Radar detector, which one and how to mount?
- Thread starter Merle
- Start date
While Valentine One got me through several One Lap of America drives (and a trophy), I have switched to Uniden R7 or R8 and never looked back. Still disappointed to find that there is no front 12V plug anywhere except behind the seat console in my LC1958
CorpSkiBum
Member
I transferred my Valentine One from my previous car. If I were buying a new radar detector today, I’d consider a Uniden, but I really love the remote display on the V1.
Attachments
How did you get power to your V1? I purchased the USBC cable from Stickerfab, but it doesn't work.
CorpSkiBum
Member
I ran the RJ11 power cable across the headliner and down the a-pillar. I'm getting power from the ODB port using one of these: SAVVY | Valentine One | Radar Detectors
Ordered a 4.9’ RJ11-USB-C cable and will try with my Uniden R7. Shorter is always better for marginal power, so hoping I don’t need a 3’ vs. 5’ cable. Will update after receipt and test.
I've had a Uniden R3, R4 and now on R8. I've been very pleased with them.
Mounting was super easy with these three items:
To tap into the power: Amazon Link
To power the Uniden: Amazon Link
To mount the Uniden: Choose any mounting type, I picked up a Blendmount, but whatever suits your budget will work.
Mounting was super easy with these three items:
To tap into the power: Amazon Link
To power the Uniden: Amazon Link
To mount the Uniden: Choose any mounting type, I picked up a Blendmount, but whatever suits your budget will work.
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I think the Unidens are the best today, and the somewhat older R7 model (a couple hundred less $) is still very good. Sorry to learn last year that Mike Valentine had passed away, as his military ECM knowledge helped to create the innovative directional signals that first came out on the Valentine One. In the 1999 One Lap, my Valentine One chirped as a group of us cut across northern Texas driving on an empty highway from Pikes Peak International to Texas International for the next days event and our group hit the binders doing around a buck ten, and five seconds later a Texas HP popped up over a hill and watched us cruise by. Nowdays I just keep within 5 of the limit while kids with factory “wings” and loud exhausts and no professional training blow bye. Safe journeys everybody.
- Moderator
- #10
I have two Escort 360 Redlines, IMO the absolute best.
As for mounting, a magnetic disk on the center speaker grill (see my build page).
For power, I took apart a power plug, remoted the silence button and LEDs to a switch blank. I touted the RJ11 wire/plug behind the instrument cluster trim and exited at the speaker grill. (see my build page).
As for mounting, a magnetic disk on the center speaker grill (see my build page).
For power, I took apart a power plug, remoted the silence button and LEDs to a switch blank. I touted the RJ11 wire/plug behind the instrument cluster trim and exited at the speaker grill. (see my build page).
I went with a Valentine One Gen 2. Mounted detector to the rear view mirror using a Blendmount BV1-2001R and HT-1096 hardwire power kit direct to the fuse block (near the glove box, wire routed up the A-pillar). The only small downside is that there isn't enough clearance to re-use the factory plastic fuse box lid after the new power connection is established on the fuse block. Worth it IMO to avoid any possible power issues related to the demands of the rear view mirror itself, especially if you add a dashcam later. If you don't care about that, Blendmount sells the MTX-1015 tap kit as well.
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I just purchased two Escort Max 3s. I've always purchased Escorts. Saved me countless times on the back roads to the lake.
I have one in the 911 and in the LC. Both with factory mounts.
Note--you need to order the USB cord separately as our LC's don't have the adapter included. The 911 has one in the passenger well.
The mount with Escort is outstanding. I put it up high on the passenger side. Sticks like glue and inconspicuous.
I have one in the 911 and in the LC. Both with factory mounts.
Note--you need to order the USB cord separately as our LC's don't have the adapter included. The 911 has one in the passenger well.
The mount with Escort is outstanding. I put it up high on the passenger side. Sticks like glue and inconspicuous.
Escort for me. Always.
- Moderator
- #14
It is very easy to route a power wire through the fire wall on the driver's side (the OEM grommet is already there) and tap into one of the unused fuse slots in the underhood fuse box.
Just buy an Escort and plug it into the USB.
I don't want some flunkie tearing panels off my LC.
- Moderator
- #16
I own two escorts 360 Redlines, a fuse tap is a fuse tap........so there's that..
Using Uniden R7 with a BlendMount off the rearview mirror. Powering with radar detector power cable for USB-C (need to plug in the middle usb-c outlet on LC). I’ve had the R7 for a while and is pretty easy to use. It was more useful when I used it in my 540i and helped give pretty lengthy warnings when something other than laser was being used on the highway.
The Valentine 1 Gen2 is probably the best at filtering BSM and other driver aids from other cars for a quieter ride. It also performs as well as the current Uniden units. One exception though is MRCD, like mobile radar units. Uniden RDs pick those up much better, but if those are not used in your area, I'd go Valentine.
RDforum.org is a great place to learn more.
RDforum.org is a great place to learn more.
- Thread starter
- #19
Nice work! Some jerk stole my v1, so i am looking at a new one. I like your install!!
Thanks
- Thread starter
- #20
Great info thanks!!!
