While our existing SmartCord options are compatible with the standard 12V CLA (Cigarette Lighter Adapter) outlets found in most vehicles, many late models are requiring work-arounds as automotive standards and designs change, including:  

  • No longer including the 12V CLA socket.
  • 12V CLA socket hidden too far away for the coiled SmartCords to reach. 
  • Some BMWs still including the 12V CLA are using a longer socket depth.  

In these situations, a work-around will be necessary.  


Please note: Your ESCORT Radar Detector or camera may have a USB port built into it. This port is for data only and does not activate the majority of the unit's features.  Plugging into this port will not work to power your detector or camera correctly for operation.  


IMPORTANT:  Before utilizing any of these solutions, please check your owner's manual or reach out to the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that these options will be compatible with your vehicle.  Your vehicle may not work with every solution.  



Recommended Solutions


USB-C Power


Vehicles with 5V/2.5A USB-C power can use our optional USB-C to RJ11 power cord (4ft in length) ideal for modern vehicles, which may be purchased [HERE].


Straight SmartCord (12 foot)


If you have a 12V cigarette adapter socket located too far from the detector, we have a Straight SmartCord (over 12 feet in length, with no coiled portion) designed for longer routes to the detector.  You can get this cord  [HERE].


Direct Wire (Fuse box or ODBII)


The Direct Wire or Direct Wire SmartCord are more semi-permanent options that would tap into the vehicle's fuse panel, or connect to it's ODBII port.  We have several compatible Direct Wire options [HERE].


These usually need to be professionally installed and therefore may not be a good solution for leased or rented vehicles.  


Electric Vehicles:  Tesla and other EVs may use 16V electrical (rather than a traditional 12V system) which our devices will not operate on, and may damage the unit.  Please consult your owner's manual or dealership.  A step down voltage converter/regulator may be used to reduce power input to 12V; a dealership or professional installer will have more information on this.  



3rd Party Solutions


Please note:  While solutions like these work for most users, Cedar Electronics cannot guarantee performance with third party products. We take no responsibility for any third party solution utilized, and use of these solutions may void your warranty if they damage your unit. All information from this point forward is strictly for educational purposes.


Power Requirements:  Our devices are designed for 12VDC power supplied by standard automobile systems, and up to 2.5A of power.  5V USB power sources must provide enough power to step the voltage up to 12V, and any 5V power solution should also include circuitry to step up the voltage and must be capable of delivering 2.5A after stepping up to 12V.  


Mirror Taps & Pigtail Taps


Compatible mirror mounting kits often come with a small length of wire with an RJ11 connector on one end, and two bare wires on the other end. You might also find a similar, longer cable called a pigtail tap. These are meant to tap into a powered mirror. 


BlendMount.com sells mirror tap kits with their excellent mirror mounts which are customized to your vehicle's mirror.  Their mirror taps include a 2 amp inline fuse (like our SmartCords) designed to blow on surge and protect the device from damage.  Their vehicle selector will also give you your options for powered or non-powered mirrors.  


Please note:  These options may require professional installation due to the mirror's design, which we strongly recommend as tapping the mirror may carry the risk of accidentally damaging the vehicle's electrical supply and/or your device. 


Electric Vehicles:  Tesla and other EVs may use 16V electrical (rather than a traditional 12V system) which our devices will not operate on, and may damage the unit.  Please consult your owner's manual or dealership.  A step down voltage converter/regulator may be used to reduce power input to 12V; a dealership or professional installer will have more information on this.  


Vehicles with USB-A ports in the rear of the mirror will not provide enough power for our devices, USB-C may but you will have much excess cable, so this method is not recommended.  


USB-A Adapters


You may find 3rd party USB-A to RJ11 (direct to detector) or USB-A to CLA (Cigarette Lighter Adapter) socket cables from 3rd party manufacturers, however we cannot guarantee these will provide enough power to operate our devices properly due to limitations of the USB-A power specification.    


BMW and 12V CLA


If you have a late model BMW with a longer than standard socket depth, our SmartCord doesn't plug in quite far enough to make bottom contact.  


You might find that a short 12V extension (or a 2 socket splitter with a longer plug) will be your easiest solution, unless you have a USB-C port and can use our USB-C to RJ11 cable.  If not, installing a Direct Wire kit will be the recommended solution.