Yet ANOTHER Escort hard wire...

[SouthboroAudiGuy]

Finally got a chance to hardwire my Escort 8500. Thanks to Boston Driver for a sunshade switch he was not using, I was able to make the install pretty stealthy. Here's a pic...



You can see the Escort above the dash (I prefer it mounted there instead of high where it interferes with the visors). So what's with the sunshade button? First, here's a closeup...



I started out by scavenging an Escort SmartCord and ran the wires as follows:
- From the "Power On" LED to the illumination for the sunshade switch (pins 1 & 3)
- From the "Mute" button to the switch for the sunshade switch (pins 4 & 6)
- From the "Alert" LED to the orange LED I installed in the blank button on the right
- From the power leads, through a toggle switch underneath the dash, and then to the power (75X post under dash) & ground

All of the wiring goes through a small project box where the scavenged SmartCord sits and has all of my soldered connections. Here's a schematic of the project box...



Some notes on the wiring/installation:
- I ordered the SmartCord designed specifically for hardwiring from Amazon.com (free shipping). This came with some nice long cables and fuse.
- Never knew it, but LEDs are directional in their wiring. I had a dickens of a time getting the alert LED on the dash to work until I reversed the wiring at the SmartCord circuit board. Something to watch out for.
- Although not shown in the schematic, I removed the LEDs from the SmartCord circuit board.
- The mute button is connected to the circuit board via four pins. Use the inside two to run to the sunshade switch pins.
- I knotted all the cords inside the project box and used grommets keep the project box tight.
- Boston Driver's sunshade install post and his original SmartCord hardwire Tech Article provided invaluable assistance for things like how to remove the lower dash, radio, hazard surround, etc. You can also use the former to get the part numbers for the sunshade switch.

Here's how it functions:
- Toggle switch under dash gives me on/off control for Escort (power shuts off when ignition is off by virtue of being wired to 75X post)
- When system is on, sunshade button is illuminated; when off it is not (independent of headlight setting)
- When alert is activated by Escort, the orange LED on the right flashes (see pic below)
- Pressing sunshade button mutes alert -- very nice given the easy reach of this button when your hands are on the wheel

Here's a pic of the LED activated by an alert...



Works great and it's WONDERFUL to not have that dangling cord/open ash tray any more.

Thanks to BD for the sunshade switch and the inspiration from his original SmartCord hardwire.

[Asicks2.7T]

the whole way, it would be a wise investment on my part.

I've only been bagged once. I know Rt.3 well, so I'm aware of all the typical hideout spots. But its better to be safe than sorry.

Let me know when you can wire one up for me ;-)

[Eric 2.7]

[Boston Driver]

yes, I never did collect any $$ since you were not convinced at the time if you were going to use it.

BTW, if you check my sunshade install, you can tap a couple of wires to get the shade switch to illuminate when the lights are on...if you want to...just tapping into the wires leading to the ESP switch. Click on my sig pic and find the rear sunshade install post.

[SouthboroAudiGuy]

As far as the Escort goes, I think BD's install and this one are two of the more stealthy looking ones I've seen. As you can see in the tech article that Henry did, he sacrifices the dash cupholder for his install -- something I didn't want to do. He also has a sunshade so the route I chose was not open to him.

If you're more inclined to go the Valentine 1 route, I think a great OEM looking install for the V1 remote was done by LI-S4. He posted a DIY on it (here) but I think he's also doing them as kits/custom installs for others.

Not going NEAR the whole Escort vs. V1 debate. Been done to death.

[SouthboroAudiGuy]

I'd definitely like to square up on the $$ next time I see you now that I've flipped the switch on this (pun intended). An excuse to pull together another improptu A6 GTG?

I actually used your post as a reference for my work but I wanted the button's illumination to indicate whether or not the Escort is powered (independent of headlight status) -- necessary given that I have a toggle. Thus the route I chose.

[AudiDen aka 2Turbos]

[SouthboroAudiGuy]

Sweet looking sweater you got there. I like the tint -- seeing it on a Cashmere makes me want to go that route. Still waffling on the clear corners -- they look pretty nice on yours. I've got some S6 blades and an RS6 spoiler on the bench waiting to be painted and installed. Are those the bigger blades on yours? Tough to tell from the angle.

[Boston Driver]

[Boston Driver]

nice...very nice...