Installed a Valentine One and a Falcon Zero F170 Dash Cam

I've always had both a radar detector and a dash cam in my truck. So after getting my Tacoma a couple of weeks ago I felt naked without them. I left an old Cobra detector and a different Dash Cam (one that replaced the rear view mirror) in the 97 Nissan I just sold.

I thought what the hell. I'd spring for the real deal this time and get the father of all detectors - the Valentine One. Enjoying the rear view mirror on the Tacoma with the backup camera, temp, compass, and auto dimming I went for a different type of dash cam that does not replace or cover the mirror.

I have to say I am very impressed with both devices. I don't really need to explain the V1, but the Falcon Zero F170 has certainly exceeded my expectations.

For the installation, I hard wired both accessories utilizing an add-a-circuit on the interior fuse panel (tapping into the ACC slot). The V1 takes a 12v source, so that was a pretty straightforward connection. The Falcon Zero dash cam is powered with 5v and utilizes a USB connection. For this, I converted the 12V to 5V USB adapter to a hard wired unit and tucked it in behind the driver side kick panel under the interior fuse panel (to the left o the parking brake - that cover) after running both wires for the V1 and the camera along the inside of the headliner and down the pillar.

The camera is mounted using the suction cup mount that came with the unit. For the V1, I purchased a rear view mirror mounting bracket. That works out very well in fact.

Wires being run down the pillar:


Falcon Zero 12v to 5v USB adapter before:


Adapter taken apart:


12v outlet contact points removed and replaced with soldered wires:


Adapter reassembled:


The add-a-circuit wired to both the V1 and the Falcon Zero power plugs:


The add-a-circuit placed in to the Tacoma's ACC slot:


View of the new accessories installed:


What these look like from the outside of the truck:


View from the driver perspective:


Showing the V1 mirror mount:


Now with video demo:
https://youtu.be/OCkvhWfhhzc

 

FWIW the link in my sig shows you how you can make a SUPER cheap mirror mount for radar detectors & other things. Like a few dollars to free cheap.

 

Nice setup, Stroonzo. I've always heard great things about the Valentine One. I'm not as familiar with your dash cam. If it is as high quality as the Valentine One, you have quite a duet going there.

 

That is a great idea! Very smart.

 

Nice setup!

I've had my V1 since 2002. It has saved me plenty of times. Have sent it back to Valentine for software/hardware updates twice and it comes back perfect and completely updated as new. Love it!

 

I just added a video demo to the top. And here it is again:
https://youtu.be/OCkvhWfhhzc

 

I'm old enough to remember the days prior to cops using laser radar guns, once those came out the whole fuzz buster thing mostly died off. The V1 was always the best but I found it pretty useless against laser, has anything changed?

 

Thanks for the write up, Stroonzo! The video quality seems to be pretty high on that Falcon. What were some other models you considered before going with this one?

 

Rarely do I encounter laser (almost never). So the detectors are still effective. As for laser, you at least have a little warning if there's any reflection from another car getting pinged.

 

I did consider the E-prance Mini 0805 Ambarella A7 LA50, but ultimately I wanted a wider view. I would have gone for the E-Prance EP503 Car Blackbox. It has a 170 degree lens too. I just went for the Falcon Zero based on reviews and I am pleased.

 

In Minnesota the cop will stand on a bridge shooing cars with his laser, when he gets a speeder he radios one of the cops lined up on an off ramp to issue the ticket. You can't hardly see these guys until its too late.

 

Nice install OP!

If a cop is using laser, about the only thing a detector will tell you is that you've been pinged. Usually it's too late to react, even IF some reflection comes off of another vehicle.

That said, detectors still work very well here in the SW. I've been running a V1 since the 90s and it's reminded me to check my speed on numerous occasions, especially on the motorcycle.