V1 install
I pulled the shifter plate off the console, removed the two screws from the ash tray, but could not gain enough clearance to pull out the ash tray assembly. Need to get it all the way out for access to the cig lighter wires. Anybody have a secret they want to share?
I'm afraid to pull off the console side panels for fear of breaking them.
Is there another more easily accessible switched 12v source I can use?
Last edited by NCBob; Jan 27, 2013 at 11:41 AM. Reason: Grammatical error
I pulled the shifter plate off the console, removed the two screws from the ash tray, but could not gain enough clearance to pull out the ash tray assembly. Need to get it all the way out for access to the cig lighter wires. Anybody have a secret they want to share?
I'm afraid to pull off the console side panels for fear of breaking them.
Is there another more easily accessible switched 12v source I can use?
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Plug it into the OBD, run the wires and you're in business. It's switched. No splicing or tapping. Took me 15 minutes.
Thanks to Bag302 for the tip.
The only catch is that the SAVVY requires the OBD-II port constantly.... if you want to use that port for other things (ie. Data Logging with Kiwi) you are probably going to have to disconnect the V1 to do it.
I tried using an OBD-II "splitter" to run both devices but the Kiwi doesn't like it and won't link properly.
If anyone knows of a workaround, I'm all ears.....
-G
As successful as Valentine has been over the last decade, I feel confident that he's done his research. I've done a lot of research using the OBD and have seen no problems with using the OBD for a power source. The Valentine does not draw much power. Tiny wires are used as a power source using standard phone wires. If fuses blow and or smoke comes from the OBD, I'll be sure to report it here. If the OBD is needed for another function, unplug the Savvy. Right now, I'm sold.
15 minutes of work and so far it works great.
I've owned the V1 detectors for 20+ years, but was getting REALLY tired of the "around town mute dance" that I'd have to play with it due to constant falsing near banks, automatic doors, etc.
Being able to set a threshold at 45mph to shut it up for city driving has been a Godsend...... Peace and quiet when want it, highway protection when I desperately need it.

-G

Ordered a 6 foot long 12v non-coiled power cable off Amazon (it was not flat as I was hoping, but round) and ran it down the passenger side headliner, into the A-pillar and used my trim tools to wedge it behind the trim and down the door side of the A-pillar, behind the removable panel on the edge of the dash that meets the door, and finally to power that I ran from the 12v plug in the center of the dash behind my glove box. Works great!
my V1 is hardwired and tapped into the cigarette lighter as well.
If you want one shoot me a PM for pricing and info! Power is switched so your V1 doesn't drain the battery (anything else would be stupid in the first place)!!!
If you want one shoot me a PM for pricing and info! Power is switched so your V1 doesn't drain the battery (anything else would be stupid in the first place)!!!
Nice, clean approach to hook up the best radar detector that money can buy on earth in the best engineered cars on this planet
Thanks again all, very happy with the final product!
So bypassing the placement discussion, how best do I route the hardwired power? I had two thoughts right off:
1.) Go through the center mounted speaker, but that would require making a notch in the grille, which seems a bit risky, but probably not as risky as option 2.
or
2.) Drill a hole through the dash along the recessed vent line where the defroster vents are.... but I'm not sure what I'd be getting into with that.
I'm also thinking about scrapping the plain hardwired power cord that I have, and getting the "smart" cord so that I have the little "silence/memorize" button a bit more within reach, and mounting that in the ashtray, but not sure if it's worth it.
Anyone gone this route, or have useful information?
Last edited by Honcho; Mar 24, 2015 at 02:26 PM.



Bob