captcashew

All-

There are lots of radar detector threads, but I didn't see much about mounting a hardwired Escort Smartcord. Has anyone else done this and where did you put the smartcord controller? I was trying to figure out the best place to place it. I've had the whole center console out recently, so I'm not too worried about how to get it done, just where to place it. I'm thinking maybe putting it in the ashtray. That way I can pop it open and closed whenever I want it. Of course, that means I better never take up smoking. I figured that would be the least damaging of any place I could place it and still have easy access. I'd have to drill a hole in the ashtray, but that would be cheaper to replace than doing anything to the actual center console. There isn't any room by the stereo.

Also, I assume for power, you just put it in a fuse. Which fuse number are people using? I have a 1987 S4 automatic in case anyone was wondering.

Thanks!

gearz

I installed mine with two sided velcro tape (no drilling) under the pod below the ignition switch on the panel where the intensive washer switch is. The mute button is very easy to access when mounted in this location. Mounted here, you can run the wire to the detector through the gap between the pod and the dash which looks pretty good.
The hard wire Smart Cord comes with a inline fuse; you just need to find a power source and ground. I believe I used the cigarette lighter. You should be able to make the hookup by removing the driver side console cover.

captcashew

Hmm. That is a pretty good location. I hadn't thought of that. I sort of like the idea of it being at the ash tray since my right hand will normally sit about there so I can hit the mute button fairly quickly without fumbling around though. But that does sound easier. I'll have to think about that.

Yeah, I considered the cigarette lighter. That would be easy too. But then part of me was thinking I might need the lighter for powering something sometime. Not really sure what since the main things I'd be powering are my cell phone (if it needs a charge) or the detector, which obviously wouldn't need another power source after this is done. But my stereo also has a USB jack. I should test if that can be used to charge my phone as well. Normally I just use the phone via bluetooth. If it does, then I wouldn't really need the lighter as a power source. But I don't think it can be used to charge devices.

I do already have the inline fuse part, so it won't be hard for me to add it to the fuse box. I just need to know which fuse would work best to piggy back on.

Thanks for the reply! I could always do the under the pod with velcro option first and then change later. One nice thing about getting my 928, now I have all sorts of tools and materials I didn't before. I never had velcro on hand before. Now I have like 10 feet of industrial strength stuff!

gearz

The cigarette lighter has its own 25amp circuit so it is a good choice for a power source. The lighter socket would still remain functional so you can use it for a power source for other needs.

catamount

The problem with mounting it in the ashtray is you will take your eyes off the road significantly to look at it. Under the Pod is a similar story. This is way I decided to stay with a regular cord and windshield mount. I have my unit mounted just under my rearview mirror. It's easy for me to see safely, maintains excellent vision for the antennas and to cars behind me, the display will look like one of the displays on the mirror that give temp, compass direction.

captcashew

Yeah, that is actually part of the reason I was thinking ash tray. My hand is right there anyway and if want to hit the mute, I'd do it just by touch. The detector is just to the right of my rearview mirror and I'd still look at it for display info. I've had trouble finding the buttons on the actual unit since I mount mine so high. But all I really use is the mute button anyway. If I want to adjust the volume, I'll normally do that when I'm not moving.

Thanks, Gearz. I was actually just in there and did all the wire stringing. Now just need to decide how to tackle the connection. Sorry, I must have misunderstood that you were disconnecting the lighter, not just hooking into it. I saw the clip for the power. But what about the ground? If I remember correctly, the lighter has an alligator clip for the ground but the ground for the smartcord looks like it is for screw in. Or maybe the ground clip on the lighter end is screwed in.

And I guess it would be a good idea to see if my lighter even works. Never actually tried it...