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      11-25-2014, 10:55 AM   #1
BMWBig6
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Good Switched 12V circuit in the Fuse Panel for Radar Detectors, GPS, etc.

I found a good switched power source in the fuse panel behind the glove box (see this thread for instructions on releasing the glove box to access the fuse panel) to run your radar detectors, GPS devices, or other hard-wired accessories. After doing a lot of research and knowing that I only needed 2A to power my detector, I narrowed the possible candidates to the following 5A circuit:

Fuse Location 07 - Park Distance Control / HomeLink (Garage Door Opener)





This fuse is the 2nd 5A slot in the 2nd row from the top. Note that your X1, depending on year, trim, options, and maybe regional market, may have a different fuse panel layout. However, you will likely still have a HomeLink fuse slot somewhere (even if it's not in slot number 07).

I then used an Add-A-Circuit to tap into this existing power source. If your new device doesn't power up on the first try, you may need to flip your Add-A-Circuit fuse adapter 180-degrees (reverse slots).




Why did I hard-wire my Valentine 1 radar detector to the fuse panel when I could have used the "Blendmount" and "Mirror Tap" products to obtain a switched power source near the rear view mirror? Short answer: More physical space and clearance for the V1 direct-wire kit and accessories. I needed some place to hide the Valentine 1 (V1) Brown-Out Booster (BOB), which maintains power to the V1 during Auto Start/Stop cycles so the detector doesn't turn off and reboot (making lots of beeps) every time the X1 automatically shuts its engine off at a stop. The Brown-Out Booster is the same size and form factor as V1's direct-wire power adapter, and there are limited options for hiding either of these up near the mirror using a Blendmount and Mirror Tap. I also considered the Valentine 1 Savvy product that gets power from the OBDII port, but it's expensive (compared with the YaV1 Android app that has more features) and I didn't want to leave something plugged into the OBD port all the time in case I want to use it for something else one day.





For anyone wondering, I didn't have to remove any interior trim panels to hide the V1 wires going to the V1 (mounted high by the rear view mirror) or concealed display (near instrument cluster). I was able to hide the wire in the headliner, behind the rubber weather stripping down the A-pillar, and other interior trim down in the footwell.

I hope this thread helps others looking for a good switched power source in the fuse panel.
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      11-25-2014, 11:38 AM   #2
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Super nice write up with pics! Kudos. I do wish it were in the DIY section though.
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      11-25-2014, 03:08 PM   #3
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Nice write up, thanks
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      11-25-2014, 07:39 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by themishmosh View Post
Super nice write up with pics! Kudos. I do wish it were in the DIY section though.
Good point, I forgot about that sub forum. I don't mind if the moderators move this thread over there.

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Originally Posted by Gangsta D View Post
Nice write up, thanks
You're welcome!
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      11-27-2014, 07:12 AM   #5
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Here are some more pictures of how the radar detector is mounted by the rearview mirror. The cord is tucked into the edge of the headliner, then just inside the top edge of the A-pillar trim, then inside the inboard edge of the rubber molding or weather stripping around the door frame until it exits right under the glove box and into the fuse panel through a gap in the trim panels.












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      11-27-2014, 12:36 PM   #6
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Nice job. Looks very professional. And, you photos are the most!
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      11-28-2014, 06:34 AM   #7
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Thanks! The photos are from my phone, they would have been much better with a real camera.
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      12-12-2014, 02:53 PM   #8
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I thought my Brown Out Booster (BOB) was working properly (the V1 remains powered during auto-stop/starts) but it will reboot and beep every time the car auto-starts. Valentine 1 says this is not normal operation and confirmed with a BMW 3-series at their office. So I verified my wiring and tried other circuits for switched power, including fuse position 05 (empty) and 08 (accessory). I got the same results no matter which switched power source I used. Valentine 1 claims this means the voltage is dropping below the minimum threshold to keep the detector powered.

Has anyone else successfully installed a Brown Out Booster in their X1 and been able to keep their V1 powered (so it doesn't reboot and beep everytime the car restarts at stoplights and stop signs)?
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      12-15-2014, 07:53 PM   #9
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Are you on RDF? Surprised to see someone know about yav1.
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      12-16-2014, 06:42 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paradoxical3 View Post
Are you on RDF? Surprised to see someone know about yav1.
Yeah I'm on RDF too!
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      12-16-2014, 08:28 PM   #11
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Cool, you running any laser jammers? I tested every fuse in the fusebox and only found two or three ignition fuses suitable for electronics - I have so much crap running that I ran out of available fuses.
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      12-17-2014, 06:14 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paradoxical3 View Post
Cool, you running any laser jammers? I tested every fuse in the fusebox and only found two or three ignition fuses suitable for electronics - I have so much crap running that I ran out of available fuses.
No jammers yet, but am considering it!
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      05-22-2015, 09:49 PM   #13
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Good writeup! Search feature worked too!

Just picked up my new X1 M-sport this afternoon and one of the first things to do is hardwire the V1 and remote unit!!

(from the looks of your pix, my car must be a clone to yours...)
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      05-25-2015, 10:42 AM   #14
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I live in Virginia where detectors are illegal but anyway, is there a place for my V1 where I can set it aside from right next to rear view mirror? meaning I want it hidden just in case I get pulled over so cops won't see it...
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      05-26-2015, 01:36 PM   #15
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Trying now to get best route for concealed unit wire from fuse panel (pass side) to driver's side below instrument cluster. Wire from panel up A pillar pretty simple!

Be careful in VA- I think the cops have a way to know you've got a detector even if hidden...
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