Audio for Radar Detectors

[BushWacker]

Got a nice radar detector from Rocky Mountain Radar (includes scrambler), it's a great detector but I can't hear it even with the volume all the way up. Doesn't help that I usually have the stereo up loud either.

Question, is there any detector that can work with the audio system on the K1200LT? I know I can get ones that work with headphones but I would like to be able to use the intercom/stereo/gps audio's all at the same time as the detector's audio.

[DaveDragon]

If the detector you purchased has an audio out plug it can be wired into the AAWD circuit in the left handle bar cover.

The AAWD interface takes priority over all other audio signals when present.

If the detector has no audio output port it can probably be modified with little effort.

Search the Old Site for "AAWD connect" and you get a nice list to read.

[BushWacker]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the response and the lead to the solution but the first thread I read says the Voice II system which I have on my 05/K1200LT doesn't have the AAWD that you mention: (Quote)

The VOICE II does not have the prioritized audio inputs that the BC3 (previous Comm system built by J&M) did,and it's virtually impossible to connect a radar detactor here you can hear music, passenger, etc., and have the detector interupt those inputs only with warnings. Basically you have to choose if you want music, GPS, or Radar. I had numerous other complaints with the Voice II, so this was but one of the straws breaking my camel's back on the Voice II.

BMW did away with the aawd (Alternate Audio Warning Device, how you feed the radar signal in on a prioritized signal ) connection on the VOICE II when they spec'd it, feeling it wasn't a useful option and not something they intended to support in their intercom systems (according to the BMW folks I heard from when I went through this several months ago). I ended up removing the VOICE II and installing the earlier BC3 Comm system (at the time BMW still had over 300 in stock). I now have everything that I want as far as signal inputs, and IMHO a much higher quality, easier to use, and better sounding comm system.

David Taylor
2005 LT Graphite
02 LTE Silver (RIP, thanks to road hazards & a mountain)
99 LTI Champagne (RIP, thanks to old people in trucks)
San Jose, CA
Booze Brother #4
AMA, BMWMOA

The shortest distance between 2 points is for people who don't ride!

[bruce2000ltc]

Hi Dave,


The VOICE II does not have the prioritized audio inputs that the BC3 (previous Comm system built by J&M) did,and it's virtually impossible to connect a radar detactor here you can hear music, passenger, etc., and have the detector interupt those inputs only with warnings. Basically you have to choose if you want music, GPS, or Radar. I had numerous other complaints with the Voice II, so this was but one of the straws breaking my camel's back on the Voice II.

David Taylor
2005 LT Graphite
02 LTE Silver (RIP, thanks to road hazards & a mountain)
99 LTI Champagne (RIP, thanks to old people in trucks)
San Jose, CA
Booze Brother #4
AMA, BMWMOA

The shortest distance between 2 points is for people who don't ride!
I don't want this to be interpreted as a "pissing contest" between intercom systems but I would like to clear up some misconceptions. I have my Bel pro X65 radar detector, audio out, connected to the GPS input to the VOICE II. When the radar detector alerts it mutes the music and I hear the tone and voice alerts. You do not have to choose between music, GPS (radar in my case) or passenger intercom -- they all integrate and work beautifully together. As an added bonus the radar (GPS) alerts are only sent to the drivers headset.

Bruce Hodges

[BushWacker]

My voice II system has prioritized audio also.

Bruce, when you say the you plugged into the GPS input I suppose you mean internally somewhere. Since I didn't install my GPS I don't know where it plugs in but I don't see anything external to plug into except the AUX Audio Input which I use for my MP3 player.

Anyway, can you plug the radar detector and the GPS in both at the same time? I'd luv to do what you mention but not at the sacrafice of the GPS audio which is really essential to its operation.

[the1mavin]

Bruce,

Would you mind posting some more detailed information about how you did this? Does the sound come out of the speakers also?

Thanks
Tim

[grifscoots]

but I can't hear it even with the volume all the way up. Doesn't help that I usually have the stereo up loud either.



this (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RADSCR) can be a lot of fun.

[bruce2000ltc]

My voice II system has prioritized audio also.

Bruce, when you say the you plugged into the GPS input I suppose you mean internally somewhere. Since I didn't install my GPS I don't know where it plugs in but I don't see anything external to plug into except the AUX Audio Input which I use for my MP3 player.

Anyway, can you plug the radar detector and the GPS in both at the same time? I'd luv to do what you mention but not at the sacrafice of the GPS audio which is really essential to its operation.
If you have the BMW Navigator GPS it's wiring harness has an audio out plug that plugs into the VOICE II. When I say "plugs into" I mean the VOICE II has a plug on it's wiring harness that is dedicated to the Navigator GPS. This plug is located under the stingray on the left side. I tapped into the two wires going to this plug to connect audio feed from the radar detector. I shouldn't of said "plugged into" in my previous post as it suggests there's a plug for a radar detector. I actually stripped a little insulation off the two wires and soldered in the wires from the radar detector audio out.
I don't see why you couldn't use a passive mixer to introduce both the GPS and radar audio into this input on the VOICE II. I going to have my LT apart in the next couple of weeks and if you want I'll try a passive mixer and let you know the outcome.

Bruce Hodges

[gunny]

this (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RADSCR) can be a lot of fun.
Grif:
They have added a warning to not use near grave yards, might wake the dead.

[grifscoots]

Grif:
They have added a warning to not use near grave yards, might wake the dead.

I HEAR that:D ! Jeff once told me he heard it going off 3 bikes back at highway speed.

[einzwie]

[QUOTE=DaveDragon]If the detector you purchased has an audio out plug it can be wired into the AAWD circuit in the left handle bar cover.

The AAWD interface takes priority over all other audio signals when present.

If the detector has no audio output port it can probably be modified with little effort.

Search the Old Site for "AAWD connect" and you get a nice list to read.[/QUOT

I have the JBL system on 03 LTE, looked inside the left handle bar found a plug on wiring harness with 3 wires ign Switched Bat., Grd & a 3rd lead

[Dick]

[QUOTE=DaveDragon]If the detector you purchased has an audio out plug it can be wired into the AAWD circuit in the left handle bar cover.

The AAWD interface takes priority over all other audio signals when present.

If the detector has no audio output port it can probably be modified with little effort.

Search the Old Site for "AAWD connect" and you get a nice list to read.[/QUOT

I have the JBL system on 03 LTE, looked inside the left handle bar found a plug on wiring harness with 3 wires ign Switched Bat., Grd & a 3rd lead
Click here (http://www.bmwlt.net/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=K1200LT&Number=237159&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7) for the start of a thread regarding the AWWD item. The way I got there wuz to click on the drop down menu at *Technical*, up near the top banner here; then clicked on the *HOW* item and navigated thru the various subject lines that included *Radar Detectors* etc. Takes a leetle practice for old geezers like me, butt I'm learning to do it better every day. Good luck with your project.

[Ised8m]

I've read in many postings on this site that the AAWD wiring not put on bikes after 2005. I just had my 2008 K1200LT completely tore apart to put on the farkles. Along the way I had the left handlebar cover removed to run some wiring. I found a wire that split into two female spade connectors. It was taped over with what looks like masking tape. I've never seen this elusive AAWD connection but it sure looks like that's what everyone is talking about. And if it isn't...what is it? It is a wire ready for some use at a later date, taped over and ready for use...right from the factory. Again, this is a 2008 bike. I also found what I'm guessing is a CB cable under the stingray. It was capped off just waiting to be used. Maybe it's for GPS or maybe it's the GPS plug. I don't know. Seemed like a waste that I couldn't tap into this but it had a female pin plug type setup. I would have to cut into it and find out which wire went where and didn't feel that ambitious. So these wiring options are there but not sure what they are used for. Just some info to think about. I already ran my wires a different way and have things buttoned up already. Everything works for me but I still wonder what those wires could be used for.

[HornHonker]

Got a nice radar detector from Rocky Mountain Radar (includes scrambler), it's a great detector but I can't hear it even with the volume all the way up. Doesn't help that I usually have the stereo up loud either.



I hate to be negative here, but I would not like to see a fellow LT rider rely on this brand of detector. The scrambler does not work and never did. Also the radar detector portion is almost nonfunctional it is so insensitive. I would urge you to do some poking about on the net for more information on it.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/

[Lonewuff]

+1 on Hornhonkers message about your detector. I know they are inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. There have been many debates over the Valintine 1 or the Escourt. I have hooked both up at the same time and always got an earlier response from my Escourts...ALWAYS, so that is what I have in all my vehicles now.

I can't say enough about the Radar Screamer too. It was a little hard to hear on the LT, but it scares the crap outta me on the HD when it goes off on the quieter mode. I never use the loud mode for fear I fly off the back of the bike and everyone will be reading the sign on my windshield "If you can read this..... The Radar Screamer made the Escourt perfect, plus you can mute the thing. When I had the unit wired into my headset I couldn't turn it off without turning off the entire system and when it went off inside that helmet....DAMN!!!

[zippy_gg]

The Radar Screamer made the Escourt perfect, plus you can mute the thing. When I had the unit wired into my headset I couldn't turn it off without turning off the entire system and when it went off inside that helmet....DAMN!!!Psst! Try the "Volume" wheel on the left side of the unit...:p
I had the same issue with the alarm being too loud and my unit was covered with an anti-theft cover AND a rain cover so I could not easily adjust.:eek:
All better now!:clapping:

[Steve_R]

Psst! Try the "Volume" wheel on the left side of the unit...:p
I had the same issue with the alarm being too loud and my unit was covered with an anti-theft cover AND a rain cover so I could not easily adjust.:eek:
All better now!:clapping:I can just hear Jerry now "There's a volume wheel?" :rotf:

[danbrew]

There have been many debates over the Valintine 1 or the Escourt. I have hooked both up at the same time and always got an earlier response from my Escourts...ALWAYS, so that is what I have in all my vehicles now.


Funny, but as you say, lots of debates on this issue. I have both a V1 and and Escort 8500 and typically used the 8500 in the car. I had the 8500 first, but bought a GS a number of years ago that came with the V1. I mounted both on an RCU shelf side by side and ran them that way for a few weeks - without fail the V1 sounded first. Go figure.


I can't say enough about the Radar Screamer too. It was a little hard to hear on the LT, but it scares the crap outta me on the HD when it goes off on the quieter mode. I never use the loud mode for fear I fly off the back of the bike and everyone will be reading the sign on my windshield "If you can read this..... The Radar Screamer made the Escourt perfect, plus you can mute the thing. When I had the unit wired into my headset I couldn't turn it off without turning off the entire system and when it went off inside that helmet....DAMN!!!

I strongly recommend the Marc Parnes Visual Alert - man, it works wonders and has saved me several thousand dollars. http://www.marcparnes.com/Visual_Alert.htm.

danbrew
:)

[SilverBuffalo]

Here's how I did mine, $35. and some Dutch ingenuity,
it amplifies the actual radar tones not some other obnoxious noise.

Tried and true, I've used the same amp setup on four different bikes over the last ten years.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14399&highlight=hear+valentine

[LARK]

I've read in many postings on this site that the AAWD wiring not put on bikes after 2005. I just had my 2008 K1200LT completely tore apart to put on the farkles. Along the way I had the left handlebar cover removed to run some wiring. I found a wire that split into two female spade connectors. It was taped over with what looks like masking tape. I've never seen this elusive AAWD connection but it sure looks like that's what everyone is talking about. And if it isn't...what is it? It is a wire ready for some use at a later date, taped over and ready for use...right from the factory. Again, this is a 2008 bike. I also found what I'm guessing is a CB cable under the stingray. It was capped off just waiting to be used. Maybe it's for GPS or maybe it's the GPS plug. I don't know. Seemed like a waste that I couldn't tap into this but it had a female pin plug type setup. I would have to cut into it and find out which wire went where and didn't feel that ambitious. So these wiring options are there but not sure what they are used for. Just some info to think about. I already ran my wires a different way and have things buttoned up already. Everything works for me but I still wonder what those wires could be used for.I'm in the process of installing a factory CB on my '09 right now. The 2 spade connectors are for the Push To Talk button for the CB. No other connectors in sight under the L/H handle bar covers. BTW if anyone out there has done a factory CB install I've got a few questions.

[dshealey]

---------------------------There have been many debates over the Valintine 1 or the Escourt. I have hooked both up at the same time and always got an earlier response from my Escourts...ALWAYS, so that is what I have in all my vehicles now.-----------------------------
The escort 9500 "may" work as well (the test chart posted here says otherwise, but it is close in most tests.) but I would NOT give up my Valentine direction and bogey count indicators for the Escort, even if it's detection range WAS better. I can look at the indicator, know which direction the hit is coming from, and see if there are multiple source counts. Invariably, if there are multiple counts counting up and down, it is a cheap radar detector in another vehicle close by. I go by a radar speed sign every morning and get a solid "1" on the counter. One day the count was 2, and sure enough, there was a cop sitting a couple hundred yards past the speed sign.

I had my Valentine on my LT for years, it now is in my Tundra Truck. A couple weeks ago I move it in the overhead console to get it off the dash, were it was a too visible in it's "Please Steal Me" mode. I could hear it, but can't live without the display. Every time it went off, I was looking for the display, so spent the money for the remote display unit, which I installed in the instrument panel. Ah, normality again.

The Escort (9500 only) is a definitely a good detector, but for me the Valentine is WAY better.

[grifscoots]

I agree with David. The arrows and hit indicators are invaluable.

Mine goes off at the same spot everyday, there was a 2 count one day, and sure enough, behind a bridge.....

[rdtebeau]

If you have the BMW Navigator GPS it's wiring harness has an audio out plug that plugs into the VOICE II. When I say "plugs into" I mean the VOICE II has a plug on it's wiring harness that is dedicated to the Navigator GPS. This plug is located under the stingray on the left side. I tapped into the two wires going to this plug to connect audio feed from the radar detector. I shouldn't of said "plugged into" in my previous post as it suggests there's a plug for a radar detector. I actually stripped a little insulation off the two wires and soldered in the wires from the radar detector audio out.
I don't see why you couldn't use a passive mixer to introduce both the GPS and radar audio into this input on the VOICE II. I going to have my LT apart in the next couple of weeks and if you want I'll try a passive mixer and let you know the outcome.

Bruce Hodges

Bruce,
I'm going to connect my radar audio out into my GPS wiring harness, can you tell me the color of the audio feed wiring? Also, did you ever try the passive mixer to use both the GPS and the radar (or how is it without the mixer when using both)?

Thanks for you help,