Power for camera and/or radar detector

[HBcorsair]

There was a discussion a few days ago about fuses & grabbing power for devices. NJRonbo floated the idea of getting 12v power at the rear view mirror but I hadn’t seen any success stories about tying in there for accessory or constant hot. Can anyone share?
Since I’m abandoning the addition of the perimeter alarm to my GT, I planning on going with a front/rear camera setup to hopefully keep the honest people hones.

 

[NJRonbo]

This thread may be relevant to the Corsair

Rearview mirror wiring?

I've a 2020 Aviator Black Label, with what I've always sworn is an auto-dimming mirror. I'm looking to tap its wiring for a mirror-mounted radar detector. However, there's no plug on the dang thing. So either I'm wrong (and searches for OEM parts all turn up a "w/o electrochroamatic" model, so th...

blueovalforums.com

If this is applicable to the Corsair, it looks easy, though I personally don't have confidence enough to do the job and would wait for someone here to try it and post more precise instructions first.

In the meantime, I am waiting for the delivery of a new cord and lighter plug from Valentine1. I am then going to do what HeywardJR did and tuck the cord into the trim to the cigarette lighter plug in the cubby hole with the drawer. Of course, that means I can't drive with that drawer closed and enjoy the projected logo onto it.

It's just a really bad situation with the fuse box, its location, and its inability to access it.

 

[HBcorsair]

Thanks NJRonbo, right after I get my taxes done I’ll be on it!

 

[NJRonbo]

If anyone figures out how to wire this to the mirror, this mount may be a great addition to the install

BlendMount Radar Detector Mounts Custom Aluminum Mounts

Shop BlendMount and MirrorTap, America's leading Patented Aluminum Rearview Mirror Mount Brand. Designed and Manufactured in the USA.

blendmount.com

Coming from the Lexus forum (as I continue to read it), owners there are suggesting powering from the OBD port. Where is that located and is that feasible?

EDIT: Just checked. Valentin1 Gen 1 cannot be plugged into the OBD port, presumably. Other brands might.

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[heywardjr]

My ThinkWare Dashcam does plug into the ODBII port for power which I loved. Got it from the Lincoln accessories site and it does a great job. I'm looking at ODBII port options for my radar detector as well. That would the the cleanest install.

 

[NJRonbo]

My ThinkWare Dashcam does plug into the ODBII port for power which I loved. Got it from the Lincoln accessories site and it does a great job. I'm looking at ODBII port options for my radar detector as well. That would the the cleanest install.

That would absolutely be your best option. I have the first version of Valentine1 and that does not use an ODBII port. However, there is now a Gen2 that does and I am thinking of upgrading at some point so I will be looking forward to just plugging it in there.

 

[HBcorsair]

My ThinkWare Dashcam does plug into the ODBII port for power which I loved. Got it from the Lincoln accessories site and it does a great job. I'm looking at ODBII port options for my radar detector as well. That would the the cleanest install.

Are you using the “parking mode” feature with your thinkware camera?
Since it didn’t look like adding the perimeter plus option to the GT’s alarm was going to work, I decided I’d opt for camera type security. I’ve got the thinkware camera & a standalone blackvue battery - now just wrestling with how best to go about it.

 

[heywardjr]

I did set up the parking mode so it picks up any activity front or back. That is why I have a battery trickle charger connected to the 12 volt battery located under the spare tire in the rear. I plug that trickle charger most times when I know the car will sit for more than a day or two. It's become a habit now to plug that in at the same time I plug in the high voltage battery charger. I am looking into adding the alarm system to the vehicle. It was one option I neglected to choose. Last time I looked, the alarm system option is on backorder right now. By the way, I solved the power cord issue. I found a Garmin ODBII connector that has the ODB port on one end and three wires on the other end (Black for Ground, Red for 12 volt power and Yellow for ???. I just hooked the red and black up to the radar detector power cord and I am all set! Genius!! I also found another ODBII plug that has two USB-A plugs on the end so if I wanted to power something that uses USB I am all set. I have a ODBII port splitter that allows multiple ODBII connectors! Very clean installation. No risk of loose wires and connections. It all hides up under the left side panel of the dashboard near left leg. I am a happy camper. Man do I love the car. It has to be the best one I have ever purchased. No doubt about that.

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[NJRonbo]

I did set up the parking mode so it picks up any activity front or back. That is why I have a battery trickle charger connected to the 12 volt battery located under the spare tire in the rear. I plug that trickle charger most times when I know the car will sit for more than a day or two. It's become a habit now to plug that in at the same time I plug in the high voltage battery charger. I am looking into adding the alarm system to the vehicle. It was one option I neglected to choose. Last time I looked, the alarm system option is on backorder right now. By the way, I solved the power cord issue. I found a Garmin ODBII connector that has the ODB port on one end and three wires on the other end (Black for Ground, Red for 12 volt power and Yellow for ???. I just hooked the red and black up to the radar detector power cord and I am all set! Genius!! I also found another ODBII plug that has two USB-A plugs on the end so if I wanted to power something that uses USB I am all set. I have a ODBII port splitter that allows multiple ODBII connectors! Very clean installation. No risk of loose wires and connections. It all hides up under the left side panel of the dashboard near left leg. I am a happy camper. Man do I love the car. It has to be the best one I have ever purchased. No doubt about that.

I don't know if my Valentine1 (Gen 1) supports an ODBII connection, but I like what you did with yours, Heyward.

Eventually, I am going to buy their Gen 2 radar detector which has an ODBII connection.

Anyhow, I just wanted to pop in and say I'm happy to hear you got the connection you wanted, and even more than that, I had a smile on my face when I read your remarks about how much you love your vehicle.

 

[HBcorsair]

That trickle charger makes sense with the “parking mode”. I may end up going that route but want to see what trouble I can get myself into with the standalone battery setup to the cameras.
Side note - I added that perimeter plus to my truck & found that any additional noises within the cab would trigger the sensors. Didn’t take much either. With all the “ghost in the machine“ type sounds that the GT makes just sitting there & fact that none of the Lincoln dealers around me would do it - I passed for now.

 

[heywardjr]

Thanks. Yeah, I normally customize my cars a lot. This one has so many neat things about it I'm just adding make sense stuff. There isn't a day goes by that I don't adore the art of the car, the build quality is incredible, and I notice new things every day that really impress me. Yeah, this car is a keeper for sure. It's perfect for me at this stage of my life.

When I had purchased my 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin (which was made at the same factory as our Corsairs), I wrote Bill Ford (CEO) to tell him how impressed I was with the Sport Trac. I also told him I bought it so that I could take my Greyhound from Virginia to Ohio State University every 2 weeks for chemotherapy. She had to have one of her legs amputated the exact same day I took delivery of that truck. So, that vehicle had very special meaning for me. Believe it or not, William Clay (Bill) Ford wrote me back directly and told me he would be visiting the plant soon and would share with the workers how pleased I was. Well, a few weeks ago I wrote him an email telling him that I had sold the Sport Trac and replaced it with the Corsair and loved it. I also told him I was super impressed with where Ford was going and would be buying more shares of Ford stock. He wrote me back within days and he remembered my letter about the Sport Trac! (Probably his secretary helped him recall me...who really knows). I was impressed that he cared enough to write a personal note back to me. I friend of mine is a retired Ford Executive Assistant to the CEO and Board of Directors. She gave me his direct email (which she shared the Assistants watch and handle emails for the execs. She shared that the email I got was direct and not written by the Assistants.) Thought you'd appreciate the story. It personalizes the company a bit.

 

[HBcorsair]

That’s a good story & thanks for sharing - it‘s funny sometimes the lengths that we will go to for our four legged buddies; hence the ‘man’s best friend‘ moniker. Mine is laying at my feet right now until treat time & off to bed.

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[Pizano]

This thread may be relevant to the Corsair

Rearview mirror wiring?

I've a 2020 Aviator Black Label, with what I've always sworn is an auto-dimming mirror. I'm looking to tap its wiring for a mirror-mounted radar detector. However, there's no plug on the dang thing. So either I'm wrong (and searches for OEM parts all turn up a "w/o electrochroamatic" model, so th...

blueovalforums.com

If this is applicable to the Corsair, it looks easy, though I personally don't have confidence enough to do the job and would wait for someone here to try it and post more precise instructions first.

In the meantime, I am waiting for the delivery of a new cord and lighter plug from Valentine1. I am then going to do what HeywardJR did and tuck the cord into the trim to the cigarette lighter plug in the cubby hole with the drawer. Of course, that means I can't drive with that drawer closed and enjoy the projected logo onto it.

It's just a really bad situation with the fuse box, its location, and its inability to access it.

For whatever it's worth, I'm using the cigarette lighter plug to power a dash cam and routed the cord to enter the cubby hole at the very back which is allowing the lid to close almost all of the way and stay closed. At first this particular power source seemed to be hot all the time and not suitable for use with anything that might eventually drain the 12 volt battery. But then I discovered that it has a delay that powers off after a certain length of time. A nice touch.

 

[bigblue2007]

My ThinkWare Dashcam does plug into the ODBII port for power which I loved. Got it from the Lincoln accessories site and it does a great job. I'm looking at ODBII port options for my radar detector as well. That would the the cleanest install.

The say you shouldn’t plug anything into the OBD port long term. It can cause issues with the cars computer system.

 

[Sharbotcom]

Here is an attempt at detailing how to tap into your day/night mirror power source to install a dashcam or radar detector.

First, pull off the housing cover for the electronics associated with the interior mirror. Put a thumb underneath a corner and pull down. There are 4 snaps that hold it up.

Do the same on the other side and it will pop loose.

Once it drops, pull it free and the wiring is exposed.

Now, unplug the mirror wiring connector. There is a catch towards the back right side. Press the catch and pull the connector out toward the windshield. This will give you easier access to install your wire taps.

Using tap snaps (the ones I use were a bit on the large size, but they work) and tap into the black (negative) and white (positive) connecting your 12volt to 5volt transformer. Slide the mirror connector back into place (make sure it snaps back in).

You can tuck the transformer in underneath the edge of the headliner. Snap the cover back into place and plug your dashcam/radar detector in.

The power is supplied to the device when the ignition is on.

Works like a charm.

I did the same a few years ago to my wife's Edge and my 5 series BMW.

Enjoy!

 

[heywardjr]

Here is an attempt at detailing how to tap into your day/night mirror power source to install a dashcam or radar detector.

First, pull off the housing cover for the electronics associated with the interior mirror. Put a thumb underneath a corner and pull down. There are 4 snaps that hold it up.
View attachment 13272
Do the same on the other side and it will pop loose.
View attachment 13273
Once it drops, pull it free and the wiring is exposed.
View attachment 13274
Now, unplug the mirror wiring connector. There is a catch towards the back right side. Press the catch and pull the connector out toward the windshield. This will give you easier access to install your wire taps.
View attachment 13275
Using tap snaps (the ones I use were a bit on the large size, but they work) and tap into the black (negative) and white (positive) connecting your 12volt to 5volt transformer. Slide the mirror connector back into place (make sure it snaps back in).
View attachment 13276
You can tuck the transformer in underneath the edge of the headliner. Snap the cover back into place and plug your dashcam/radar detector in.
View attachment 13277
The power is supplied to the device when the ignition is on.

Works like a charm.

I did the same a few years ago to my wife's Edge and my 5 series BMW.

Enjoy!

Thanks. Very nice pictures and write up. Appreciate that a lot.

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[NJRonbo]

This is absolutely great! I just need to get the "balls" to actually try this.

Though I am somewhat electronically "savvy" this is new territory for me.

So, I have a Valentine 1.

As far as the transformer is concerned I wonder if this is the same thing

Direct-Wire Power Adapter | Valentine Radar Detector Products

Same Adapter included with the V1 and V1 Gen2; for permanent installation, draws power directly from vehicle electrical system instead of lighter socket.

store.valentine1.com

Also, any recommendations on smaller tap snaps? Have never used those before.

 

[Sharbotcom]

This is absolutely great! I just need to get the "balls" to actually try this.

Though I am somewhat electronically "savvy" this is new territory for me.

So, I have a Valentine 1.

As far as the transformer is concerned I wonder if this is the same thing

Direct-Wire Power Adapter | Valentine Radar Detector Products

Same Adapter included with the V1 and V1 Gen2; for permanent installation, draws power directly from vehicle electrical system instead of lighter socket.

store.valentine1.com

Also, any recommendations on smaller tap snaps? Have never used those before.

I can't say if it is the right adapter but there is lots of room up there for it.

As far the the snap tap connectors go, I'd check Pep Boys or a similar place.


Don't be intimidated by it. It really is an easy install....much easier than my previous ride.

 

[smb5627]

I can't say if it is the right adapter but there is lots of room up there for it.

As far the the snap tap connectors go, I'd check Pep Boys or a similar place.


Don't be intimidated by it. It really is an easy install....much easier than my previous ride.

I’m assuming you are using the transformer for a camera? My radar detector is 12 volt and I guess I can plug straight in? Thanks, great pics!

 

[Sharbotcom]

I’m assuming you are using the transformer for a camera? My radar detector is 12 volt and I guess I can plug straight in? Thanks, great pics!

You are right! If your radar detector is 12 volt then tap directly -no need for the 5 volt step-down transformer.

Post pics when you have it installed.