patrickxkim

I've been searching through the forums and have read numerous threads of people tapping into the power source from behind the ashtray cigarette lighter.
I am looking to power both a passport radar as well as the harmon kardon drive and play for ipods.

Is it safe to do it yourself? I've done some minor electrical wiriing previously and have hardwired the passport radar for my Audi. However, it seems that mercedes has a lot of electrical components and I'm concerned that a minor mistake could cause a major issue in the car (especially the main computer). What do you think? Take it to a professional or do it myself?

Also, what could possibly go wrong as far as electrical problems when tapping into the power from behind the ashtray? Is it safe to tap TWO units into the power source from behind the ashtray?

Any input or help would be appreciated.

Singularity

I've had my Valentine 1 hardwired the following way. Wire goes inside the door plastic frame and to under the driver's seat where the wires are. Found the right ones, connected them and there you go, no need to use ashtray + no wires seen.

fusion2007

i forgot who it was but sombody here wired there radar detector on top of their rearview mirror and the wire disspeared through the cars ceiling. next to the rearview mirror support base.

bamberger_1

Is it safe to do it yourself?

As long as you don't overload the lighter fuse with the extras it shall be ok. Check the amperage of the fuse and the amps of the additional devices, then you know. Don't insert a larger fuse, since the wires may not be designed for higher amps.

kenstudios

It's safe and probably the easiest to do as long as you hook anything that draws very low current. This is my install.

fusion2007

is that the metatlic freezone ken?

patrickxkim

Thanks for the help and the pics.

I've been testing my escort 8500 radar in the position where you mounted above the rear view mirror (left) and also the clear trapezoid area (center bottom). I definitely get 100% signal from the clear trapezoid area, but I feel like I get weaker signals from where you mounted your radar.

Is your radar functioning well at that position?
I would love to mount it where you did, because I also plan to install a harmon kardon drive & play and need to install the screen on the dash. I don't want to clutter the dash with both the radar and the screen.

Also, did you wire it to under the drivers seat or behind the ashtray?

kenstudios

Yes. That's the only place the radar works.

kenstudios

I tapped the power from behind the ashtray. It was a fairly simple install. If you plan to install the harmon kardon you may want to think about using a relay and getting the constant power from the front passenger foot well area. There is a thick red zero gauge power wire terminal under the carpet. The carpet slides backwards easily and there's some removable sound deadning material to remove in order to get that power. Then the power from the ashtray simply opens the relay and allows clean signal flow.

patrickxkim

Thanks Ken