Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors *Merged*

[kbmuenkel]

I know little about these so my question is directed to those who do.

When considering hard wired radar / laser detectors, which brands & models would you install in your car and why would you choose that one?

How much should I expect to pay with installation?

What are the negatives that should be considered before doing this?

Please offer any comments / advice not asked for above.

 

[musher51]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

My info is a bit dated, but I've been using a Valentine unit that I bought eight years ago (the Genesis is the third car it's been installed in). Valentine is a brand that was talked up a lot by BMW owners in their monthly Roundel magazine (if memory serves, Mr. Valentine co-founded Escort, but left after a dispute to start his own company).

While I'm sure there have been a number of technical improvements since 2000, I have no complaints about this unit ($300 new and I hardwire it myself, so no expense there). It generally gives me more than enough notice to slow down, and I've been ticket-free since I've owned it. One feature I really like (perhaps available on other brands, now, too) is that it tells you which direction a signal's coming from, and also how many signals it's receiving.

In one unusual instance it even "saved" me when it DIDN'T go off. A local cop stopped me a year or two ago, but I noticed that the Valentine hadn't registered a signal. When he came up to my window, he asked me how fast I was going and I told him "the speed limit" (I was probably going 40 - 45 in a 30 at the time, frankly). He replied "no, you were speeding and I've got the radar record to prove it". I asked him to produce the record (feeling strongly that he really didn't have one, since my silent detector implied as much), after which he grumbled a bit, told me to slow down, walked back to his car and took off.

A friend recently advocated something called a "laser diffuser", which is apparently something more subtle than my Valentine (which is attached to my windshield just left of the rearview mirror via suction cups). This unit is mounted in the front grille and connects to some sort of low-key display unit in your car (perhaps without wiring, which would simplify installation, but I don't know for sure). In short, you might want to do some on-line research into newer technology, but I can attest to the effectiveness of the Valentine product.

 

[jcs]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Musher, can you explain how you hard wired your Valentine? Where did you tap into power and is the power switched with the ignition?

 

[BaywayRic]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

What are the negatives that should be considered before doing this?

I know squat about them as well, but one thing to consider about a hardwired install is its visibility. Detectors are ILLEGAL in all regards in VA, and I would think from where you are you might go there from time to time. They are not pleasant when they find them in your car.

 

[KenT]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

musher51...

I don't know for sure- but I think you can call Valentine and if there has been a hardware and/or software upgrade it is either free or not really expensive...

 

[KenT]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Imagine a radar detector that never gets obsolete. Here's my plan:
Continuous Improvement:
Valentine One was new in 1992. Since then, every part inside the magnesium case has been improved, several times for many of them. Continuous improvement keeps Valentine One the top performer; Car and Driver confirms that our margin over the others is wider now than ever.

We'll Upgrade Your Earlier Model:
Since 1994, whenever we've made a performance breakthrough, we've offered it to our past customers in the form of an upgrade. The price varies, depending on the parts required. Included is a one-year warranty, same as new.

No Planned Obsolescence:
Other radar detector makers want you to throw away your old detector and buy new. Not me. More than a dozen years after the first Valentine One, I'm still working for that customer, because every Valentine One we've ever made can be upgraded to the latest technology.

 

[stjohnson]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

I've used a Valentine 1 for at least 8 years. Always hardwire it in to the fusebox. Find a switched fuse (any will do) and then any ground and voila. The absolute best radar detector out there. Don't waste money on anything else. I promise you, the V1 will pay for itself the first ticket it gets you out of.

 

[kbmuenkel]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Wow, that was fast. Thanks guys!
OK - Valentine 1 seems to be high on the list. Any others out there?

Ric - Twice a year I drive to High Point NC right through VA. Somehow I will have to install this somewhat hidden with an on/off switch. The question is can you hide these things without diminishing their ability to detect signals?

 

[musher51]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Musher, can you explain how you hard wired your Valentine? Where did you tap into power and is the power switched with the ignition?

You should find several unused slots in your fusebox, which is on the "side" of the dash, visible when you open the front passenger door. With my trusty ohm meter, I found a slot that was switched with the ignition (there are several), and I was good to go.

Running the wire was easy, too. Just pop off the little "SRS" button along the passenger-side "A" pillar, which exposes a screw that allows you to slip off the covering and get the wire behind it. There was just enough slack in the headliner that I could tuck the wire behind it without taking it down.

20 minutes total...

 

[musher51]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Detectors are ILLEGAL in all regards in VA, and...they are not pleasant when they find them in your car.

Hmmm, didn't know they were illegal in VA, but fortunately (for me), I'm unlikely to drive there. Detectors are illegal in Canada, too, so all I do when I cross the border is disconnect the Valentine (via the modular phone cord connection and two suction cups) and put it in the trunk until I get back to the good 'ol USA. Sure don't want to incur the wrath of the 'boys in blue'...or the Mounties!

To Ken T: thanks for the tip on Valentine upgrades. I'll check out their website and take a look.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Viking]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

musher51,

I debated for a long time between the Valentine and the Escort 9500 iX. I ended up going with the 9500 but I think that you can't go wrong with either one.

The following website has sections devoted to both and there are some great comparison tests against each other:

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/

 

[stjohnson]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

I place mine on the top left of the windshield. It's under the top tint area and is not easily viewable from anywhere outside the car. If it was turned off, I don't think a police officer would see it there. If you pull down the sun visor, you can hide it pretty much from view from behind.

Bottom line, if you're looking on the windshield for a detector, you'll see it. But it's a great place to keep it pseudo hidden and away from thief's eyes (and potentially smokey's as well)

 

[Viking]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

kbmuenkel,

What radar did you decide on? I really liked the Valentine and the directional indicator, but it gives off too many falses for my tastes. But it usually performs slightly better than the competition though - check out these results:

http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

 

[kbmuenkel]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Thanks for asking. I have not made a choice yet. Most likely, I will go with the Valentine 1 and hardwire it the way Musher51 suggested. I appreciate the advice and expertise offered in these forums.

My car is now 6 weeks old with only 800 miles on it. I travel alot for work but much of that is on airplanes. Since buying the car 6 weeks ago, I have been in Las Vegas, Chicago and Rapid City, SD.

It's nice to be home again with my family and my car!

 

[MattP]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

You should find several unused slots in your fusebox, which is on the "side" of the dash, visible when you open the front passenger door. With my trusty ohm meter, I found a slot that was switched with the ignition (there are several), and I was good to go.

Running the wire was easy, too. Just pop off the little "SRS" button along the passenger-side "A" pillar, which exposes a screw that allows you to slip off the covering and get the wire behind it. There was just enough slack in the headliner that I could tuck the wire behind it without taking it down.

20 minutes total...

Musher51, thanks for the great tips on installation. I have a Valentine1. I have a couple of questions.

Where did you end up mounting the detector? I have previously mounted mine in the gap between the windshield mirror and the roof. This did not impact the sunvisors and gets a high line for good coverage. But this location does not work in the Genesis due to the printed sunvisor on the windshield and the wiper senser.
Also, I have the concealed display. Do you have this also? If yes where did you find the best place to mount it is?

Thanks

 

[musher51]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Musher51, thanks for the great tips on installation. I have a Valentine1. I have a couple of questions.

Where did you end up mounting the detector? I have previously mounted mine in the gap between the windshield mirror and the roof. This did not impact the sunvisors and gets a high line for good coverage. But this location does not work in the Genesis due to the printed sunvisor on the windshield and the wiper senser.
Also, I have the concealed display. Do you have this also? If yes where did you find the best place to mount it is?

Thanks

Glad your install was easy...not all cars are so. I do not have the concealed display. For the Genesis and two other Bimmers that I've installed this device on, I just attached the main unit to the left of the rearview mirror (being mindful to replace the suction cups every few years, as they tend to wear out - you don't want something weighing that much to come crashing down on your leather-wrapped dash).

I'm not surprised you can't get past the heavy stuff all around the mirror, but I've never had a problem with the light tinting at the top of the windshield. The main appeal of this location (other than laziness) is that I tend to keep the sound off these days and rely solely on the visual signal, which is easier to see if the unit's in your line-of-sight. But in your case, the concealed display probably offers you some options I don't have.

 

[gentau]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

I've got the Valentine in my GTO and love it. The directional alert arrows are something that I couldn't live without now. My installation is somewhat different, so I have included some pictures.

The main unit is mounted on the package shelf in the rear window. I fabricated a DIY bracket from some corner braces I bought at Lowes. The forward line of sight shoots between the front seats and no degradation of performance has occurred.

The remote control box (an optional purchase) is mounted to the side of the console with industrial strength Velcro.

The remote alert display (another optional purchase) is mounted on top of the steering column...also with Velcro.

All connecting wiring is hidden so the installation is a clean one. Power is supplied from a hard wire connection to an ignition switched fuse in the fuse box under the dash. The rear mounted main unit is very stealthy and is not noticeable unless you know where to look for it.

 

[musher51]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Very creative, Gentau. Not having the main unit hanging off the windshield has some appeal (occasionally, the car wash guys will bump it, dislodging the suction cups, etc.), so perhaps I should look into the remote display. I assume the "remote control box" is necessary to feed data to the remote display (and are purchased together)?

 

[MattP]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

Gentau, Thanks for the photos. The mount is excellent, not seen this before. I have had my concealed display in the same place on the steering wheel column before. How have you attached it to the steering column. (Just some what hesitant in using adhesive tape, as previously, on my new Genesis !). I like where you have munted the remote controller too.


Musher51, you do not have to buy both remote units. Valentine allows you to use either the remote volume control, or the remote screen, or both. The remote screen comes with a mute button too. I have only the concealed dispay connected to the main unit. Thanks for your previous comments too. I have not fitted my Valentine unit to the Genesis yet, but will certainly follow your hints for getting behind the door pillar and fuse box. Thanks again.

 

[gentau]

Re: Hard Wired Radar / Laser Detectors

I assume the "remote control box" is necessary to feed data to the remote display (and are purchased together)?

Gentau, Thanks for the photos. The mount is excellent, not seen this before. I have had my concealed display in the same place on the steering wheel column before. How have you attached it to the steering column. (Just some what hesitant in using adhesive tape, as previously, on my new Genesis !). I like where you have munted the remote controller too.


Musher51, you do not have to buy both remote units. Valentine allows you to use either the remote volume control, or the remote screen, or both. The remote screen comes with a mute button too. I have only the concealed dispay connected to the main unit. Thanks for your previous comments too. I have not fitted my Valentine unit to the Genesis yet, but will certainly follow your hints for getting behind the door pillar and fuse box. Thanks again.

Matt,
The remote display is, indeed, secured to the steering column with adhesive backed Velcro. I wasn't crazy about the idea; but it was better than the alternative of drilling holes somewhere.

Musher,
If you mount the main unit within arms reach, you will not need both remote pieces. As Matt said, the remote display has a mute switch. However, it does not have an on/off switch or volume control (those are on the main unit). Since I cannot reach the main unit from the drivers seat, I purchased the remote control box that is mounted on the center console. It does have an on/off switch with volume control that overrides the normal controls on the main unit.

In the event that I should get stopped, I can simply turn the entire system off from the remote control on the console. Then, when John Law stands by my window, there will be no light display or sound to draw his attention to the detector.