Rewiring my Detector

[Orbital75]

I was wanting to ask you guys a quick question
that would really help me out. I plan on rewiring
my detector so It will be easy to switch out my
detector when it comes time to change cars.

The " Add a Circuit " comes with an end piece that you
just crimp so it makes the Wiring permanent unless
you cut the wire. What I was planning on doing is
cutting off the Crimp connector and adding my own
Barrel connectors to the ends of each wire. This will
allow me to disconnect the wires without having to cut them.

My question is, once these Barrel connectors are connected
do they disconnect or are they permanently attached.
Not sure If I should go with these or Spade connectors.
One other thing, I think it's 16 gauge wire, is that correct?

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2407/bulletsg6.jpg

[RacerX]

The barrels will work fine. i've never seen one pop loose, unless you didn't snap it in all the way maybe. you'll still be able to unplug them later.

16 ga should be fine.

spades work too, the only downside to the cheaper ones, is no "sleeve" like you have on the barrels. the bit more expensive ones do.
this way you have the connectors protected from accidentally touching and shorting.

[Orbital75]

Thanks RacerX..... I feel this will be a good setup for the long run.
When I change cars my wire won't keep getting shorter in length. :D

[focalcivic]

I was wanting to ask you guys a quick question
that would really help me out. I plan on rewiring
my detector so It will be easy to switch out my
detector when it comes time to change cars.

The " Add a Circuit " comes with an end piece that you
just crimp so it makes the Wiring permanent unless
you cut the wire. What I was planning on doing is
cutting off the Crimp connector and adding my own
Barrel connectors to the ends of each wire. This will
allow me to disconnect the wires without having to cut them.

My question is, once these Barrel connectors are connected
do they disconnect or are they permanently attached.
Not sure If I should go with these or Spade connectors.
One other thing, I think it's 16 gauge wire, is that correct?

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2407/bulletsg6.jpg

Another option, is if you are using a smartcord direct wire kit, you can find a matching male spade and just plug it in. For the ground you can just wrap it around a screw.

[Orbital75]

Yeah, Unfortunately I have already did the installation.
I've had it hardwired for about 3 years now. I was just
wanting to add a " Add a Circuit ". When I 1st did the
installation I used a Fuse Tap.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/592/fuseboxedital8.jpg

[CJR238]

I prefer quick disconnects like this:
http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2266752t98.jpg http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2266750t98.jpg

Nicely insolated and more to grab to disconnect.

[focalcivic]

Yeah, Unfortunately I have already did the installation.
I've had it hardwired for about 3 years now. I was just
wanting to add a " Add a Circuit ". When I 1st did the
installation I used a Fuse Tap.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/592/fuseboxedital8.jpg

Now I understand, well just cut off that spade connector and use some insulated ones, maybe insulated spades as others had mentioned.

[corkguykev]

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2407/bulletsg6.jpg

i have used similar connectors on other projects. they should plug in and out as you require although the tip of the male connector here is a little different. i usually reverse the connectors on the positive and negative sides to ensure that i never do a no brainer and reverse the polarity by accident :idea:

[Orbital75]

Well, I just got her rewired over the weekend.....
Here is a picture of the new installation with the
new "Add a Circuit".

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3218/dsc02980editdd7.jpg


I do have a question.....
I went to the Voltage Mode and While the engine is running
the voltage keeps fluctuating between 14.1 - 14.3. Its it does
it pretty rapidly, back and forth. Also while the engine is off
I get around 12.5 - 12.8 it fluctuates less rapidly.
Is this normal?

[CJR238]

Probably ok, but there may be something wrong with your alternator.

[Orbital75]

Could it be the wiring not properly grounded?
I'm thinking it would make the detector go
low voltage or turn off and on if it wasn't grounded
right. That Fuse Tap from the other install bent the
fuse slot connectors apart a bit so I had to bend them back
in order to make proper connection with the new
"Add a fuse".

Do you think it's the wiring?

[CJR238]

Do you think it's the wiring?

Some fluctuation is ok, my 2004 car does the same thing .1-.5 fluctuation from the alternator. And when it’s off its pretty steady a t 12.0 12.3.

I was thinking it was fluctuating a whole 3-4 volts and that might be a problem with the alternator.

[tazeat]

o.O Whats this constant voltage you speak of, my car has none... Headlights + brake lights + defrost + fans high + amps = sub 12 voltage ewe, anyone want to install me an HO alternator?