[dpatton]

I want to install my radar detector in my Xterra.

It has two parts - the 'detector' goes behind the grille, and the
'control module' goes at the dash, and communicates wirelessly
with the 'detector'. Both require 12V power.

Where would the best place be to obtain the positive 12V that I need for the 'detector'?

In my prior vehicle I had it wired directly to the +12V post of the battery.
The 'detector' comes with an inline fuse.

 

[Muzikman]

You can wire it right to the battery as long as it's got a fuse. Or you can see my post in your other thread and put in a secondary fuse block.

 

[BGXterra]

if you get it from the lighter in the center arm rest, it will only be on when the truck is on

 

[Muzikman]

if you get it from the lighter in the center arm rest, it will only be on when the truck is on

Or if you get it from the top sig port on the dash it will only be on when the X is on (the bottom port is always powered).

 

[syndicate]

Ever needed a radar detecter when you're truck is off?
________
ALASKA DISPENSARY

 

[RogueClimber]

Ever needed a radar detecter when you're truck is off?

Hell yes! Stealth mission. Gliding in under cover of darkness, no power, using the parking brake to stop so you get no brake light...

 

[usmc xterra]

How does it turn off under the hood if wired direct? You need it wired so no power is available when the car is off, and a way to disable it when you get pulled over. So do as below but don't mark the switch RADAR.

I think I'd tap the Cig under dash TOP ONE (As it comes on and shuts off with the key. and run a line out to it fused close to the cig and leave the fuse intact where it is on the unit two fuses is ok.

You'll need a switch about 10 Ft of wire and a in line fuse and holder. And some terminal ends and two in line taps. Plus the knowledge to get to the wire for the Cig (The one under the cup holder will also work and easier to get at.)
If you go direct, unless it turns off wirelessly, ( I doubt it) it will be on all the time.

It draws very little power so no big deal or need for a relay. MC

 

[dpatton]

How does it turn off under the hood if wired direct?

The 'detector' unit is hardwired to a power source, and it shuts off when it senses the voltage drop from the approx 13V you get when the vehicle is running and the alternator is providing power, to the less than 12V when the vehicle is not running.

 

[lifeinthesouth]

USMC XTERRA wrote:
How does it turn off under the hood if wired direct?


The 'detector' unit is hardwired to a power source, and it shuts off when it senses the voltage drop from the approx 13V you get when the vehicle is running and the alternator is providing power, to the less than 12V when the vehicle is not running.

Or you could just turn the on/off switch "off", hehe!

 

[usmc xterra]

How does it turn off under the hood if wired direct?

The 'detector' unit is hardwired to a power source, and it shuts off when it senses the voltage drop from the approx 13V you get when the vehicle is running and the alternator is providing power, to the less than 12V when the vehicle is not running.

Oh yea, I have had experience with that type sensor over relay before, I'd still do the tap under the cupholder and install a switch.

Ever read the book by NY State Trooper (RET) called how to avoid a speeding ticket? You want a way to power it all the way down even with key on. Plus, don't trust or put undue wear on that system that auto offs they do wear out. MC

 

[syndicate]

Ever needed a radar detecter when you're truck is off?

Hell yes! Stealth mission. Gliding in under cover of darkness, no power, using the parking brake to stop so you get no brake light...

Lol, nice thinking.
Pulled a few of those myself, although I can't say I was rolling very fast.
________
Ipad guides

 

[jwd270]

... Plus, don't trust or put undue wear on that system that auto offs they do wear out. MC

Que? Are you saying that the electronics that control the power will wear out before the rest of the electronics in the unit?

 

[usmc xterra]

... Plus, don't trust or put undue wear on that system that auto offs they do wear out. MC

Que? Are you saying that the electronics that control the power will wear out before the rest of the electronics in the unit?

Electronically that system is subject to temp and vibration wear. Turning it off with a switch takes it out of a standby 24 7 mode. Just easier on the system. And as the trooper suggests in the book, Have a way to shut your crap down. If it comes on with the car, they have detectors that can detect the presence of it from far away plus other methods and tricks. With auto on all he had to do is ask you to start the car, fire up his detector and it will zone him in on it even if you have a way to cut it off via the dash control, the sensor will turn it on when you start the car. The trooper talks about this in the book. Plus, I travel through Communist states that have Radar Laws such as Va. I keep my detector with me but totally disable it with a pop of a switch. Learn a little at Radar.com. But the book is better. I personally would do a switch. MC

 

[jwd270]

Electronically that system is subject to temp and vibration wear. Turning it off with a switch takes it out of a standby 24 7 mode. Just easier on the system. And as the trooper suggests in the book, Have a way to shut your crap down. If it comes on with the car, they have detectors that can detect the presence of it from far away plus other methods and tricks. With auto on all he had to do is ask you to start the car, fire up his detector and it will zone him in on it even if you have a way to cut it off via the dash control, the sensor will turn it on when you start the car. The trooper talks about this in the book. Plus, I travel through Communist states that have Radar Laws such as Va. I keep my detector with me but totally disable it with a pop of a switch. Learn a little at Radar.com. But the book is better. I personally would do a switch. MC

I agree with you on that. If a cop knows you have a detector than your chances of getting off with a warning are out the window. Being able to turn it on and off manually is a must.

I was just interested in why you thought the auto on/off function would wear out prematurely. With the exception of LEDs and Flash memory, solid state electronics don't wear out from being left on.

As a side note depending on the sophistication of the cops detection equipment, a radar detector can be detected even if the power is off.