Has anyone here set up their radar detector, preferably a Valentine or Passport, to run without having it plugged into the lighter? Over at Bimmerfest, guys have done it with their BMWs so I am guessing that some of you have done it with your Minis.

If so, how did you do it? What materials did you need, what problems did you encounter, etc.? Thanks in advance.

 

There's a whole thread right here about that very thing:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ew-mirror.html

 

With as many topics I've read I can't believe that I missed that one. Thank you very much. I've got more reading to do.

 

Works like a champ. I ended up purchasing an extra V1 Cable from Ebay in case I had to go to a loaner car or to a rental while on travel. I used the block and cord by the mirror and now have the cig plug and cord for other cars should I need them.

 

You're very welcome. I'm glad I could help. I know that thread helped me a ton when I decided to do it myself. I am SO happy I did it too; really so much more convenient. I haven't taken my V1 out since I hardwired it; you really have to be looking for it from the outside to see it. And now that I have a 26 mile roundtrip commute with all but 3 miles of it on the interstate, I can drive with more situational awareness.

 

. First thing I did when I got the MINI home and parked in my garage.

 

Hmm. I do see that you posted this in the Clubman forum. Is it different for the Clubman? I don't remember.

 

I have to admit that I cannot tell you if the Clubman and the coupe have the same setup. I'll pay attention when I check the Mini site.

 

Has anyone done a more stealth install? Radar detectors are illegal here and that setup would likely be noticed by the cops.

 

Hmmm. Well, you're going to need to put the detector somewhere where it can pick up the radar signals coming in, so the unit itself will have to be somewhere it can pick that up. I think if you went with a remote display, such as the one described below for the V1, you would be a lot less likely to be noticed by cops.
A big step toward privacy …

Tired of other drivers crowding up behind so they can live off your detector warnings? Or maybe you just prefer to keep a low profile. Here's a remote display that partners with V1, moving all the visual warnings to a location of your choosing while V1 continues on duty in the dark mode.

The Concealed Display may be attached directly to the Lighter Adapter (see Note below). Or you may mount it anywhere using self-stick interlocking fasteners, then connect with the power cord (included) to either the Lighter Adapter or Direct-Wire Power Adapter (both included with V1).

Mute and Mode selection are controlled by the Control **** on the Display (On-Off and Volume adjustments remain on V1).

This compact module measures only 1.0-in. H x 2.5-in. W x 1.2-in. D. Satin-black finish matches V1.

Note: This "attachment" is not possible with the old single-wire Lighter Adapter used up through 1997. Replace with Adapter (Item 20319) as used on today's V1.

Includes: Concealed-display module; Power cord, 8-ft.; Power cord, 3-in.; Display-module backplate (for mounting); self-stick interlocking fasteners.

Concealed Display with band identification
Item 20110