datasmith

While I'm waiting for the display and head-unit faceplate to come back from the machine shop, I should wrap up the rest of this installation with a discussion on power connections.

In this installation I have three separate modules that need power. Normally there are just two power requirements for the RX-75 Pro Plus: one for the radar detector interface module and one for the powered speaker. I have a third for the custom LED driver module shown in the previous discussion.

I decided to create an auxilliary terminal strip to support these power connections, as well as a spare connection for any future requirement. The first pic shows my 4 position power strip.

I mounted the strip behind the panel that covers the interior fuse block below the dash on the driver's side.

I spliced the new terminal strip's +V lead (red) to the first fuse (#1) connection, the accessory fuse, which turns on with the ignition. If you need battery power instead of ignition power, you can splice to the last fuse position in the block (#12). I had to peel the tape back from the top wire bundle to expose enough wire to splice to. I spliced to the fused side to provide general protection to the new terminal strip - which is a yellow wire with a dark stripe.

I spliced the new terminal strip's ground lead (black) to one of the two common ground points found in the interior of the car. It is a ground lug that has four ground wires attached. You can't get to the wires or lug without removing it from the chassis. It's held to the chassis by the bolt shown in picture 2 below.

Picture three shows the three module power connections attached to the new terminal strip. Everything tucks neatly behind the wall panel when re-installed.

Omicron

Awesome. Can't wait to see the final pic of what the detector "head unit" looks like installed in the blank below the stereo!

Gotta tell ya man, this installation is SO slick that I am seriously considering getting one of these units. Any idea how it performs as compared to the Valentine V1, Escort, or Bel 985?

datasmith

Had to go and prod the machine shop man today... he promised it by tomorrow afternoon...

Here's a great article on radar detectors with test comparisons:

Motor Trend 2004 Radar Detector Test and Buyer's Guide

In the comparison, both the V1 and 985 rank higher than the RX-75. But the ranking takes into account both price and performance. The RX-75, though ranking a little lower, was Motor Trend's overall choice. It's just expensive and recommends professional installation. I was, of course, looking for best performance in a stealth,remote radar detector, and didn't consider price in my personal evaluation.

As for professional installation... that can only go so far. I don't think "professional" really accounts for a lot any more... and for a car like the RX-8, it took a lot of customization, modification and special attention to detail, that I would imagine very few "professional" installers would attempt... and if they did, they would charge a premium price.

datasmith

Got the faceplate. Mounted the display. Just a couple of dabs of epoxy and it's in...
And OMG...everything works!

Here's the final PICs.

Some night shots too...

datasmith

Also... the speaker under the dash is plenty loud... comes right through the gaps in the dash... actually had to turn it down... and when the LED's in the instrument panel go off... they really get your attention.. Here's a night PIC of the LED's in their normal state....

devoid

Just thought it would be appropriate to post some alternate installation locations for the pieces parts...though this is the escort sr7 + zr3 system. But bell and escort are now the same company, so they use the same parts pretty much.

datasmith

Neat overhead module!

Where did you get it?
Does the Escort come with a remote indicator LED?
Do you have a powered speaker, or just the piezio on the display unit?

Looks good, man.

jenkins-crew

Looks absolutely increddible man, very awesome and a very clean job.

So did you go fast down the raod to test it yet D:D

devoid

I have an aux speaker hidden under the dash. The piece its molded into at the top was fabbed. I didn't bother with the LED's, cause the display is in my face enough.

datasmith

No actual speed test yet. But, I did pull up in front of my local grocery store to see the radar detector go off. :p

The true test will be tomorrow. I'll be making a 4 day trip to Florida from NC.

datasmith

Real nice fab job. You should consider marketing it. (Unless its one of those "Looks good, but I'll never do that again" things. I've got a list of those. )

BTW... What's the long module attached to the bottom of your overhead unit?

devoid

^^^ Its an andrea electronics in car array noise canceling microphone. For further details and such, its easier just to point to the other thread: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/devoids-near-complete-build-54460/

LiL BenNy

so how much did this cost over all?

datasmith

If you are talking about the full Beltronics custom install here...

$600 for the Beltronics Pro Kit from eBay
$85 for the mechanic to pull the bottom pan and drill/tap holes in the bumper and mount the front detectors.
$45 for the additional head unit blank plate
$50 to have a machine shop mill a perfect slot in the blank plate
$15 in parts for the custom electronics driving the dash cluster LEDs.
$10 for wire-ties, in-line fuses, terminal strips, etc

around 20-30 hours of my own labor.

enjoying the James Bond effect of my custom built-in stealth radar detector.....
priceless!

LiL BenNy

(bringing back thread from the dead)

hm you think it would be noticable if i have the rear detector like that on a blue?
wouldnt it stand out?

truemagellen

did you order this unit Lil Ben?

the reason I ask is Laser Jammer tech has greatly improved and the Bel and Escort model have trouble jamming close range many of the new laser guns

only one is doing the job and it is jamming many laser guns at point blank range the blinder xtreme (M-20 or M-40)

As for Radar detector the RX65 is getting the nod as the best for now but you can't go wrong with a RX65, Escort 8500 x50, or the newest V1

as for in dash the RX75 is probably king...the 'Plus' upgrade or unit is the laser jamming unit

LiL BenNy

nah i didnt i want to get one in the future... few mods at the top of my list before these...

sisken

A while back I bought a Passport SR7, which is very similar to the BEL. I had a pro installer mount the display unit under the flip-up ashtray cover. He had to remove the lighter socket and cut up the ashtray assembly. It was a good location because I could flip the cover closed and hide the display, but I was never happy with the job the installer did, and I missed the lighter socket.

After reading this thread, I was inspired to move the display unit into the dash below the radio. Ordered a new ashtray assembly, an extra blank plate for the dash, and I was ready to go...except, the SR7 display unit is just a tiny bit wider than the BEL's. Just wide enough not to fit.

What to do. Well, I still wanted my ashtray and lighter socket back, so I move the display unit into the console compartment and put the LED and mute button on the dash instead. I think it came out pretty nice (check out the pictures)! The nice thing is that the SR7's remote mute button has the same glossy black finish as the blank plate in the dash, so it almost looks like it belongs there.

truemagellen

I started my install of the Blinder M-20 laser jammer...thank you datasmith for lots of inspiration :D :D

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...9&page=1&pp=15