Uniden R3 Radar/Laser Detector Hard Wired Installation - Porsche 911 991

In this video I install the new radar detector that I will be testing out in my Porsche 911 991 for the next few months. Note: I discovered that this power tap is NOT switched, meaning the power doesn’t shut on / off with the ignition. You either need to manually push the power button on the unit to operate it, or set your radar detector to automatically power off after a period of inactivity Eg. 5 mins. If you want a switched power solution you need to run a wire from the device to your fuse box.
The Uniden R3 is one of the best reviewed mid-point unit on the market. I’m quite excited about this particular device because a fellow KZbinr and Porsche fanatic likes this unit and it has tested exceptionally well about several of the higher end units on the market. Check it out!
As ever, thanks so much for watching my videos and supporting my channel. I do all of this because of my passion for cars and interacting with like minded car enthusiasts. Keep the comments and chat coming! More videos coming soon. Cheers!
#VortexRadar
If you’re thinking of getting a radar or laser system for your car or have quite literally any questions about the whole area... you have to check these guys out. Amazing resource.
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#Blendmount
Get your custom fit mounting bracket here for your specific car and radar detector. Here’s what they have for the 991.1:
blendmount.com...
#MirrorTap
Here’s where to get the wiring harness:
blendmount.com...
#ObsessedGarage
A guru in many respects, Matt at Obsessed Garage has this windscreen / rear view mirror mounted unit in his GT3 RS. • Radar Detector in GT3 ...
#AutoAmateur
Also check out my blog at www.autoamateur... for more posts and behind the scenes content.
#AutoAmateurPodcast
Tune in and join my new AutoAmateur podcast! You can find it on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Alexa's TuneIn app among other podcast services and platforms. Just search for Auto Amateur.
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Title Music by Massive Attack, Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud

[@TomCccog]

Ok so here's the deal. You keep finding great ways for me to spend money on my same 991.1. In return I'm asking YOU to participate in a local Track Day this summer James. Deal? LOL watching you grin as you accelerate...you gotta go do a track day you will be hooked. You're welcome in advance 😊. Great video as always 👊

[@AutoAmateur]

Ha!! Deal. It’s on! 🤩🔥

[@j5ktt]

I run the same radar on my GT4, used settings from vortex radar website and hardly ever get false reports. Great job mate!

[@AutoAmateur]

Awesome!! Thanks! 🙌🤩

[@edwinremudaro7953]

Upon watching this video from home self quarantine you inspire me to go to my garage and start tinkering with my car as well :). I'll call this a cavin fever reliever.

[@AutoAmateur]

Haha. Nice!!!

[@AutoAmateur]

Note: I discovered that this power tap is NOT switched, meaning the power doesn’t shut on / off with the ignition. You either need to manually push the power button on the unit to operate it, or set your radar detector to automatically power off after a period of inactivity / no motion. If you want a switched power solution you need to run a wire from the device to your fuse box. Mine device shuts off automatically on its own, so it doesn’t matter about the wiring not being switched.

[@smackbikeNZ]

This is the best, and I would recommend it. It took me 15min to tuck the wires away and splice onto a fuse tap and into the fusebox.

[@hotchalupa]

I have the same radar detector and have never tried the auto-off function when it doesn't detect motion for a set amount of time.. Thanks for the tip! In my case, I don't worry much about the wires tapped into a non-switched power source as I never leave it mounted when I park... I always hide it in the console/glove box (and lock it), or I take it with me in my backpack. I live in the Seattle area and smash-and-grabs are much too common here. :-\

[@Bonspieler]

Kudos to you for helping to keep our economy going strong during these trying times. New wrap, new GoPro Hero 8 Black, WITH the media mod, new radar detector and specialized mount. Thank you brother!! Thank you! ;-) I literally had busted out laughing at the point you said "I wonder if there's a carbon fiber version of one of these" LMAO!! I knew the minute you started fiddling with that, that thought would cross your mind. It crossed mine. :-D Of course none of us 911 drivers ever speed. That would be against the law. wink wink nudge nudge. Still blown away by the wrap and the color you chose. The black Porsche stripe really sets it all off. Great vid again James!! Cheers

[@jeholloway2]

When he pulled off the cover I thought hmmm do they make that in Alcantara or leather?

[@nicklenard1844]

I am a new fan of the channel. Your videos of the Uniden made me start to think long and hard if I really need a radar detector as I am not a reckless driver. After seeing the video, I went back and forth for a few weeks. I installed it just like your setup and no joke within two days of that it saved my butt from a ticket! Thank you!

[@AutoAmateur]

No way! That’s awesome! Good for you. Cheers Nick!! 🤩🙌

[@bjbraunlich]

I just bought the same setup (R3 and Blendmount bracket) for my 991.2. Appreciate the video. Nice job making it look easy.

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Brandon!!

[@djl3528]

Brandon - Did you find anything different doing it in your 991.2 vs James’ procedure on the .1? Or was it exactly the same with the wiring?

[@bjbraunlich]

@@djl3528 exactly the same.

[@713vinh]

I have an Escort Max 360 on my car and have been wanting to do this mod for a while. Having a radar really helps and have saved me many times. Nice job James!

[@ianreadman]

Nicely done James and good shout out to Vortex Radar, his content is really useful too. I have a K40 & front jammers in my 991.1 GTS and the jammers have definitely saved my bacon a couple of times. They're pretty expensive, but so is a court appearance and a driving ban! I also hardwired an R3 in my McLaren 675, was a bugger of a job as no power in the mirror to tap, so had to use the fuse box (which is behind the drivers seat). I like the Uniden much more than the K40, definitely less false reports and I love the buttons being on the front of the R3 vs on top with the K40.

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Ian! Appreciate it!!

[@russcruse497]

Change that display to blue to match the wrap and interior details !! I have the same unit and it works great. Vortex website has great info on custom configurations and programming to eliminate false alarms.

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Russ!! Yeah, I just discovered the blue screen setting. Love it!

[@fostermckeon9504]

Great job. I have the same unit but only use the suction. I don’t have auto dimming mirror on my 997.2, but you inspired me to go forward with the more permanent option. I use Waze along with R3 Uniden.

[@AutoAmateur]

Nice one Foster!! I’m really happy with how it turned out.

[@peteisjustsaying1646]

Another great job James. Love the wrap colour as well. Keep the videos coming. Always enjoyable.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Pete!!

[@larrym1112]

Great walkthrough James. You made this look easy. Going to order everything and get the 997tt setup. Thanks.

[@AutoAmateur]

Awesome Larry, good luck!

[@frankesposito5817]

Thanks for the video. Just did the same install, but for the V1 gen 2 detector.

[@AutoAmateur]

Very nice!! 🤩🙌🙌🙌

[@danpintal1215]

Great video again! Fun and educational!

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Dan!

[@leoguy1609]

Own three of them, at times you'll get outstanding range and other times it'll give M3 platform performance which isn'ta good thing. Mines have issues finding Ka 35.5 when it's perpendicular to on coming traffic. Did notify Uniden on more than one occasion, luckily I don't see as much 35.5 as I do 34.7 in my area. Uniden R4 that's coming out is even better t hff an the R3 according to Vortex Radar, who was testing it.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks, appreciate the heads up! I’ll keep an eye out for the R4.

[@buckybacker]

You’re a braver man than I am, James!

[@AutoAmateur]

Hey mate, if you want this too I’ll be happy to do it for you!

[@jamar959]

James, a really nice job! And like others point out, you keep coming up with good ideas on how we can spend more money on our cars. As I own the same Uniden, and would love to have the same set up, I've come up with great plan. First, you own all the necessary tools (ok...just the trim tool and the cool knife you don't need). Second, you know what parts to order. So my brilliant idea - you order the parts, I'll come over and you help me install it. However, since you're now an experienced installer, and given this new world of "social distancing", not to mention you at 6'6" there's probably not room for both of us in the car, perhaps it's best if I hang out in the kitchen, drinking beer (I like Surly Furious, in case you need to make a liquor store run) and you let me know when it's done. You have HBO, right? I prefer to do it when Westworld is on. When I can stop by?

[@AutoAmateur]

Ha!! Well Jim, anytime you want! Will take quite literally 10 mins to install for you. Hit me up!

[@bmwnthzst]

Nice job James. I always enjoy watching your DIY videos, you made this one look super easy! If I may make a comment, I think you should heat shrink the two wires that you connected to the power supply at 10:55 of the tutorial to help ensure they do not shake loose. Time for a Ruthie (beer of course)!

[@AutoAmateur]

Haha. Ruthie actually joined me and had a sip of my Ruthie beer tonight. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll do that!

[@snbcook]

Nice install, I run a Uniden DFR7 and have had good results. If you havent done so already turn the "K band Filter" setting to on to limit all those semi truck false alerts.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks for the heads up Nick! Done!

[@seniorscientist590]

Rig accelerator to the detector. When it goes off have the accelerator drop to the floor. Highly effective in a 911;).

[@Jamesrw2002]

2024 and this video is still relevant. I did this install on my 991.2 but for some reason, I don’t think the radar detector is turning off when the car is locked and left alone. Curious if anyone else has seen this.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks! It's most likely because you tapped a power source that stays on while the ignition is off. There are a couple of places to tap for power, make sure you're not tapping anything connected to the car alarm or the lights that can activate without the ignition.

[@jeholloway2]

Terrific video. Great rhythm and pace. Good angles for the install. Please include the links to the two accessories for mounting. Wire and windshield mount. BTW the Escort has a new attachable video camera to its detectors so you can get two tasks done in one install.

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers James!! I’ll add those links right now...!

[@AutoAmateur]

Mirror Tap: blendmount.com/mirrortap/

[@AutoAmateur]

Blendmount bracket for the 991: blendmount.com/results/?Make=PORSCHE&Year=2013&Model=911+CARRERA&Category=Radar+Detector&Brand=Uniden&BrandModel=R1+%2f+R3+%2f+DFR8+%2f+DFR9

[@mitchells8578]

Hey James, really enjoy all your content. Curious about your garage posters - where did you get them?

[@AutoAmateur]

The ones with the red 993? I took the photos myself at the Porsche dealership in St. Paul and had them blown up on canvas. Thanks so much!!

[@cjsnylons]

Another project well done! I still can't get over that wrap- love the color and the Porsche on the bottom. So, do you use specific video editing software to edit your videos now that you are using 2 GoPros? Thanks!

[@AutoAmateur]

I just use iMovie on my MacBook Pro. It’s the app I’ve been using all along for all of my videos. Thanks again!

[@howorks]

James great video. I watched and ordered the tap from Blendmount. I will be mounting on my .1 GT3 with auto dimming mirrior. I know that black taps into black but what did you tap red to? I think the autodimming doesn't have red only. Thank you!

[@AutoAmateur]

Good question! There should be some instructions with your power tap product which runs down the various wiring combinations you can come across. I have to admit, it was such a while now since I did this job I don't recall what I had. I'm pretty sure it was just black to black, red to red.

[@edjustice7755]

Nicely done nonetheless..

[@djl3528]

James, This is great. Do you expect that there would be any difference at all with the wiring in the 991.2? I would think not but just curious if you know. Thanks!

[@AutoAmateur]

Hey David! Actually it’s basically the same. I installed one for a friend. Good luck!

[@marktorcaso7631]

U DA MAN

[@AutoAmateur]

Cheers Mark!

[@user-fy3qg5hc4g]

So I just did this same install same car. Uniden R7 though. The only issue is when you turn off the car, the radar detector stays on…and yes, I did red wire to red/black wire and black to black wire. What gives?

[@AutoAmateur]

You wired it up in the wrong place. You need to wire it up to the switched connection which is the plug for the mirror not the spotlight I think. Find another plug to tap in there.

[@Mack1364]

James, will you be doing an update on how this detector is working out for you?

[@AutoAmateur]

Sure thing! Sounds like a great idea for a video this week!

[@michaelsastra7483]

@@AutoAmateur I'm in... seeing as we are still locked down. Lets hear your thoughts on the Uniden! BTW I am patiently awaiting the same lift that you purchased for the garage. Keep up the good work! Mike

[@AutoAmateur]

@@michaelsastra7483 that's awesome news! Congratulations on your lift! I'm really enjoying mine!

[@josephlaroza]

Hi James, why the R3 vs. the Valentine 1 v2?

[@AutoAmateur]

Part of it was the price, part of it was I liked how smaller and cooler (!) it looked, but ultimately the review of the R3 I saw in a couple of Vortex Radars' videos sold me on it. It really is awesome, I love it.

[@steveadp]

ok not joking but I think the Porsche carbon fiber interior trim would make the interior look so much better on all black interior P cars. Needs to be Porsche trim not after market. Just mentioning it. I laughed pretty hard " Let's go test some cops tonight"!

[@AutoAmateur]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Cheers Steve!!

[@slytherben]

Did the mount ever rattle or creak?

[@AutoAmateur]

Never! It still functions flawlessly.

[@roberdman6637]

Noooooo the knife.

[@AutoAmateur]

😆😆😆

[@jasonwills8771]

Send it back the display is red and does not go with new colour 😂

[@AutoAmateur]

Ha! Well thankfully it has a blue mode which lines up well with my wrap. Woop! 🤣👍

[@jasonwills8771]

Auto Amateur carbon cover? Lol. Look forward to next video. Wish I got my 911 before now so I could spend time playing with it. Luckily I still have my motorbike