Dirty power?
 

I wasn't sure where this thread belongs, so mods please move it to whereever is appropriate.

I have an escort 9500ix radar detector in my 09 370z. I have it mounted to the rear view mirror and purchased a power cable which connects it to the mirror power (by sticking pins into the connector in back of the mirror) to create a nice clean install.

However, most of the time when I start the car, when the radar powers up it's giving out a false laser alert. I am guessing it's probably some kind of power ripple, because if I disconnect the power to the radar detector and then connect it after engine start all is well. I have tried a different radar detector (same model) and it did the same thing.

I am thinking if I install a capacitor in parallel to the power cable that should solve the issue. The problem is I have no idea how to size the capacitor. Any suggestions on a size, or if you think the problem is something else, I would appreciate it!

Are you parking in front of an LCD screen or have a windshield GPS unit near the detector? The only time I've gotten false laser alerts is when I hook my 9500 up to my computer. If it's facing the iMac, I get a laser alert. I can't see how a 'power ripple' would cause your laser alert.

No. I do have the stock nav unit, where is the gps antenna for that?

However like I said I only get the false laser alert if I have the detector plugged in when I start the car. (it happens anywhere, so the problem is in the car). If I plug it in after that it's fine. And it doesn't always happen either, just to make things a little stranger. And it's happened with two different detectors in my car, so it's very unlikely to be a problem with the detector.

Have you checked with a wiring diagram to make sure you're plugging into the power only wire, and not a data transfer wire thats making it ripple?

Why not buy the wired in kit that takes from a fuse in the footwell fuse box and hides behind the A pillar? It's just as clean but with a slightly longer wire?? :ugh2:

The power wire came with instructions specific to the 370z. It's made for it, but it was a couple of years ago, I don't remember where I bought it now. lol. At any rate it is connected to the power wire, it was checked with a voltmeter. I will double check it. I was hoping to hear others had this same issue.... and that there was an easy fix.

Anyway the problem has always been there, but I assumed it was a faulty detector, until I recently had a chance to try it with a different one.

Frankly I am fairly certain a capacitor will fix the problem. They're cheap, so if someone can tell me what size to use I would appreciate it!

I have a 9500ix wired to my rear view mirror with a stealth cord. I have no problems. A false laser signal seems odd. Maybe check the connection integrity.

Yeah that's a possibility. But a capacitor would help with that too I think.

That was a great help to me thanks ,i think now i am all set with it i was able to size the capacitor and installed it parallel to the power stable thanks for guiding .

Sarcasm?

Anyway I believe that spearfish nailed it. After studying it some more it appears the lcd screen from the nav system is causing it. As the nav system powers up during startup the screen flashes (as it changes), and this causes the false laser alert.

If I switch the nav screen from day to night or night to day while driving it will trigger the laser alert consistently. I just never tied it together.

Anyway I am going to make a small black panel and tape it to the bottom of the radar detector and see if that helps.