I looked on other webistes like SLK32.com about tapping power from the homelink or lighting area. But the homelink in the W203 chasis uses an extra wire. Many of the other wires in the sunroof switch/map lighting have return lines. Similar to a CAN. There maybe some fiber optics in there too. But decided to use the cigarette lighter as a source for power as it is located very close to the ashtray where the consealed display resides. This is probably one of the most easiest installs if you want to hardwire your V1 or other to a switchable power source.

I tired the 8' V1 cord but was about 1.5' short. Radio Shack has 12' phone cord in black that work perfectly.

www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=275...1273838362

Norm
Bordeau/Merlot

 

how much did you get the V1 for and where ?

is there any difference in like say one made in 2000?

 

When I had the Coupe I looked and looked for usable power in the overhead console, and there's none to be found. I ended up taking power from the trunk and running the ground from the drivers side fuse area. I then ran the phone line behind the trim up the A pillar and across to the mirror. Worked out great! MB-BOB has documented the wiring / which fuse stuff really well in previous posts, so look around if your're interested.


For new Valentine's, you can only buy them here: http://www.valentineone.com/home.asp

As for differences with a 2000 model, Valentine provides an upgrade path regardless of age. The cost will vary depending on what needs to be upgraded, and you can plug in the detector's serial number on the site to see if it needs upgrading.

 

Mines a vintage 1997 that has been updated through the years. At one time on the V1 website you could key in the serial number and find details about the unit.

www.valentineone.com

Norm

 

The new V1's are about 1/8th inch thinner and have upgraded software, especially for improved falsing protection in K and Ka band.

But you can upgrade any V1 ever made, the price just varies depnding on what needs to be done. See their website for info.

 

There is an easy alternative for a mount at the top of the windshield. I took a wire off one of the empty fuse sockets inside the fuse box at the left end of the dashboard. I added the fuse, ran the wire up inside the trim and out the top of the trim piece over the A pillar. The detector mounts to suction cups in the top left corner of the windshield, but spends most of its time in the glovebox because I don't use it around town.

 

I hardwired mine in next to the rearview mirror. I ran the phone up around the headliner and into the number 7 fuse in the trunk.

If your interested in buying a V1 at a discount, call them at Valentine and ask for a vacation model. These are the ones that people buy and return when they get home from vacation. You should be able to get one for like $350.
Good Luck.
Adam

 

This is a long shot, since this thread is so old, but which of the red, green, black or yellow wires get connected to power and which to ground?

FYI: i'm doing a hardwire installation of the passport x50, not a V1.

i'm also thinking of getting a switch and led and making my own mute and alert button (assuming i figure out which wires to tap).

any info would be appreciated.

For those interested, I found this on a radar dectector forum:
http://www.wrxfanatics.com/index.php...3&t=22904&st=0
and this:
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...light=hardwire
and this:
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=2987