Hardwire Escort 9500ix

[Nano2b NY]

I have seen others on here that have hardwired their radar detectors, and I want to do the same. I know that there is a relatively easy way to remove the sunglasses holder near the map lights, then to tap into the power there. This will give me on when car is on, off when car is off, if not tapped into map lights but tapped into the mirror or sunroof lines.

Here is what I want to know: how to mount the smartcord that escort makes. I have seen the VERY nice install by Jer, but he is obviously very skilled, and that is not me! I want to put that control perhaps up by the mirror, or even in the sunglasses compartment? I just wonder if anyone else ran into this issue.

I will let Jer know that I am looking for a more accessible way to mount the smartcord, something that us hacks can pull off. I have to be careful as this car is leased, and I can't cut into panels Probably a good way to keep me from ruining my car knowing my luck.

So again...any ideas for mounting the smartcord (on/off/alert/mute) indicator? I will use a blendmount to hang the 9500ix nicely from the mirror stem, so I wonder if I can find a clip/clamp/paperclip? to hold the smartcord bo somewhere next to the detector. I might even go to the machine shop here at my school and call in a favor or two to get something done.

I appreciate any and all help, and please feel free to use this thread for discussing the hardwire mounting of Escort 9500ix in general, as I will plan to do this soon....I got the carbon fiber racing edition for $405 on ebay, that style will match the carbon fiber style of the trim in my SX (PBJtime for real).

[Tony407]

You do not need the SmartCord. It gives you a mute button, but the detector already has one on it. The LED lights on the SmartCord are only eye-candy.

You can tap into wires under the sunglass holder (I assume). Just use a voltmeter to check for voltage first. You can buy a SmartCord without the remote that allows you hardwire the detector. Or, you can probably take apart the cigarette lighter adapter that comes with the detector and save a little money that way.

http://www.amazon.com/Escort-79-0010...9783329&sr=8-1

Here's a write up I just did on how I wired my 9500ix: How to hardwire an Escort Passport 9500ix radar detector - Pics

Tony

[Nano2b NY]

Thanks for the fast reply man. Really glad I asked about the smartcord, you confirmed my suspicions. I just don't want a radar detector going apesh!t on me without a mute option I will read your write-up, and yeah I am pretty good with basic electronics so I might hack up the cigarette adapter and use that. I will be sure to post the results when I can, I am excited to see how the carbon fiber edition will look in my car, hopefully it matches the CF accents and doesn't look like I am starting a museum of fake CF.

What lines did you tap? Will any of them give you on/off with car or just some? I assume the dome light power will be on all the time right?