Re: Radar Detector Installation

[Porsray@aol.com]

Mark,

I wrote an article a while back on doing this on my 
'90 Coupe Quattro.  I went into the sunroof control, because
power existed there already.  Only problem I have is when
I open the roof; lose power momentarily to detector.  Best bet
is to review wiring diagram or check wires with a VOM to determine
hot and ground leads.

In any case, put in an auxiliary fuse in the circuit as close to 
where you are tapping off the power source.  Reason is if
you have a short in the wiring someplace, a fuse at the detector
will not protect you, but one at the power source will. 

I used simple telephone cable because it's small and flexible;
also, my radar detector (Valentine One) uses a telephone jack 
as its connector.  Would NOT recommend cutting up your original 
power cord; if you screw up or decide to take a trip in a rental, you
can still use your original.  Radio S**t shoudl be able to set you up
with wire and the proper connector.

Other advantage with the sunroof is cable routing is short and easy;
on my 911 I ran cable all the way across top of windshield and 
down A-pillar using 2 wires out of telephone cable setup with top
insulator/cover removed; could hide wire under trim and weatherstripping.
Once I got down to the dash, spiced it into regular 2-conductor zip cord
for running to ground and the fuse panel for 12V power (installed in-line
fuse where I tapped into an open power supply for an unused option).

One piece of warning; if a dealer sees this installation, it could void
your warranty!

Good luck!

Ray Calvo

In a message dated 97-02-11 14:18:28 EST, you write:

 I would like to hard-wire my Bel 745 radar detector on my A4.  I seem to 
 recall someone posting instructions for wiring into the sunroof control a 
 few months back, but I can't find anything in the archives (have you ever 
 tried to find anything in the archives?).  I don't know if I want to wire 
 into the sunroof control or just into the fuse panel, but I need some 
 advice either way.
 
 The detector has a straight cord with a jack on the end for plugging into 
 the cigarette adaptor.  Can I just cut off the jack and wire one lead to an 
 ignition-dependent fuse and the other to a ground?  Or do I need to install 
 an in-line fuse?  Any particular special grounding issues I need to know 
 about?
 Can anyone provide any instructions or assistance for any of this?
 
 With regard to the sunroof-control installation.  Does anybody have the 
 info on doing this or can you point me to the right place?
 
 Any assistance is appreciated,
 
 Mark Blum
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