Having done lots of thread searches I finally went with the Escort Passport 8500 x50. It was a really tough decision..had a hard time choosing between the Valentine 1 and the Escort. I figured that they're both top of the line and it's hard to go wrong either way. Anyhow, as far as the hardwire, I'm ahving a little difficulty with the wiring. I've been trying to follow this DIY:
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modify/modify.html
I can get the light fixture off but I'm just not getting the wiring technique..not enough pictures/explanation. Can anyone help me out? Thanks

 

Do a search on this forum, there is a very good DIY with pictures. :D

 

I attached the hardwire to the back of the cigarette lighter, drilled a small hole in the back of the ashtray area, mounted (double sided tape) the warning light/mute button where the ashtray used to go, and ran the wire under the dash...up the "A" piller and along the top of the windshield moulding and out at the rear-view mirror slide mount. This way the warning light is out of the way and hidden. :D

Mounting the 8500 over the rear-view mirror, I used double sided tape to replace the suction cups on the stippled windshield surface...it fits perfectly with the mirror slid all the way down.

Regards, Art

 

I didn't take any pictures of my install, but I just poked around with my volt meter until I found a +12V up there by the dome lights. I think it was the dome light circuit in fact...

 

an oldie but a goodie.....

Link

:D S

 

Does the 8500 not see behind itself? I keep seeing people mount this above the mirror. My Solo S2 is below the mirror so it can look out the rear window.

 

Haven't had a bit of trouble with the unit mounted above the mirror. Any of the X, K, and Ka bands are not very directional and a CHP cruiser coming up from behind is putting out a signal that is bouncing around the landscape to the sides AND way out in front of your vehicle. Even the Laser detection window, which does face the rear window has no problem (front and rear detection) with the HIGHLY DIRECTIONAL signal produced by hand-held laser units.

These observations come from personal experience using the Ka vehicle mounted unit and hand-held Laser units employed by the military police on the Army installation I work at. One of the officers wanted to know how sensitive the new 8500 x50 was so we tested it...mounted right over the mirror AND in the middle of the windshield.. Results: No difference in detection levels. :D

Regards, Art