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Installation of a Radar Detector and Dashcam - I found switched power!!!

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Installation of a Radar Detector and Dash-cam - I found switched power!!!

I recently hard-wired my radar detector and dash-cam and wanted to share my discoveries.

My toys:
1) Beltronics Pro 300.
2) Thinkware F750 Dash-cam with TWA-X500F750 rear camera

First and foremost, I used the advice and tutorial created by Fezzik as my starting point. His guide is much more extensive than mine. I only want to point out the few discoveries I made.

Install of Radar Detector, Dashcam, and Laser Jammer (LONG)

As Fezzik mentions, there is constant power at the unused plug in the microphone area. I was able to purchase a compatible plug at a local electronics supply house for 89¢. The black wire is negative and the green/brown wire 2 wires away is constant 12V.

IMG_3392.JPG

plug.jpg



Wired Plug 2.jpg



My dash-cam really needs a switched 12V supply to know when the car is off and switch itself to 'parking' mode. I also wanted a switched 12V for the radar detector. I was not looking forward to running a set of wires down the front pillar to get to a switched supply. I experimented with the wires on the mirror connector and discovered that the yellow wire in that connector is switched. I followed it up to the mic area and after a bit of digging, was able to access it in that area. I tapped into it with a 3M tap. Since both devices use so little power, I split that wire and feed both the radar and dash-cam with it. You will need to unwrap some of the black net-like bundle to get at the yellow wire.

IMG_3393.JPG


There is room to run small wires behind the black plastic mirror housing. This is the final result:

(see next post - I think I exceeded my limit as a new user)

The second wire going to the dash-cam is from the rear camera.

Another quick note about the Thinkware F750: The image quality is excellent. I purchased the cheaper version with a 16 GB microSDXC card. The company changes a premium for their 64 GB cards. The first 64 GB card I bought on Amazon was super fast but incompatible. A lot of research online found that others had success with a cheaper, slower card. The one that works well is a San disk 64 GB microSDXC model number SDSDQUAN-064G-G4A. See this link:

Amazon.com: SanDisk Ultra 64GB UHS-I/Class 10 Micro SDXC Memory Card With Adapter- SDSDQUAN-064G-G4A [Old Version]: Computers Accessories

I hope that this helps others looking to do similar projects.

Jeff
 
Here are the After photos:

IMG_3403.JPG


IMG_3397.JPG


One more thing about the Thinkware camera: I love the picture quality but there is an issue with the gps / speed sensor. I have this mounted directly behind the mirror in a position where the driver can't see it at all. At his location, the gps can't get a lock. At many other spots on the windshield, gps works. I believe that the additional Autopilot hardware in this location is causing interference. This is not necessarily a bad thing; you get the excellent picture quality but the device legitimately can't record your speed :).

Jeff
 
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the gps can't get a lock. At many other spots on the windshield, gps works. I believe that the additional Autopilot hardware in this location is causing interference.

The AP hardware in that area is just a camera, it's not interfering with the GPS. What is interfering is the metallic coating on the windshield, which will also greatly diminish the reception of your radar detector. You might not think so at first, but I believe over time, you'll see that you aren't getting the alerts as strong or as early as you would expect. I tried mounting a Valentine 1 detector in several different places and got essentially no reception. I finally had to give up and have a Belltronics STiR+ installed in the grill.
 
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The AP hardware in that area is just a camera, it's not interfering with the GPS. What is interfering is the metallic coating on the windshield, which will also greatly diminish the reception of your radar detector.

I used the same detector in my previous car (BMW X6). There is a radar trap on my way to work and the internal detector goes off at the same location in the Tesla as it did in the BMW.
 
I used the same detector in my previous car (BMW X6). There is a radar trap on my way to work and the internal detector goes off at the same location in the Tesla as it did in the BMW.

Ok, but that's a sample size of one. Everyone else who has tried installing a radar detector on the windshield (and not behind the "black dot area") has reported major reception problems (or in some cases like mine, essentially zero reception). As I said, over time you'll see a difference. If the one source of your radar trap is sending out a very strong, directed signal, that would likely punch through, but more subtle alerts around curves, over hills, or miles away will be diminished. I'm just trying to warn you of a false sense of security.
 
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I'm having a hard time figuring out what radar to install a model s? I do have a valentine one which I can't stand because of all the false alarms with my side sonar in my ICE car. I also have a passport in another car. I want to do things right and have a proper working radar detector. Is the Belltronitc the one to go with? Never used them before?
 
I'm having a hard time figuring out what radar to install a model s? I do have a valentine one which I can't stand because of all the false alarms with my side sonar in my ICE car. I also have a passport in another car. I want to do things right and have a proper working radar detector. Is the Belltronitc the one to go with? Never used them before?

Everyone has a different experience and opinion..but I'm a life-long V1 buyer and user.. I swear by that little thing, and was quite disappointed when I couldn't get it to work worth a damn in the Tesla. I even installed it remotely in the nosecone (giving up rear radar and laser detection) and it still didn't work. Reading up on lots of the existing threads on TMC, I (and many others) concluded that a hard-wired detector with front and rear detectors or laser shifters is really the only way to go. Yeah, it's lots more expensive, but my STiR+ has saved me at least 10 times with laser and radar warnings, so it's paid for itself already. My V1 is now back "home" in my BMW M5 backup ICE where it works great.
 
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I'm having a hard time figuring out what radar to install a model s? I do have a valentine one which I can't stand because of all the false alarms with my side sonar in my ICE car. I also have a passport in another car. I want to do things right and have a proper working radar detector. Is the Belltronitc the one to go with? Never used them before?

the V1 is still one of the best detectors out on the market...but getting passed by the newer technology. If you goto a couple of the radar forums you can get a program YAV1 that can do custom sweeps and knock out a lot of the false alerts.

Also, you can go to the Valentine website to see if your V1 is upgradable to some of the newer filters.
 
the V1 is still one of the best detectors out on the market...but getting passed by the newer technology. If you goto a couple of the radar forums you can get a program YAV1 that can do custom sweeps and knock out a lot of the false alerts.

Also, you can go to the Valentine website to see if your V1 is upgradable to some of the newer filters.
Actually done that and tried it all. I've been a dedicated V1 for many many years! Until I got my new Suburban with side sonar the V1 failed completely and even knocking out the functions and turning stuff off. Once new technology came out it lost...well at least for me it does. I also get so many false alarms I drive with it off. Lol.

So now I'm forced to finally get a proper working radar with Tesla and will have to spend money on the Belltronic...
 
I'm having a hard time figuring out what radar to install a model s? I do have a valentine one which I can't stand because of all the false alarms with my side sonar in my ICE car. I also have a passport in another car. I want to do things right and have a proper working radar detector. Is the Belltronitc the one to go with? Never used them before?
That is why I have TWO STI-R pluses in my G and tesla.

Clean install!!! Great work Jeff!
 
Another owner here that confirms the dramatic difference between a windshield mounted Pro 500 and integrated STiR Plus. You're putting it in "1998 Realistic Radar Detector Mode" when you put it behind that metallic coated windshield that's specifically designed to reject IR.
 
Your post was very helpfull... on my 2013 S I had to work from the windscreen side to splice into the ACC power. I just install F800Pro which is 770 upgrade.

Seems like a good dash cam but the iOS connection and app are like beta ware at best..
 
Your post was very helpfull... on my 2013 S I had to work from the windscreen side to splice into the ACC power. I just install F800Pro which is 770 upgrade.

Seems like a good dash cam but the iOS connection and app are like beta ware at best..
Hello Murraypetera.

I have a 770 and I am being extra careful on the hard wire installation. I also have a 2013 Model s But I am afraid to mess something up. I have all the cables and adapters to make this happen. Can you help me on this.
 
Installation of a Radar Detector and Dash-cam - I found switched power!!!

I recently hard-wired my radar detector and dash-cam and wanted to share my discoveries.

My toys:
1) Beltronics Pro 300.
2) Thinkware F750 Dash-cam with TWA-X500F750 rear camera

First and foremost, I used the advice and tutorial created by Fezzik as my starting point. His guide is much more extensive than mine. I only want to point out the few discoveries I made.

Install of Radar Detector, Dashcam, and Laser Jammer (LONG)

As Fezzik mentions, there is constant power at the unused plug in the microphone area. I was able to purchase a compatible plug at a local electronics supply house for 89¢. The black wire is negative and the green/brown wire 2 wires away is constant 12V.

View attachment 108143
View attachment 108144


View attachment 108145


My dash-cam really needs a switched 12V supply to know when the car is off and switch itself to 'parking' mode. I also wanted a switched 12V for the radar detector. I was not looking forward to running a set of wires down the front pillar to get to a switched supply. I experimented with the wires on the mirror connector and discovered that the yellow wire in that connector is switched. I followed it up to the mic area and after a bit of digging, was able to access it in that area. I tapped into it with a 3M tap. Since both devices use so little power, I split that wire and feed both the radar and dash-cam with it. You will need to unwrap some of the black net-like bundle to get at the yellow wire.

View attachment 108146

There is room to run small wires behind the black plastic mirror housing. This is the final result:

(see next post - I think I exceeded my limit as a new user)

The second wire going to the dash-cam is from the rear camera.

Another quick note about the Thinkware F750: The image quality is excellent. I purchased the cheaper version with a 16 GB microSDXC card. The company changes a premium for their 64 GB cards. The first 64 GB card I bought on Amazon was super fast but incompatible. A lot of research online found that others had success with a cheaper, slower card. The one that works well is a San disk 64 GB microSDXC model number SDSDQUAN-064G-G4A. See this link:

Amazon.com: SanDisk Ultra 64GB UHS-I/Class 10 Micro SDXC Memory Card With Adapter- SDSDQUAN-064G-G4A [Old Version]: Computers Accessories

I hope that this helps others looking to do similar projects.

Jeff
Hello

Have you have any issues after the installation. I have a 770 on my 2013 S. But haven hard wire yet
 
Hey guys,

I was able to accomplish doing this in my last Tesla about 2 years ago, however I’m at a loss with this one... I need help.

I have AP2, an Escort with the power cord and the area with the mic. I also have the little white 4 prong “89 cent piece” the OP originally mentioned. I’m not sure which wires I should put together as the ones that I have done have not powered up the radar.

Any advice with pictures would be amazing!
Thanks,
Brandon
 

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Installation of a Radar Detector and Dash-cam - I found switched power!!!

I recently hard-wired my radar detector and dash-cam and wanted to share my discoveries.

My toys:
1) Beltronics Pro 300.
2) Thinkware F750 Dash-cam with TWA-X500F750 rear camera

First and foremost, I used the advice and tutorial created by Fezzik as my starting point. His guide is much more extensive than mine. I only want to point out the few discoveries I made.

Install of Radar Detector, Dashcam, and Laser Jammer (LONG)

As Fezzik mentions, there is constant power at the unused plug in the microphone area. I was able to purchase a compatible plug at a local electronics supply house for 89¢. The black wire is negative and the green/brown wire 2 wires away is constant 12V.

View attachment 108143
View attachment 108144


View attachment 108145


My dash-cam really needs a switched 12V supply to know when the car is off and switch itself to 'parking' mode. I also wanted a switched 12V for the radar detector. I was not looking forward to running a set of wires down the front pillar to get to a switched supply. I experimented with the wires on the mirror connector and discovered that the yellow wire in that connector is switched. I followed it up to the mic area and after a bit of digging, was able to access it in that area. I tapped into it with a 3M tap. Since both devices use so little power, I split that wire and feed both the radar and dash-cam with it. You will need to unwrap some of the black net-like bundle to get at the yellow wire.

View attachment 108146

There is room to run small wires behind the black plastic mirror housing. This is the final result:

(see next post - I think I exceeded my limit as a new user)

The second wire going to the dash-cam is from the rear camera.

Another quick note about the Thinkware F750: The image quality is excellent. I purchased the cheaper version with a 16 GB microSDXC card. The company changes a premium for their 64 GB cards. The first 64 GB card I bought on Amazon was super fast but incompatible. A lot of research online found that others had success with a cheaper, slower card. The one that works well is a San disk 64 GB microSDXC model number SDSDQUAN-064G-G4A. See this link:

Amazon.com: SanDisk Ultra 64GB UHS-I/Class 10 Micro SDXC Memory Card With Adapter- SDSDQUAN-064G-G4A [Old Version]: Computers Accessories

I hope that this helps others looking to do similar projects.

Jeff
Can you post the link to the power connector? Many thanks for a great post
 
My dash-cam really needs a switched 12V supply to know when the car is off and switch itself to 'parking' mode.

Jeff
Kind of glad the blackview cam switches to parking mode on it's own.

No issues after 2 years!! Unfortunately, I am getting ready to "undo" all of that work as I get ready to sell the car.

Jeff

Why not leave the wiring for the next owner? Unless it's a lease return or dealer sale.