jaxslk

Just curious if anyone had wired up a radar detector to a fuse box in the SLK and what your experience was. I just got my fourth Valentine V1 (in the pool of autos) for the new SLK and could find no only-on-with-ignition 12V source in the passenger compartment fuse box. A search here on the forum shows other MB models with the same issue, and most folks seem to have run a lead into the fuse box in the engine bay to get at a only-on-with-ignition 12V source. I was hoping to hear some stories from those out there with R171's on what you did in this regard when hard wiring a detector in place... TIA for the replies.

-- Bob

Ynot

PM Dinko, he did it. Or do a search for his post.

bloflin

jaxslk, let me know what you find out. I'm in the middle of installing a BEL Remote with Laser Jammer and I need a switched power tap.

I know Julien had the ESCORT version professionally installed. I've PM'd him to see if he knows where they picked up power.

I had a little time after dinner tonight, and starting going thru the passenger compartment fuse panel, but as you've seen so far (I'm about 1/2 way thru) I can't find a switched power fuse. They are all hot even with the key out.

I really don't understand why MB has it that way.

If not a fuse tap, I'd settle for a switched wire in a bundle under the dash or in the driver kick panel, that I could tap, if someone could identify it for me.

slk_sid

I tapped the switched 12V off the passenger cigarette adapter. Worked perfect. Mounted my V1 above the rearview mirror toward the passenger side (US vehicle).

Got the idea off one of these forums. Can't remember exactly which one though.

-Sid

slktyperice

Two things on this.

1. Do any of you have the hideaway remote display module? And if so, where did you mount it? I currently have mine mounted on the passenger's side above the rearview like bloflin, which I believe is the best position for the detector.

2. Have any of you guys seen the "mythbusters" where they try to use different materials (including infrared LEDs) to try to diffuse radar and lidar (laser)? Do you think the "front license plate laser diffuser" units that a lot of companies sell are just gimmicks?

bloflin

Didn't catch the mythbusters, but there are websites (like www.radarbusters.com) that do testing (and sales). Didn't see anything, in a quick look, though, on license covers. Did see an interesting new product for photolaser, it's a license plate frame with a sensor and a flash, it senses the photolaser and then sets off a bright flash that washes out the license plate in the picture.

Anyway, on the license covers, I don't think that will work, as the speed lasers CAN get a signal from other places on your car. Particularly if you don't have a front license plate (which is a good reason to NOT mount your front plate, as it doubles the distance the speed laser can get a lock on you).

For my install (which I'm taking my time, doing it myself and saving $1000), I am putting the display INSIDE the "pigeonhole" shelf, that I swapped with the cupholder. So with the shelf closed, you can't see the display. I have the optional amplified speaker (which also does voice alerts), that I will mount under the dash. I've also drilled a hole right in the middle of the shelf door and mounted the optional LED (green for power on, blinking red for detection). The remote mute button I will mount on the side of the console near between the ignition key and the A/C controls (for easy reach).

I will post pics, when I'm done.

Crosis

When dealing with speed detection systems, be careful with countermeasures. Radar falls under the jurisdiction of the FCC and therefor jammers are illegal. Lasers fall under the FDA and jammers are currently legal. Do some research before you act because it doesn't seem to be a good idea to trade a civil traffic fine for a criminal conviction.

Food for thought.

Duo-Art

or, you could just obey the speed limit and not worry. Sometimes I'm a very funny guy. The real solution is for our various governments to get some realistic speed limits for cars that can safely handle higher speeds. Fat chance that'll happen.

Crosis

That doesnt work as long as the faster cars share the road with the slower cars. Yeah, an SLK can safely handle 100 on the highway but the Ford Escort in front of you can't. Therein lies the problem.

jaxslk

Thanks - I found the thread and pictures... I will see if I can make that work (assuming I can get the lighter out to get to the wires etc.). I hate not having the unit switched on/off with the ignition...

bloflin

To be clear, no one was talking about an active Radar jammer, which is illegal (as you state).

Passive techniques (such as coatings, etc.) are perfectly legal (but not foolproof).

Active Laser Jamming is NOT illegal (as you also stated).

bloflin

In my many years and many miles of road travel experience, I have found the vast majority of idiots who zoom up, slam on brakes, ride your bumper and cut over without room are NOT the same personalities as the people who install and use Radar Detectors (who actually tend to be more studied and cautious). IMHO.