Hey Guys,

I just got a new Escort 8500 x50 and would like some input as to the best mounting location. Do you just use the sticky mount / springy cord, visor clip, or permanent mount with hardwire connection.

I sorta "see" it mounted above the RV mirror and then hardwired. No springy cord in the way, low profile, and should shoot ok through our little bit of Mustang windshield coating...

Any comments? (all are welcome!)

 

I used one of these mounts.

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/Conn...arDetector.htm



Mounts directly to rear view mirror stem and hangs right up against bottom of mirror. Then hardwired unit over to the fuse panel in passenger foot well. Used an add a fuse in one of the empty slots and bingo, the most factory looking application you can have for a Escort 8500, while also keeping it high in the cockpit for good signal detection.

 

^those are the ones that I see alot of people using

 

I think Bill originally turned me on to them.

 

Thanks for the fast reply...

I don't have a "smart" mirror so no center post (as I can see in yours) that might affect signal above.

I do like the OEM look that it has. Do you leave it in place all the time or do you take it in while out in the real world? (if theft a concern where you live)

Where I am, city is pretty safe and I don't forsee too much chance of theft so it may be a bit of a moot point but am still curious...

 

Double plus good for the Chotis Engineering "Countrycraft".

High quality CNC'd piece.
You will not be dissapointed.

By the way, a detector falling from loose suction cups will set off your alarm!

 

There are a number of mounts on that page. Which one did you use? the "Plain" version?

 

She's a garage queen unfortunately. But where I live I wouldn't have a problem leaving it in there. The only thing I've noticed is that with my aftermarket sound system when the 12 hits in the trunk and shakes the rear view mirror, it shakes the heck out of the radar detector too. Haven't noticed any troubles with the mirror on signal interference though. It's kept me out of trouble more than once.

 

For mine it was the 3/4" plain mount for Escort.

 

Anything for a Valentine 1?

I don't have an electronic rear view, so I can't do that mount. I will need to hardwire it into the interior lights. Is there a how to for that?

 

I believe they have one for the Valentine as well as the Bel/Escort. I too have a non electronic mirror and don't believe that it makes a difference until you go to route the cable for detector power. I'm not sure how to route it with an "under mirror" mounting and have it still look "clean"...

 

Oh, I see. With my mirror it had a thick wire coming from the mirror and I just zip-tied this wire to that wire then ran it behind the headliner over to the passenger A-pillar, removed that plastic piece and ran it behind that down to the fuse box. I think you could probably make it look clean, it'll be better than suction cups and a phone cord running down the dash.

 

I use this mount with my Bel Rx 65 - works great. I wired it into the map light harness, turns on and off automatically, off after the battery saver activates.

 

Does valentine still offer the remote "hidden" system? Has anyone installed it on an S197?

 

I have mine hard wired and mounted with a custom mount I fashioned from aluminum flat stock and bolted on using the passenger side visor clip. Sorry, I can't access my Photobucket for pics from here in Iraq!

 

That's a good idea. I already hard wired my bel to the mirror area. I have mine suction cupped to the window under the rear view mirror. But it keeps falling down..**** suction cups. I was gonna make a metal fastener and attach my radar to the dome light case above the mirror. But this may be easier. Or wait I could just zip tie mine to the mirror lol. Save some money that way.

 

That would give it a clean look...

 

Went with the one from here too........

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/Conn...arDetector.htm

 

Link is borked.

 

Fixed it...

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/Conn...arDetector.htm