Cobra 12 BAND XRS 9340 Operating Instructions Manual

Important Information and
Customer Assistance

Introduction

A1

English

Important Information

•

Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors

It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar/
laser detector. The Communications Act of 1924 guarantees your right to receive
radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene this Act, while
illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless
they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.

Safety Alert

Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that motorists or
passengers will not be involved in traffic accidents. It is only intended to alert
the motorist that an emergency vehicle equipped with a Cobra Safety Alert
transmitter is within range as defined by that product. Please call local fire
and police departments to learn if coverage exists in your area.

Safe Driving

Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to
exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable traffic laws.

Security of Your Vehicle

Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector
in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.

Customer Assistance

•

Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after reading this
manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:

For Assistance in the U.S.A.

Automated Help Desk English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).

Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time

Mon. through Fri. (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).

Questions English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).

Technical Assistance English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked

Questions). English and Spanish. [e-mail] (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

©2008 Cobra Electronics Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

Customer Assistance

XRS 9340

12 BAND

™

HIGH-PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH XTREME RANGE
SUPERHETERODYNE

®

TECHNOLOGY

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

English

Operating Instructions

Printed in China

Part No. 480-416-P

Version A

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

English

For more information or to
order any of our products,

please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

CB Radios

microTALK

®

Radios

Radar/Laser Detectors

Safety Alert

®

Traffic Warning Systems

Mobile GPS Navigation Systems

HighGear

®

Accessories

CobraMarine

®

VHF Radios

Marine Chartplotters

Power Inverters

Accessories

The Cobra line of quality products includes:

Windshield

Bracket Mount

Accessories Order Info

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

25

Customer Assistance

Display and Product Features

Introduction

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

A3

Xtreme Range
Superheterodyne Technology

With super-fast sweep circuitry,
XRS provides extra detection range
and the best possible advance warning
to even the fastest radar guns

Detection and Separate Alerts For:

Radar signals (X, K, Ka and Ku bands,
with signal strength indicated), laser
signals, Safety Alert signals, Strobe Alert
signals, VG-2 signals, Spectre 1 signals

LaserEye

For 360° detection of laser and strobe signals

Instant-On Ready

Detects radar guns with “instant-on”
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities

Tone Alerts

With adjustable volume

UltraBright Data Display

Easy-to-read with adjustable brightness

City or Highway

Modes to reduce false alerts

Alert Programming

Easy setting of radar bands to be monitored

Safety Alert

Traffic warning system distinguishes
important safety alerts from other
K band signals

Strobe Alert

Emergency vehicle warning system

Manual Mute or Auto Mute

A mute function of audio alerts

IntelliMute

A mute function which
automatically reduces false
alerts by sensing engine RPMs

Mounting

Mounts easily on windshield
or dashboard

Product Features

•

Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a high
performance radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the
sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:

Display

•

This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector. It also provides helpful
information about how radar and laser guns are used and how you can interpret the alerts you receive.

Controls, Indicators
and Connections

Introduction

A2

English

Controls, Indicators and Connections

•

12V DC
Power Jack

On-Off/ Volume Control

Allows you to adjust the

volume of the tone alerts.

Audio Jack

City Button

For City or Highway
modes to reduce
false alerts. (Also
turns Ku alerts On
and Off.)

LaserEye

For 360° detection of
laser and strobe signals.

Windshield Bracket

Release Button

Speaker

* Press and hold for four seconds

to access these functions.

WARNING

Modifications or parts substitutions not approved
by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate
FCC Rules and void your authority to operate
this equipment.

IntelliMute
Indicator

Radar, VG-2,

Spectre 1,

Safety and

Strobe Indicators

X K Ka V S c

XKKa V S c

XKKaV S c

X K Ka V S L

NOTE: In This Manual

When steady,
the display will
be shown:

When blinking,
the display will
be shown:

X & K will light
simultaneously
when indicating
Ku detection:

Signal

Strength,

Laser and

City/Highway

Mode Indicators

Signal Strength

1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest)

Dim Button

Allows you to adjust the UltraBright

Data Display brightness for easy

reading. (Also turns VG-2 and

Spectre 1 alerts On and Off.*)

IntelliMute Button

Engine RPM sensing mute function

which reduces false alerts. Button

turns IntelliMute On and Off. (Also

enters IntelliMute setting mode.*)

Mute Button

For manual mute or
auto mute of audio alerts.

Ordering From U.S.A.

Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.

For Credit Card Orders

Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday.

Make Check or Money Order Payable To

Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.

To Order Online

Please visit our website: www.cobra.com

Item # Description

420-030-N-001 Straight 12V Power Cord
420-026-N-001 Coiled 12V Power Cord
545-159-N-001 Windshield Mounting Bracket
CLP-2B Dual Port Power Adapter

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

1

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

Controls, Indicators and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Your Detector

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Auxiliary Audio Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Highway/City Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

UltraBright Data Display Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Muting an Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Auto Mute Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

IntelliMute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alert Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Radar Alert Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Signals Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Audio Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Visual Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Instant-On Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Responding to Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Understanding Radar and Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Warranty

Limited 1-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Customer Assistance

Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Accessories Order Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

Installation

Your Detector

3

Installation

Your Detector

English

2

Installation

•

Where to Mount Your Unit

You will get optimum performance from your detector if you Mount it at a
point approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the
front windshield without obstructing the unit’s view of the road either to
the front or rear. Make sure unit is level with the road. You can also mount
it directly on the dashboard.

The unit’s lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view
out the back window to allow 360° detection.

Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials
and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:

■

Windshield wiper blades

■

Mirrored sun screens

■

Dark tinting at the top of the windshield

■

Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM.) Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.

1. Attach the rubber

cups to the bracket.

2. Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.

3. Push the bracket firmly

onto the windshield.

4. Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check the
angle of the unit.

5. To adjust the angle if
necessary, gently push or
pull on the bracket to bend
it. DO NOT use the detector
to bend the bracket.

6. Plug the power cord

into the detector.

7. Plug the cigarette lighter

adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.

8. You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you

wish by pressing the bracket release button and sliding
it off the bracket.

Windshield Mounting

The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View

Windshield Mounting Dashboard Mounting

To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume

Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control

clockwise (away
from you).

Tone

Visual Display

Three beeps

h appears in the display

indicating that the power
is on.

Getting Started

Getting Started

•

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

5

Installation

Your Detector

English

4

1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location

where the unit has a clear, level view of the road.
The angle can NOT be adjusted after mounting.

2. Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hook­and-loop fastener.

3. Attach the pad to the
dashboard at your chosen
location and remove the
other paper backing.

4. Attach the detector to the
hook-and-loop fastener.
You can remove and
reattach the unit as
often as you like.

6. Plug the power cord

into the detector.

7. Plug the cigarette lighter

adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.

Dashboard Mounting

Power On

X K Ka V S h

On-Off/

Volume Control

Rotate clockwise

(away from you)

NOTE

In some vehicles, power is supplied to the cigarette lighter even while the ignition
is Off. If this is the case with your vehicle, you should turn Off or unplug your
detector when parking for lengthy periods.

Auxiliary Audio Jack

•

The Auxiliary Audio Jack can be used to connect external speakers in
environments with high ambient noise levels. The internal speaker will
be disconnected. (This uses a mini stereo audio connector.)

Auxiliary
Audio Jack

Settings

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

7

UltraBright Data Display Brightness

You can choose from three settings for Brightness of the display.
You can cycle through the settings by repeatedly pushing the Dim button.
The factory setting is Bright.

Settings

Your Detector

English

Settings

•

When changing the Settings on your detector, please keep in mind:

■

Buttons can have multiple functions.

■

All settings will be stored in memory when the power is
turned Off and recalled when the power is turned back On.

Highway/City Mode

Setting your detector to City mode delays all X band audio alerts until
the signal strength reaches Level 3. (A single beep will sound when the
signal is first detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are driving
in, or near, urban areas where there are many sources for conflicting
X band signals such as microwave towers and automatic door openers.

To change settings, follow the procedure listed below, which indicates
what you will see and hear as you complete each step. The factory setting
is Highway mode.

6

Dim Button

Press and release

Bright

Dark

Dim

Press and
release Dim
button

City Button

Press and

release

City Mode

X K Ka V S

c

Highway Mode

X K Ka V S h

To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode

Press and release
the City button.

Tone

Visual Display

One beep

c

appears in the display

To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode

Press and release
the City button again.

Tone

Visual Display

Two beeps

h appears in the display

To Change the Brightness to Dim

Press and release
the Dim button
once.

Tone

Visual Display

One beep Display dims

To Change the Brightness to Dark

Press and release
the Dim button
again.

Tone

Visual Display

One beep Display remains dim

(no visual alerts will be seen)

To Change the Brightness to Bright

Press and release
the Dim button a
third time.

Tone

Visual Display

Two beeps Display returns

to full brightness

Settings

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

9

Settings

Your Detector

English

Muting an Alert

Your detector allows you to quickly turn Off an audio Alert by momentarily
pressing the Mute button. If you press the Mute button a second time
during the Alert, the audio Alert will be turned back on.

Auto Mute Mode

Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts
after four seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory
setting for Auto Mute is on.

8

IntelliMute

IntelliMute is a unique new feature that allows you to avoid alerts you
don’t need to hear because you are stopped or moving slowly. By sensing
the “revs” (RPMs) of your engine, IntelliMute knows when you are at low
speed and automatically mutes alerts (except for strobe signals from
emergency vehicles).

Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine’s
revs (see page 11). Whenever the revs are below that point, IntelliMute will
begin muting. The activation point will be stored in memory and recalled
each time the power is turned on. The factory setting is IntelliMute Off.

NOTE

IntelliMute may not work with some vehicles because it cannot sense
the engine’s revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts
by using Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate.

IntelliMute On

X K Ka V S

c

Mute Button

Press and release

To Turn Auto Mute Off

Press and release
the Mute button
while no alert
is occurring.

Tone

Visual Display

One beep None

To Turn Auto Mute On

Press and release
the Mute button
again while no
alert is occurring.

Tone

Visual Display

Two beeps None

To Turn IntelliMute On

Press and release
the IntelliMute
button.

Tone

Visual Display

Two beeps Dot appears next to the large

character on the right

To Turn IntelliMute Off

Press and release
the IntelliMute
button again.

Tone

Visual Display

One beep None

IntelliMute Button

Press and release

Settings

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

11

Settings

Your Detector

English

What to Remember While Using IntelliMute
IntelliMute works with both City and Auto Mute modes.

Whenever your engine revs are below the activation point,
the dot next to the large character on the right side of the display
will remain lit. Above the activation point, the dot will blink twice
every two seconds.

If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine’s revs,
IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn Off.

The rev point you set will be stored in the unit’s memory when
power is turned Off and recalled each time the power is turned On.

NOTE

The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.

NOTE

When initially choosing your IntelliMute activation point, a setting
of approximately 300 to 600 RPMs above idle is recommended.
You can reset the activation point at any time to fit your individual
preferences and driving style.

Setting the IntelliMute Activation Point

Your detector must be installed in your vehicle.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving.
Your vehicle should be parked and idling.

IntelliMute must be turned on before setting the activation point.
You will hear a series of beeps as you follow the steps on page 11.

10

IntelliMute Button

Press and hold for

two seconds

Below Activation Point

XKKaVS

c

Above Activation Point

XKKaVS

c

To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point

Press and hold
the IntelliMute
button for two
seconds.

Tone Visual Display

Two beeps None

Rev your engine to
the level you wish
to set (recommend
slightly above idle)
and hold revs steady
for two seconds.

None Three bars will

flash in succession

At the desired
rev level, press
and release the

IntelliMute

button.

Three beeps All three bars flash

three times

Tone Visual Display

Four beeps

E

appears

X K Ka V S E

123

123

NOTE

If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses within three
seconds or if you do not set a rev point within 20 seconds
of beginning these steps, IntelliMute will indicate an error
and automatically turn Off.

To Turn VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alerts On and Off

While no signal is being
detected, press and
hold the Dim button
for four seconds.

Tone

Visual Display

On = Two beeps

Off = One beep

V will blink twice in the display

V will blink once in the display

Dim Button

Press and hold
for two seconds

Detection

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

13

Detection

•

Signals Detected

The tables on the following pages show you the types of Signals your
detector will detect, as well as the visual alerts it provides for each of them.

Audio Alerts

A distinctly different Alert tone is used for each type of signal detected
(including separate tones for each laser signal). For X, K, Ka and Ku band
radar signals, the tones will repeat faster as you approach the signal
source. The repeat rate of the tones gives you useful information about
the signal detected. (See responding to alerts on page 16.)

Visual Display

An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the UltraBright
data Display. During X, K, Ka and Ku alerts, a number will also appear,
indicating the strength of the signal detected. (1 = weakest, 5 = strongest)

During laser alerts the letter L will appear, instead of the signal strength indication.

During VG-2 or Spectre 1 alerts, the letter V will appear. It will be steady
during VG-2 and blink during Spectre 1.

During Safety Alert and Strobe Alert the letter S will appear. It will be
steady during a Safety Alert and will blink during a Strobe Alert.

Settings

Your Detector

VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alert Settings

The detector is undetectable by police VG-2 and Spectre 1 radar detector
detectors and will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle.
During the alert, the unit continues to detect other signals. You can choose
whether or not you want your unit to show VG-2 and Spectre 1 alerts.
The factory setting is VG-2 and Spectre 1 alert Off.

On/Off Indicator

XKKaV S

c

X Signal Detected

X K Ka V S 2

X K Ka V S 3 XKKa VS 5 XKKa V S 4

Laser Signal Detected

X K Ka V S L

VG-2 Alert Signal Detected

XKKaV S

c

K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected

Ku Signal Detected

Safety Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S

c

Strobe Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S

c

Spectre 1 Alert Signal Detected

XKKaV S

c

To Turn X Band On and Off

While no signal is
being detected, press
and hold both the Dim
and Mute buttons for
four seconds.

Tone

Visual Display

X On = Two beeps X will blink twice in the display

X Off = One beep

X will blink once in the display

To Turn K Band On and Off

While no signal is
being detected, press
and hold both the
Mute and City buttons
for four seconds.

Tone

Visual Display

K On = Two beeps K will blink twice in the display

K Off = One beep

K will blink once in the display

To Turn Ku Band On and Off

While no signal is being
detected, press and
hold the City button
for four seconds.

Tone

Visual Display

Ku On = Two beeps X and Kwill blink twice in the display

Ku Off = One beep

X and Kwill blink once in the display

12

English

Radar Alert Settings

The detector allows you to choose whether it will show alerts on the X, K,

and Ku bands. The factory settings are: X Band and K Band On; Ku Band Off.

Detection

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

15

Detection

Your Detector

English

14

Radar Signals and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

X Band Radar X and Signal Strength

K Band Radar K and Signal Strength

Ka Band Radar Ka and Signal Strength

Ku Band Radar XKand Signal Strength

Laser Signal Detected

X K Ka V S L

Laser Signals and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

LTI 20-20*

L

is Steady

LTI Ultra-Lyte*

L

is Steady

Kustom Signals ProLaser*

L

is Steady

Kustom Signals ProLaser III*Lis Steady

* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of these signals.

Safety Alert Signals and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

Emergency Vehicles S is Steady

Road Hazards S is Steady

Trains S is Steady

Strobe Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S

c

Strobe Alert Signals and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

3M Opticom or Tomar* S Blinks

* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of this signal.

Safety Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S

c

VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alert Signals and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

Interceptor VG-2 V is Steady

Spectre 1 V Blinks

VG-2 Alert Signal Detected

XKKaV S

c

Spectre 1 Alert Signal Detected

XKKaV S

c

NOTE

Beep rate changes with different laser alerts.

NOTE

There are different tones for each Safety Alert.

NOTE

There are different tones for each alert.

X Signal Detected

X K Ka V S 2

X K Ka V S 3 XKKa VS 5 XKKa V S 4

K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected

Ku Signal Detected

Description Interpretation

Recommended
Response

Tone repeats slowly at
first, then speeds up
rapidly.

Probably police radar FULL ALERT

Tone sounds one
time only.

Probably a false alarm,
but possibly pulsed radar,
VG-2, or Spectre 1 nearby

Exercise caution

Tone instantly begins
repeating rapidly.

Radar, VG-2, or Spectre 1
nearby has been activated
suddenly

FULL ALERT

Tone repeats slowly as you
approach a hill or bridge,
then speeds up sharply as
you reach it.

Probably police
radar beyond the
hill or bridge

FULL ALERT

Tone repeats slowly
for a short period.

Probably a false alarm Exercise caution

Any type of laser alert. Laser alerts are

never false alarms

FULL ALERT

Any Safety Alert
or Strobe Alert.

You are nearing an
emergency vehicle,
railroad crossing,
or road hazard
(construction,
accident, etc.)

Exercise caution

Understanding Radar and Laser

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

17

Understanding Radar and Laser

•

Radar Speed Monitoring Systems

Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:

X band 10.525 GHz
K band 24.150 GHz
Ka band 33.400 – 36.00 GHz

Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435 GHz),
which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.

VG-2 and Spectre 1

VG-2 and Spectre 1 are “detector detectors” that work by detecting low-level
signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals
that can be detected by VG-2 or Spectre 1, but does detect VG-2 and Spectre 1
signals and will alert you when a device is in use near your vehicle, if you
so choose.

Safety Alert Traffic Warning System

FCC-approved Safety Alert transmitters emit microwave radar signals that
indicate the presence of a safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency
of the signal emitted, it can indicate a speeding emergency vehicle or train,
or a stationary road hazard.

Because these microwave signals are within the K band frequency, most
conventional radar detectors will detect Safety Alert signals as standard
K band radar. Your detector, however, is designed to differentiate between
standard K band and Safety Alert signals, and give separate alerts for each.

Safety Alert technology is relatively new. Safety Alert transmitters can
be found in limited numbers in all 50 states, but the number is growing.
Depending on your location, you may not receive these alerts regularly
and may often encounter emergency vehicles, trains and road hazards
without being alerted. As the number of transmitters increases,
these alerts will become more common.

When you receive such an alert, please watch for emergency vehicles ahead
of you, on cross streets and behind you. If you see an emergency vehicle
approaching, please pull over to the right side of the road and allow it to pass.

Detection

Your Detector

English

Instant-On Detection

Your detector is designed to detect Instant-On speed monitoring signals,
which can suddenly appear at full strength.

NOTE

You should take appropriate action
immediately whenever an instant-on alert is given.

Responding to Alerts

16

Maintenance

Your Detector

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

19

Understanding Radar and Laser

Your Detector

English

Strobe Alert

Special strobes mounted on the light bars of authorized emergency
vehicles (fire trucks, police cars, ambulances) automatically change traffic
signals as the vehicle approaches an intersection. These strobes and the
special strobe detectors located on the traffic signals, introduced fairly
recently by 3M and Tomar, are already in use in more than 1000 cities
nationwide. Cobra’s exclusive Strobe Alert detector will detect these
special strobes and give an emergency vehicle alert.

When you receive such an alert, please watch for an approaching
emergency vehicle and pull over to allow it to pass. To inquire about
coverage in your area, contact your local fire and police departments.

LIDAR (Laser)

The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as
laser is actually LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.

LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar
signal, though not as widely. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear
line of sight to its target vehicle throughout the entire measurement
interval. Obstructions such as sign posts, utility poles, tree branches,
etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.

Some common questions about LIDAR include:

■ Does weather have any affect on LIDAR?

Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog, or airborne dust particles will reduce the
effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation.

■ Can LIDAR operate through glass?

Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass.
However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to trigger
an alarm by your detector.

■ Can LIDAR operate while in motion?

No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot
drive the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.

■ Is LIDAR legal to use?

Yes. It is legal in all 50 states.

18

Maintenance

•

Maintenance of Your Radar Detector

Your detector is designed and built to give you years of
trouble-free performance without the need for service.
No routine Maintenance is required.

If your unit does not appear to be operating properly,
please follow these troubleshooting steps:

■ Make sure the power cord is properly connected.

■ Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter

is clean and free of corrosion.

■ Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter

is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter.

■ Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap

of the cigarette lighter adapter and examine the fuse.
If required, replace it with a 2-amp fuse only.)

Warranty

Warranty

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

21

Specifications

English

Specifications

•

Band and Frequencies

Band Frequencies

X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz

K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz

Safety Alert 24.070 ± 0.010 GHz
Traffic Warning

24.110 ± 0.010 GHz

System

24.190 ± 0.010 GHz

24.230 ± 0.010 GHz

Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz

Ku Band 13.435 ± 0.035 GHz

VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHz

Spectre 1 13.300 ± 0.200 GHz

Laser 910 ± 50 nm

Strobe 700 ± 300 nm

This radar detector is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents:
5,497,148; 5,594,432; 5,612,685; 6,078,279; 6,094,148. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product or pending.

20

Limited 1-Year Warranty

•

For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra 12 Band Radar/Laser
Detectors, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in
workmanship and materials for period of one year from the date of first
consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer
purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.

Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective 12 Band
Radar/Laser Detectors, products or component parts upon delivery to the
Cobra Factory Service Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first
consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.

You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for
warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the
product is repaired or replaced under warranty.

This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply:

1. To any product damaged by accident.

2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result

of unauthorized alterations or repairs.

3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced or removed.

4. If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages;
including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of
installation.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Your Detector

Trademark Acknowledgement

Customer Assistance

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

23

Product Service

Customer Assistance

English

Product Service

•

For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, or if
parts are missing…PLEASE CALL COBRA FIRST…do not return this
product to the store. See customer assistance on page A1.

If this product should require factory service, please call Cobra first at
773-889-3087 BEFORE sending the product. This will ensure the fastest
turnaround time on any repair.

If Cobra asks that the product be sent to its factory, the following must be
furnished to have the product serviced and returned:

1. Send the complete unit, including power cord. (It is not necessary
to include the mounting bracket.)

2. For warranty repair, enclose some form of proof-of-purchase,
such as a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you
send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.

3. Enclose a typed or clearly written description of the problem
you are having with your unit, plus the name and address where
you want the unit returned.

4. Pack the unit securely to prevent damage during transit. If possible,
use the original packing materials.

5. Ship prepaid and insured using a traceable carrier such as United Parcel
Service (UPS), Federal Express, or Priority mail with delivery confirmation.
Ship to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West
Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.

6. Please allow three to four weeks before contacting us about the status
of your service. Call 773-889-3087 for assistance. If your unit is under
warranty, it will either be repaired or replaced upon receipt, depending
on the model. If your unit is out of warranty, you will receive a letter
informing you of the repair or replacement charge.

22

Trademark Acknowledgement

•

Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®,
IntelliShield

®

, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, Safety Alert

®

Traffic Warning System, Strobe Alert®, VG-2 Alert®, Xtreme Range
Superheterodyne

®

and the snake design are registered trademarks

of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 12 Band™, ExtremeBright DataGrafix™,

IntelliLink™, Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, Spectre Alert™,
Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, UltraBright™, and
Voice Alert™ are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear

®

for Ford is a

registered trademark of Ford Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear

®

for GM
is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. 20-20™ and
Ultra-Lyte™ are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. ProLaser™ and
ProLaser III™ are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. Bee III™ and Pop™
are a trademarks of MPH Industries. Spectre™ is a trademark of Stalcar.
Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar

®

is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.

Optional Accessories

English

Optional Accessories

•

You can find quality Cobra products and accessories
at your local Cobra dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can
order directly from Cobra. See ordering info on page 25.

24

Windshield Mounting Bracket

Includes suction cups
Item # 545-159-N-001

Straight 12V DC Power Cord

Includes plug and fuse
Item # 420-030-N-001

Coiled 12V DC Power Cord

Includes plug and fuse
Item # 420-026-N-001

Dual Port Power Adapter

Includes adjustable plug
(up to 90˚) and fuse

Item # CLP-2B

Customer Assistance