One of the cool things about Whistler radar detectors is that several of them come standard with a hardwire kit. Most of the other radar detector makers have optional hardwire kits along with other radar detector accessories, but getting one in the box with the detector is always a nice addition. Being able to do a custom installation and hide the power cord is a popular option for many people. So having the kit come with the radar detector just further illustrates Whistler's commitment to its customers.
Hardwiring a radar detector can be a bit confusing though, so thanks to Bryan and all the other fine folks at Whistler we have been given permission to repost the instructions:
"One end of the power cord plugs directly into the detector. Two connectors are located on the other end, the "horseshoe" or "U" connector (ground "-") and a "blade" connector (positive "+").
Attach the "U" ground connector to chassis ground of the vehicle. This will be a metal area that makes contact with the metal of the vehicle. To make the detector go on/off with the key, attach the positive wire in one of the following methods:
1: Locate an optional plug-in connector in the fuse box. Generally this connector is marked with "IGN" or "ACC". Simply plug the spade connector into this jack. If no plug-ins are available on fuse box, go to option 2.
2: Select a circuit in the fuse box that has power to it only when the key is on (i.e., radio fuse). Remove the fuse selected. Cut the spade connector off the positive wire and strip back the wire about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. Wrap the wire around one of the fuse's metal tabs and replace back in fuse box.
To make the detector stay on all the time, (manually turning it off), attach the positive wire in one of the following methods:
1: Locate an optional plug-in connector in the fuse box. Generally this connector is marked with "BAT". Simply plug the spade connector into this jack. If no plug-ins are available on fuse box, go to option 2.
2: Select a circuit in the fuse box that has power to it all the time (i.e., dome light fuse). Remove the fuse selected. Cut the spade connector off the positive wire and strip back the wire about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. Wrap the wire around one of the fuse's metal tabs and replace back in fuse box."
Thanks again to everyone over at Whistler for letting us post this on our radar detector blog!
