With the 12V power outlet mounted on the aft console, what creative solutions are being used to power the radar detector of choice?

It looks like the stock cord from most of the leading units are designed for a dash outlet. Assuming that the cords would even reach the windshield (or the dash), I really don't want a power cord stretching accross the "cockpit".

So, what are the hardwire options? (are any of them from the mfg?)

Thanks for the info & as a new member, hope to contribute soon (just drove my silver/black home yesterday!).

Cheers -

 

You might want to search for solutions here or look at the Valentine 1 FAQ on S2KI (https://www.s2ki.com/). It's not hard to do but takes a little time to crawl under the dash to access the existing power connector in the under-dash fuse box...

 

Buy a "straight wire" (not coiled and no lighter plug on the end) for your detector. You can run the wire under the trim for the "A" pillar and windshield header to the fuse block near the driver's left ankle. Choose an unused terminal that powers up when the ignition switch is on and you're set!

 

I did this in about 10 minutes using a phone cord, for my Passport 8500, just before I left for a 400mi drive. The wire is run under the rubber seals of the windshield, then down under the dash to the fuse box. Since it worked out so nice, I haven't bothered to buy the OEM straight wire.

If you do a search for "radar detector wire" you will find several threads with detailed instructions.

Tanq

 

You can also try the following.
I have a Passport 8500 and will wire it in when I get the hardtop installed. Till then I run the cord across the cockpit. However there IS a way to keep it out of your way. I think this was mentioned in another forum, but if not this is the way that I do it.

I plug the cord into the detector and in to the 12V outlet.
I then remove the top left loop on the mesh 'map pocket' in the passenger's footwell. I stretch the power cord down to a level beneath the post that the loop was attached to and then reattach to loop. The mesh pocket then holds the cord so that it goes straight down from the detector (assuming its to the passenger side of the mirror) and then back along the transmission tunnel to the power connector. I also adjust the tension in the cord so the cord running to the detector from the map pocket is not extremely tight. This will keep the tension in the cord from potentially pulling the detector down.

Just a short term solution that I've used.

 

I emailed Passport this morning at around 2am, and got a reply around 9am. I was impressed!

Here is the reply:

<Thank you for your inquiry regarding our radar detector. Yes, we offer a direct-wire power cord for our Passport 8500. If you will call me at 800-325-2415, extension 8565, I will go over all of the options for the Passport 8500 and direct-wire options.>

The direct wire kit for $10 includes an inline fuse and the correct 12 VDC plug for the 8500. I would have a hard time doing it myself at Radio Shack for $10. Also, they include 3 years of software updates for $29 (shipping included).

I'm not trying to be a salesman here, but, it seemed like great customer support for a very similar product to the V1, and everything included for $339. So I bought it.

I also found a pictorial of a very clean installation of a V1 behind the windshield trim, I'll post the link if I can find it again.

Thanks for all the feedback & I'll post a picture of my installation when its done (maybe a step by step of "how I did it).

Cheers -

 

First let me welcome you to the community. There are several choices for powering the detectors of choice in the S2K. Principally these include the Passport 8500 or the Valentine 1 (Personally I run an Escort SR-1). Most people run a hard wire from the fuse block up the windshield A-Pillar and over the the "installation area" (i.e. rear view mirror area). If you look in the drivers well with a flashlight the fuse block +/- are readily visible. Find your hood release and head toward the firewall. You will see a junction box. On the left of the box (facing forward) you will find three recessed male connectors. The bottom one (or one closed the firewall) is "switched" which is the one you want. For a ground look above the "hood release" on the outer wall of the car. There is a main chassis ground there that will accept an alternate wire. You can also go throught the "courtesy light". There is a blue/white switched wire there as well as a ground. You can use a female "phone connector" from Radio Shack which will then accept the male plug of the detector. While the 12V supply in the center console is switched..it is best left for tapping an amplifier in the trunk (IMHO).
Hope this helps....
Utah

[Edited by Utah S2K on 04-29-2001 at 08:25 PM]

 

I use the dome light for my Valentine 1. Just a short piece of phone connect but you have to turn the V1 on and off manually.

 

Any further suggestions for this type of installation? This seems far simpler then running the wire down the A-frame? Are there any down sides?

Anyone else do this?

 

Email Yellow S2000....he has this set up.