12 vdc power port install in overhead console

[Dewi2005]

Ok... I got tired of the power cord for my radar detector hanging across my dash so that it could get power from one of my 12 vdc power ports. So, I installed a Cigarette lighter port in my overhead console so the power for the radar detector could come from near the detector instead of all the way down by the center console. I also installed a small switch so the power to the power port could be turned on and off.

Steps needed to complete this.
[LIST]
<LI>Remove overhead console and let it lay on the dash.
<LI>Locate +12vdc (I used the sunroof switch +12vdc so it would turn on/off with the key.
<LI>Tap into the +12vdc and ground
<LI>Run in and out of new switch, install switch in console
<LI>Drill hole large enough to fit the Power port assembly.
<LI>Install power port into the overhead console. Solder positive wire to center stud of power port, and solder negative (ground) wire to the outside of the power port.
<LI>Test proper connection with a volt meter to ensure correct install.
<LI>Re-install overhead console - Your done.

[Dewi2005]

Ok... I got tired of the power cord for my radar detector hanging across my dash so that it could get power from one of my 12 vdc power ports. So, I installed a Cigarette lighter port in my overhead console so the power for the radar detector could come from near the detector instead of all the way down by the center console. I also installed a small switch so the power to the power port could be turned on and off.

Steps needed to complete this.
[LIST]
<LI>Remove overhead console and let it lay on the dash.
<LI>Locate +12vdc (I used the sunroof switch +12vdc so it would turn on/off with the key.
<LI>Tap into the +12vdc and ground
<LI>Run in and out of new switch, install switch in console
<LI>Drill hole large enough to fit the Power port assembly.
<LI>Install power port into the overhead console. Solder positive wire to center stud of power port, and solder negative (ground) wire to the outside of the power port.
<LI>Test proper connection with a volt meter to ensure correct install.
<LI>Re-install overhead console - Your done.

[DDWH]

Looks nice and clean Dewi...Now get to the XM http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Dewi2005]

BTW.. Yes, I did wash off the dirt before the pictures... those are rock chips in the windshield http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif .... It is a Colorado vehicle!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Dewi2005]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DDWH:
Looks nice and clean Dewi...Now get to the XM http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Should get to that XM thing this week... gotta turn that heater on in my garage.. only got up to about 15F here today.. Not that cold in the garage, but still a bit cold.

[rodster]

Nice work. Good clean install.

You do something special to make the suction cups stay on?

[DDWH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dewi2005:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DDWH:
Looks nice and clean Dewi...Now get to the XM http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Should get to that XM thing this week... gotta turn that heater on in my garage.. only got up to about 15F here today.. Not that cold in the garage, but still a bit cold. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats cold, was 40 here today and It was pretty cold working in the garage...so I can imagine what your dealing with.

[Dewi2005]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
Nice work. Good clean install.

You do something special to make the suction cups stay on? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the compliment

Nothing special with the suction cups.. The detector is a Valentine One. but it does not sit completely level and there is no way to make it lay down more due to the steep windshield angle.. Any Ideas on making it lay level?? I have other detectors that you can bend the bracket with the suction cups, but this one is fixed.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dewi2005:

Any Ideas on making it lay level?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Like you said, the steep angle is hard to work with. I had one of the bendable brackets but the near 90 degree angle made the detector a bouncing lever. The thing would pop off on the first bump. That's why I asked about yours -- thought maybe you glued it to the windshield.

I ended up ordering a visor clip, which works pretty well for the wireless Passport Solo 2 Santa brought.

[Dewi2005]

I have had this one and two other brands mounted to the windshield. They all seemed to stay stuck on pretty good, but would drop off if I hit a huge bump, but sat fairly stable under normal conditions. The use of larger suction cups seem to help on my other detectors, but this one seems to stay put with the small ones.

Cordless detector would be nice, would not have to mess with the cord.. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Mumbo]

I have this one.
http://www.k40.com/othe_unde_main.html

[Dewi2005]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mumbo:
I have this one.
http://www.k40.com/othe_unde_main.html </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wow.. now that is really a clean radar install

[Racer-X]

Nice, I've been meaning to do this mod. Not for radar detector but my GPS which I plan to mount just in front of the sunroof.


If I was going to run a radar detetor I would have mounted it INSIDE the overhead console with a precisely cut hole for the front of detector to stick out. Two times I have been pulled over by being paced with no radar and both times the detector got me a ticket.

[DeBest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dewi2005:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
Nice work. Good clean install.

You do something special to make the suction cups stay on? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the compliment



Nothing special with the suction cups.. The detector is a Valentine One. but it does not sit completely level and there is no way to make it lay down more due to the steep windshield angle.. Any Ideas on making it lay level?? I have other detectors that you can bend the bracket with the suction cups, but this one is fixed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


How do you like the Valentine Detector? I have been considering one for awhile........

[Dewi2005]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DeBest:

How do you like the Valentine Detector? I have been considering one for awhile........ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am VERY impressed with the Valentine.. You pay a little more than the other similar ones, but with Valentine you can have yours upgraded if a new feature comes out. I have paid almost as much for others that I did for the Valentine and the Valentine is so much more accurate and informative.

[TXSUT]

Nice job, Dewi. I'd have to drape that cord over the rearview mirror, though, as it hanging there in the line of sight would bug me as much as it did you when it was on the dash. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[DH22G]

you should have used your V1 wire harness it comes with...
you could have tapped into the fuse box and ran that one phone cord up the pilar like i did.. very simple.

[Dewi2005]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DH22G:
you should have used your V1 wire harness it comes with...
you could have tapped into the fuse box and ran that one phone cord up the pilar like i did.. very simple. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah the V1 Harness is nice, except I did not want to use the hard wire harness from Valentine as I wanted it to be a universal port that any radar could plug into. I dont mind the cord in view, I just did not want it hanging across my dash and taking up a power port on the center stack.