Beltronics VECTOR 965 User Manual

Beltronics

5442 West Chester Road

West Chester OH

45069 USA

USA 800-341-2288

Canada 800-268-3994

www.beltronics.com

Owner’s Manual

DIGITAL RADAR•LASER•SAFETY DETECTOR

©2004 Beltronics

Designed and Manufactured In Canada

Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.

Model: V965

Congratulations Quick Reference Card

The Bel V965 is the most advanced radar,
laser and safety detector ever designed by
Beltronics.

The Bel V965 includes full X, K,
SuperWide Ka, and Safety Warning System
radar capability, front and rear laser
detection, varactor-tuned (VTO) microwave
receiver, digital signal processing (DSP) for
superior range and reduced false alarms, our
patented Mute and AutoMute, audible and
visual band alerts, and all the performance
you’d expect from Beltronics.

In addition, the Bel V965 introduces
the follow revolutionary features:

• Varactor-tuned receiver provides
long-range protection against all
radar threats

• New easy-to-use Programming lets
you customize up to 6 features

• New AutoScan mode intelligently
reduces unwanted false alarms, plus
Highway and City settings

• Ultra-bright text-display provides
easy to read information from any
angle

• Detects and decodes Safety Warning
System messages

If you’ve used a radar detector before, a
review of the Quick Reference Guide on
pages 4 and 5, and the Programming
information on pages 12 and 13 will briefly
explain the new features.

If this is your first detector, please read
the manual in detail to get the most out of
your V965’s outstanding performance and
innovative features.

Please drive safely.



Remove card along perforations



BEL V965 Quick Reference Card

There are 6 user-selectable options so you
can customize your V965 for your own
preferences.

The buttons labeled CITY and BRT are
also used to enter the Program Mode,
REVIEW your current program settings, and
to CHANGE any settings as desired. The



words PROGRAM, RVW and CHG are
located on the top of the detector, and are
highlighted in graphics.

How to use Programming

1 To enter Program Mode, press and
hold both CITY and BRT buttons down
for 2 seconds. (The unit will beep twice,

and will display the word “Program”).

2 Then press the RVW button to review
the current settings. (You can either tap

the button to change from item to item, or
hold the button to scroll through the items).

3 Press the CHG button to change any
setting. (You can either tap the button to

change from setting to setting, or hold the
button to scroll through all the options).

Remove card along perforations

4 To leave Program Mode, simply wait
8 seconds without pressing any button.

(The unit will display Complete, beep, and
return to normal operation).



Factory Default Settings

To reset V965 to its original factory
settings, press and hold the “CITY” and
“BRT” buttons while turning the power
on. V965’s display will provide a “Reset”
message, accompanied by an audible

1

alert, acknowledging the reset.

An example

Here is how you would turn V965’s
AutoMute feature off.

1 Enter the Program Mode by holding
both the CITY and BRT buttons down for 2
seconds. V965 will beep twice and display

Program.

2 Then hold the RVW button down. V965
will scroll through the categories, starting
with Display (Pilot), then Voice ( Voice),
then Power-On sequence (PwrOn), and
then AutoMute (aMute).

3 Release the RVW button when V965
shows the AutoMute item. Since the

factory setting is for AutoMute to be on,
V965 will display aMute ON.

(If you accidentally don’t release the
Review button in time, and V965 goes to
the next category, hold the RVW button
down again, and after V965 scrolls
through all categories, it will begin again
at the top of the list.)

4 Press the CHG button to change from

aMute ON to aMute OFF.

5 To complete the Programming, simply
wait 8 seconds without pressing any button.

The V965 will display Complete, beep 4
times, and return to normal operation.

Programming Details 

Quick Reference Card

Table of Contents

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Remove card along perforations

BEL V965 Quick Reference Card

Press the RVW button

to go from one category

to the next

PILOT

(Power-on indication)

VOICE

POWER-ON SEQUENCE

AUTOMUTE

CITY MODE SENSITIVITY

BANDS

Pilot HWY

Pilot H

Voice ON

Voice OFF

PwrOn STD

PwrOn FST

aMute ON

aMute OFF

City STD

City LoX

City NoX

Bands DFT

Bands MOD



Press the CHG button
to change your setting
within a category

* Full word: Highway or AutoScan or City

Letter: H or A or C

* Voice alerts on

Voice alerts off

* Standard power-on sequence

Fast power-on sequence

* AutoMute on

AutoMute off

* Standard City mode sensitivity

Low X band sensitivity in City Mode

No X band sensitivity in City Mode

* Factory default settings

Factory default settings modified

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Remove card along perforations



Quick Reference Guide 4-5

Installation 6-7

• Power Connection 6

• Mounting Location 6

• Windshield Mount 7

Controls and Features 8-11

• Power and Volume Control 8

• Power-on indication 8

• Voice 8

• AutoMute 8

• Mute 8

• Highway / AutoScan / City Button 9

• Brightness and Dark Mode 9

• Audible Alerts 10

• Power Connector 10

• Signal Strength Meter 11

Programming 12-16

• How to use Programming 12

• Example of Programming 12

• Overview of Programming 13

• Details of Programming 14-16

Technical Details 16-23

• Changing the Faceplate 16

• Specifications 17

• Interpreting Alerts 18-19

• How Radar Works 20

• How “POP” Works 20

• How Laser Works 21

• How Safety Radar Works 22-23

Service 24-28

• Troubleshooting 24-25

• Service 26

* Factory Default Settings

Turn bands “ON” or “OFF” by

pressing the VOLUME/MUTE button

POP ON or OFF (default is off)

SWS ON or OFF (default is off)

• Registration 28

• Warranty and Accessories 29

32

Quick Reference Guide

To begin using your V965,
just follow these simple steps

1 Plug the small end of the power cord

into the side jack of the detector, and
plug the large end of the power cord
into your car’s lighter socket.

2 Mount your V965 on the windshield

using the supplied windshield mount.

3 Press the PWR button, located top left,

to turn the V965 on.

4 Press and hold the Volume/Mute

button to adjust the volume.

Please read the manual to fully understand
V965’s operation and features.

QuickMount Slot

Insert V965’s adjustable Windshield mount
into this slot. Page 7

QuickMount Button

Press the button, and slide the Windshield
mount into one of its four locking positions.

Page 7

City Button

Switches between AutoScan, City and
Highway, settings. In general, we
recommend AutoScan. Page 8

Power

Press the PWR button to turn the V965 on
or off.

Volume

Press and hold the Volume/Mute button to
adjust the alert volume level. Page 8

AutoMute

V965’s patented AutoMute automatically
reduces the volume level of the audio alert
after a brief period. Page 8. If you prefer,
you can turn AutoMute off. Page 8

Programming

V965 is ready to go, just plug it in and turn it
on. But you can also easily change 6 features
for your preferences. Page 12-16

Radar Antenna and Laser Lens

The rear panel of your V965 should have a
clear view of the road ahead. For best
performance, do not mount V965

directly behind windshield wipers

or tinted areas. Page 6

Alphanumeric Matrix Display

V965’s display will show Highway,
AutoScan, or City as its power-on indication.
If you prefer, you can choose other power­on indications. Page 12-14

During an alert, the display will indicate
radar band, and a precise bar graph of signal
strength. Page 10

Note: In the Dark Mode the display will
not light during an alert. Page 9

Rear Laser Port

Receives laser signals from behind the
vehicle.

Earphone Jack

Accepts standard 3.5mm earphone.

Brightness Button

Press to adjust display brightness. There are
three brightness settings, plus Dark Mode.

In the Dark Mode, the power-on
indication will be changed to a “AD,” “HD,”
or “CD” (indicating AutoScan, Dark,
Highway Dark, or City Dark). In the Dark
Mode, V965’s meter will not display during
an alert, only the audio will alert you.

Page 9

Power Jack

Plug the power cord into this connector.

Pages 6

Mute Button

Briefly press this button (above the display)
to silence the audio for a specific alert. (The
audio will alert you to the next encounter.)

Page 8

4

5

Installation

Power Connection

To power V965, plug the small end of the
power cord, (telephone-type connector)
into the modular jack on V965’s right side,
and plug the lighter plug adapter into your
vehicle’s lighter socket or accessory socket.

V965 operates on 12 volts DC negative
ground only. The lighter plug provided is a
standard size and will work in most
vehicles. However, some vehicles may
require the optional European sleeve to
ensure a snug fit. If so, simply call our
service department to order one. This
sleeve slides over the lighter plug. Of
course, your lighter socket must be clean
and properly connected for proper
operation.

Note: Depending on your vehicle, the
lighter socket power may either be
continuously on, or it may be switched on
and off with your ignition switch.

Optional power cords

See the Accessories section for details on
our optional coiled SmartPlug or Direct-wire
power cords. Page 29

Mounting Location

WARNING: BELTRONICS cannot anticipate
the many ways the V965 can be mounted.
It is important that you mount V965 where
it will not impair your view nor present a
hazard in case of an accident.

Where to mount V965

For optimum detection performance, we
recommend the following:

• Using the QuickMount bracket, mount
your V965 level, and high enough on your
front windshield to provide a clear view of
the road from the front and rear.

• Mount V965 away from windshield
wipers, other solid objects, and heavily
tinted areas that might obstruct the radar
antenna or laser lens.

Windshield QuickMount

V965’s QuickMount bracket is designed for
unobtrusive and hassle-free mounting.

1 Depress the QuickMount button on the
top of V965 (by the word BELTRONICS)
and slide the QuickMount bracket into the
slot until it is locked into the position which
best fits the angle of your windshield (there
are four settings available). For extremely
horizontal or extremely sloped
windshields, the QuickMount
bracket can be bent.

To ensure that the suction cups
adhere to the windshield firmly, be sure to
keep both your windshield and the suction
cups clean.

2 To adjust V965 on your windshield, use
the QuickMount adjustment button
located on the top of the V965, and slide
V965 forward or backward to obtain a level
horizontal position.

When installed and adjusted properly, the
back top edge of the V965 should rest
solidly against your windshield.

Caution!

A few vehicles (including some Porsches)
have windshields with a soft anti-lacerative
coating on the inside surface. Use of suction
cups will permanently mar this coating.
Consult your dealership or the vehicle
owner’s manual to determine if your
windshield has this coating.

User’s Tip

You can leave the QuickMount bracket in
place on your windshield, and easily remove
the V965 by pressing the adjustment button
and sliding V965 off the mount. Again, be
sure to position the bracket where it won’t
present a hazard in the event of an accident.
Additional mounts are available.

6

7

Controls and Features

Power

To turn V965 on or off, press the PWR
button located on the top. When you turn
V965 on, it goes through a sequence of
alerts.

If you prefer, you may program your
V965 for a shorter power-on sequence. See
the Programming section for details.

Volume

Press and hold the Volume/Mute button
located on the top case to adjust the V965’s
alert volume level. The audio will ramp up
and down, accompanied by a bar-graph on
the display. Once you’ve reached your
preferred audio level, simply release the
button.

Power-on indication

After V965’s start-up sequence is complete,
the alphanumeric display will show
Highway, AutoScan, or City to indicate
which sensitivity mode is selected.

If you prefer, you can select alternate
power-on displays. See the Programming
section for details.

Voice Alerts

The V965 provides digital voice announce­ments of radar and laser bands detected. If
Safety Radar (SWS) is turned on, a safety
radar message will also be announced. See
the Programming section for details.

If you prefer, you can turn Voice Alerts

off. See Programming section for details.

AutoMute

Your V965 has our patented AutoMute
feature. After V965 alerts you to a radar
encounter at the volume you have selected,
the AutoMute feature will automatically
reduce the volume to a lower level. This
keeps you informed without the annoyance
of a continuous full-volume alert.

If you prefer, you can turn the
AutoMute feature off. See the Programming
section for details.

Mute

The Mute button, located on V965’s top
case, allows you to silence the audio alert
during a radar encounter.

To mute the audio for a single specific
signal, briefly press the Mute button. After
that radar encounter has passed, the mute
will automatically reset and the audio will
alert you to the next encounter.

Highway / AutoScan / City Button

The City button selects V965’s sensitivity
mode. We recommend the AutoScan mode
for most driving.

V965’s AutoScan mode provides long­range warning, with minimum false alarms.
In this mode, V965’s internal computer
continuously analyzes all incoming signals
and intelligently filters out false alarms.

You can also select conventional
Highway and City modes. When driving in
urban areas where annoying X-band
intrusion alarms and door openers are
common, City mode can be engaged to
lower X-band sensitivity and reduce X-band
alerts. Full sensitivity is maintained on all
other bands. You can also customize V965’s
City mode sensitivity, including “No X”
mode. See the Programming section for
details.

Brightness

V965’s BRT button selects the brightness
of V965’s display. There are four settings:
Maximum, Medium, Minimum, and Dark.
Press the BRT button to select your
preferred brightness.

If you prefer, you can have V965
always turn on at a specific brightness. See
the Programming section for details.

Dark Mode

When you select the Dark mode with the
BRT switch, V965 changes to a very
inconspicuous power-on indication: a very
Dim AD, HD, or CD. (In this display, the A,
H, or C indicates Auto, Highway, or City,
and the D indicates Dark.)

When V965 is in the Dark mode, the
display will not show visual alerts when
V965 detects signals. Only the audible alert
will tell you of detected signals.

If you prefer, you can have V965’s
display totally dark (see the Programming
section).

8

9

Controls and Features

Audible Alerts

For Radar signals:

V965 uses a Geiger-counter-like sound
to indicate the signal strength and type of
radar signal being encountered.

When you encounter radar, a distinct
audible alert will sound and occur faster as
the signal gets stronger. This allows you to
judge the distance from the signal source
without taking your eyes from the road.

Each band has a distinct tone for easy
identification.

X-band = chirping

K-band = buzzing

Ka-band = double-chirp

POP = full double-chirp

For Laser and POP signals:

Since laser and POP signals (if turned
on) are a possible threat no matter how
weak, the V965 alerts you to these bands at
full strength.

For Safety signals:

V965 will alert you to these signals
with a double-beep tone, and a
corresponding text message. A complete
listing of the text messages is on page 23.

Power Connector

V965's power jack uses a telephone-type
connector. This 4-conductor connector
only works with the included power cord,
optional direct-wire, or SmartPlug cord.

For more information or to order, call

us toll-free at 1-800-341-2288.

Signal Strength Meter

V965’s alphanumeric display consists of 280
individual LEDs, to provide an intuitive
ultra-bright display of signal strength and
text messages.

V965’s standard bar-graph signal
strength meter only displays information on
a single radar signal. If there are multiple
signals present, V965’s internal computer
determines which is the most important
threat to show on the bar-graph meter.

When V965 detects radar, it displays
the band (X, K, or Ka), and a precise bar­graph of the signal strength. When V965
detects a laser signal, the display will show
“LASER.”

NOTE: If you are operating V965 in the
Dark mode, the display will not light when
a signal is detected, only the audio will be
heard.

10

11

Programming

Overview of Programming

There are 6 user-selectable options so you
can customize your V965 for your own
preferences. The buttons labeled CITY and
BRT are also used to enter the Program
Mode, REVIEW your current program
settings, and to CHANGE any settings as
desired. The words PGM, RVW, and CHG
are located on the top of the detector, and
are highlighted in colored graphics. Pages
14-16 explain each option in more detail.

How to use Programming

1 To enter Program Mode, press and
hold both the CITY and BRT buttons
down for 2 seconds. (The unit will beep

twice, and will display the word Program

2 Then press the RVW button to
review the current settings. (You can

either tap the button to change from item to
item, or hold the button to scroll through
the items).

3 Press the CHG button to change
any setting. (You can either tap the button

to change from setting to setting, or hold
the button to scroll through all the options).

4 To leave the Program Mode, simply
wait 8 seconds without pressing any
button, or press the PWR button. (The

unit will display Complet
and return to normal operation).

e, beep 4 times,

).

An example

Here is how you would turn V965’s
AutoMute feature off.

1 Enter the Program Mode by holding
both the CITY and BRT buttons down for
2 seconds. V965 will beep twice and

display Program

2 Then hold the RVW button down.

V965 will scroll through the categories,
starting with Pilot (Pilo

e), Power-on sequence ( PwrOn ),

(Voic
and then AutoMute (aMut

3 Release the RVW button when V965
shows the AutoMute item. Since the factory

setting is for AutoMute to be on, V965 will
display aMute O

(If you accidentally don’t release the
RVW button in time, and V965 goes to the
next category, hold the RVW button down
again, and after V965 scrolls through all
categories, it will begin again at the top of
the list.)

4 Press the CHG button to change from

aMute ON

5 To complete the Programming, simply
wait 8 seconds without pressing any button,
or press the PWR button. The V965 will

display Complet
to normal operation.

.

t), Voice

e).

N.

to aMute OFF.

e, beep 4 times, and return

Press the REVIEW

to go from one category

(Power-on indication)

POWER-ON SEQUENCE

CITY MODE SENSITIVITY

button

to the next

PILOT

VOICE

AUTOMUTE

BANDS

* Factory Default Settings

To reset V965 to its original factory
settings, press and hold the “CITY”
and “BRT” buttons while turning
the power on. V965’s display will
provide a “Reset” message,
accompanied by an audible alert,
acknowledging the reset.

Pilot HWY

Pilot H

Voice ON

Voice OFF

PwrOn STD

PwrOn FST

aMute ON

aMute OFF

City STD

City LoX

City NoX

Bands DFT

Bands MOD

POP ON or OFF (default is off)
SWS ON or OFF (default is off)

Press the CHANGE button
to change your setting
within a category

* Full word: Highway or AutoScan or City

Letter: H or A or C

* Voice alerts on

Voice alerts off

* Standard power-on sequence

Fast power-on sequence

* AutoMute on

AutoMute off

* Standard City mode sensitivity

Low X band sensitivity in City Mode
No X band sensitivity in City Mode

* Factory default settings

Factory default settings modified

Turn bands “ON” or “OFF” by
pressing the VOLUME/MUTE button

12

13

Details of Programming

Pilot (Power-on indication)

Note: When you are using the Dark mode,
the display will only show HD, AD, or CD,
(Highway-Dark, AutoScan-Dark, or City­Dark).

Pilot HWY

In this setting, V965 will display “Highway,”
“City,” or “AutoScan” as its power-on
indication. (factory default)

Pilot H

In this setting, V965 will display “H” for
Highway, “C” for City, and “A” for
AutoScan.

(Full description)

(Letter)

Voice

Voice On (Voice announcements on)
In this setting, all radar, laser, and SWS
messages (if programmed) will be
announced using a digital voice.

Voice Off

In this setting, only the distinct audio tone
will be heard when a radar, Laser, or SWS
message is detected.

(Voice announcements off)

Power-on Sequence

PwrOnSTD (Standard)
In this setting, each time you turn on V965,
it will display “BEL V965,” “Laser,” “Ka­band,” “K-band,” “X-band,” “Safety,”
followed by a brief X-band alert. (factory
default)

If any bands have been changed from
the factory default settings, a double X-band
tone and corresponding message
(i.e. “SWS ON”), will alert you that one or
more bands have been changed.

PwrOnFST

In this setting, V965 will provide a single
X-band tone. If any bands have been
changed from the factory default settings, a
double X-band tone and corresponding
message (i.e. “SWS ON”), will alert you that
one or more bands have been changed.

(Fast power-on)

AutoMute

aMute ON (AutoMute on)
In this setting, V965’s audio alerts will
initially be at the volume you set, but after a
few seconds, V965 will automatically
reduce the volume level, to keep you
informed, but not annoyed. (factory default)

aMuteOFF

With AutoMute off, V965’s audio alerts will
remain at the volume you set for the
duration of the radar encounter.

(AutoMute off)

City Mode Sensitivity

City STD (Standard)
In this setting, when you put V965 in the
City mode, X-band sensitivity is significantly
reduced, to reduce annoyance from X-band
intrusion alarms and motion sensors.
(factory default)

City LoX

In this setting, when you put V965 in the
City mode, X-band sensitivity is reduced
more than the standard setting. This will
reduce X-band alarms from other sources
even further, but also significantly reduces
range to X-band traffic radar.

City NoX

In this setting, when you put V965 in the
City mode, V965 will not respond to any
X-band signals. WARNING: Only choose

this setting if you are absolutely certain
that there are no X-band traffic radar
units where you drive.

NOTE: These settings only apply when
V965 is operated in City mode. X-band
sensitivity is not affected when used in
“AutoScan” or “Highway” modes.

(Low X band sensitivity)

(No X-band sensitivity)

14

15

Details of Programming

Technical Details

Bands

BandsDFT

In this setting, all North American radar and
laser frequencies are monitored. This is the
factory setting and it is recommended that
you use your V965 in this mode.

BandsMOD

In this setting, V965 will warn you with an
audible alert, and associated text message
stating which band has changed from the
original factory setting (i.e. “SWS ON”).
This warning is displayed during the start
up sequence (standard or fast).

Faceplate

Removing the top faceplate
1 Using a sharp knife, or similar item, lift
one of the corners of the faceplate and pull
it off.
2 Remove any visible adhesive.

Installing the optional faceplate
1 Remove the backing from the button
area (lower half) first.
2 Align the optional faceplate over the
buttons first, and press down when it is
aligned correctly.
3 Once the button area of the faceplate is
pressed down, remove the remaining half of
the backing and press it
into place.
4 Press firmly around
the entire faceplate to
make certain the
adhesive has made
good contact.

Features and Specifications

Operating Bands

• X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz

• K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz

• Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz

• Laser 904nm, 33 MHz bandwidth

Radar Receiver / Detector Type

• Superheterodyne, VTO

• Scanning Frequency Discriminator

• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Laser Detection

• Quantum Limited Video Receiver

• Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes

Display Type

• 280 LED Alphanumeric

• Bar Graph

• 3 Levels of Brightness, plus Dark Mode

Power Requirement

• 12VDC, Negative Ground

• Power cord (included)

Programmable Features

• Power-On Indication

• Voice Alerts

• Power-On Sequence

• AutoMute

• City Mode Sensitivity

• Bands

Sensitivity Control

• Highway, AutoScan and City

Auto Calibration Circuitry

VG2 Immunity

Dimensions (Inches)

• 1.25 H x 2.75 W x 4.75 L

Patented Technology

V965 is covered by one or more of the
following US patents.
6,614,385 6,587,068 6,400,305 6,249,218
6,069,580 5,668,554 5,600,132 5,587,916
5,559,508 5,365,055 5,347,120 5,446,923
5,402,087 5,305,007 5,206,500 5,164,729
5,134,406 5,111,207 5,079,553 5,049,885
5,049,884 4,961,074 4,954,828 4,952,937
4,952,936 4,939,521 4,896,855 4,887,753
4,862,175 4,750,215 4,686,499 4,631,542
4,630,054 4,625,210 4,613,989 4,604,529
4,583,057 4,581,769 4,571,593 4,313,216
D314,178 D313,365 D310,167 D308,837
D296,771 D288,418 D253,752
V965 is also covered by one or more of the
following Canadian patents:
1,295,715 1,295,714 1,187,602 1,187,586
Other patents pending. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product.

16

17

Technical Details

Interpreting Alerts

Although the V965 has a comprehensive
warning system and this handbook is as
complete as we can make it, only
experience will teach you what to expect
from your V965 and how to interpret what
it tells you. The specific type of radar being

Alert

The V965 begins to sound slowly, then the
rate of alert increases. The Signal Meter ramps
accordingly.

V965 emits short alerts for a few seconds and
then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall
silent again.

V965 suddenly sounds a continuous tone for
the appropriate band received. All segments in
the Signal Strength Meter are lit.

A brief laser alert.

V965 receives weak signals. These signals may
be a little stronger as you pass large, roadside
objects. The signals increase in frequency.

used, the type of transmission (continuous
or instant-on) and the location of the radar
source affect the radar alerts you receive.

The following examples will give you
an introduction to understanding the V965’s
warning system for radar, laser and safety
alerts.

Explanation

You are approaching a continuous radar
source aimed in your direction.

An instant-on radar source is being used ahead
of you and out of your view.

An instant-on radar source or laser source is
being used nearby. This kind of alert requires
immediate attention!

Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is
inherently difficult to detect, any laser alert
may indicate a source very close by.

A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
overtaking you from behind. Because these
signals are reflected (reflections are increased
by large objects), they may or may not
eventually melt into a solid point even when
the patrol car is directly behind you.

Alert

V965 alerts slowly for a while and then
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.

V965 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of
alerts may be consistent or vary wildly.

V965 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of
signal increases with each alert.

V965 gives an X-band, or K-band alert
intermittently.

Explanation

You are approaching a radar unit concealed by
a hill or an obstructed curve.

A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a
radar source aimed forward. Because signals
are sometimes reflected off of large objects
and sometimes not, the alerts may seem
inconsistent.

A patrol car is approaching from the other
direction, sampling traffic with instant-on
radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.

You are driving through an area populated
with radar motion sensors (door openers,
burglar alarms, etc.). Since these transmitters
are usually contained inside buildings or aimed
toward OR away from you, they are typically
not as strong or lasting as a real radar
encounter.

CAUTION: Since the characteristics of these
alerts may be similar to some of the preceding
examples, overconfidence in an unfamiliar
area can be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in
a commonly traveled area is suddenly stronger
or on a different band than usual, speed radar
may be set up nearby.

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Technical Details

How Radar Works

Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves,
travels in straight lines and is easily reflected
by objects such as cars, trucks, even
guardrails and overpasses. Radar works by
directing its microwave beam down the
road. As your vehicle travels into range, the
microwave beam bounces off your car, and
the radar antenna looks for the reflections.
Using the Doppler Principle, the radar
equipment then calculates your speed by
comparing the frequency of the reflection
of your car to the original frequency of the
beam sent out.

Traffic radar has limitations, the most
significant of these being that it typically can
monitor only one target at a time. If there is
more than one vehicle within range, it is up
to the radar operator to decide which target
is producing the strongest reflection. Since
the strength of the reflection is affected by
both the size of the vehicle and its prox­imity to the antenna, it is difficult for the
radar operator to determine if the signal is
from a sports car nearby or a semi-truck
several hundred feet away.

Radar range also depends on the power
of the radar equipment itself. The strength
of the radar unit’s beam diminishes with
distance. The farther the radar has to travel,
the less energy it has for speed detection.

Because intrusion alarms and motion
sensors often operate on the same
frequency as X-Band radar, your V965 will
occasionally receive non-police radar
signals. Since these X-Band transmitters are
usually contained inside of a building, or
aimed toward the ground, they will
generally produce much weaker readings
than will a true radar encounter. As you
become familiar with the sources of these
pseudo alarms in your daily driving, they
will serve as confirmation that your V965’s
radar detection abilities are fully
operational.

How “POP” Works

“POP” mode is a relatively new feature for
radar gun manufacturers. It works by
transmitting an extremely short burst,
within the allocated band, to identify
speeding vehicles in traffic. Once the target
is identified, or “POPPED,” the gun is then
turned to its normal operating mode to
provide a vehicle tracking history, (required
by law).

How Laser (Lidar) Works

Laser speed detection is actually LIDAR
(Light Detection and Ranging). LIDAR guns
project a beam of invisible infrared light.
The signal is a series of very short infrared
light energy pulses, which move, in a
straight line, reflecting off your car and
returning to the gun. LIDAR uses these light
pulses to measure the distance to a vehicle.
Speed is then calculated by measuring how
quickly these pulses are reflected given the
known speed of light.

LIDAR (or laser) is a newer technology
and is not as widespread as conventional
radar, therefore, you may not encounter
laser on a daily basis. And unlike radar
detection, laser detection is not prone to
false alarms. Because LIDAR transmits a
much narrower beam than does radar, it is
much more accurate in its ability to distin­guish between targets and is also more
difficult to detect. AS A RESULT, EVEN

THE BRIEFEST LASER ALERT SHOULD
BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

There are limitations to LIDAR equip­ment. LIDAR is much more sensitive to
weather conditions than RADAR, and a
LIDAR gun’s range will be decreased by
anything affecting visibility such as rain, fog,
or smoke. A LIDAR gun cannot operate
through glass and it must be stationary in
order to get an accurate reading. Because
LIDAR must have a clear line of sight and is
subject to cosine error (an inaccuracy,
which increases as the angle between the
gun and the vehicle, increases) police
typically use LIDAR equipment parallel to
the road or from an overpass. LIDAR can be
used day or night.

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21

Technical Details

How Safety Radar Works

Safety Warning System, or SWS, uses a
modified K-band radar signal. The SWS safety
radar system has 64 possible messages (60
currently allocated). The SWS messages
your V965 can display are listed on the
facing page.

From the factory, your V965 is
programmed with SWS decoding OFF. If
SWS is used in your area, your V965 will
display the safety messages associated with
the signal. If you wish to detect this system,
use the Programming feature to turn V965’s
SWS decoding ON.

NOTE: Some of the safety messages
have been condensed, so that each message
can be displayed on one or two screens on
V965’s eight-character display.

Since Safety radar technology is
relatively new, and the number of
transmitters in operation is not yet wide­spread, you will not receive Safety signals
on a daily basis. Do not be surprised if you
encounter emergency vehicles, road
hazards and railroad crossings that are
unequipped with these transmitters. As
Safety transmitters become more prevalent
(the number of operating transmitters is
growing every day), these Safety radar
signals will become more common.

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SWS Text Messages

Highway Construction or Maintenance

1 Work Zone Ahead
2 Road Closed Ahead/Follow Detour
3 Bridge Closed Ahead/Follow Detour
4 Highway Work Crews Ahead
5 Utility Work Crews Ahead
6 All Traffic Follow Detour Ahead
7 All Trucks Follow Detour Ahead
8 All Traffic Exit Ahead
9 Right Lane Closed Ahead
10 Center Lane Closed Ahead
11 Left Lane Closed Ahead
12 For future use

Highway Hazard Zone Advisory

13 Stationary Police Vehicle Ahead
14 Train Approaching/At Crossing
15 Low Overpass Ahead
16 Drawbridge Up
17 Observe Drawbridge Weight Limit
18 Rock Slide Area Ahead
19 School Zone Ahead
20 Road Narrows Ahead
21 Sharp Curve Ahead
22 Pedestrian Crossing Ahead
23 Deer/Moose Crossing
24 Blind/Deaf Child Area
25 Steep Grade Ahead/Truck Use Low Gear
26 Accident Ahead
27 Poor Road Surface Ahead
28 School Bus Loading/Unloading
29 No Passing Zone
30 Dangerous Intersection Ahead
31 Stationary Emergency Vehicle Ahead
32 For future use

Weather Related Hazards

33 High Wind Ahead
34 Severe Weather Ahead
35 Heavy Fog Ahead
36 High Water/Flooding Ahead
37 Ice On Bridge Ahead
38 Ice On Road Ahead
39 Blowing Dust Ahead
40 Blowing Sand Ahead
41 Blinding Snow Whiteout Ahead
42 For future use

Travel Information/Convenience

43 Rest Area Ahead
44 Rest Area With Service Ahead
45 24 Hour Fuel Service Ahead
46 Inspection Station Open
47 Inspection Station Closed
48 Reduced Speed Area Ahead
49 Speed Limit Enforced
50 Hazardous Materials Exit Ahead
51 Congestion Ahead/Expect Delay
52 Expect 10 Minute Delay
53 Expect 20 Minute Delay
54 Expect 30 Minute Delay
55 Expect 1 Hour Delay
56 Traffic Alert/Tune AM Radio
57 Pay Toll Ahead
58 Trucks Exit Right
59 Trucks Exit Left
60 For future use

Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles

61 Emergency Vehicle In Transit
62 Police In Pursuit
63 Oversize Vehicle In Transit
64 Slow Moving Vehicle

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Troubleshooting

Problem

V965 beeps briefly at the same
location every day, but no radar
source is in sight.

V965 does not seem sensitive to
radar or laser.

V965 did not alert when a police car
was in view.

V965 did not provide a Safety signal
while within range of an emergency
vehicle.

V965’s display is not working.

V965’s audible alerts are less loud
after the first few alerts.

V965 bounces or sags on wind­shield.

Solution

• An X-band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is located within
range of your route. With time, you will learn predictable
patterns of these signals.

• Make sure that windshield wipers do not block V965’s radar
antenna and that the laser lens is not behind tinted areas.

• Determine if your vehicle has an Instaclear
solar reflective windshield which may deflect radar or laser
signals.

• V965 may be in City Mode.

• VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) a
stopwatch method of speed detection, may be in use.

• Officer may not have radar or laser unit turned on.

• Safety transmitters may not be commonly used in your area.

• Press the BRT button to deactivate Dark Mode.

• V965 is in AutoMute Mode. See page 8 for details.

• V965 is not making contact with the windshield to provide
stability. While holding down V965’s QuickMount button,
slide V965 toward the windshield so that the back top edge
makes firm contact.

®

, ElectriClear®or

Problem

V965 will not turn on.

V965 feels very warm.

Solution

• Check that the power is ON.

• Check that vehicle ignition is ON.

• Check that vehicle lighter socket is functional.

V965 in another vehicle.

• Try

• It is normal for V965 to feel warm.

Explanation of Displays

AD Sensitivity control is in AutoScan mode, display is in Dark mode (page 9)

HD Sensitivity control is in Highway mode, display is in Dark mode (page 9)

CD Sensitivity control is in City mode, display is in Dark mode (page 9)

No display V965 is in the Dark mode (page 9)

PilotHWY One of the many programming messages (pages12-16)

WorkZone One of the many Safety Radar messages (pages 22-23)

Caution V965 has detected a Safety Radar Signal, but the signal isn’t yet strong

enough to decode the specific safety message (page 22-23)

Self Cal V965 is running a self-calibration test

V965’s power-on sequence
reoccurs while you are driving.

Your 14-year old son has changed all
6 of the Programming options.

• A loose power connection or dirty lighter socket can cause
V965 to be briefly disconnected.

• You can return all of the programming options to the factory
defaults by holding down the CITY and BRT buttons while
you turn V965 on.

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Service V965 has failed the calibration test. Contact Beltronics for repair
Required

25

Service

Service Procedure

If your V965 ever needs service, please
follow these simple steps:

1 Check the troubleshooting section of
this manual. It may have a solution to your
problem.

2 Call us at 1-800-341-2288. We may be
able to solve your problem over the phone.
If the problem requires that you send your
V965 to the factory for repair, we will
provide you with a Service Order Number,
which must be included on the outside of
your shipping box.

Enclose the following information with your
V965:

• Your Service Order Number

• Your name and return address

• Your daytime telephone number

• A description of the problem you are
experiencing

Out Of Warranty Repairs

For out of warranty repairs, include
prepayment in the amount you were
quoted by the Beltronics Customer Service
Representative. If the detector has been
damaged, abused or modified, the repair
cost will be calculated on a parts and labor
basis. If it exceeds the basic repair charge,
you will be contacted with a quotation. If
the additional payment is not received
within 30 days (or if you notify us that you
choose not to have your V965 repaired at
the price quoted), your V965 will be
returned, without repair. Payment can be
made by check, money order, or credit
card.

Ship V965 and power cord to:

BELTRONICS
Customer Service Department
Service Order Number ______________
5442 West Chester Road
West Chester OH 45069

For your own protection, we recommend
that you ship your V965 postpaid and
insured. Insist on a proof of delivery, and
keep the receipt until the return of your
V965.

Register

online:

@

www.

beltronics

.com

 

Remove card along perforations

26



or register online at our web address: www.beltronics.com.

BELTRONICS PRODUCT REGISTRATION CARD

 If you purchased your detector directly from BELTRONICS, you do not need to fill this out.

27

 If you did not purchase your detector directly from BELTRONICS, please fill out this section and return to us,

Address______________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________________ State_____________ ZIP______________

Phone Number (In case we have a question)_____________________________________________

1. First Name:___________________ Middle Initial____ Last Name__________________________

2. Product Purchased________________________ Model___________ Serial Number___________

3. Place of Purchase__________________________________ Date_________ Price____________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4. Primary reason for purchasing this BELTRONICS product____________________________________

Warranty and Accessories

ATTN CUSTOMER SER VICE

BELTRONICS INC

5442 WEST CHESTER RD

WEST CHESTER OH 45069-9789



Remove card along perforations



BELTRONICS One Year Limited Warranty

BELTRONICS warrants your V965 against all
defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year from the date of the
original purchase, subject to the following
terms and conditions:

The sole responsibility of BELTRONICS
under this Warranty is limited to either
repair or, at the option of BELTRONICS,
replacement of the V965 detector. There
are no expressed or implied warranties,
including those of fitness for a particular
purpose or merchantability, which extend
beyond the face hereof. Some states do not
allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitations may
not apply to you.

BELTRONICS is not liable for any
incidental or consequential damages arising
from the use, misuse, or mounting of the
V965. Some states do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.

This Warranty gives you specific rights.
You may have other legal rights, which vary,
from state to state. This Warranty does not
apply if the serial number on the housing of
the V965 has been removed, or if your V965
has been subjected to physical abuse,
improper installation, or modification.

Accessories

The following accessories and replacement
parts are available for BEL V965.

Standard Coiled Power Cord

$14.00

Direct-wire Power Cord

$10.00

Coiled SmartPlug

$29.95

Direct-wire SmartPlug

$29.95

Accessory Kit

$19.95

Extra Windshield Mount

$4.00

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