Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Newcomer
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    22

    Default Hard wire question?

    I hard wired my c-350 from the side of the glove box. This was not easy and I could not get to the back of 12v outlet in the glove box. I found two cables running on the front right pillar (Red and brown) I test for 12v. I tapped in to them and have power. The problem is that it is not swichted. Will this drain my battery? If so do I go back and remove the 3m clips from the wire? I do not want to mess up my car. Thanks for the help.

  2. #2
    Manufacturer
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Cincinnati, OH
    Posts
    998

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    The detector will drain your battery if you leave it on for a long period of time. I recommend finding a switched 12V supply, you can then leave your detector safely switched on all the time. Not only will the detector safely come on and off with your vehicle it will also protect it from voltage drains and spikes associated with starting the vehicle on a constant 12V supply.

    You might want to leave the 3M clip on. If you take it off inspect the wire for damage. If the wire is damaged, such as strands broken, then you should properly splice it.

    Our current windshield mounted detectors use no more than 2A of power so any 12V switched line should work for them.
    Last edited by EscortRadar; 09-04-2009 at 02:15 PM.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    I had my Whistler on a constant on for about a month with no issues. I have since switched to an alternating fuse. However, I did that just because I didn't like my RD glowing at night. TBH, I don't think most RD's would draw enough to drain current batteries... unless you're parked for a few weeks. If you're turning your car over daily, it charges your battery enough for an RD. When I used to sport the CB's (pre-cell phone days), I had ALL of my CB's on constant on fuses and NEVER had a battery die on me.

  4. #4
    Newcomer
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    22

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    Thank you Radar Rep and khanefan. I just did not want to pay $150 for a direct wire. So if use the RD and take it down leaving the cord behind, this will not drain the battery correct?

  5. #5
    Old Timer
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    8,881

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    150$ for a direct wire? What do you mean by direct wire?

    Either way, you should be fine. That's how I run mine (non-switched and take it down.) As for the tap in clips, I think you're technically supposed to leave those in, but if you're going to take them out, wrap up where the tap was with electrical tape.

  6. #6
    Newcomer
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    22

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    that is how much a local installer is charging.

  7. #7
    Rocket Driver
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    GA
    Posts
    8,717

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    I have the V1 in my truck wired to a constant on source. If I do not drive the truck for 4 or 5 days it will kill the battery. If you drive the car most every day you should be fine. You can always power the detector down manually if you are going to be away for an extended amount of time.
    Valentine One (3.858 Ice Cream Truck, 3.812 in Vette)
    4 Head LI (On Vette) (7.11 CPU Regular heads front, HP Heads on the rear)
    9500ci (On Vette)

    LI Quad (On Ice Cream Truck)

    LI Dual (On SRX, 7.06 CPU)

    ProLaser II, ProLaser III, Stalker LZ-1, LTI Marksman & Laser Atlanta "R" (looking for an Ultralyte LRB)

    2008 Corvette Z-51 Coupe

    Escort 9500 ix (Cadillac SRX)

  8. #8
    Old Timer
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    8,881

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    Quote Originally Posted by fab68 View Post
    that is how much a local installer is charging.
    ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS?!

    Damn, I'll give you a deal and do it for $100. Chit, I think CC used to do it for 30 bones.

    Cat, how old is the battery in the 150? IIRC, they have a tendency to just die on some ppl. I would hope you should be able to leave something that draws as little power as a detector up for more than a couple days without having to worry about a dead battery.

    Either way, the problem is solved by taking down your detector. Also works as a thief deterrent.

  9. #9
    Rocket Driver
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    GA
    Posts
    8,717

    Default Re: Hard wire question?

    Quote Originally Posted by ELVATO View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by fab68 View Post
    that is how much a local installer is charging.
    ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS?!

    Damn, I'll give you a deal and do it for $100. Chit, I think CC used to do it for 30 bones.

    Cat, how old is the battery in the 150? IIRC, they have a tendency to just die on some ppl. I would hope you should be able to leave something that draws as little power as a detector up for more than a couple days without having to worry about a dead battery.

    Either way, the problem is solved by taking down your detector. Also works as a thief deterrent.
    Battery is 2 years old. Might be the GPS unit and cell phone charging with the V1 that hurts it a bit.
    Valentine One (3.858 Ice Cream Truck, 3.812 in Vette)
    4 Head LI (On Vette) (7.11 CPU Regular heads front, HP Heads on the rear)
    9500ci (On Vette)

    LI Quad (On Ice Cream Truck)

    LI Dual (On SRX, 7.06 CPU)

    ProLaser II, ProLaser III, Stalker LZ-1, LTI Marksman & Laser Atlanta "R" (looking for an Ultralyte LRB)

    2008 Corvette Z-51 Coupe

    Escort 9500 ix (Cadillac SRX)

 

 

Similar Threads

  1. Hard wire question?
    By fab68 in forum Escort
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 08-24-2009, 07:09 PM
  2. V1 hard wire
    By lolfun12 in forum Valentine One
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 03-29-2009, 07:40 PM
  3. Hard Wire Smart Cord - How do you wire it?
    By RadarKid in forum Escort
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-03-2008, 07:29 AM
  4. DIY HARD WIRE KIT???
    By FASTER in forum Valentine One
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-05-2007, 02:50 AM
  5. RJ-11 Hard-wire Kit
    By ES13Raven in forum Escort
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-28-2005, 07:32 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •