Slexis200

Who here is going to hard wire a Valentine 1 radar system in there car? Or knows how, or about it. I already have a V1, but its not hard wired. I want to know whats involved? And can you still take your unit out and bring it to another car for the day (obviously not the wiring). How long does it take, or is it worth having a proffecinal do it, and about how much would that cost.


-Josh


p.s. its 3 in the mornin so, sorry bout the spelling - your dealing with a real Z enthusiast who literally can't sleep since the day he found out hes getting a Z in september (about a week ago). I wont be able to get a good night sleep till the day she comes! ahhhhhhhhhhh gnight all

jran76

iTrader: (1)

Power and ground. I would mount it near the rear view mirror, and you can wire it to the power for the map light up there. You will have to cut the power wire for the V1, determine power and ground, and do the same to the connection at the light (red is usuall power, black is usually ground).

You could also wire directly to the fuse panel, there should be some open connections on it, and then find the proper Amp fuse, and change the fuse. The Amp rating of the radar detector should be listed on it somewhere. It would be more difficult to run the cable.

I used to work at Circuit City and they will do it for about 30-40 bucks, or any Stereo shop will also probably do it.

The power will still plug into the V1 like normal, it is hardwired on the other end of the cable. So, yes you can remove the V1....

EnthuZ

iTrader: (2)

A question: Is their a transformer with the V1?

My ancient Escort Passport has a transformer built into the cigarette plug, and the hard wire includes a 1" x 1" x 1" black-box that is hot wired, then a plug from the Passport plugs into the box.

Not a major problem, but where to put the transformer on the mirror.

jran76

iTrader: (1)

Are you sure it is not just a fuse. If it is a transformer, my guess is you would have to keep it, does it say on it what the purpose of it is? You could use some double sided adhesive to attatch it to the backside of the mirror.

I am not sure though, I have not seen a transformer on a Radar detector, and all cars (in the world) are 12V, so I am not sure why it would use a transformer.... Maybe someone else has seen this before?

VandyZ

iTrader: (2)

The V1 also uses standard phone cord as the power cord, so custom length and/or splicing is very easy.

blueshift

Exactly....that's what i used to Direct Wire my V1 into my current car. It's very simple......I was going to do it myself...but my car stereo installer offered to do it for free for me, when i was getting a head unit installed. Every V1 comes with the Direct Wire adapter in the box....or you can get a spare if you've lost yours off the website.

I plan to wire it the same in the Z. I could take some pictures of my current install if you'd like.

-Andrew

Quadry

Blueshift

That would be great. Some of us are visual learners.

Thanks in advance.

Intrepid

CAR AND DRIVER
The Great Detector Test
February 2002

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran...rs.xml?&page=1

Be sure to click on each detector in the list for a detailed review of each.

EnthuZ

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for all the replies. Should be super easy to patch into the mirror.

Now, about those dots on the windshield above the mirror? Will they impede performance?

jran76

iTrader: (1)

This was dicussed once before (I am too lazy to search), but the general concensus was "NO," I am no expert though. I would think you could hang it low enough where it is out of the way and low enough to work. I have a freind who has a Beetle, this is what he does and it works great.

ThurzNite

i hardwired my V1 in my 93 Maxima SE 5sp and my bro did the same in his 2k Max SE 5sp. Very clean cuz the wire's zip tied to the rear view mirror and all other wires are concealed. Ran it to a power source that I knew would come on when in ACC.
I wonder how the rear view is in the new Z...roofline looks low.
Jae

ariZona

I see you all have the Valentine 1 for a radar detector. I don't have one right now, but figure I will need one when I get my new car. What is it about the V1 that sold you guys, cause all the car magazines (R&T, C&D, Automobile) always have the V1 ad praising it as the best, and then somewhere else is the Escort Passport 8500 ad saying it is the best. It seems they are considered the 2 best detectors regardless, but is one really leaps and bounds above the others? Obviously, each ad says it is better and quotes magazines and stuff. What can you tell me?

ariZona