Finally got around to doing since I got my car. This is the third time I had to hardwire it this year...oh wait, first time this year (2002) but 3rd time within a 10 month period!! Now I can speed without worrying as much.

 

How well does the Valntine 1 radar detector work? Can it tell u a cop is coming up ahead in time on the highway? My friend was telling me that most radar detectors are useless b/c by the time they go off your aleady on top of the cop (on the highway). I think the valentine 1 detects cops further away i really don't know much about it, but is it really worth like $400 ???

 

The V1 is worth every penny. It has saved me from at least 4 speeding tickets so it basically paid for itself already. My V1 detects police radar from very far away, most of the time giving me enough time to slow down. The only surprises I get are from instant-on radar. Get a V1...you won't regret it. Ask anyone else who has one.

 

trust me, if you do a search on v1 you will come up with a billion discussions on it's worth. Always ending up in the answer of Yes definitely worth it if you have the money

 

Oh yeah...the best feature is the directional arrows. Arrows light up telling you where the radar is coming from (front, sides, or rear).

 

I hope my "hardwire" instructions helped you in your install.
Some good V1 reading in these two threads here:

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...ight=Valentine

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...ight=Valentine

Shawn S

 

Hey Shawn. This is actually my 3rd time hardwiring my V1, but I did read over your instructions to get better ideas. I just used the same fuse slot as you. I've hardwired my V1 to an Accord, Legend, 3.0 CL, and now the 3.2 CL. I find the process to be pretty much the same for those cars....all Hondas.

I use this thing called Add-A-Circuit made by Littelfuse. Instead of sticking the power wire into the fuse socket, it allows you to add an accessory without splitting any wires. Plus there is a separate fuse for your accessory (the V1). It's pretty neat I think. Makes it look really clean.

Thanks for the instructions. They helped me refresh my memory of the process.

 

Yeah I definitely used your install instruction for help. Even though I have a 1st gen, it still helped me out!

 

My buddy just ordered a V1 for his 330Ci, and I'll probably end up helping him install his, and see how he likes it before I break the bank and drop 400 bones on one.

The installation for the 330Ci is rather different from Shawn's install. Basically, we found the easiest way it to tap into rain sensing wire, that is buried in then center console, in the ceiling of the car. It looks as it we'll have to use that plastic gadget that splices into a wire, but doesn't cut it, allowing for power to be drawn. In other words, we'll be staying away from the fuse box.

He also got the remote unit, so that'll be another challenge... Especially trying to hide all the wires and crap in such a tight spot.

How long did it take everyone to install this? I'm guessing an hour or two?

 

I used Shawn's instructions, they worked well

 

C&D said the results on their website were more accurate than what was published in Feb's article. Here they are.

 

Scrib...it takes me no more than 20 minutes. This is drawing power from the fuse box.

 

One other thing I like about the V1 is that it's never obsolete. I bought one about 8 years ago, and stopped using it. Now I'm going to send it in to get upgraded with the laser detection and stealth module. It's nice that V1 allows you to do this, so you're not stuck buying a totally new detector.

 

Took me about 2 hours to hardwire my V1. I took the dash apart and ran the remote display cable behind it, have it coming out of the center air vent and to the left about 2 inches. I mounted my remote display on the dash visor, above the right side instrument cluster above the little green key light.

I keep my steering wheel adjusted all the way up, so if I stuck it to the wheel I would not be able to see any of the lower center gauges. I also don't have to look down at it.

A side benefit of taking the dash panel out is I discovered all of the metal clips were not pushed on all the way. I reset them and my dask is very tight with no sounds at all.

Goo luck, you will be happy!

 

But what is wrong with Just old, Plug it in Plug it out in 10 sec....

 

Too messy and too many wires hanging around... with the Hardwire it's much neater. I'd say 95% of the people who are in my car don't even know i have a radar detector until it goes off. On top of that, I've told most of them that I got a radar detector months ago, but you can't see any wires, so they can't tell!!

 

As I need to unplug each time I park my CLS at work, shopping mall, ects, I did not bother wiht hardwired options.

Sure it is a neat... but I only need to mess with 1 and only 1 coiled wire.

 

I can still unplug mine in about 10 sec. when I park outside or whatever. All I do is remove the cable from the V1 and take the V1 out of the car.... no biggie.....

 

Well, I don't have a noticable stretchy cord running from the mirror all the way to the lower console. It does get in the way of windshield view, using the stereo, using the climate control. The cops can see this cord and will watch you a bit more.
My V1 is tucked up nice just a bit under the tint band on the right side of the mirror. Both sun visors work fine.

I also don't have any noticable big red lights from the V1 display that can be seen about 10 car lengths behind me. So I am also not a convoy leader

I feel its easier/faster to read the display mounted with all the other car gauges in all types of lighting conditions.

Even from the outside when parked, you cannot tell there is a detector there. I never remove it for mall trips or work.

It really is personal preference.