Anyone direct wire a Radar Detector in E70

[fedmax]

I did my Valentine One V1 installation a few weeks ago, completely stealth with help from Jeremy from http://www.delonixradar.com.au.

I took his stealth case, mounted it behind the front grill. The cable goes along the side to the grommet which has been mentioned a lot previously, you'll see differnt pictures before and after drilling the hole though the special part. To seal the hole I took a special 'bubble gum' as shown in the picure in black, don't know how it's called got it from the BMW dealer. Power I took from the switched wire (tested with a voltmeter) of the cig lighter as shown in the picture, the cable goes easily underneath the dashboard. I couldn't find a good place for the remote audio switch on/off for the valentine so I but itright next to the leg, not completely hidden but almost. fixed on the carpet with duct tape.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by fedmax

I did my Valentine One V1 installation a few weeks ago, completely stealth with help from Jeremy from http://www.delonixradar.com.au.

I took his stealth case, mounted it behind the front grill. The cable goes along the side to the grommet which has been mentioned a lot previously, you'll see differnt pictures before and after drilling the hole though the special part. To seal the hole I took a special 'bubble gum' as shown in the picure in black, don't know how it's called got it from the BMW dealer. Power I took from the switched wire (tested with a voltmeter) of the cig lighter as shown in the picture, the cable goes easily underneath the dashboard. I couldn't find a good place for the remote audio switch on/off for the valentine so I but itright next to the leg, not completely hidden but almost. fixed on the carpet with duct tape.

Looks good. Word of caution. I tried those boxes and they are not 100% waterproof condensation may creep in and the heat build up in the box is a killer.

[fedmax]

Originally Posted by Denalio

Looks good. Word of caution. I tried those boxes and they are not 100% waterproof condensation may creep in and the heat build up in the box is a killer.

Will report back if the V1 is damaged I don't care that much, the device is 6 years old and would need an upgrade anyway. I sealed it off with silicon again before closing, so should be 99% waterproof. I go into the car wash at least once a week so if it leaks we'll know soon...

[drod]

i'm not sure you'll get optimum coverage taking a V1 that's designed to be windshield mounted and turning it into a stealth (behind the grill) install...

is that what you did?? or am i missing something???

doesn't the V1 need front and rear visibility??

have you run any tests??

great idea...just not sure if it's the best solution...

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by drod

i'm not sure you'll get optimum coverage taking a V1 that's designed to be windshield mounted and turning it into a stealth (behind the grill) install...

is that what you did?? or am i missing something???

doesn't the V1 need front and rear visibility??

have you run any tests??

great idea...just not sure if it's the best solution...

It will work mounted in the front grill you just won't get the rear antenna benifit or alerts. I also believe you are right there will be some trade off with sensitivety.

[fedmax]

Originally Posted by drod

i'm not sure you'll get optimum coverage taking a V1 that's designed to be windshield mounted and turning it into a stealth (behind the grill) install...

is that what you did?? or am i missing something???

doesn't the V1 need front and rear visibility??

have you run any tests??

great idea...just not sure if it's the best solution...

The issue is that it's the only option for a stealth install. Coverage front is good, laser also if but depends from where it's aimed at. Rear signals don't make that much sense as we don't have mobile radar from police cars closing on you. So if you get the rear signal from a stationary radar it's already to late. For laser I mounted it that the laser sensor is visible (see orange tape). Jeremy will provide a smaller case soon so I can mount it in the middle underneath the big grill, from there I'll have even better visibility.

Generally fro all detectors the higher up, the better they work but if that's not an option then mounting lower is ok too.

[drod]

hey..what did you do for a remote display??

where did you mount it? did you do a custom install??

i just got my V1 and am looking to a custom dash install for the remote display..

on my buddy's audi we cut out a section off a center panel and did a flush mount for the display...

just not sure what the best spot is on the X.

[skarletknite]

Originally Posted by fedmax

The issue is that it's the only option for a stealth install. Coverage front is good, laser also if but depends from where it's aimed at. Rear signals don't make that much sense as we don't have mobile radar from police cars closing on you. So if you get the rear signal from a stationary radar it's already to late. For laser I mounted it that the laser sensor is visible (see orange tape). Jeremy will provide a smaller case soon so I can mount it in the middle underneath the big grill, from there I'll have even better visibility.

Generally fro all detectors the higher up, the better they work but if that's not an option then mounting lower is ok too.

its not the only stealth install option for v1. check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJa1g3bBSXw

its likely you will have to have this professionally done (i am getting mine done soon) unless you are very handy. also, its extremely difficult to get this done in the e70 with the factory mirror. i am likely to ditch it for another dimming mirror that is easier to work with - but i will lose the compass on the mirror. i never use it (i use the nav), and my installer can quickly switch the mirror back if i sell it or if bmw gives me grief about warranty issues.

[drod]

now that's what i'm talking about!!!

i want to try that.....

[brian5]

Originally Posted by drod

now that's what i'm talking about!!!

i want to try that.....

I've tried my remote for my V1 in a number of different locations. I don't see that having it on the right side of the mirrow will work at all.
1. It's no longer hidden from the rear
2. It's really inconvenient to keep looking up at the right of the mirror.

I currently have mine positioned just below the NAV DVD on the left. My remote has been "operated on" so it's pretty thin. Still trying to figure my preferred position. Lower down and out of the direct sunlight seems to work best.