OWNER’S MANUAL
1650 Series
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR
TM
If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
please call consumer relations:
1-800-531-0004
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST
Please keep the receipt in a safe
place. If the unit is returned without a
dated proof of purchase an out of
warranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at
the time of purchase. The warranty is
validated only by return of the
Warranty Validation card.
Now is the time to record the serial
number of the unit in the space provided in the warranty section of the
manual.
1
INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Owner,
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It
can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment
center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler
products are designed to make the time you spend in your
vehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simply
more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve
your driving experience.
Y our new Whistler 1650 Series laser/radar detector detects all
radar, laser and safety radar systems. The comprehensive
safety system detects all safety radar including the Safety
Warning System™ keeping you informed of road hazards
and adverse weather. Whistler’s 1650 Series also offers a digital display with safety messages to keep you informed while
you drive.
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
1650 Series and to better understand the differences
between detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we
recommend reading this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1650 Series and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP
Topic Page
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 5
Installation .............................................................................6 - 8
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
Operation ............................................................................9 - 12
• Power On And Self-Test
• Feature Engaged Confirmation
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• Highway Mode
• City Mode
• Dim/Dark Mode
• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................13 - 16
• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
• Alert Priority
• Care and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................17
Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................18
Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................19 - 20
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................21 - 23
Specifications ............................................................................24
Accessories ...............................................................................25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
WHISTLER FEATURES
Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a
new level of operating convenience. Special features
include:
1. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy
release of the mounting bracket.
2. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.
3. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.
4. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confirmation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates
engaged modes of operation.
5. QUIET/Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIET before a
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode. Pressing
QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio
alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
3
Whistler 1650 Series
1
2
3
4
7
8
6
5
WHISTLER FEATURES
6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
typically encountered in urban driving areas.
7. DARK/VG-2 Button – Reduces illumination of display
to “dim” or “dark” settings. Press and hold (for two seconds) to engage or disengage VG-2.
8. Laser Antenna (Rear) – An integrated optical waveguide provides superior detection of laser signals transmitted from behind.
9. Laser Antenna (Front) – High gain optical lens array
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leadingedge laser detection.
10. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna
receives radar signals.
11. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.
4
12
11
10
WHISTLER FEATURES
Accessories
Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.
Power Cord - Connects to the unit’s power jack and your
vehicle’s lighter socket.
Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your
vehicle’s windshield.
Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on
a level dashboard.
Certain 1650 Series radar detectors include additional
accessories.
5
INSTALLATION
Mounting Guidelines
• Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the
windshield.
• Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments, mirrored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal surfaces which can affect radar and laser signals and reduce critical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.)
• Some newer windshields have an Instaclear
™
or
Electriclear™ type coating, which affect radar signals.
Consult your dealer or the owner’s manual supplied with
your vehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating.
• Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your unit when
not in use.
Windshield Mounting
• Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the
bracket by fitting them into their holes.
• Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the location
you have chosen. IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have a
plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The
windshield bracket may leave permanent marks on this
type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of
windshield, check the owner’s manual or ask your dealer.
We recommend that you do not leave the suction cup
bracket on the window in direct sunlight. If the detector
is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some
vehicles.
• Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-
6
INSTALLATION
shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove
the detector before bending.
Dash Mounting
• Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is
relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl
alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes.
• Separate the fastener strips. Peel the paper backing off
each strip and adhere one piece to the dash and the other
piece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to cover
the serial number.
Be careful not to place the fastener strip over the unit’s serial number. If the
fastener strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Units
without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
7
INSTALLATION
Visor Mounting (optional accessory)
• Slide the visor bracket into the bracket mounting slot.
• Clip the visor bracket onto the visor making sure it is
relatively level and has a clear view of the road.
Power Connection
• Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s power
jack.
• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2
amp 3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replace the
fuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (IMPORTANT:
Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out
when disassembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring and
screw on the tip. With use, screw cap on plug may loosen.
Retighten occasionally.
Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2 amp
fuse.
8
Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this
section of bracket.
Slide on view
OPERATION
Power On And Self-Test
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and
visual displays are functional.
• Turn Power/Volume control clockwise. Display reads:
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature
“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
9
WHISTLER
Ka 9
SAFETY
HIGHWAY
X 9
LASER
K 9
OPERATION
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet shortens the tone for the selected audio
approximately 3 seconds after a radar or safety radar signal is detected. The shorter tone will resume for any new
signal within 20 seconds. Auto Quiet does not affect VG-2
or laser alerts.
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage Auto
Quiet. Display reads:
• Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel
the audio alarm by pressing Quiet.
• Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel
Auto Quiet mode.
Quiet Mode
Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, 2 beeps are provided on
any new alert and the unit then remains quiet.
• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.
• Press Quiet a second time while unit is alarming to
restore the standard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit
off, then on.
10
AUTO
QUIET
OPERATION
City Mode
Whistler’ s City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and other devices which
share frequencies with police radar.
• Press City to engage City. Display r eads:
• Pressing City a second time cancels City. Display r eads:
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial alarm
of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signal becomes
very strong. When the signal strength increases, two additional
beeps are provided.
Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka,
Safety) signals are detected, and is recommended for open road
driving. Highway mode is automatically engaged after the unit is
turned on and completes the self-test.
Dim/Dark Mode
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Press Dark once to reduce illumination to a Dim setting.
Display reads:
• Pressing Dark a second time engages Dark Mode.
Display reads:
Dim or dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode, the
display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detected and for
20 seconds after , then the display r eturns to the dimmer setting.
• Pressing Dark a third time restores full illumination to the display .
11
CITY
HIGHWAY
DIM
DARK
OPERATION
Engaging VG-2
The Option Select Mode allows you to engage or disengage
VG-2 Detection.
• Press and hold Dark for two seconds. Display reads:
• Pressing Dark a second time disengages VG2. Display
reads:
VG-2 must be engaged each time your detector is turned
on.
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your
detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer
is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button
is pressed before the 3 hours have expired. The detector will
alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts
off. Display reads:
During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit by
pressing any button. This will reset the timer.
If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any button
to turn the unit back on. You can manually engage the
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode by pressing and holding the City
button until one beep is heard. The auto shutoff function will
initiate after several seconds.
12
VG2 ON
VG2 OFF
PWR OFF
RADAR/LASER ALERTS
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
When X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signal
strength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous and
has a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the beep the
closer or stronger the radar source. Example:
1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal
Pulse Protection
®
When a pulse type signal (instant on strong signal) is
detected an urgent 3 second audio warning is sounded
and the display reads:
After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.
13
PULSE
K 9
Ka Band
Detected
Display
Digits
ramp
1-9
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety
Warning System displays over 60 text messages. When
Safety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counterlike.
Safety Warning System Text
Example: Poor Road Surface:
Not all areas have Safety Warning System transmitters.
14
CAUTION
SURFACE
POOR
ROAD
LASER ALERTS / VG-2 ALERTS
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the word “Laser” and signal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous for
a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:
The more “ “ the closer the laser source.
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its own
radiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.
Text message confirms detection of VG-2.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal. If
a VG-2 signal is still present, the unit continues to hide and
repeats the VG-2 alert. If no signal is detected, two beeps
are provided, indicating an “all clear” condition. During
VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be received.
Note: VG-2 must be turned on to receive VG-2 alerts.
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same time,
the alert priority is:
1. Laser
2. VG-2
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly VG-2 is detected, the
VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.
15
LASER
VG2 VG2
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Care And Maintenance
During the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure to
direct sunlight by removing your unit from the dash when
your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time.
Do not spray water, cleaners or polishes directly onto the
unit. The spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners on
the unit’s exterior.
16
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed
to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable,
trouble-free operation. If your unit has been correctly installed
following the guidelines in this manual, but is not operating
optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.
PROBLEM: No display or audio.
• Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary with a
2 amp 3AG type.
• Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.
• Make sure lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.
• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.
• Check connections at both ends of power cord. Substitute
another cord to determine if cord is defective. Return
defective cord to the factory.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment,
electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows,
directionals, horn, etc.), or when accelerating.
• Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and alternator ,
may have electrical noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd.
25 volt or larger capacitance value) on the back of the
lighter socket.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
PROBLEM: Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.
• Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with
factory quality cap.
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer
Relations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for
service.
17
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
In Most States YES!
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when
used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).
Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar
detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are
Virginia and Washington, D.C., which have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway
Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective
January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser detector use
in these types of vehicles nationally.
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of
New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks
over 18,000 lbs. and in the state of Illinois in trucks over
26,000 lbs.
18
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain
frequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up
by the radar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beam
reflects off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift
occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour
to determine your vehicle’s speed.
Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
permits operation of traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 -
10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band
(33.400 - 36.000 GHz).
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliably
provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in a
group of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a specific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of target identification is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radar
transmission can cover more than a four-lane highway at a
distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmission
which covers about 6 feet at the same distance.
For best protection, keep these points in mind:
• Because your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser gun’s
primary targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the dashboard can
improve laser detection at short range.
• Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see through. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector won’t
either.
• The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same as a radar
detector. Laser guns are most often used at short range.
19
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
Other Speed Detection Systems
Several techniques other than radar or laser are used to
measure vehicle speeds. When these methods are being
used, no detector can provide a warning. These techniques
include:
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and matches your
driving speed.
• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to travel a
known distance is measured.
Radar Detector Detectors
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave receiver used by police to detect signals radiated by the local
oscillator of a radar detector . Because its purpose is to identify persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is known
as a “radar detector detector”.
The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the police to identify
radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught in a state where
detectors are illegal (see pg. 18), drivers risk losing their
radar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on
radar is almost always used in combination with a VG-2,
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receiving two
tickets — one potentially for speeding, the other for possession of a detector.
Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 may
alert you to the presence of a speed trap.
20
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Consumer Warranty
The 1650 Series Whistler detector is warranted to the original
purchaser for a period of one year from the date of original
purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship.
This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified, installed improperly, if the housing has been
removed, or if the serial number is missing. There are no
express warranties covering this product other than those set
forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for this
product are limited to one year. Whistler is not liable for
damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this
product.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired or
replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistler’s
option, without charge to the purchaser when returned
prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the address below.
Units returned without dated proof of purchase will be
handled as described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing a
radar/laser receiver , ther e are no authorized service stations for
Whistler brand detectors other than the factory.
When returning a unit for service under warranty, please
follow these instructions:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy
equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, and
shipping charges prepaid to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1201 North Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR. 72756
21
WARRANTY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or
damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit
insured with return receipt requested.
2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), and
a daytime telephone number . (No P.O. Box please.)
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g., “Unit per
forms self-test but does not respond to radar”).
• A copy of your dated proof of purchase or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. For
reference, please write your unit’s serial number in the following
space: s/n __________________.
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty
period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of
purchase and return the Warranty Validation card.
22
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates
when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• Dated proof of purchase is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial number.
• The unit has been abused, modified, installed improperly, or had its housing removed.
The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler
detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty service, please return your unit as outlined in the section
“Service Under Warranty” along with a certified check or
money order for $55.00. Payment may also be made by
MasterCard or VISA; personal checks are not accepted. In
the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum
$55.00 service fee, you will be contacted by a Whistler
technical service specialist who will outline options available to you. If you elect not to have your unit
repaired/replaced, it will be returned to you along with
your certified check or money order.
IMPORTANT:When returning your unit for service, be certain to include a daytime telephone number.
Consumer Relations
If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler detector, or require service during or after the
warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at
1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answer
your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(CST).
23
SPECIFICATIONS
• Dimensions: 1.1"H x 2.9"W x 4.5"L
• Weight: 6.5 oz.
• Laser Wavelength:
905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)
• Radar Frequencies:
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
• Operating Temperature Range:
-20˚ C to +80˚ C (-4˚ F to +176˚ F)
• Power Requirements:
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
One or more U.S. patents apply: #4,315,261; #5,146,227;
#5,379,456. Other patents pending.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
24
ACCESSORIES
The following accessories can be ordered directly from
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.
Order Description Price
Code
202138 Visor Bracket $ 6.95
202140 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95
206294 *Modular Lighter Plug $ 7.95
(Requires 206550 or
206551)
206550 *Modular Straight $ 6.95
Power Cord (5')
(Requires 206294)
206551 *Modular Coiled $ 7.95
Power Cord (7')
(Requires 206294)
206552 Straight Power Cord (5’) $ 14.95
206553 Coiled Power Cord (7’) $15.95
206879 Hook & Loop $ 1.95
206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95
(for wiring to fuse box)
*Modular: interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00
Prices are subject to change without notice.
25
THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL (501) 273-6012 FX (501) 273-2927
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
25 Industrial Ave.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
TEL (978) 244-1400 FX (978) 244-1492
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004
P/N 203142, © WHISTLER 2000
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