now which is a very neat (if expensive) unit that installs as you say, radar detector in the front bumper area and laser shifters front and back. With the display in the mirror it makes for a very neat install. I find the combinations interesting, I am currently working a Lamborghini mirror that will have the V1 and Blinder displays in it, an Audi one that will have 9500ci and Laser Park Pro as well as an Escort 9500ci install in a GTR.

The YouTube clip below provides a preview of the next offering I am working on where the display is 100% invisible when off.

Chris.

Edited May 19, 2010 by Loren
made video viewable here