KCMichael

I'd like to know if anyone on this forum has installed hard wired power cords for electronics such as radar detector, GPS, dash camera, etc. For radar detector and GPS I need a power source that's switched with ignition. Dash camera requires full time (unswitched) power so that camera can record when motion sensor is triggered.
QUESTIONS:
1) If you've done this wiring on an ES350, any tips or suggestions for me?
2) Is there a source of unswitched power on upper console (near sunroof controls)?
3) I assume I can find switched power on upper console. Do you have any suggestions on which wires to use? Some to avoid?
4) If it will be necessary to route these power cords to a tap at the fuse panel, could you please offer routing suggestions and any other tips.
Thanks in advance for your help!!

P.S. I really like my new-to-me 2007 ES350 with 44,000 miles and most of the options.

garsarno

Have valentine one radar detector direct wired to fuse box. Did it when new on my 2011. Only issue was to fit properly the fuse after direct wire. Very small fuses, was tough to do. Direct connection located at passenger side visor, ran wire at top of windshield to drivers side interior windshield post then down to fuse box. On my 2007, did same thing but had stereo shop do it. Chose connection that worked with on off ignition. Now I just drive a little over the speed limit.

Dtwizz

I have the new Escort IX and I searched and searched for a discussion same as this one. There is another thread that outlines this but I still had questions. I used a mirror tap for my IX and I used the rear view mirror as the source. I had to search for the power and ground wires on the internet. I ordered the tap from Amazon for $14 free shipping, and basically took the mirror down with torx key and disconnected the mirror tapped it then hooked it all back together. The tap came with small black zip ties so I zipped it to the connector so that there wouldnt be any movement or pulling affecting the connection of the tap. Then provided some slack and zipped it again to the mirror so that the wire had no tension or risk of being pulled out. When not in use I just tuck the wire on top of my rear view mirror, it was very simple to da and saved me $$$$$. Originally I was going to get this installed at a local audio shop, after looking at posts and videos it was no point in paying someone to do it. It looks so much better now that the cord isnt hanging from the cigarette lighter and it has a very clean look I get compliments and looks on the road when people notice its mounted. I also did not but a mirror bracket I used the Magnet mount that came with the detector, so I just unplug, unmount it and store it when car is parked.