Valentine 1 Install w/remote display

[Bobby]

I said I'd post pics and do a quick writeup on the install.

First, I popped out the overhead map light assembly although I didn't really need to do this. I thought about fishing the power cord through it to get to the V1. You'll see that I changed my mind later on and pulled it out from the headliner.

 

[Bobby]

You can string along the power cord to the driver's side a-pillar. To take it off, you have to pop the 2 covers off the handle (the "oh sh!t grip") that hide the screws. You can use a philips (#3) or a 10mm socket. After you get the handle off, grab the top of the a-pillar cover and pull gently. It should pop off. Run the wire down the a-pillar and secure with zip ties and/or on the plastic wire guides down to the dash. Fish the wire down underneath. You'll have to take the bottom cover off. There's 2 10mm screws on the lower corners and it will work itself out. Careful, there's a plastic ring around the ignition that will pop off when you pull the cover.

 

[Bobby]

Here's another pic of the a-pillar.

 

[Bobby]

I fished the cable underneath to the center console where I tapped the power from what looks like the wiring for the heated seats or air suspension (neither of which I have). I put the accessory connector from V1 behind the hvac controls. The remote display wire was fished under the console.

I don't have any pics because it was frickin cold and I forgot. I was also getting frustrated b/c I couldn't figure out where the wires would go or where I'd put the remote display.

This pic is when I took the wire out of the overhead console and just had it come out of the headliner.

 

[Bobby]

I ended up putting the remote display here.

There's a great site that shows how to take the whole center console out and I used it to install the Scion HU so I was familiar with it.

 

[RaysMD]

nice writeup. I've got a V1 hardwired to my other car. I really haven't thought about putting one in the 4Runner yet. I don't expect to drive that fast it in.

 

[Bobby]

Thanks. I don't think I took enough pics of the install though. In the end, I was freezing my ass off and was just happy to be finished.

I noticed that I go a lot slower in the 4runner but I do tend to go a bit faster on the highways when I'm on a road trip so I just got one. I have one in my other car too but it's about 5 yrs old, bigger chassis and on the v1.7 software. I was originally going to put this one in my M3 and use the old one in my 4runner but since I rarely drive the M3 anymore, I installed it in my 4runner.

We're looking at 10" of snow tomorrow.

 

[kscott]

Figured I'd just tag along in this thread to show my wiring. Same basic idea... tap into power from the lights, run a remote display wire down the drivers side post. Only difference is where I've got my V1 stuck, and where the remote display is. I think I like where mine is mounted better than yours, because it's right in my field of view. Pics:

V1 mounted above the rear-view mirror:

I like this mounted here because you can barely see it. I was pulled over for speeding, and didn't have time to take it down. The CHP officer never even saw it up there. Also, other drivers can't see it either, especially since the lights never turn on (because of the remote display)

Remote display mount (velcroed in place):

Yes, it blocks my odometer. No, I don't care. If I really need to see it, I can just move the display a little bit. The wire runs back into the dash, so you don't see it at all. The nice part about this is that it's directly in my field of view while driving, but since it's inset in the gauge, drivers around me can't really see it. It's even hard to see from the passenger seat.

- O

 

[nefarious]

Nice write up. I have both pieces in my wifes car and plan to pick up another set for mine. I prefer the remote display near the cluster as well. That is where I've put mine in my last 2 vehicles. Now I can find this thread as well.

 

[99LimitedKS]

I was pulled over for speeding, and didn't have time to take it down. The CHP officer never even saw it up there.

I like how you got pulled over for speeding AND you had a nice radar. Oh well, I'm just giving you $#!+. Nice install on both of your cars... Someday when my 4runner is fast enough, I'll get one.

 

[atomic punk]

Question:

Preface: I've never had a V1, so this might be a basic question for those that do.

Why do you need a remote display if you have the actual detector mounted within your vision, and in a great spot - above the rear view mirror?

It seems like it would take more effort to read the remote display when it's mounted low. I thought that the V1 had a hideaway unit, a sensor that can attach to your bumper or somewhere out there, and a remote display unit. The two pieces that you guys show look like a regular radar detector and a remote display that shows

 

[Traveler]

Re: Question:

Why do you need a remote display if you have the actual detector mounted within your vision, and in a great spot - above the rear view mirror?

The unit, when lit up, can be easily seen by others. If you're paranoid (I prefer the term "discreet") this might bug you. With lights out on the main unit, and hardwired installation, and a remote display down low where nobody can see it, you're running with relative stealth.

I thought that the V1 had a hideaway unit, a sensor that can attach to your bumper or somewhere out there, and a remote display unit. The two pieces that you guys show look like a regular radar detector and a remote display that shows

No, not the V1. There are hidden installations offered by other makers, but they don't work as well. Optimal radar detection is up high, on your visor or high on the windshield. Placing it low, say hidden behind the grill, impairs range of detection.

They say low is the appropriate location for a LASER detector, but I figure if I'm detecting a laser hit, I'm probably screwed anyway.

 

[atomic punk]

Cool, thanks.

To RaysMD, I agree to an extent, but it's the speed of the vehicle relative to the posted limit that gets you a ticket, not the top overall speed. I don't go above 80 in my two SUVs...but I just got a warning ticket for 50 in a 35 last week. A detector certainly could have helped me in that circumstance.

 

[gRunner3]

I like the V1 install but wish the remote thing was just a mute button so it could be more discreetly placed in the interior.

I have an Escort 8500 x50 that I chose to mount on the dash pushed up next to the driver side pillar and suctioned to the back of the registration sticker. I know that in that location I am sacrificing some range but it honestly isn't that much as I still get plenty of warning before approaching a cop (sometimes too much warning for my liking on the freeway b/c I slow down thinking the cop is over the next hill and it ends up being like 5 hills farther down). But the nice thing about mounting the detector here is that the pillar and registration sticker make it very hard for somebody walking past your parked car to see, not to mention it can't be seen by your passengers due to the way the dash slopes upward around the gauge cluster. The V1 is a little bigger so it may not hide so well. The remote mute for the Escort is located in one of the empty button spaces in front of my center armrest. The benefit of that central location is that when I'm driving I can mute it with my right hand while leaving my left hand (i.e. my standard steering wheel hand) on the wheel.

My wife is getting an Acura TL in the next month or so and I'd like to get her a V1 so I can own both detectors and see how much I like those arrows, but I have a feeling she is going to want her detector setup more like mine where it is very discreet, even when inside the vehicle.

 

[atomic punk]

You guys are going to love that TL. My wife has one. You'll definitely need a radar detector for it. Post a comparison once you get that V1. I have no idea which one to buy for the 4R, I want to gather some reviews/opinions on cost vs. reliability first.