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  1. #1
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    Default Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Radar fans,

    Since I'm planning on a new RD for my next drive, I need to make room for my others but I only have one convenient DC outlet. So I'm gonna hardwire at least one. Before I begin, I need some advice.

    Should I use the Direct Wire Power Cord?

    I don't really care about the extra smart display it includes. There's an overhead console that receives accessory power when starting it up and I was considering soldering it to some wires in there.

    Is it possible to cut open a smart cord and use the wires from that?

    Or should I use the fuse box and the direct wire?

    I've never done this before, but I'm good at following instructions.

    Please give me some advice. Also, would the smart cord hardwire kit power a V1?

    Thanks!

    Weeth

    PS- Please tell me if my post's not clear enough.
    Last edited by Weeth; 08-03-2011 at 12:43 AM.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Why waste a good smart cord when you can simply take an old phone cord, cut it to the length you need, and hardwire it for your RD? That's what I did anyways, for both of my cars, and it works just fine. I was also able to match the phone cord color to the car's interior (black for mine and beige for my wife's). I know, it's a little OCD...

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Is it possible to cut open a smart cord and use the wires from that?

    Or should I use the fuse box and the direct wire?
    Go with the direct wire to an add-a-fuse

    The cord is easily long enough that you should be able to run it behind the molding on one of the front pillars. Then you can run it off of the fuse box with an add-a-fuse.

    You should be able to run multiple devices off of a single add-a-fuse. I have all of my CMs except for the CB running off of a single add-a-fuse, but I did also add a switch panel so that I can turn things off selectively without reaching up over my head (where people can see what I'm doing). This way, I can turn off my RD if I am pulled over and lot have a bunch of noise if the LEO decides to leave his radar on.

    For a quick install though, I'd skip the switches and wire everything righ to the add-a-fuse. Be sure to put it on a circuit that turns off when the ignition is off. My stuff is all on the power window circuit.

    Please give me some advice. Also, would the smart cord hardwire kit power a V1?
    I don't know, but I think you can get a direct wire kit for the V1

    I don't really care about the extra smart display it includes. There's an overhead console that receives accessory power when starting it up and I was considering soldering it to some wires in there.
    I wouldn't unless there is a terminal or something on it that is intended for accessories.

    My car's a 2010 dodge charger. Should I use the Direct Wire Power Cord?
    Yes
    Last edited by switch626; 05-01-2011 at 02:44 PM.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    If your rvm is powered (Charger should be) buy/use the invisicord or make your own from phone cord. They have instructions for a Charger too, as far as positive and negative connection points on the mirror.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Quote Originally Posted by hiddencam View Post
    If your rvm is powered (Charger should be) buy/use the invisicord or make your own from phone cord. They have instructions for a Charger too, as far as positive and negative connection points on the mirror.
    Thanks all for the advice so far!

    I found a set of instructions:

    Type into google: "Charger/Valentine/V1_Install_v2.doc"

    click on second result w/ [DOC].

    for the V1. I'm not 100 percent sure that my mirror's powered. I'm assuming I can do this with a phone cord that will work with the passport.

    EDIT: I just wrote into a charger blog to see if mine has a power mirror before I start ripping apart my overhead console lol.

    If this won't work, then I'll go the smart wire route.
    Last edited by Weeth; 05-01-2011 at 03:36 PM.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Quote Originally Posted by Weeth View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by hiddencam View Post
    If your rvm is powered (Charger should be) buy/use the invisicord or make your own from phone cord. They have instructions for a Charger too, as far as positive and negative connection points on the mirror.
    Thanks all for the advice so far!

    I found a set of instructions:

    http://m3coupe.com/Charger/Valentine/V1_Install_v2.doc

    for the V1. I'm not 100 percent sure that my mirror's powered. I'm assuming I can do this with a phone cord that will work with the passport.
    Do you have built-in garage door opener, or sunroof? If so, you should have a 12V wire in your overhead console for those things, so you can easily tap into it without having to run the wire all the way down the A-pillar into the fuse box. Just make sure it's a switched 12V, because you will also have constant 12V up there for your interior lights, and you don't want to tap that one because your RD will stay on even when you power off the car.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Thanks!!

    I don't have a sunroof, garage door opener or uconnect (fancy mirror). I just have the 2 lights which are constant 12V's. It's a Charger SXT.

    However, I don't know yet if it has any switched 12V's. If I don't get any responses on the Charger blog, I'll just call the dealership to ask tomorrow.

    Good call!

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Is there a cable plugged into the back of the mirror?


  9. #9
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    Quote Originally Posted by hiddencam View Post
    Is there a cable plugged into the back of the mirror?

    Nope, no cable.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Need some help w/ Hardwiring

    [QUOTE=Weeth;853506]
    Quote Originally Posted by hiddencam View Post
    Is there a cable plugged into the back of the mirror?

    Nope, no cable.
    OK, disregard then and go to options suggested in post 2 or 3.

 

 

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