I'm sorry if this was answered before but I can't find any information: can I tap into the power from the digital clock on the ceiling?

BTW, how do you remove that clock cover?

Cheers,
Ray

 

You have a Gen1 car correct?

 

Yes, 2003 MCS...

 

I cannot remember a clock on the headliner with my R53, perhaps it was an option. If the clock is in with the sunroof control I am thinking it has small plastic tabs that push in place. Should be able to pry out with a soft too.

 

But is the clock wiring enough to power the Valentine 1 detector?

 

Yes. V1 doesn't draw that much power.

 

I tapped mine off a fuse in the fuse box on the left kick panel area using a piggy-back fuse block then ran the wires up the post, under the headliner, and down the front of the mirror. Works like a champ.

 

So did you do that because the clock wires can't support the Valentine 1?

 

I'm sure the OEM wiring will support the V1, I just don't like splicing. I cringed when I had to splice into the wiring for my steering wheel stereo control module. Just a pet peeve of mine, and I'm OCD.

 

Just looking at the idea of running my V1 from the fuse panel as well, what did you do for the grounding wire, not much there for selection. A pic or description would be great, I had it all wired but couldnt find a suitable ground for the piggy back and what fuse did you piggy off of?

thanks

 

use a tap on the dome light power

 

I used those vampire taps: Red/green is the power and grey/brown is the ground...

 

Thanks, I would still rather go at it from the fuse panel as I am a bit more comfortable than splicing wires, I just had foot surgery so I have a couple weeks(5-6) yet to mull it over before my way better half allows me to get back to the garage����. Not much room to work but I guess that goes with the overall footprint. Fun to drive so far!

 

I would never splice a harness, I use either vampire tap (ok) or a posi-tap (best)

 

+1

That's what I use. When I open my door my RD powers up, and when I lock the car, it powers down when the dome light goes off.