Hard Wiring Radar Detectors

[2002-Z71]

I have a Valentine One Radar Detector, and was wondering about hard wiring it. I have seen a couple of guys on here that have theirs mounted above their rearview mirror. They say that they have them hard wired, but I am not exactly sure I know what that means. Does that mean that it is wired to existing circuitry, and not plugged into one of the cigarette lighters? If that is what "hard wiring" means, how do I do that, and are there any websites that could help me?
Thanks in advance.
Please help :confused:

[ibthumpin]

The V1 detectors come with both a cigarrete cord and a hardwiring cord (if it came with everything as new). When it is "hardwired" it just means that it is directly connected to some voltage source (be it right outta the fuse block or maybe off the cig. lighter wire behind the dash), not using the cig. adaptor. In any case, it offers a cleaner looking install. A inline fuse is provided witht he hardwire cord (there is also one in the cig lighter adapter). The V1's use a phone line type of modular connector on thier cords. The instruction booklet gives you various ways of connection.

I have mine hardwired in my main vehicle and then use the cig adaptor cord to run the detector in my other vehicles (allows me to easly switch between cars by just unplugging the cord at the detector).

You can purchase additional wiring stuff from thier website: http://www.valentineone.com/home.asp

[2002-Z71]

Thanks ibthumpin
I got the whole thing installed, but I have a problem. I evidentally hooked into the hi beam headlights. When I turn them on, the radar goes off. Does anyone know of a specific wire that I can use that turns on and off with the ignition?

[ibthumpin]

I'm not sure - havent had my truck long enough to tear into it!! I would think there are extra slots in the fuse panel (drivers side of dash). Generally, there are, and some are keyed hot and some are constant hot. You can tap into one of them maybe.

[Chevy4x4trucks]

If you have a little electrical knowledge you should be able to do this. You will need a female connector (forget size, but a hardware store should help you out) Underneath the dash on the drivers side there is a black box that looks like this.
http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000013263/1000013263_118200165848PM0.5152857.jpg
You can unscrew the plastic nut and then there are clips that hold it on. Remove the cover and inside you should see a bunch of connections.
http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000013263/1000013263_1152001111353AM0.2084925.jpg
In this picture at the upper left where the orange line goes in (Area C4) is power connections. You can plug the power connection in there w/ the female connector. Run the ground to a location of your choice. Once you have that plugged in turn on the truck and the radar detector will turn on. Just leave the radar switch in the on position and will turn on when the truck turns on and vice versa. That way you never have to worry about it. I have my CB hooked up the same way. If you need some more info email me.