[dcohen13]

Has anyone ever used the Uniden R8? Furthermore, has anyone ever mounted a radar detector on their powered rear view mirror? I see kits for this, that way, I do not have have to have an ugly cord going down to my cigarette lighter.

I have seen mounts from Blendmount.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by dcohen13

Has anyone ever used the Uniden R8? Furthermore, has anyone ever mounted a radar detector on their powered rear view mirror? I see kits for this, that way, I do not have have to have an ugly cord going down to my cigarette lighter.

I have seen mounts from Blendmount.

Bought the R8 for a road trip last summer and couldn’t find enough differences to justify the price over my significantly cheaper unit. I think that partially has to do with what equipment LEOs use for speed monitoring in my area. They use more basic equipment that my RD picks up. If they didn’t, I’d go for the R8 if I needed it in order to be protected.

I have been powering my RD off the mirror since my first M5. If you’re using the suction cup mount that comes with it, you can run into issues. Here is my thread about what happened to me.

The BlendMount is perfect to prevent what happened to me, but it is bulky and places another bulkier item (RD) right in my line of sight through the windshield, which I despise. Instead, I went with a permanent mount that has a clip like the suction cup mount into the RD, but has 3M VHB tape instead of suction cups that adhere to the winsdshield. It’s allowed me to place it just to the left of the rear view mirror electronics housing/surround on the windshield and is the cleanest looking install you can do for a standalone (i.e. not integrated) RD. It’s also very well hidden there and you can’t really see it from the outside unless you’re looking for it.

I’ll post some pictures for you along with links for all the equipment I used when I am in the car later today.

EDIT — Here is the MirrorTap, and here is the permanent mount. I’ll post the photos a little later and it will all make more sense. I don’t have a Uniden, I just searched the parts I bought, but for your RD, so please do your due diligence to ensure that these are the correct parts for you (though I am pretty sure they are).

EDIT 2 — Sorry the links disappeared! I plugged them all back in now.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by dcohen13

Has anyone ever used the Uniden R8? Furthermore, has anyone ever mounted a radar detector on their powered rear view mirror? I see kits for this, that way, I do not have have to have an ugly cord going down to my cigarette lighter.

I have seen mounts from Blendmount.

I use the Blendmount. There are other companies that make radar mirror mounts, though, and some are much cheaper. The mirror tap for power is separately sourced and there are various options for that as well. Some states prohibit suction cup mounts and some allow them only for certain devices like GPS. I am not sure how widely enforced those laws are, but a cop ticketing you for speeding could also ticket you for an improper suction cup mount.

[dcohen13]

pbonsalb Does powering the radar from the mirror power cause any issues or codes with the car? Is it a pretty simple plug and play? I like the blendmount idea, as I do not mind the visibility.

Also ResIpsaLoquitur thank you for the detailed response! Only reason I am using the R8, is my buddy does not use it and offered to me for free for a rally I have this summer!

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by dcohen13

pbonsalb Does powering the radar from the mirror power cause any issues or codes with the car? Is it a pretty simple plug and play? I like the blendmount idea, as I do not mind the visibility.

Also ResIpsaLoquitur thank you for the detailed response! Only reason I am using the R8, is my buddy does not use it and offered to me for free for a rally I have this summer!

You’re welcome!

I know the power question wasn’t meant for me, but I have had no issues with the brand I provided in the link. It doesn’t mess with the electronic functions of the rear view mirror, nor with HomeLink. It is simple plug and play. The solid DIY from AGS and this video will get you through it easily.

Keep in mind that if you go with BlendMount, you’ll have at least 5-6 inches of cord visible between the RD and the rear view mirror. If that kind of thing bothers you (it would drive me insane), it may be irritating.

The R8 is a fantastic device and a lot of owners swear by them. If that’s the level of device I needed to get the job done, I’d go with it again in a heartbeat.

EDIT — Sorry the links disappeared in my first post, I’m putting them back in now in case you’re interested.

EDIT 2 — Fixed the links!

[dcohen13]

Originally Posted by ResIpsaLoquitur

You’re welcome!

I know the power question wasn’t meant for me, but I have had no issues with the brand I provided in the link. It doesn’t mess with the electronic functions of the rear view mirror, nor with HomeLink. It is simple plug and play. The solid DIY from AGS and this video will get you through it easily.

Keep in mind that if you go with BlendMount, you’ll have at least 5-6 inches of cord visible between the RD and the rear view mirror. If that kind of thing bothers you (it would drive me insane), it may be irritating.

The R8 is a fantastic device and a lot of owners swear by them. If that’s the level of device I needed to get the job done, I’d go with it again in a heartbeat.

EDIT — Sorry the links disappeared in my first post, I’m putting them back in now in case you’re interested.

EDIT 2 — Fixed the links!

thank you so much! That is super helpful information, I will let you know which direction I go!

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by dcohen13

thank you so much! That is super helpful information, I will let you know which direction I go!

You’re welcome! Sounds good, keep us posted!

[DarkishM5C]

I have the Uniden R8 that I use daily on my M5. It has saved me several times since the majority of cops around me use KA band. I have it mirror mounted with the Blendmount adapter and powered from the mirror. I haven't had any issues or codes with powering it from the mirror. The only issue I had with the R8 is that the buttons vibrate, creating a squeaking noise. At first, I thought the squeaking was coming from the mount, since it was not doing it with the windshield adapter. But after trying different stuff, I narrowed it down to the R8. I put some clear tape on the buttons and that stopped the squeaking.

[dcohen13]

Originally Posted by DarkishM5C

I have the Uniden R8 that I use daily on my M5. It has saved me several times since the majority of cops around me use KA band. I have it mirror mounted with the Blendmount adapter and powered from the mirror. I haven't had any issues or codes with powering it from the mirror. The only issue I had with the R8 is that the buttons vibrate, creating a squeaking noise. At first, I thought the squeaking was coming from the mount, since it was not doing it with the windshield adapter. But after trying different stuff, I narrowed it down to the R8. I put some clear tape on the buttons and that stopped the squeaking.

wow, super helpful information. I think I will get the mirror mount then. Did you do the wiring yourself? Pretty simple stuff?

[DarkishM5C]

Originally Posted by dcohen13

wow, super helpful information. I think I will get the mirror mount then. Did you do the wiring yourself? Pretty simple stuff?

If you use the guide that ResIpsaLoquitur previously mentioned, it's pretty straightforward. The biggest hassle is taking the trim around the mirror off, but this video helped me with that https://youtu.be/jTQFVoRIkuE
Best of luck 🙂

[WayneM3]

I have the R7 with the BlendMount/MirrorTap and it is a great setup. I agree that the most difficult part is getting the trim around the mirror off.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

dcohen13, sounds like you’re going to go the BlendMount route, but in case you’re interested (or someone is checking out this thread in the future), here are the photos of how I set it up. The cleanest route for a non integrated radar detector if you ask me.

[dcohen13]

Originally Posted by ResIpsaLoquitur

dcohen13, sounds like you’re going to go the BlendMount route, but in case you’re interested (or someone is checking out this thread in the future), here are the photos of how I set it up. The cleanest route for a non integrated radar detector if you ask me.

I appreciate the added photos, now it gives me something to think hard about lol

[zman21]

Yep, Blendmount is the way to go. IMO best mount out there for portable detectors, regardless of brand. Buy the mirror tap from them too. Perfect setup without spending millions installing an integrated system. And agree, the mirror trim is a bit tricky the first time you take it apart. German engineering...it just can't ever be simple. Lol.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by dcohen13

I appreciate the added photos, now it gives me something to think hard about lol

You’re welcome! It seems everyone is cosigning the BlendMount idea. The obstructed view and exposed cord are downsides for me, but to each their own!

Keep us posted.

[CrashCade]

Originally Posted by ResIpsaLoquitur

Bought the R8 for a road trip last summer and couldn’t find enough differences to justify the price over my significantly cheaper unit. I think that partially has to do with what equipment LEOs use for speed monitoring in my area. They use more basic equipment that my RD picks up. If they didn’t, I’d go for the R8 if I needed it in order to be protected.

I have been powering my RD off the mirror since my first M5. If you’re using the suction cup mount that comes with it, you can run into issues. Here is my thread about what happened to me.

The BlendMount is perfect to prevent what happened to me, but it is bulky and places another bulkier item (RD) right in my line of sight through the windshield, which I despise. Instead, I went with a permanent mount that has a clip like the suction cup mount into the RD, but has 3M VHB tape instead of suction cups that adhere to the winsdshield. It’s allowed me to place it just to the left of the rear view mirror electronics housing/surround on the windshield and is the cleanest looking install you can do for a standalone (i.e. not integrated) RD. It’s also very well hidden there and you can’t really see it from the outside unless you’re looking for it.

I’ll post some pictures for you along with links for all the equipment I used when I am in the car later today.

EDIT — Here is the MirrorTap, and here is the permanent mount. I’ll post the photos a little later and it will all make more sense. I don’t have a Uniden, I just searched the parts I bought, but for your RD, so please do your due diligence to ensure that these are the correct parts for you (though I am pretty sure they are).

EDIT 2 — Sorry the links disappeared! I plugged them all back in now.

This is the same setup I use! Mounted up high!

[josec70]

Not an R8 but here is my Radenso with Blendmount and Mirrortap.

The Radenso is tiny so the BM works well.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by CrashCade

This is the same setup I use! Mounted up high!

Love it! It’s not so visible from the outside and the wiring is cleaner up there.

[DEW67]

I've had the Uniden R8 for about 5 months now and like the unit. I mounted it using the mount that came with the unit. I wanted to mount it under the mirror using a blendmount but I tried to picture the detector sitting under my mirror and it would create a large blind spot for me. I ended up mounting it to the left of the rearview mirror. It does block my view a little but not as bad as mounting it under the mirror. I need to hard wire it because having that curled cord going from the detector to the lighter is jenky AF.

[jm490]

Originally Posted by DEW67

I've had the Uniden R8 for about 5 months now and like the unit. I mounted it using the mount that came with the unit. I wanted to mount it under the mirror using a blendmount but I tried to picture the detector sitting under my mirror and it would create a large blind spot for me. I ended up mounting it to the left of the rearview mirror. It does block my view a little but not as bad as mounting it under the mirror. I need to hard wire it because having that curled cord going from the detector to the lighter is jenky AF.

I just picked up an R8 also. Let me know how you decide to mount it because I have the same feeling

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by jm490

I just picked up an R8 also. Let me know how you decide to mount it because I have the same feeling

Check out my install and photos above if you decide to go next to the mirror!

[WayneM3]

I have the R7 mounted with a BlendMount and it never even occurred to me that it was blocking my view of anything. My iPhone 13 Pro Max on a phone holder blocks WAY more.