I feel like when I was trying to teach my kids how to drive a standard, and they're saying "I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't do it"!
where are you going to wire ground at?
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12v wire tap for Radar Detector
- Thread starter surfrasch
- Start date
where are you going to wire ground at?
Well thanks for the encouragement guys, but I went back and worked on it another 20 min and I can’t contort my hand enough to get close to that outlet, much less put a plug in my hand to press into it. Also, from pulling these panels on and off a few times, I’ve most definitely damaged some of the pop in plugs holding everything together. I’m thinking this method just isn’t for me. Not sure what option 3 will be for me, need to think about it. Might work directly out of the middle console 12V outlet.
Not sure about the ground, that was the least of my problems!
Not sure about the ground, that was the least of my problems!
THX723
Member
Argh! Sorry to hear buddy. Too bad we’re on opposite ends of the country or I’d offer to do this for ya.
THX723
Member
yeah, same question here. i saw a few of the options on the youtube videos, but i also saw a few people saying they had issues with using those (specifically someone mentioning a "sizzle" when unscrewing one of the bolts)...
Ha thanks! I’m running an R3 but I see Escort sells a 12’ power cord for the 12V plug....I may just run a long ass line from the console and hide it best I can. Appreciate all the advice, still can’t figure out how you guys are snaking your hands in there!
THX723
Member
The circuit path is live, so electrical arcing (the 'sizzle') is expected upon disconnection. Ideally should have the entire system shut down, but there's not an easy way to do so that I'm aware of; shutoff via Safety & Security menu won't cut it.
so it's still safe to use those bolts as ground then? obviously i don't want to fry anything on my $60k car...i've done my own car electronics installs before, but never on a car this expensive and advanced technologically. i had thought about going to the 12v adapter like the videos i've seen on youtube, but i'd rather not take basically the entire console apart if i can avoid it.
Correction I used Posi-Taps (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMC5DII/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Specifically the blue one for the blue wire in the footwell as described in the videos. Grounded it on the bolt nearby.
Wiring my father's Model 3 this weekend when he takes delivery. Lucky him, mine was the guinea pig.
If you're referring to the mirror for constant power, I used the Posi-Taps (link above, 2 red ones). Wired it for my Blackvue 900 2CH. I've only tested the wires briefly as the cam is not set up full-time due to getting windows recently tinted.
so i guess radar detector would not be good for to tap the mirror as its always on, if i'm reading this correctly
Hey success!.....I ended up using a T-Tap into the blue wire identified in method 2 video. The blue wire in my car was deeply buried within the wire run, I was actually really nervous trying to pull it out and didn't think I could even get a clamp multimeter around it.....but did in the end. Was able to verify it was the right wire by charging my iPod in the 12V plug....after that, rest was easy.
Again, I've easily tapped into a 12V wire or fuse in every car I've owned since 1985.....this one was not a no-brainer........
good luck all!
Again, I've easily tapped into a 12V wire or fuse in every car I've owned since 1985.....this one was not a no-brainer........
good luck all!
I'm having my V1 hardwired soon. Would love to know if the mirror is/isn't a go for a source to use.
As a reference, I talked to the guy at Blendmount, asked about the Mirror Tap product they sell, here:
BlendMount Radar Detector Mount | MirrorTap Power Cords
I asked if any been returned because they didn't work. His answer was, "Well, we've sold a bunch of them. I think only 1 has come back. But we haven't had anyone tell us either way".
So they're selling a product that they think works, not that they know works.
As a reference, I talked to the guy at Blendmount, asked about the Mirror Tap product they sell, here:
BlendMount Radar Detector Mount | MirrorTap Power Cords
I asked if any been returned because they didn't work. His answer was, "Well, we've sold a bunch of them. I think only 1 has come back. But we haven't had anyone tell us either way".
So they're selling a product that they think works, not that they know works.
This is the way I was hoping to go. Tap into the two lights or into the rear view mirror.
I'm getting my V1 w/Blendmount hardwired next week. Here's what my guy wrote, when I asked him about it:
"Yes I've been in all Teslas. I'm actually one of the first to do anything aftermarket 12v wise in a Tesla. You can actually search my name on the owners forum.
"I grab switched power at the power port in the back if it's there. If not there is another power location in the passenger kick I can grab."
I'll post pics and details next week.
"Yes I've been in all Teslas. I'm actually one of the first to do anything aftermarket 12v wise in a Tesla. You can actually search my name on the owners forum.
"I grab switched power at the power port in the back if it's there. If not there is another power location in the passenger kick I can grab."
I'll post pics and details next week.
so the guy is going to try to tap in mirror power after all? just want to make sure I understand.
I think so. Will post once work is done. According to him, it's a routine install -- 2 hours max.
