Need help wiring LED scanner

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Dec 31, 2006 | 02:07 AM

VmanX

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Need help wiring LED scanner

I'm a noob when it comes to anything electrical. I just bought this LED scanner, like how it is in Knight Rider, but I need help wiring it so that it comes on when the car is off as if it was an added security feature. The flashing red indicator in the instrument cluster doesn't serve well for me as a "back off! my car has an alarm," deterrent. The scanner has 3 wires, 1 positive and negative, and 1 for ground, although I don't know where to wire it to. Any input would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

Jan 2, 2007 | 02:48 PM

VmanX

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bump

Jan 2, 2007 | 03:49 PM

LivinLrge

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Where do you plan on putting it? that way I can tell you at least how I would/where install and run the wires to and from.

Jan 3, 2007 | 11:39 AM

VmanX

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by the steering wheel if possible. Thanks

Jan 3, 2007 | 10:13 PM

VmanX

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what's a good wire to tap into that is activated only when the car is off? anyone?

Jan 4, 2007 | 12:02 AM

Xantium

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this sounds too cheesy

Jan 4, 2007 | 12:31 AM

Xantium

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" OoOo.. this is cheesy!
if you have nothing relevant to say, then don't say nothing at all ******"

LOL this is the pm i got from this guy. I better be careful before i insult night rider leds again!

Jan 4, 2007 | 12:45 AM

Cool-Blue-Dad

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Quote:

Originally Posted by VmanX

by the steering wheel if possible. Thanks

Hmm, not quite getting the visual - can you invest a few minutes taking a quick snapshot of the scanner (preferably sitting by the steering wheel kinda like you intend to mount it). Also a pic of the wires and package.

Does the scanner require 5V or 12V or something else?

You said it's positive, negative and ground - is the negative also ground or does it require an actual negative voltage (relative to ground). You need to be sure exactly what voltages this scanner requires before you go fishing through the RX-8 wiring harness diagrams.

Jan 4, 2007 | 09:35 AM

VmanX

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Scanner is 12V. It's actually a positive, a negative (ground), and one wire which they also label ground but it's for power only when the car is off. It's just about a 4-inch long strip of LEDs with 3 wires coming out of it. I'll try to post a pic later tonight. Thanks

Jan 4, 2007 | 09:47 AM

#10

Coop '04

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From: Dallas Area

Sounds like it needs a switched ground on the third wire that is labeled ground. Lots of alarm devices are wired this way. Aftermarket door lock actuators for one can be wired this way.