I just installed my old faithful Valentine 1 radar using the Blendmount PN: BV1-2114 mount and MirrorTap power connection. I decided to go this route as I want to keep my XKR-S as stock as possible and this setup is easily removed without leaving a trace. I know there are better hardwired detectors out there but I also don't want an installer tearing my car apart to run wires and mount modules etc. The V1 has always served me well and saved my butt a bunch of times. The install was very straightforward - it only took about 10mins to complete after I knew what I wanted to do. The MirrorTap was also a snap to connect. The 2 wires matched my mirror hardness so took all the guess work out of it. Here's a few pics.

 

Hmmmm - MirrorTap looks interesting. But why does it need an 8-foot cable (that's the HT-1096 which they recommend)? Presumably the cable goes into the mirror electronics, which are only a few inches from where I'd mount the V1.

I think I'd probably stick with the suction mount, which I position above the mirror to give the greatest range and make the V1 less obvious.

 

Ngarara- its 8 inches not 8 ft. And that is the total length. Most of the cable is hidden inside the mirror plastics so only about 3.5 inches are exposed.

 

The HardTap HT-1096, which is what their website recommends for the XK, is "8' Long" - and judging from the picture, that really is 8 ft. I'm guessing you used one of the other ones.

 

I may just do this myself as the 2500 for a K40 that I don't need all the time seems a bit pricey. I also don't want the installer tearing up my car, as they always break something else in the process.

 

So how exactly does it plug in? Does it just fit between the current plugs?

 

Correct. You are referring to the hardwire kit. I went with the MirrorTap power cord which is basically plug & play.

 

You just push the two pins into the corresponding connector. Here's a pic from MirrorTap's site. Our Jags have a slightly different setup. Refer to my earlier pics for what the connector looks like. You cant see any of the wires once you put everything back together so its a very clean install.

 

Also times the $ by however many other cars you drive... I can pull the V1 in 5 seconds and plug it into the JCW or Evoque and have the same protection.

 

Yeah, but which one? There are a load of different MirrorTaps, and I can't use their 'selector' because it just points to the hardwire kit.

 

I believe I used the MT-1009 but any of the MT-1000 Series will work. It may be better to go with a longer version to provide greater flexibility when routing the cable. Any excess can be hidden in the plastic casing behind the mirror mount.

 

I think this is the way I'm going and ordering today. I can't justify 2500 if I can mount the detector right under the mirror, get better protection and upgrade whenever I want.

 

Jeez, for $2500 I'd expect carbon-fibre everything, with gold fittings! Maybe a laser cannon as well.

 

Thank you for the review, I just ordered the exact same parts and an new V1. Should be here tomorrow!

 

My point exactly and with the luck I've had with installers, they will break something else and when it doesn't work I have to go back to them.

 

Don't buy this one its 8 feet long and not the mirror tap. I just made that mistake, just get the mirror tap that works with your detector.

 

Can you please tell me which MirriorTap you ordered?

 

I just bought this one:

https://www.cobra.com/products/cobra-iradar/s120r

Totally stealth, feeds all info through your phone (which I already have installed in my former ashtray) and totally DIY install. For $300 I figured I could try it.

 

I just bought the V1 and have it mounted but need the mirrortap and I accidently ordered the power tap.

Let me know how that works looks interesting and stealth which I like.

 

MaximA,


I recommend going with either MT-1012 or better yet the MT-1015. These will give you more options when routing/hiding the cord. Let me know if you need further assistance.

Good luck!


Hamish.