* How to wire your RD, with/without switch *

[NooB1FieD]

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f262/noob1fied/RDDiagram.jpg

Key:

R = Radar Detector
B = Battery, or 12v source (tap into the cd-player, or somthingbehind the dash or off the wiring harness, test with a voltmeter for 12v source, and that is has 12v when the key in the ignition is in the "on" position, preferrably, to eliminate the "double start" when the rd turns off and on 2 times when turning the car on, tap into a 12v source that only is on when the car is in the "on" position. Just poke at wires till you find a good one, turning your key to check that it is only on with the key in the "on" position)
S = Switch, the one I made the schematic for is for a switch that has an LED in the switch, which most switches dont. So the - on the switch might not apply, but all you do is ground it if your switch has one. Just wire it to a metal screw that is screwed in metal and its done.
F = Inline fuse, rated at whatever the RD asks for. It is important because it protects the RD from amps/volts/current that is too high. Most seem to be 10 amp fuses.
Y = Wire that does not come with the direct wire kit, you must supply this wire.
Z = Wire that does come with the direct wire kit, and they usually have fuses built in.
+ = 12V source, you can verify it with a voltmeter.
- = Negative, you must ground this. Make sure you make it contact with metal on the car
the 3 line thing at the end of the wires = grounding to metal on the body of the car or to a grounded wire in the car

Without a switch, you just follow the wiring tips, but you wire the + wire for the detector connected to Z to the 12v source, and the - wire to a ground on your car, or wire.

Tools:
Philips in most cases, and anything else that is needed to get behind your dash.
wiring kit
Extra wire that is equal guage (size) as your rd kits wire, or slightly larger. Please make sure to buy wire that has a sleeve, not exposed wire.
male/female connectors, that use butt connectors onto a male/female stlye rectangle end.
Wire Strippers
Switch (optional) you can get this for cheap at rat shack, when you get your wire strippers, wire, connectors, and voltmeter

* Most important thing, always wire the ground first, before the 12v wire, that way if you mess up, you dont lose your rd or anything else. With that, and a few trial and error your rd will be runn'in!





This is as simple as I can make it, without trying to confuse people that are new to wiring. It shows/tells most important things, the double start problem (without putting a delayed-start switch in) can sombody sticky this maybe? feel free to add tips/hints as everyones setup is going to be slightly different. If you have any questions, I can try to answer them, just PM me. Sorry for the poor diagram,it was hand done in paint (lol) I dont have the program I used in school anymore.

If someone could add how to make your own RD wire that would help, as it seems alot of people opt to do it this way.

[GET 1T DONE]

A simple single throw, single pole switch only has two leads (+ and GND) if you don't need the LED (since I think you'll know whether or not your RD is on based on its LED display :wink: ). Well, actually in the case of hardwiring a RD the switch would just get installed inline w/either the + or the GND to simply make or break the circuit.

Here's what I did:

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m209/GETITDONE_ARMY/Hardwiring.jpg

[bauzer71487]

Honestly - I'm courious why people want switches on their RD's?

Why not just wire it right the first time and put it on your Ignition 1 line. Than it turns on and off with your car.

Plus IMO thats the hard way of doing the wiring. But thats just my opinion.

[GET 1T DONE]

Honestly - I'm courious why people want switches on their RD's?

Why not just wire it right the first time and put it on your Ignition 1 line. Than it turns on and off with your car.

Plus IMO thats the hard way of doing the wiring. But thats just my opinion.
Mine turns on and off w/the car. But I have it mounted HIGH (like as high as it gets w/the antenna just below the tint strip) and to the right of the RVM. So reaching buttons isn't nearly as easy as before... plus if I forget to close my sunroof or windows, or decide I want to leave them open after turning the car off, I don't have to turn on my radar detector again in order to operate my windows. Plus there's the convenience of being able to stealthly turn off the RD if need be (a LEO sneaks up behind me, etc.). Also, for those who are anal about the unit being off when the car is started... a switch makes it convenient to accomplish that.

Definitely a worthwhile addition if you are already hardwiring it and want ultimate stealthness if you ask me.

[spider_55]

These are great diagrams and step by step instructions!

I ended putting my wire from the switch directly into the "Z" section (direct wire from hard wire kit), and the other switch into the scotchlock thingy that came with the hardwire kit that was already tapped into my cig lighter power wire.

Instead of having one of the switch wires into the "Z" section, I had a wire tap in the hard wire kit wire just before the "Z" section. When I had this, my RD would switch off by displaying a message "shutting down". Now, with the switch wire directly in the "Z" section, it just turns off. No message, just off...

Not the end of the world (at least it is off), but I am surprised that it actually made a difference.

Again, these diagrams and steps are perfect. It will definitely help others who try to do this in the future.

[kcryan]

Yea, ignition switched, and a switch after that is the way to go, honestly a switch is so easy to wire in its Defiently worth it if you ask me

[Arashi666]

Yea, ignition switched, and a switch after that is the way to go, honestly a switch is so easy to wire in its Defiently worth it if you ask me

but why do you need the extra switch is the question

[NooB1FieD]

So when you get pulled over, your not reaching up to turn it off and drawing attention to it. Trust me, Its helped me when I had 2 cops pull me over, I was able to turn it off so they couldnt see my old x50's display while they were chasing me.

[Arashi666]

but if its legal it shouldnt matter, leave it up and on..that way the cops still believe that these things dont work..........that my opinion......on 2 separate occasions where I was pulled over, I left it up and on bright blue..........in plain sight, they saw it and neither cared about it

[bauzer71487]

So when you get pulled over, your not reaching up to turn it off and drawing attention to it. Trust me, Its helped me when I had 2 cops pull me over, I was able to turn it off so they couldnt see my old x50's display while they were chasing me.

I immediately turn hazards on - roll down my windows - pass and driver - because they come on both sides - turn car off - turn dome light on(sometimes) and either put hands on steering wheel or put them against my car on the outside of the car. I command all passengers where to put there hands too.

[GET 1T DONE]

So when you get pulled over, your not reaching up to turn it off and drawing attention to it. Trust me, Its helped me when I had 2 cops pull me over, I was able to turn it off so they couldnt see my old x50's display while they were chasing me.

I immediately turn hazards on - roll down my windows - pass and driver - because they come on both sides - turn car off - turn dome light on(sometimes) and either put hands on steering wheel or put them against my car on the outside of the car. I command all passengers where to put there hands too.
That's good practice. So you should understand how fidgeting around trying to turn off a RD would only make the LEO more apprehensive than he would normally be... and the more uncomfortable he is, the less likely you'll catch a break.

Of course turning off your car would accomplish turning the RD off... but some people aren't used to being pulled over and are nervous and don't remember to do all those things you listed. The first thing that would come to mind is "turn off the RD"... this being before you even pull to the shoulder or even before the LEO hits the lights (if you suspect him preparing to make a traffic stop on you).

[DogGod]

I don't understand the switch, I mute my rd if I get pulled over with it. If they are legal then whats the matter? If you have your unit mounted up high and he sees you reach up there (your hand would be in complete line of sight the whole time) then asks you what you were doing just tell him. I believe LEOs respond better to straight forward answers than the driver trying to be sneaky.

[oakhed]

Some will harrass you based on having a RD... Most won't, unless you are using yours as a license to speed.

Most, if shown courtesy and respect, give a rip, unless you're driving recklessly... Then you're gonna get the drill anyway, and you prolly deserve it...

In major Metro areas, and even in some not so urban, these guys take a risk of getting shot EVERY TIME they pull someone over. Heck, in farm country, they've found working/cooking whatever (LIVE!) meth labs in minivans and trunks of cars...

If they see you reaching for something, it just makes 'em more edgy... A switch is not a bad idea.

[sethy]

I think this should stay up for a while. good info!

[NooB1FieD]

So when you get pulled over, your not reaching up to turn it off and drawing attention to it. Trust me, Its helped me when I had 2 cops pull me over, I was able to turn it off so they couldnt see my old x50's display while they were chasing me.

I immediately turn hazards on - roll down my windows - pass and driver - because they come on both sides - turn car off - turn dome light on(sometimes) and either put hands on steering wheel or put them against my car on the outside of the car. I command all passengers where to put there hands too.
That's good practice. So you should understand how fidgeting around trying to turn off a RD would only make the LEO more apprehensive than he would normally be... and the more uncomfortable he is, the less likely you'll catch a break.

Of course turning off your car would accomplish turning the RD off... but some people aren't used to being pulled over and are nervous and don't remember to do all those things you listed. The first thing that would come to mind is "turn off the RD"... this being before you even pull to the shoulder or even before the LEO hits the lights (if you suspect him preparing to make a traffic stop on you).

This is important, because while you know that your v1 is screaming K band, so will the cop as soon as he opens his door and hears your v1. you dont want that :wink:

[cooltc2004]

Having a RD here in Ohio isn't illegal, but I think I'll still be doing something like this for the reasons stated above. Thanks!

[oakhed]

BTW, if you want a bit more "exotic" stealthy wiring... here's a link to a schematic for wiring your brakelights off until you get slowed down to PSL then back on, with RD (and laser jammer, if you've got one) off.

http://www.radardetector.net/feasibility-reasonability-of-wiring...-16036t.php

[NooB1FieD]

Make sure you wire ur detector to turn off with the car weather its on or off, my friend just got a huge ticket cuz the wsp asked him what the switch was, and he turned it on, and he heard the radar detector. He was about to get off with a warning too.

[Roadghost]

Make sure you wire ur detector to turn off with the car weather its on or off, my friend just got a huge ticket cuz the wsp asked him what the switch was, and he turned it on, and he heard the radar detector. He was about to get off with a warning too.


This is exactly the reason detectors should be mounted out of sight with a kill switch and ignition off/on. Never let the cops know you have one. Better still, get an STi for even better protection.

[LittleOverPSL]

I understand what everyone's saying here. But aren't we just complicating it all? I mean, once you know that the LEO is pulling you over just turn the RD off with it's power switch. Just like you would turn the radio/stereo down. Maybe it's just me that likes to uncomplicate things.

[Roadghost]

I understand what everyone's saying here. But aren't we just complicating it all? I mean, once you know that the LEO is pulling you over just turn the RD off with it's power switch. Just like you would turn the radio/stereo down. Maybe it's just me that likes to uncomplicate things.

The point is that if a police officer sees that you have one they take a dim view of it. LEOs don't like RDs. So where you might have received a warning, or a reduced charge, you will now get no break at all. You will receive the full fine. That's why you should keep it out of sight with a remote kill switch.

[LittleOverPSL]

I am not saying that you stick the RD in the LEO's face, just that mount it at a good location where it's hard to see from outside. This works for sedans, not so well for SUVs/trucks. Thereafter hardwiring to something that is ignition switched should be good enough. Anyway I've made my point, there's nothing wrong with wiring up another switch or two.

[NooB1FieD]

I understand what everyone's saying here. But aren't we just complicating it all? I mean, once you know that the LEO is pulling you over just turn the RD off with it's power switch. Just like you would turn the radio/stereo down. Maybe it's just me that likes to uncomplicate things.

I wouldnt say its complicating things. Why do people modify cars if they already are fast? This is just somthing people can do to better prepare themselves from traffic infractions. Its not required, its like the "advanced" section for most people.

I've also noticed it feels like your inside a cock pit on an airplane when you add modifications such as these, if done cleanly.

[t00fatt]

I totaled my car a few months ago, and the power cable got cut and tangled in the dash. So I was only able to pull out the radar. Its a cobra, prolly a POS one, I got it for free from my uncle who's a cop. It worked fine for me for now, I don't want to get a new one just yet. I have been wanting to do just this, but I have been unsure if the radar takes 12v or less. I don't want to burn it out, but from the looks of this they do take 12v.

[NooB1FieD]

I totaled my car a few months ago, and the power cable got cut and tangled in the dash. So I was only able to pull out the radar. Its a cobra, prolly a POS one, I got it for free from my uncle who's a cop. It worked fine for me for now, I don't want to get a new one just yet. I have been wanting to do just this, but I have been unsure if the radar takes 12v or less. I don't want to burn it out, but from the looks of this they do take 12v.

Its 99% 12v because that is the voltage most cars run. Go get a universal adapter for the plugin on the detector, then either hardwire it, or plug it in the cig lighter.