Hey guys,

I wasn't sure if this was the right place for this thread but if it isn't just let me know.

I just bought a Escort Passport X50 and I'm wondering where the ideal location for it is...right now I've got it right above the dash in the middle of the windshield. It's got a clear view of the road pretty much but I'm wondering if I should try and tuck it up under the rearview mirror somehow.

What do you all think?

Thanks,

Fink

 

I have mine right underneath my rearview mirror. I think the higher up you can get it, the better range and protection you get. Also, it makes it easy to run the hardwire behind the mirror and through the roof. Very clean.

 

I have mine mounted directly below the rear view mirror. Note that I have the hardwire kit that runs up into the headliner, then down the a-pillar. It works *really* well for me.

Excuse the dark pics.

 

I guess I should consider getting the hardwire kit then...how hard is it to run all the wires and stuff? I've never done anything like that on the 3rd gen so I'll be new to it.

Also, do you guys leave the detector mounted to the windshield for the most part or do you take it off when leaving the car?

Thanks guys!

More pics, preferable of those of you who do NOT have the hardwire kit would be much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Fink

 

Bob has a writeup on hardwiring his V1, though personally I'm not much a fan of how it's done. For me, I found it easier to go up the A-Pillar and down behind the mirror. I ended up with a temporary solution and hooked the wires into my radio bundle. Eventually, I'll add a fuse box and do it right, but it works for now.

I leave mine on the windshield unless I'm in a shady part of town.

 

I take mine down when it gets hot out because i think my buddys x50 got messed up one hot summers day and wouldnt work right.

 

if my dad lets me steal his X50 its going below the review mirror...

 

OK...I guess I'll look into the hardwire kit...until then I'll just leave the coil cord hooked up and move it under the rear view mirror.

I guess my question earlier should be rephrased, is it OK to leave it in the heat all day while I'm at class (other than the obvious theft concerns)?

Thanks guys!

So are you all happy with your X50's so far? Also, how does the upgrade/update thing work with these? I know the V1 you can send in and pay some cash to get it updated but what about the Passports?

Thanks for the help once again,

I'm diggin this new homepage setup too!

Fink

 

You can't upgrade the Passports, as far as I know. I have my X50 in the middle of the dash, and I also did a custom hardwire that I put into a dead panel to the left of the steering wheel. I guess there are some write-ups out there....(try google). I ran the wire down the defrost vent holes, and out behind the vents, and down onto the wiring harness. You can wire them in with the stereo...nothing wrong with that, and it is fused there. Here are some pics:





Enjoy,
Brett

 

The only problem Ive had with leaving it up in the heat is that sometimes the suction cups will get too hot and one or both loose suction. Its usually just one, but its a pain to come back to your car and see your radar hanging by one side. Worst case scenario is that it falls completely off the windshield and pulls the wiring out with it (if you run it along the roof like Gapguy and I.) When that happens, you get to spend another 5 or 10 minutes with a flat head screwdriver putting it back in when you get home.

 

bigacuralvr, did you take apart the cigarette lighter cord to get that panel in there? That's friggin sweet!

I'm about to order the hardwire kit and I will probably end up doing it like Gapguy, not sure if I will tie into the radio or not...I can't remember how I wired my headunit up, I might have tucked it all up a little too much.

If some of you guys that did the hardwire have pics of how you actually wired it that'd be awesome! I saw the pics in Bob's write-up but I can't tell which wire he tapped into.

I'm assuming any wire that has power when the ignition is on is OK to tap into.

Thanks guys,

Fink

P.S. - I picked up 2 state troopers on the way home from the gym today, it was sweet! LoL.