What is this cable for?

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May 31, 2009
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Any ideas? Did previous owner likely have some third-party device attached to the end?
IMG_0610.webp
 
Looks like it was hard wired for an Escort radar detector...my wifes car I wired the exact same way. Look to see if there is a special fuze that allows it to plug into fuze panel...will have two fuzes in single panel...one for this line and one for original feature. Is way to tap into cars switched electrical without splicing into harness and messing with warranty.

That is my guess...and dont know another detector that uses that phone cable plug on end.
 
That is a hardwired cord for an Escort/Passport radar detector. I have the same setup in my LC.
 
X4. Sometimes it will have " Cincinnati Microwave" or "CMI" printed on the cable depending on its age.
 
Thanks. I guess that explains this then.

Any ideas on what equipment I would need to return it to functionality? Are there a variety of models that I could hook up to it?
IMG_0616.webp
 
That's cool, locating the mute controller as an insert into a blank - I will have to look into that. Although I wonder if the ergonomics of reaching down there is practical.

As to your question, I would assume all the wiring is still in place so all you have to do is purchase a escort radar detector. The mute controller in your blank duplicates the mute button on the detector, so that it can be located in a more convenient location.

On another note, what are the "set" and "RSCA" switches for - I have never seen these? You have a 2006 LC, right?
 
I have the same setup in my 4runner, with the recessed mute like that. The reason for trying to get it up that high is that 1. WHEN you get pulled over, it isn't as easy for the police man to see, so more likely to get a warning, and two (not as much a factor in SUV's it give it slightly more range. Ideally you have the sensor sticing out just below your tint line.

Any Bel-Escort RD will fit that jack, yes, price does matter. the escort 8500 series is a good choice if your looking for something not too bad, the bel RX-65 is next, then the Bel STi
Beltronics Radar Detectors :: Performance Rules

Currently the 'best' RD is the Escort redline, with the valentine 1 (in-compatable with your hookup) being in the same league.
RedLine - Escort Inc.
 
How would you cut the plastic blank so perfectly that the controller fits exactly as pictured above? Also, how would you secure it tightly so that when you press the mute button it stays in place - a good epoxy?
 
Sorry, missed this.

I cut it very carefully, the plastic stick on you see peals off the remote that comes standard, and I first marked the mute button, then measured for the other two. After that, a quick guess on size and I had drilled the holes, and mocked the circuit bored with the lights and switch up. The plastic stick on gives you room for error, so even if your holes are a bit too big they get covered up.

I rigged mine in with a combo of epoxy and duct tape, and it has held strong for two years, admittedly it isn't what I would call my finest installation, but I use the mute button on the RD primarily now because of how easy it is with the windshield on the 4runner. When I had the same setup on my Accord however, I had a much better install, and it worked very well as the primary mute button. With some patience something like that isn't too hard, and it looks very slick.
 
So you didn't cut the blank to fit the entire controller, but just the buttons and lights?

Did you use a dremel to cut the blank?
 
Yup, you open up the controller "box" and take out the circuit board, from there, its basically a custom install every time depending on what kind of blank you want to put it in. You can use a dremel, or a regular drill if your careful, the plastic isn't too hard to get through though. A dremel is helpful to have around during the install.
 
Ok, so I drilled the big dash blank as pictured in post #1. I think I got the holes the right size, but didn't realize until I starting fitting things the damn circuit board is cut at an angle. Securing it is going to be a little tricky as I don't see much surface area to epoxy and there isn't a lot of room for duct tape.
 

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