Mr.ThunderMakeR

I have a Escort Passport 9500ix in the mail right now and I'm considering ordering an Invisicord to go along with it. Anyone here have any experience with this?

http://www.invisicord.com/index.html


I searched and only found one post briefly mentioning it. Kinda surprising, I thought this thing would be more popular here. It seems pretty easy to use, only problem is I don't have a voltmeter to test the smart mirror with. Anyone know which ports to hook up to?

Cf05

if your planning on hardwiring your radar it probably already comes with what you need to do it... my V1 did anyways

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I hard wired my old Cobra into the overhead light. However, you don't get the best reception with it mounted high. Now with my Escort, it is mounted low and I just use the coiled cord.

Mr.ThunderMakeR

Well the whole point of this invisicord thing is ease-of-installation. No splicing is required, one end plugs directly into the radar detector, the other end has connectors that plug directly into the wiring harness for the smart mirror. The real benefit in my opinion is you don't have to pull apart the dash or headliner which Im guessing you guys had to do for your installations.

I was just wondering if anyone has used one here and knew which ports on the smart mirror wiring harness to connect to.

@alnielsen: I would think reception would be better the higher you place it. Unless were talking laser detection here, which is a very focused beam which the cops proably aim lower on the car.

Cf05

yea I have always heard the detection is better the higher it is placed but you get more false readings for laser due to the reflection of light off of the hood

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Placing it low gets you closer to the headlights and (in some states) the front license plate that the officer will aim for with laser. You also increase radar range slightly by getting more signal from the bounce of the hood of the car. Mounding high will give you more range in traffic by reducing the blocking of other vehicles.
Some states, like Minnesota, don't allow devices with suction cups to be attached to the windshield.

Cf05

^gotcha thanks for the clarification!

Cf05

and op to answer your question I didnt have to take out the headliner just quick spliced into the sunroof power cable, had to take out the sunglass holder but it was really simple.

Trackrat

iTrader: (1)

Great idea. yes I bought two. fit well into trailblaser mirror, more dificult in rx8 due to smaller plug. be sure to use two ties near plug. pin was kinda large so i filed it down a tad. NO more big coily cord. placed valentine just below mirror and to the left.

dmedz8

iTrader: (5)

v1= b/a detector... i have one and its gotten me out of alot of tickets... i just used the flat cord it came with and mounted it on the left side of my rear view mirror and tucked the cord into the trim, down by the fuse box

Mr.ThunderMakeR

Quick update in case someone else is trying this: I also had to file down the connectors, and I think I might have filed them down a little too much so be careful. The zip ties deffinitely help, but if I move the mirror at all I usually lose power and have to fiddle with the connectors a little to fix it. A good tip if you are using an Escort radar detector: most of them can be set to display the vehicle voltage, this will let you know how good of a connection youre getting.

It might be worth it to contact the invisicord guy and have him make you a custom connector for a couple extra bucks if you are really concerned with the connection.

Overall though I'm really happy with the setup and it was pretty easy installation, no splicing required and no removing the headliner. I'll post a pic when I get a chance.

czar

iTrader: (3)

funny i did the same with a phone cable :\ done that in two cars lol

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Which is the power & ground on the phone cable?

czar

iTrader: (3)

dont remember off the top of my head for the x50 / escort line you only need a basic 2 wire phone cable. Stripping it without damaging the copper wire is kinda of a pita but you can find it from google. the direct wire kit isnt that much if i remember