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Any good Valentine One installations in E70
I've done a lot of research into how people have hard-wired the V1, or even just used the concealed display in their cars. It does not appear to be a common thing to do in an X5 and I haven't seen any good pictures of an installation in an E70.
I have purchased 3 things and one is being modded: 1. "V1 main unit" 2. "V1 Concealed Display" which is currently being modified so it has different colors for the different bands and also for the different strengths 3. "V1 Remote Audio Adapter" I was pleasantly surprised to find that my V1 can placed on the windshield right above the rear-view mirror AND does not impact the operation of the sun visor at all. In fact, there's about two inches between the V1 and the visor... I have attached a picture below. I have the head up display on my X5 so I am looking at mounting the concealed display higher so I don't need to look down at all --- I was initially looking at installing it in the ashtray. I'm thinking of positioning it at the botton of the A-pillar where I've shown it in the second picture (that is obviously not the real item; just a poor photoshop effort). I will also have the "remote audio adapter" wired up somewhere close at hand (such as between the central glove box and the driver's seat). I have also found that, because there is "lighter plug" in the central glove box, I don't even need to hard-wire the V1 if I don't want to. Anyone done anything similar or have suggestions? I will post pictures after I've done the install. I will probably only get my "colored concealed display" in a week's time. Thanks |
i'm looking for folks that have installed the Passport SRX hidden system with laser jamming... and they are rumored to be coming out with a new one in january... ABOUT TIME!
any other folks with unique installations? |
I thought radar detectors where illegal in CT :D
BTW how do you like the HUD? |
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The main unit is just as you specify, I have a small led light for K40 and the remote display for V1 that I havent decided where to stick. For now I have taken apart V1 remote which made it much thinner except for the RJ11 plug (phone jack) For now options of putting them just to the left of the NAVI DVD slot. Your suggestion also seems interesting but it just doesnt fit in as it belongs. One of main problems that we have found is also getting constant power from the cigarette lighter or inside the central glove box. Everything is so tight and cant seem to find best way to take it apart without taking a chance in breaking anything. We found accessory power under the dash, but its not ignition which means Radar would be on as soon as you put in the key and not with the ignition, I am not happy with this option and that is why we delayed the installation. So.. two questions: Where do you get your power and where else do you plan to put V1 remote (I will also have a little LED for K40 next to it) |
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was it hard to wire through the firewall?? |
I installed a Beltronics STi-R remote. Totaly hidden stealth.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...radar+detector Laser Interceptor Quad head Laser Jammer coming soon. |
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There is a rubber grommet in the firewall you need to drill through below the brake booster. No problems with radar detection through plastic I get excellent range. Laser alert works fine you do need "line of sight" though. However, by the time you get the laser alert your toast with any laser detector. Laser detection is not really that practical more of a marketing ploy IMO that is why I will be installing a laser jammer as soon as I can get the wireless interface from Cheetah for the Laser Interceptor.
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In any case, on the drivers side right above the foot rest, there is a large circular rubber piece, that seals the firewall. He had drilled a hole, whats important is to figure out the right spot in the rubber and not go too far since it looks like there is something very close on the side of the engine. I will try to remember to bring my camera for when we will be working on finishing the install. Accessory is better then constant, but I want ignition which would mean that radar would not be on untill you actually start the car. Cig lighter is on the ignition and would be best solution but for now, I havent found an easy way to get to cig lighter. |
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what is the 'wireless' system you are talking about? that sounds interesting if i don't need to run wires through the firewall?? |
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Hey, german airforce would be happy to have their fighters equipped with quipment like you have in your cars.... :thumbup:
Regards Christian There will be a new generation of Speed Traps out very soon, see the photo of the already in test prototyp ;) : |
Smokin !!! (Well hopefully not !!!)
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No, radar detectors are not illegal in CT :) but they do not appear to be that needed there. I need it for when I go to MA, NY, NJ, etc... |
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Brian,
I am going to do my hardwire install later this week. Last week I posted the pre testing I did to identify the switched 12V power source in the center overhead light cluster. It didn't generate a single response so I figured nobody was all that interested Do a search and you'll find it - when I do the hardwire I can send you pics. Cheers, KEF |
KEF,
Thanks for that reminder; I do remember seeing your post and will find it again. I am a little concerned about messing around in the overhead light cluster so I was thinking more about direct-wire near the lighter. I don't even have a volt-meter... Please post any pics of your actual install. Are you going to use the concealed display and/or the remote audio adapter? If so, where do you plan to put them? Thanks |
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Cheers, KEF http://members.roadfly.com/KEF/V15.jpg http://members.roadfly.com/KEF/V16.jpg |
I noticed you used the suction cups. On my volvo, install is nearly identical. I had an old strap from a previous stereo install (flexible, connects the back to the car). It was the right width, and slipped into the top notch of the V1 bracket. Then I wrapped it with black duct tape so it 'disappeared' into the tinted glass. It left me with a strip of metal that was able to bend and hook in between the glass, roof, and headliner in to the perfect spot. The strap was a little flimsy, so I used some of the grey V1 shipping foam to keep it steady.
http://www.fineproperty.com/volvo/radar.jpg |
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It's been 4.5 years installed. Still perfect. I thought a while back about re-wrapping the power cord into the bracket, but I don't have to look at it, so it never happened. The headliner is a stiff structure, I was able to pry it down to shape the bracket and install it. The headliner just popped back in place when done.
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In Latvia it is illegal:(
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This is very close to what I did in my E70 X5. I popped off the plastic housing that connects the rear view mirror to the windshield. There I determined which cable supplied the appropriate power (I think it was like 11.5 volts) and then spliced in my power cable to the V1. I put it just on the other side of the rear view miror (right side), as it allowed better fitment between sun shade, and adjustment of rear view mirror. Did the exact same thing in my 335. Works great.
BTW, can't believe how many times this V1 has saved my A$$. Haven't gotten 1 ticket since. I only wish I could disable X and K bands completely, and just listen for Ka and laser... Quote:
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Which is a better radar detector--Valentine 1 or Escort 9500i? I noticed they both used the same RJ11 power chord. Are they both interchangeable using the same RJ11 chord? Thanks.
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Isnt that too close to the sunshade buitinto the windshield? That should significantly reduce the range.
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9500 has GPS, etc. but check out the SRX!!
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As far as X and K, I dont see it as significant problem even in NYC. P.S. programming mode can also help you with setting up timing on muting and other custom programming which is actually pretty cool. |
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what? :eek: :wtf: :tantrum: :scared: :doh: :tsk: :rant: thats the place you need one the most! since when are they illegal? |
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Final V1 set up (for now anyway)
Thanks to KEF, we got my V1 hardwired to the overhead console a while ago. I had also bought the remote display (or what Valentine One calls the "Concealed Display") and got that modified so that
a. it was about one-third as deep as the original b. the LEDs for the different bands were changed to different colors (vertically) and c. the LEDs strength indicators (horizontal) were changed to different colors. The arrows are still red. I've tried different places for the remote display but none of the dashboard positions, down low or on the left pillar worked for me. I find that the current position is working really well as 1. it's in my peripheral vision at all times 2. it's very compatible with my heads-up display (and I don't need to look down) 3. it's very convenient to mute or power-off 4. the LED lights are almost visible from behind 5. it does not block my visor operation at all; it is not even close to the visor 6. my passenger does not see the lights blinking which seems to bother her :) See post below http://www.xoutpost.com/421102-post44.html for the pictures. I got first BIG save with my V1 today while driving in the downtown streets of Stamford, CT. The speed limit was 25mph and I was doing considerably more than that as it was early on a Saturday morning; there was very light traffic and it was a multiple lane road. My Ka band (blue for me) was showing a VERY strong up signal in front of me. There was, of course, a speed-trap but I was able to slow down and not be that cop's client today. I have used radar detectors for years. I am sold on the directional arrows on my new Valentine One! I never want to use another radar detector that does not have arrows. |
escort radar announced a new hidden remote detector / laser jammer at CES called the 9500ci.... it replaces the SRX and looks VERY cool... integrating GPS functionality to remember false spots and hidden spots, etc. should be available in a couple months...
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As I implied above, the most important feature to me is the directional arrows --- if the 9500ci does not have that, the V1 is still my top choice. |
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the directional arrows are nice... but i'd much rather have a remote installed system and especially the laser jamming... which you have NO protection from with the valentine. |
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Please note that I am not arguing that the V1 is a better radar detector than any other. I really don't want to get into that. |
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Anyway here is my install with K40 laser diffuser, Some people swear by K40 while others knock on it and say that there are others that are much better, I had it on my previous car, so there was no additional expense except for time involved in install. K40 deffuser is right below the plate tierapped to the grill. The little bright light below concealed display shows K40 diffuser LED lighting up. I understand its a bit below, but to me its enough and I dont mind lowering my eyes when audio tells me the thread is valid. I have been using V1 for about 5 years so I am used to its sounds. |
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You can stick your remote display wherever you want to. |
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I am curious, how well do you see the bogey counter from the drivers seat ? Not to put down your install at all, I am just stating my opinion, as I said to each their own, I am just a bit more concerned for ability to have access to full functionality. I use bogey counter and arrows the most, to me band indication and strenght are least of use. I also find the best mode of L for advanced logic. since I find X band that has most false alerts. What do you all use? BTW, I am considering disabling laser since its being set off by most Infiniti vehicles behind me as well as most GM SUV's set it off when they are in front. Also I find that laser notification is kind of useless since once you are shot at, its likely too late. Opinions? |
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I ordered the smaller t-taps and I have them at my house. I'm away for a few days, but when I return I can send you one if you are interested in swapping out the blue one. Cheers, Keith |
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Yes, would appreciate that. Want to redo the wiring a little bit in the headliner to hide it more from a "casual inspection" by a mechanic if I have to take the car in for service. Regards . . . . Brian |
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Cheers, KEF |
After finding that my earlier solution (of velcroing the remote display onto the side of the V1) did not work well in bright sunlight, I moved the remote display so that was positioned above the V1 with the top edge flush against the headliner. It is almost invisible from the rear but completely visible to the driver. I covered the rear view mirror to limit the flash reflection in the following pictures:
1. View from driver's seat with V1 on. You can see the remote display is attached to the windshield and the arrows are completely hidden from the rear. http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...p-DSC01874.jpg 2. When powering on the V1, both the V1 and remote display (or Concealed Display) light up for a few seconds. You can see the mods that have been made to remote display; the bands are vertical and the strength is horizontal. http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...n-DSC01864.jpg 3. View when driving (with an X band alert). This was taken using flash so the V1 stands out too much but it shows how visible the remote display to the driver. http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...h-DSC01878.jpg 4. The view from the rear of the car. In this picture, you cannot see the remote display at all. It might be possible for the part of the bogey counter (or "A" etc.) to be seen and some of the strength LEDs to be seen. The majority of the remote display is hidden by the overhead console from the rear of the car though. http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...h-DSC01868.jpg This is what "a cop's eye view" would like like :) That would be standing outside and looking into the driver's side window... http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...w-DSC01869.jpg |
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Proveg, can you share where and which wire did you use to tap the Concealed Display unit? I assume you went through the glove box area fuse box. Which wire? |
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I have been running with the remote just above the ash tray and it has been working well there. I do have a modified, thinner remote so it does not interfere with the sunglasses that I store in the ash tray. |
Brian, since you relocated your Concelead Display to be near the ash tray - where did you tap into?
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