Hey guys.....I have a gift certificate to Sharper Image that I've had for a year and I want to get rid of it. So I was thinking about buying a radar detector, the Passport X50 to be more specific. I live in the Pacific Northwest if that matters....

Now I have absolutely no clue about radar detectors, never had one, never seen one used. Don't even know for sure exactly what they do Ugh, i'm an idiot.

Is there a guide for dummies for radar detectors or something? Anyway, I've never purchased one because I hate that damn power cord. But I have the homelink unit on my rear view mirror so I figure I can hardwire to that. Is this something a stereo installation place would do for me? How much would it cost?

If this has been covered before (im sure it has) I'm sorry. I tried searching but there was a ton of **** and I'm at work so I cant be screwing around searching for posts all day

Thanks guys!

 

I don't know if you really want to go tapping into your mirror or not. An easy way to do it would be to run the wire around the windshield and under the dash and ashtray. Cut the plug off of the radar detector. There should be two wires. Strip the insulation off of the striped one and tap into the yellow wire of the cigarette lighter and then strip and ground the other. Another advantage of this set up is that when the car is off, your radar detector will be off as well.

 

what about wiring it into the overhead lighting/moon roof unit?

 

It's easy enough to wire it to the homelink mirror. There's a *very* good DIY that maps out everything you need to do. Print it out and just follow the instructions. If you wire it to the homelink mirror, it will still turn the detector on and off as well.

Also just as easily accomplished is running the cable across the headliner, down the driver's side A-pillar and into the fuse box. You can add a fuse to an existing switched fuse. I just did the install last weekend - it was a cinch!

-P23

 

I got my Passport X50 yesterday and did the hardwire install.

It was easy. There is a DIY here that helps, but I chose to tap into a different wire. http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...valentine.html this is from PUR NRG.
Look at the DIY by Attack for step by step on how to access the overhead unit.

 

My audio shop hardwired my Passport 8500 in like 30 minutes. The wire goes up into the headliner at the windshield and you don't see it anywhere. Only problem with Passport is you have to purchase the hardwire kit which was like $35.

 

35 bucks? no way. just get the direct wire cord w/o any of that special mute button. it costs $10.

 

"Seek and ye shall find"

You could start with a search for the terms "radar" or "hardwire", either would take you to the DIY forum, where there are about 200 posts on the subject.

Like this one....

You're welcome.

S

 

Some pics of my RX8 X50 hardwire install

 

That is pretty neat. Looks clean. Nice Idea on putting the smart cord at that spot. If I ever had my hand there while driving, I think I'd find it every useful.

 

Anyone using a V1 in their 8? If so, what is your setup?

 

Thanks Oranje for the idea. This is mine
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