V1 Radar: Hardwired and Installed with BlendMount and MirrorTap

83282 Views 152 Replies 59 Participants Last post by nickdaria, Apr 19, 2022

Q50Aggie

Discussion Starter · Oct 16, 2013

12

I never realized how easy it was to hardwire a radar detector these days. Using the MirrorTap, I was able to tap into the rear-view mirror in literally about 15 seconds. For my Q50S Hybrid, with the Navigation and Technology package, Black is ground and Green is ignition power. They are in the same row (the row with three wires) closest to the retaining clip. Green is at the end of the connector row, black in the middle (but last of the three cables in this row). If you do not have the same package as my car, do not rely on those colors, as I know for a fact non-Tech cars have different wiring configuration on the rear-view mirror.

I also picked up the BlendMount, and installed it. It also installed relatively easily. All in all, I had everything looking professionally and factory-installed in under a half hour. I couldn't be more happy with the set up, and the customer service I experienced with BlendMount and MirrorTap was one of the best experiences, bar-none.

Here are the part numbers I ordered:
BlendMount BV1-2012 - $89.99
MACRO MirrorTap MT-3009 - $29.99
Coupon code "friend" 12.5% off - ($15.00)
No tax
Shipping $6.90
Total $111.88
Totally worth it for the clean and factory looking installation. Links to buy click here.

Pictures follow:

See less See more

Reactions: 5

1 - 20 of 153 Posts

rep

· #2 · Oct 16, 2013

I'm waiting for the blendmount for the Escort Passport Max.

Looks great though.

Sinecure

· #3 · Oct 16, 2013

Nice post. Good pics. Thanks.

cvipgo

· #4 · Oct 16, 2013

rep said:
I'm waiting for the blendmount for the Escort Passport Max.

Looks great though.

Blendmount doesn't work (yet- unless they are modifying it) with Escort Passport Max. and Passport needs satellite feed. I used the mount came with Passport and tapped power from mirror. Installed to right of rear view mirror. Works fine

Gandhi

· #5 · Oct 16, 2013

This thread is very helpful, as I will be installing my just-delivered yesterday Escort 9500xi once the blendmount and mirrortap which delivers today

Q50Aggie

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 16, 2013

FYI regarding the Passport Max:

"We are working on the Max mount and are hoping to have something in a couple of months. The Max clip will work with all existing mounts."

chicagokevo

· #7 · Oct 16, 2013 (Edited)

I'm going to have to emulate this for my Beltronics V8, as of course there is no DC outlet anywhere near the windshield. Plus it does look better w/o the cord. Can you easily detach the detector if you wanted to remove/replace it when exiting the car?

Edit: The mfg. website illustrates how simple it is to remove. Since my radar detector is just sitting on my rear floor, I'm gonna place an order now.

Rayz

· #8 · Oct 16, 2013

At least it's not as obvious as other systems, but I think any smart cop will be able to point it out. Thankfully the side view they will get of it wont lead them to suspect a thing.

chicagokevo

· #9 · Oct 16, 2013

Rayz said:
At least it's not as obvious as other systems, but I think any smart cop will be able to point it out. Thankfully the side view they will get of it wont lead them to suspect a thing.

Doesn't matter whether they notice it or not; it's perfectly legal.

Rayz

· #10 · Oct 16, 2013

chicagokevo said:
Doesn't matter whether they notice it or not; it's perfectly legal.

I always thought they were illegal and you can get ticketed for it if caught with one? Or is that only some states?

Q50Aggie

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 16, 2013

Rayz said:
I always thought they were illegal and you can get ticketed for it if caught with one? Or is that only some states?

They are perfectly legal everywhere except the state of Virginia and Washington D.C.

chicagokevo

· #12 · Oct 16, 2013

Rayz said:
I always thought they were illegal and you can get ticketed for it if caught with one? Or is that only some states?

Nope. Only illegal in DC & VA. You can walk into any electronics store like Best Buy & choose from an assortment of detectors.
Radar detector - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gandhi

· #13 · Oct 16, 2013

Even Walmart sells them (except in DC and VA)

Reactions: 1

Vancity808

· #14 · Oct 16, 2013

is it easy to remove the valentine one when you get out of your car? i plan on getting one sooner or late (the price is holding me back) and i do plan on hardwiring and mounting to the mirror, however i'd like to remove it and set it in the glove compartment / center console when i park at a mall ect. not planning to leave the V1 exposed asking for people to break into my Q50

Q50Aggie

Discussion Starter · #15 · Oct 16, 2013

Vancity808 said:
is it easy to remove the valentine one when you get out of your car? i plan on getting one sooner or late (the price is holding me back) and i do plan on hardwiring and mounting to the mirror, however i'd like to remove it and set it in the glove compartment / center console when i park at a mall ect. not planning to leave the V1 exposed asking for people to break into my Q50

Yes it's exactly the same clip as the stock v1.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

Vancity808

· #16 · Oct 16, 2013

and mounting the v1 up top eliminates the option to do the concealed display as you have to run the wire

Klamalama

· #17 · Oct 17, 2013

When I called Valentine, they stated that, because the car is a hybrid, and the engine cuts out, that I would need a BOB (Brown Out Booster) in the circuit. They said that often, during engine restarts, voltage will drop low enough to restart the V1. This keeps that from happening:

https://store.valentine1.com/store/partsdept.asp

So, does yours have a reset problem?
I don't have the rain-sensing wipers (no Deluxe Touring Package). Going to try connecting it inside the console.
BTW, excellent job.

Q50Aggie

Discussion Starter · #18 · Oct 17, 2013

KLamalama said:
When I called Valentine, they stated that, because the car is a hybrid, and the engine cuts out, that I would need a BOB (Brown Out Booster) in the circuit. They said that often, during engine restarts, voltage will drop low enough to restart the V1. This keeps that from happening:

https://store.valentine1.com/store/partsdept.asp

So, does yours have a reset problem?
I don't have the rain-sensing wipers (no Deluxe Touring Package). Going to try connecting it inside the console.
BTW, excellent job.

No you don't need the Bob for the the q50 hybrid

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

IRadi8

· #19 · Oct 17, 2013

3

Here's my install. Probably looks super similar to Aggie's since we have the same car and all. I have no need for the BOB as far as I've noticed.

See less See more

Q50Aggie

Discussion Starter · #20 · Oct 17, 2013

Looks good irad. Only difference is you don't have the camera with the tech package and my car definitely doesn't have a baby seat

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

1 - 20 of 153 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.