Hardwired, Stealth, Radar Detector Install
02-23-2014, 12:22 PM
#1
Hardwired, Stealth, Radar Detector Install
I've been lurking here for 2 years. I rarely post because I can find the answers to 99.9% of my questions searching. This forum has helped me numerous times. I thought I'd give back by adding a write up for mod I haven't seen yet.
I live on a winding country road where there are plenty of places for cops to hide. After my last speeding ticket I was motivated to buy a radar detector. I've seen a few people hard wire windshield mount radar detectors, but I wanted something a little more stealthy. After a little research I settled on the Whistler PRO-3600 Installed Remote Laser and Radar Detector. It arrived in the mail a few day later and then sat in my garage for 2 1/2 years. I finally got around to installing recently.
My car is a 2006 Acura RL Tech.
My main objective for this detector was stealth. I did not want cops or passengers to be able see it, and I wanted to be able turn it off sometimes and forget it was there. The unit I purchased is designed to be installed. When it is not in use I simply close the lid to the "not an ashtray" and forget I have it.
Basically it has five main parts that need to be installed.
The Antenna.
This is the trickiest part to mount. It is supposed to be mounted in the front of the car. It can be mounted vertically and behind plastic (bumper, grill). However it is supposed to work best when mounted horizontally. I chose to tuck it through the opening under the front license plate.
Then I had to snake the connection with into the car. I zip tied it to other wiring and entered the car through an access point in the frame that comes out under the carpet near the brake.
The Voice Module.
This is the speaker and volume control. I think it also has some voice control functions bu t I don’t use it. This was easy. I simply clipped it to a panel it the drivers foot well.
The Control Module.
This is the hub of the system. all the parts plug into this. I decided to put it near the controls so I tucked it under the "not an ash tray". I tapped into power at the 12v plug next to the shifter.
The LED indicator.
I haven't permanently mounted this yet because I'm not sure how much I'll reference it. for now I have it sticking out on the side of one of the columns that house the stereo and GPS screen.
The Control Panel.
I decided to give up my coin tray "not an ash tray" for this, that way I can close the lid on it when it is not in use. I had to drill a hole in this piece to run the wire through and do a little dremel work, to get it to fit flush. but all in all it’s a pretty clean install. and If I ever wanted to go back a can buy a new tray for $30.
Another plus, you can set the default screen as a volt meter.
Well, there you have it. I hope this helps or inspires someone. This forum (and many others) has probably saved me thousands of dollars over the years by helping fix and modify myself.
Good Luck.
I live on a winding country road where there are plenty of places for cops to hide. After my last speeding ticket I was motivated to buy a radar detector. I've seen a few people hard wire windshield mount radar detectors, but I wanted something a little more stealthy. After a little research I settled on the Whistler PRO-3600 Installed Remote Laser and Radar Detector. It arrived in the mail a few day later and then sat in my garage for 2 1/2 years. I finally got around to installing recently.
My car is a 2006 Acura RL Tech.
My main objective for this detector was stealth. I did not want cops or passengers to be able see it, and I wanted to be able turn it off sometimes and forget it was there. The unit I purchased is designed to be installed. When it is not in use I simply close the lid to the "not an ashtray" and forget I have it.
Basically it has five main parts that need to be installed.
The Antenna.
This is the trickiest part to mount. It is supposed to be mounted in the front of the car. It can be mounted vertically and behind plastic (bumper, grill). However it is supposed to work best when mounted horizontally. I chose to tuck it through the opening under the front license plate.
Then I had to snake the connection with into the car. I zip tied it to other wiring and entered the car through an access point in the frame that comes out under the carpet near the brake.
The Voice Module.
This is the speaker and volume control. I think it also has some voice control functions bu t I don’t use it. This was easy. I simply clipped it to a panel it the drivers foot well.
The Control Module.
This is the hub of the system. all the parts plug into this. I decided to put it near the controls so I tucked it under the "not an ash tray". I tapped into power at the 12v plug next to the shifter.
The LED indicator.
I haven't permanently mounted this yet because I'm not sure how much I'll reference it. for now I have it sticking out on the side of one of the columns that house the stereo and GPS screen.
The Control Panel.
I decided to give up my coin tray "not an ash tray" for this, that way I can close the lid on it when it is not in use. I had to drill a hole in this piece to run the wire through and do a little dremel work, to get it to fit flush. but all in all it’s a pretty clean install. and If I ever wanted to go back a can buy a new tray for $30.
Another plus, you can set the default screen as a volt meter.
Well, there you have it. I hope this helps or inspires someone. This forum (and many others) has probably saved me thousands of dollars over the years by helping fix and modify myself.
Good Luck.
The following 5 users liked this post by marko850:
BDoggPrelude (02-23-2014),
chepha81 (03-11-2014),
MSW 6SP (02-23-2014),
projektvertx (02-23-2014),
StReCh4130 (02-23-2014)
The following users liked this post:
projektvertx (02-23-2014)
02-23-2014, 04:30 PM
#5
I'm still getting used to the system. This is the first radar detector I've ever used and it seems overly sensitive to me. So far I get a lot of false positives, however I am using the default settings and I know there are a lot of settings tweaks and filters I have yet to experiment with.
I'll get back to you with a review after I've had some more time to mess around with the adjustments.
I'll get back to you with a review after I've had some more time to mess around with the adjustments.
02-23-2014, 05:45 PM
#6
Drifting
Thanks for the write-up. I'm really thinking of pulling the trigger on a Passport 8500ci Plus along with the laser shifter kit. If I do, I'll definitely look back to this thread for some install ideas.
02-23-2014, 06:26 PM
#7
great install!!!
if one were looking for a radar detector, the escort 9500ix silences false signals with the use of GPS.
it will lock out that signal every time you pass the offending area, therefore no false signals.
I do like how the pro-3600 comes with a "stealth kit" . I dont think a kit exist for the 9500ix.
if one were looking for a radar detector, the escort 9500ix silences false signals with the use of GPS.
it will lock out that signal every time you pass the offending area, therefore no false signals.
I do like how the pro-3600 comes with a "stealth kit" . I dont think a kit exist for the 9500ix.
Trending Topics
02-23-2014, 06:38 PM
#8
Drifting
if one were looking for a radar detector, the escort 9500ix silences false signals with the use of GPS.
it will lock out that signal every time you pass the offending area, therefore no false signals.
I do like how the pro-3600 comes with a "stealth kit" . I dont think a kit exist for the 9500ix.
it will lock out that signal every time you pass the offending area, therefore no false signals.
I do like how the pro-3600 comes with a "stealth kit" . I dont think a kit exist for the 9500ix.
If you're looking for a stealth Escort product, you would need to look into their installed detectors: 8500ci ($550), 8500ci Plus ($800) and 9500ci ($2,000). You can get the 8500ci Plus along with the Laser Shifter Pack for $1,050 and have 85% of what the 9500ci offers for half the price.
The following users liked this post:
justnspace (02-24-2014)
02-24-2014, 07:00 AM
#9
Racer
Nice work by the OP.
Can you guys tell me why the obsession with "stealth" installations (except of course in states where detectors are illegal)? I put mine right up there on the windshield.
Can you guys tell me why the obsession with "stealth" installations (except of course in states where detectors are illegal)? I put mine right up there on the windshield.
02-24-2014, 07:56 AM
#10
That's because the Pro-3600 is an installed detector and the 9500xi is a windshield mounted detector. To have a stealth install that still works, you need an installed detector. You can't really hide the 9500xi because it needs line of sight to operate. The Pro-3600 has a waterproof exterior mounted receiver.
If you're looking for a stealth Escort product, you would need to look into their installed detectors: 8500ci ($550), 8500ci Plus ($800) and 9500ci ($2,000). You can get the 8500ci Plus along with the Laser Shifter Pack for $1,050 and have 85% of what the 9500ci offers for half the price.
If you're looking for a stealth Escort product, you would need to look into their installed detectors: 8500ci ($550), 8500ci Plus ($800) and 9500ci ($2,000). You can get the 8500ci Plus along with the Laser Shifter Pack for $1,050 and have 85% of what the 9500ci offers for half the price.
02-24-2014, 10:52 AM
#11
Thanks for the question Dan. I can only speak for myself here. There are a few reasons I like the stealth install.
1. Aesthetics - I like clean lines and despise clutter. Unless I or my passenger is currently drinking a beverage, I keep the cup holder door shut on my RL. I would never put a sticker or witty license plate frame on my car; in fact I de-badged it the first weekend I got it.
2. Security - I don't want to tempt anyone to do a smash and grab on my car. I don’t leave my cell phone and ipad out on the seat when I go into a movie theater, so I wouldn’t leave other expensive electronics in plain sight either.
3. Perception - I don’t want to advertise that I am prone to speeding. If I get pulled over I’m sure an officer will be less prejudicial if I don’t have a black box that is designed to evade him suction cupped to my windshield.
The following users liked this post:
BDoggPrelude (02-24-2014)
02-24-2014, 11:16 AM
#12
Senior Moderator
FWIW, I got away with a warning at night for 7 over even with my V1 going crazy as the LEO was talking to me. He even threw in the standard lecture about not relying on detectors to cover your ass. I will admit that it was a 70 mph day/65 mph night limit, but I think it depends a lot more on 1) your speed and 2) your respect that will determine if you get off the hook or not.
02-24-2014, 01:46 PM
#14
Drifting
Thanks for the question Dan. I can only speak for myself here. There are a few reasons I like the stealth install.
1. Aesthetics - I like clean lines and despise clutter. Unless I or my passenger is currently drinking a beverage, I keep the cup holder door shut on my RL. I would never put a sticker or witty license plate frame on my car; in fact I de-badged it the first weekend I got it.
2. Security - I don't want to tempt anyone to do a smash and grab on my car. I don’t leave my cell phone and ipad out on the seat when I go into a movie theater, so I wouldn’t leave other expensive electronics in plain sight either.
3. Perception - I don’t want to advertise that I am prone to speeding. If I get pulled over I’m sure an officer will be less prejudicial if I don’t have a black box that is designed to evade him suction cupped to my windshield.
1. Aesthetics - I like clean lines and despise clutter. Unless I or my passenger is currently drinking a beverage, I keep the cup holder door shut on my RL. I would never put a sticker or witty license plate frame on my car; in fact I de-badged it the first weekend I got it.
2. Security - I don't want to tempt anyone to do a smash and grab on my car. I don’t leave my cell phone and ipad out on the seat when I go into a movie theater, so I wouldn’t leave other expensive electronics in plain sight either.
3. Perception - I don’t want to advertise that I am prone to speeding. If I get pulled over I’m sure an officer will be less prejudicial if I don’t have a black box that is designed to evade him suction cupped to my windshield.
All the same reasons here. FWIW, I got away with a warning at night for 7 over even with my V1 going crazy as the LEO was talking to me. He even threw in the standard lecture about not relying on detectors to cover your ass. I will admit that it was a 70 mph day/65 mph night limit, but I think it depends a lot more on 1) your speed and 2) your respect that will determine if you get off the hook or not.
02-24-2014, 02:04 PM
#15
Senior Moderator
I'm 1/4 on warnings. 7, 16, 18, & 21 over. 
I bet he wouldn't have pulled me over if I hadn't tapped the brakes when he flipped on his radar.
I bet he wouldn't have pulled me over if I hadn't tapped the brakes when he flipped on his radar.
02-24-2014, 05:46 PM
#16
Drifting
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
chrisr
5G TLX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
4
12-04-2015 02:17 AM
sockr1
Car Parts for Sale
22
10-01-2015 01:31 AM