Finally got around to hardwiring the radar detector today. I was pleasently surprised by the amount of slack that is given on the Smartcord. Instead of running it near the fuse box as other write-ups have shown, I was able to extend it to the center console. Initally, I thought of using one of the cut-outs in the center console, usually used for heated seats, but decided to mount the remote to the driver's side of the console, even further out of site. I tapped into the power for the back cigaretter lighter, which I never remember is there and don't use anyway, and grounded the detector to one of the bolts that provide stability for the center console. I think it turned out really well and the install is very clean. You can't even see the remote from the passenger seat.
I know there are write-ups out there, mainly for the Valentine. If someone wants, let me know and I can put together a little spiel.





Nothing from the passenger side



Into the headliner and gone, nothing down the A-pillar or to the dash. Used the same channel into the dash as the audio wire. Had to run a piece of copper through there first to tie the cord onto and pull through. Alot easier than trying to snake the cord through on it's own.

Can't see it from the driver's side either.




And finally the remote.

Thats really nice

i would put the radar under the shade, i hear it does not work nearly as well if its on it

nice.................

I'll be getting my x50 in a week or two. So I'd appreciate a write-u pif you get around to it. Nice install. Looks clean. What are you impressions of the X50 so far?

Nice job i gotta do this sometime the cords kind of annoying. The x50 is awesome radar, i've gotten out of tickets because of it. OH yeah looslip if you're gonna buy this get the warranty it only 50 bucks atleast from best buy it is. Im on my third passport escort 8500 because they power plug on my other ones got messed up and it would turn on and off.

I had mine on top of the steering wheel pushed against the gauge pod. Looked good and caught my attn then it was flashing

Looks great, I also have an 8500 x50 and a writeup would be nice.

Looks nice. I have the detector in the same place, but I like the smartcord use. An additional mute button can be good.

Does placing it that high unable rear detection?

Hell no the passport is awesome. In the front i've picked up cops from like 2 miles away mind you it was perfectly strait road just a little hilly. From the back about a mile

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

I can do a write-up, just wish I took more pics when I was doing the install. But it won't be that hard to go back and get some.
I love the x50. It has definately saved me. No joke. The detection range is choice as well. Plus it is stylish, for my interior at least. I can certainly say you will not be disappointed with it if you got it.

Not at all. Just today I was getting rear detection as I passed a stationary radar. I haven't noticed degrated signal performance being in that location. The warning time is always ample.

Did you get the cord from the web site? How-2 needed

I've been meaning to hardwire mine. Thanks for the pics.......now about that dirty carpet.......

If you have the Homelink mirror, you can order a $15 adaptor cord that steals power from the mirror power harness.

I got it from Ebay. Although I think I got it for pretty much the same price.

Yeah, those are stains from before I got the car. I would NEVER do that to my car!

$15? I just used the supplied T-tap, which can be had for much less.

Homelink mirror?? I thought Homelink was in the visor...

Epacy,
I might have missed something. Can you tell me how you ran the wires up to the headliner? I have a write up for my V1, but I love ideas from other people. Thanks!

Andrew

Dumb question but is that remote an additional charge or does it come with the kit? I just wanna be sure i dont get dooped if its not included with the kit when i get mine at Best Buy (hookup for $220) ...if thats considered at "hookup"...

And another.... is the RD detachable from the suction cups not to place in another car obviously but to temporarily store away?

You just basically tuck the wire under the front lip of the headliner. I used a credit card to do this. I will include this in the write-up as well.

The Hardwire Smartcord is not included in the accessories when you purchase the RD, just the cig lighter power adaptor. You much buy the Hardwire Smartcord seperately for about $30.
There is a clip that slides into the chassis of the RD that attaches it to the suction cups. All you have to do is hit the release button on top of the detector and slide it forward.

Ohh gotcha ... definately didnt wanna let it sit in the sun to fry...

So how about that remote installed near your emergency brake...included?

Used crutchfield.com as a reference ... cant seem to come across any feature about that lil remote being included unless thats considered "Auto-Mute"?

The remote is part of the hardwire smartcord I mentioned.

Nice install...Now the write up.

Wat is the remote for just to turn it on???

write-up

It has the mute button on it. Also you can use it when you have the detector on stealth mode...

100% correct

Epacy,,should we forget about the how-2 ?

Nope, it is on my to-do list today. Consider it a Mother's Day present.

gimme a link to where ya got it for this lovely add-on... please.

I got mine from some place on Ebay. You can get it for the same price from Escort's site.

***Write-Up will be available shortly***

Understood, but from the detector to the power source. Did you run the wire down the pillar? Thats what I did in my write up:

www.freestyleconcepts.com/v1.html

Andrew

Here is the write-up for the Escort Passport Hardwire Smartcord.

How-to

That's for the V1. Totally different connection than the Escort Hardwire Smartcord.

I still dont understand why someone would be purchase the of remote?? the V1 i know atleast gives you the directional arrows and what not but this one just seems to mute the escort only............am i missing someting?

Yes, you are.
This cord is so you can hardwire the Escort. That has been the whole point of this post if you haven't noticed.
It just happens to come with this remote that has an activity and power light as well.

Why did you hide the remote out of site? I know when I bought my Passport I actually use the remote alot when I have it on mute. i.e. (When the windows are rolled down and I don't want the world to know I have a radar detector going off.)

I put mine right in the corner where the A-Pillar and dash meet so the remote actually becomes useful. When it flashes I look up to see what radar detection was caught.



Sorry to hi jack your thread. just giving you another option. Plus the remote is double sided velcro to the dash.

That pic makes more sence of the remote now. I wasnt sure what the remote was for besides to turn on the unit. I get it now, so to supply power to the unit and to show there is a detection that occurd thats what the remote would be used for

I mainly use the remote for the mute button, so it isn't so obvious when I reach up to mute it on the radar detector, everyone can see that hand movement.
Out of the year I have had the remote, I have never used it on silent dark.

Plus, with your location on the dash, that's much harder to reach the mute button. Plus everyone can see you reaching forward to your dash when you need to mute it.

It all depends on what you actually need from the remote.