Coolieman1220

please please send or post pics! not a bad way to run the wire. the headliner method sucks because when your radar isn't up, the wire is dangling so i wouldn't mind trying this! the Q5 has short windshield and the mirror comes low so i always found beneath the mirror wasn't a spot i'd like. i always up it right above my mirror to the left of it. this is a good spot because it hides behind the tint strip (in most cars) thats when i realized the Q5 does not have a tint strip. weird

CrownSeven

First thing you'll need to do is get the tool kit out of the car, and grab the screwdriver, with the insert for Torx screws.

Next pop open the Sunglass Holder in the dome light assembly, and look straight up into it, you'll see Torx screw. Undo that one screw and the whole assembly will drop down. (Reference the manual for more info).

Now for the pics.

This is a pic of the connector I chose to run for ground (brown wire). Its the connector that is just to the left of the sunroof motor. Really you can use just about any ground wire you want, I chose this one because it was beefier than the others.




This next pic shows the entire dome light assembly, and the plug that I used to connect the 'hot wire' to. This was the only wire I could find that was 'hot' only when the ignition was on.



The color of the wire isn't too clear here but its the grey one with a blue stripe.



Final pic showing where I placed the V1 for now.



If you want to verify you have the correct wires, a good digital multimeter will help.

We'll see if the CAN-BUS system complains of the additional power draw for that 'connector', so far it has not which is good news. If things change, I'll let you know.

Oh, and if you wish to follow these pics in your install, you do so at your own risk.

Coolieman1220

there was enough room the V1 hardwire adapter to fit in there? i always thought it would be tight! definitely will look into this as an option! Thanks!

CrownSeven

Yup plenty of room.

Sam05

you all are much more ambitious than me. I'm not a do-it-your-self person in this regard. Rather, I'm trying to decide between products like Escort and K40, installed by a professional.

Coolieman1220

i hear K40's arn't that great. Escort Ci is nice but both are installed systems that cost and arm & a leg.

V1 is amazing, its small it works and does what its supposed to real well. the arrows make it the best!

CrownSeven

+1

I believe they have a patent on the arrows which is why you don't see any other radar with them. And they definitely help. The inventor of the V1 actually came from the Escort company.

I don't know how many times my V1 has saved my bacon - has paid for itself many times over.

Its too bad they don't budge on price - its always been 400 bucks , never any cheaper. Nice thing is if they ever come out with upgrades you can send in V1 to be refurbished with the updated hardware.

This mod is fairly easy to do - don't be afraid to try it. If you we're in my neck of the woods I'd give you a hand.

Sam05

Thanks for the info and offers of help. I looked into the V1 and it seems like an excellent device. I understand why people love it, and the arrow indictors look really cool. My concerns with it include that I can’t custom install it into the dash like I can with the Escort. I live in Western Massachusetts, along the I-91 corridor, and often travel to Connecticut. There, I understand, police can stop you if they see a radar detector on the dash or rear view and they can confiscate the device! Also, the V1 does not appear to have a “deflector” whereby those quick acting laser guns that are more and more in use in my area get foiled. The downside of the Escort is clearly the price, about 2K installed.

Coolieman1220

i do not believe that to be true. connecticut has some interesting radar laws. i believe they can't have radar in cars, only by gun. Massachusetts has lots of troopers on their roads. their may be a law stating that its a distraction because its on the glass but they can't confiscate an RD. they are only illegal in Washington DC & Virginia and even there i don't believe they confiscate them, just a fine. besides if your radar is hard wired, a cop cannot see it unless he really looks for it.

Laser is not quick acting, its instant. the only thing to help you from radar is a jammer. once you hear laser go off, consider your speed read. although laser does have many falses.

Poncherelly

Now I've never owned one so have never been caught with one but from what my friend tells me that here in Ontario Canada they are illegal and if caught with the nice police folk with trade you your unit for a piece of paper that is redemable at the court house at a cost.

Now if the unit is integrated in to your car ... I don't know what they would do ... probably give you 24 hours to remove it or get another ticket until you do. I'll ask one of my other buddies who's a cop.