hi all, finally purchased 04 sebring. I have a question regarding radar mounting, particularly with the escort passport 8500 w/ smartcord. As you know, the power outlet is behind your elbow in the console. Those of you that have this model w/ the spiral "smartcord" how do you use it and still use the "smartcord" functionality. I use the "manual mute" button often and don't want to eliminate it. What are the options? Thanks much.

 

You can buy an aftermarket smartcord from Escort that has straight cables.

I mounted mine here:



It is easier to mount right at the base of the A-Pillar. Thats a good option too.

 

Or if you don't mind using the mute button directly on the detector itself than just get a $.99 6 ft. phone cord and hard wire it to the fuse box so that is goes on/off with the key.

 

the unit is so close to you when mounted (assuming you mount it high on the windsheild) that using the mute on the unit in conjunction with a regular phone cord is the best option...

 

I don't have mine permanently mounted in the car and I got an "extension" cord from Radio Shack that runs between the seats to the dash area to plug in the unit.

 

I highly recommending Hardwiring your Passport 8500. Just get the cord from Escort, and do a search on this forum for the how-to.
http://www.s2000.org/mods/radar/

here's one of the writeups. I'm not that technical, but it was pretty easy, and I'm amazed how clean it is. wish I had done this will all my cars. By hardwiring, you plug the power right into your fuse box next to your legs - so no need to use the lighter socket.

ends up looking like the pics posted above.

 

thanks. Ideally, I want to keep the smartcord w/ the mute button, bcuz it is more robust - you can just hit it at any pressure angle you want. Using the mute button on the unit, requires you to raise your arm w/ a controlled tap/push. Especially over bumps etc, if you don't push the mute on the unit correctly the suction cups give way, and the radar falls.

 

I have the 8500 also. Couldn't stand the coiled wire running between the seats so I got the hardwire kit for $10. from Escort.

P.S. I'm always using the mute feature on the unit and it has never fallen off the windshield as a result.

 

ok thanks, i will do the hardwire and use the mute on the unit. Maybe have to clean or get new suction cups

thanks

 

I have the coiled cord between myself & the passenger. The mute button on the cord is facing the driver's side of the car so that when it goes off I just use my elbow to hit the button. This works great for me.