Radar Detector Installation

dannyg2006 · July 20, 2007

I was trying to hardwire my radar detector in my NBS truck and there is nothing that I can tie into that comes on when I turn the key on without voiding the warranty. The dealer told me that there was a precut wire just for that underneith the center section of the dash below the radio. I never found this wire and the dealer can't seem to help me either. I would just tie into any descent wire that wasn't for anything important but the dealer advised me that they offered that to another customer and it fried everything and is still in the shop. Hopefully someone can shead some light on this.

dsmazz · July 20, 2007

I pulled the overhead unit out on my GMC. Used a DVM to locate a switched 12 volt source and a ground. I then tapped into them on the side of the plug that allows me to remove the overhead unit withou wires dangling. I put an inline fuse holder with a 1 amp fuse, then installed a female jack into the plastic face. My radar detector is clipped onto the visor, with a short lead that has a mating male jack. I simply plug it in, turn the key, and everything works. My dealer thought is was OK.

SweatyAppleSauce · July 20, 2007

Clipping your radar onto the visor is not a good spot for one. The ideal spot for a radar is in the center of the dash, as low as possible without letting the wipers get in the way. This is what I've read from popular science when they test various models, and my own experience.

dannyg2006 · July 20, 2007

Sounds good! Everything worked fine when it was installed? If so I will do the same. Do know which wires you used?

dsmazz · July 20, 2007

Clipping your radar onto the visor is not a good spot for one. The ideal spot for a radar is in the center of the dash, as low as possible without letting the wipers get in the way. This is what I've read from popular science when they test various models, and my own experience.

I don't care. It works great for me, it's stealthy, and in my driving experience of over 30 years with a radar detector, it works just fine.

dsmazz · July 20, 2007

Sounds good! Everything worked fine when it was installed? If so I will do the same. Do know which wires you used?

Worked like a charm. The two wires I tapped into were on the overhead side of the plug. I used a digital volt meter to determine a switched source and a ground. Those were the two I tapped into, but I can't tell you which specific wires they were. I picked up the male and female jacks at a local Radio Shack. Cleaner look than a big cigar lighter size outlet. Plus, if I want to take the radar detector out, it's no problem.

Wingnut · July 20, 2007

I tapped directly into the wires going into the back of my mirror.

You can get a cord from invisicord.com

svensk · July 20, 2007

I tapped directly into the wires going into the back of my mirror.

You can get a cord from invisicord.com

Funny, I saw another guy with a TBSS the other day and guess what he had on the middle of his windshield?

Wingnut · July 20, 2007

Dead bugs?

Aggiestud · July 20, 2007

You can solder into your radio wiring harness or the vehicle ignition, or use scotch t-taps and blade connectors. Either will work fine. Please use a DMM, and NOT a light bulb to find voltage! Also, like Mazz stated above USE A FUSE!!! You don't want to take out your radio because your detector takes a dump.

Also, I am not sure you can get enough current out of the rear view mirror... use @ your own risk there.

Wingnut · July 20, 2007

Also, I am not sure you can get enough current out of the rear view mirror... use @ your own risk there.

Mine has been up there for well over a year without issue. Beltronics RX65.

dannyg2006 · July 20, 2007

I have a Escort with the same style plug as a phone cord. I talked with them direct and they told me to use just a regular phone cable but only two of the four wires inside. So I purchased one and I guess that is what I am going to use to tap into either the mirror wires or the overhead console. Thanks!

omegafiler · July 20, 2007

Also, I am not sure you can get enough current out of the rear view mirror... use @ your own risk there.

Mine has been up there for well over a year without issue. Beltronics RX65.

I'm actually waiting for my Invisicord to arrive for my RX65. Sounded like the best way to go and would be easy to remove if necessary.

SweatyAppleSauce · July 20, 2007

Sounds good! Everything worked fine when it was installed? If so I will do the same. Do know which wires you used?

s**t sorry for trying to help you out, you don't have to be a prick about it.

ctahoe · July 21, 2007

High or Low on windshield?

I've had it mounted both... On my AV mid to low so it was above the midgate window sill. On the last two trucks I've gone the high route (right below the rear view mirror) A radar detector mounted too low on the window would miss radar/laser from behind.

After reading this:

World's Greatest... Radar Detectors

"Amazingly, America is one of the only countries in the world where it s legal to buy a radar detector—a device whose sole purpose it is to aid in committing a crime. Ten percent of drivers are stopped for speeding every year, generating tens of millions of dollars in speeding fines, and yet only six percent of drivers use a radar detector. That s like being a beat cop without a bulletproof vest, or a fireman without a hose.

If you re going to make the wise choice and join the six percent, the first lesson worth learning is, Don t put your detector on the dash. The navies and air forces of the world, whose priceless officers, pilots, ships and planes must be protected at all costs, have, through countless battles and casualties, determined that radar signals are best detected over the greatest distance by placing a radar detector at the highest possible point. This is why warships place radar arrays on a high mast, and why AWACS early-warning aircraft operate at 30,000 feet.

A radar detector should be mounted as high on the windshield as possible, preferably flush with the roof of the car. Any other mounting is a waste of time, money and dash space. There is only one exception: many late-model cars windshields have auto-dimming/heating elements which may block radar signals, a catastrophic drawback for detector mounting. (Luckily, manufacturers like Mercedes often designate a specific location just for detector mounting, and it s no coincidence that it s high up, right next to the rearview mirror.)"

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/columns/worlds-...tors-141101.php

And from Escort:

"As a rule of thumb, a lower detector mounting position is better for laser and a higher position is better for radar. But, in most vehicles, the difference in height between the top and bottom of the windshield is not enough to make any perceptible difference in radar reception. It's best to mount your detector where it has a clear field of view front and rear and where you can see it without obstructing your own view of the road.