Here we have picked up our...
Here we have picked up our 12-volt source. Notice the inline fuse holder that is provided. The fuse should be the last thing you install prior to turning the ignition key.
Zippo's Mobile Electronics in East Brunswick, New Jersey, services just about every type of vehicle and consumer, from teenagers in Honda Civics to the discerning Porsche owner. To that end, we put Icebox in the capable hands of Rob Kopf, who had our K40 wired up and alerting us in just a few hours. One thing he pointed out to us was that in New Jersey it is illegal to cover up any part of the license plate, and the Laser Defuser comes mounted in its own frame. The good thing is, it can be removed and mounted just about any way you want.
K40 notes the optimum location for the Defuser is centered between the headlights, while making sure it is not recessed in a grille or other opening, as this can affect its perform-ance. We took our chances and mounted it to the bottom of the front license plate, as it more closely resembles the state's EZ pass tollbooth transponders. Mounting the front and rear radar receivers was far simpler, as the radar will transmit through plastics and such.
The rear radar receiver was...
The rear radar receiver was mounted inside the trunk on the underside of the decklid. The unit still functions properly, as the radar waves can pass through the lid's composite construction. Just be sure there is no metal in the decklid or taillights that may have reflective surfaces in the radar unit's line of sight.
That said, our front receiver fit behind the front grille, and our rear receiver was mounted stealth-like inside the trunk to the underside of Icebox's composite decklid.
Another important step to note is that you want to make sure you have everything wired up and all connections protected before you turn on the system. This is because the control module looks for front and rear receivers at startup, and if it doesn't detect it the first time, it won't look for it after that, and you'll need to send your control module back to K40 to have it reprogrammed.
Our second installation in another vehicle utilizes K40's Laser Defuser and front-only radar receiver. Despite being mounted in the front grille, it can still warn you of rearward radar given the right wave reflections. While we didn't get to play with the LIDAR gun at Raceway Park like we did before, we feel better knowing K40 is looking out for us. That the system remains out of sight is even better.
Kopf demonstrated a handy...
Kopf demonstrated a handy way to secure a pair of wires together. The wires in question are for the LED warning lights, which we will wire into the interior control module.
Measuring twice and drilling...
Measuring twice and drilling once per hole, we mounted the LED lights inside the gauge bezel.
Kopf usually prefers to mount...
Kopf usually prefers to mount the amplified speaker to the interior network module. While he used a hot-glue gun, plastic ties will work as well. The module requires a switched 12-volt and ground hookup, along with the blue LED warning light wires. That's it. Once all the receivers and the Defuser are wired up, you can install the in-line fuse and turn on the key to test the system.
Take your time deciding where...
Take your time deciding where you want to mount these. They can be pretty bright at night, and you probably don't want a bright-blue strobe show in your car as you pass the local authorities. During the daytime, the audio warning can fill in for the lights should you mount them in a stealthy location, like we did.
Kopf mounted the interior...
Kopf mounted the interior network module under the dash, as the speaker volume adjustment on the remote should give us adequate sound control. If your ride rumbles on the loud side, you may want to mount the speaker under the dash right where your knees reside, for increased volume.
Calibre's hand-held remote...
Calibre's hand-held remote is about the size of a key fob and is easy to use. Just click to select On/Off, City/Highway, Voice/Tone, and Volume/Mute modes. Calibre detects all FCC-allocated police frequencies including X, K, and Ka Superwide. Also, VG-2 Stealth Guard passively and actively conceals your system from a police VG-2 Gun (radar detector detector).