I have a Passport cordless w/a windshield mount - works great and batteries last about 2-3 months. No hard-wiring or opening of the ash tray.

 

bump!

Anyone with DIY instructions to share?

 

Cordless range is very debatebale though.

 

I've heard that visor mount is not really good because the dark tint at the top of the windshield messes with it.

On the otherhand, I find that the suction cup mount rattles as the detector
vibrates against the windsheild.

 

If it's just a tint it shouldn't matter. Some windshields have an extra layer to reflect UV that really messes things up but on our cars it shouldn't be a problem. Mine I like the visor mount.

 

I had my V1 hardwired next to the rearview mirror by Car Toys - think it cost about $70 and about an hour. The local one does great work.

The clamp is actually right at the tint band, and the detector hangs just below, beside the mirror.

 

mike's mount + invisicord...easiest and possibly cleanest way to go.

I'm not sure if the mirror stalk has changed for the 07 sedan or if mike has made a new mount.

 

I was starting to wonder why nobody was using V1's...I've had mine for 6 years now (upgraded once)....it is by FAR the BEST radar detector available...no debate. For those of you looking for one....I highly recommend doing some research before buying an Escort.

http://www.valentine1.com/

-Jason

 

The V1 is really nice, but in all fairness, different tests come out with different winners when comparing the V1 against the Escort 8500. Part of the reason I havent bought one yet, is because I couldnt decide between the two.

 

Have you been to radartest.com and read their reviews? Ever since I wen to that site I have been a big escort fan, but I still haven't gotten around to buying one.

 

I read it like a year ago...that's the review that put me over the edge toward the Escort, but I like the V1's multiple threat counter and direction indicator.

 

While those are nice features, from what I understand the escort is better for the types of radar that the police are using now. I prefer range and reliability to pretty much anything else.

 

I was able to dig this DIY out. This is my install on my 04' coupe, but the wire routes, procedures, locations, etc. are practically the same for the 07'.

Have fun...

Escort Passport 8500 with remote silencer hard-wire install using fuse box


A few pointers:

- Make sure your grounding wire is secured in place and there is no "play" between it and the point of contact or otherwise the radar won't power up.

- I recommend using the cigarette lighter fuse as the lighter gets disconnected when accessory power is turned off. In other words, pick a fuse that loses power when accessory power is absent, or otherwise your radar will remain on at all times. One fuse that remains open at all times is the Homelink transceiver fuse.

- Not sure about the 07's but if it's the same as the previous generation Gs, you will be able to use the screw under the dead pedal as a good grounding point. To remove the dead pedal, just yank it out.

- Fuse reference chart is located on the inside of the fusebox door panel.



Let me know if you have any questions, or run into any problems during the install.

 

Hey Speed, do you find that you actually use the smart cord? I was thinking of just ordering the hardwire w/o the controller for a cleaner install.

 

Do I find it useful?

Are you kidding me? There are at least 5 places on the way from home to work and back where they have these goddamn annoying doors that the passport picks up. I've done a little change since I mounted the silencer and it is actually closer to the center console and my right hand. A quick movement of my index finger and I shut this thing off.

Another example would be when I drive somewhere, the detector picks up a cop and 5 seconds later I see him. At that point, I just want to shut it down since there is no point for it.

Of course you could send your hand all the way to the detector and shut it manually from the mute button located on it, but when the detector is mounted high (as in my case), it would be quite of an annoying "workout" for me to do every time it goes off.

I would definitely recommend the remote silencer. Worth every penny.