Cobra ESD6100ML User Manual
ESD-6100.MANUAL.qx 10/23/98 3:45 PM Page 1
Installing and Using Your
DETECTION SYSTEM
Model ESD™-6100
1. What You’ll Need To Install The ESD-6100:
NOTE: Detailed instructions on opposite side
3. Operating The ESD-6100:
A. Turn On and Adjust Volume
LEDs are briefly
illuminated at
Power ON
B. Set Display Brightness
NORMAL
LOW
F. Indicators and Visual Alerts
Power
Illuminates when On
X Band Radar
Blinks faster as source approaches
K and Ka Band Radar
Turn on sequentially as source approaches
U.S. Patent No. 5,497,148
ESD-6100 Windshield Bracket Hook and Loop Material Power Cord
2. Installing The ESD-6100:
ON WINDSHIELD ON DASH
ATTACH CUPS TO BRACKET PEEL PROTECTIVE PAPER OFF ONE SIDE OF HOOK AND LOOP
ATTACH BRACKET TO WINDSHIELD PLACE ON DASH
ATTACH DETECTOR TO BRACKET PEEL TOP PAPER OFF
(For on-dash mounting)
NEED HELP?
C. Set City/Highway Mode
D. Muting
➧
➧
OFF
CITY: For urban
driving-reduces
number of X-Band
false audible alerts.
HIGHWAY: For all
other driving.
Press to reduce
volume of audible
alert in progress.
Blinks faster as source approaches Turn on sequentially as source approaches
Laser
Blinks at a steady rate Both turn on
VG-2
Blinks at a
steady rate
Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System
Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60707
PRINTED IN JAPAN ©1997 COBRAELECTRONICS CORPORATION 480-261-P-001
BEND BRACKET FOR CORRECT DETECTION ANGLE (IF NEEDED) PLACE DETECTOR ON HOOK AND LOOP PAD
PLUG POWER CORD INTO DETECTOR POWER CORD INTO DETECTOR
PLUG POWER CORD INTO CIGARETTE LIGHTER PLUG POWER CORD INTO CIGARETTE LIGHTER
E. LaserEye
➧
➧
360° Laser
Detection
All Flash
City/Highway Mode
Illuminates when in CITY mode
ESD-6100.MANUAL.qx 10/23/98 3:45 PM Page 2
I. Introduction
Congratulations!
You have just purchased the most sophisticated RADAR/LASER DETECTOR available
today. This booklet contains instructions and information designed so that you will be able
to understand how the Cobra ESD™-6100 works and how radar and (LIDAR) laser are
used. Enjoy your Cobra ESD-6100 Radar/Laser Detector and DRIVE SAFELY.
Federal Law Governing Use of Radar Detectors
It is not against Federal Law to receive radar transmissions on your COBRA Radar
Detector. The Communications Act of 1934 guarantees your right to receive radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene the Communications Act of 1934, while
illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless they are
prohibited from doing so by Federal Court action.
WARNING: Before leaving your car, make sure that you
conceal your radar detector. This will reduce the possibility of break-in and theft of your unit.
Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that the motorist and
any passenger will not be involved in a traffic accident. It is only intended to alert
the motorist that an emergency or service vehicle equipped with a CODE 3 or
Cobra Safety Alert Transmitter is in the area as defined by the range of the product. Motorists are expected to exercise all due caution while using this product,
and to observe and follow all applicable traffic laws. Operators of emergency or
service vehicles are also expected to exercise all due caution while using this
product, and to observe and follow all applicable traffic laws.
IV. Detection Alert
A. Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts
Type of Audible Signal
Your COBRAESD-6100 starts to signal
slowly, then increases in rate very rapidly.
Your COBRAESD-6100 signals
just once.
Very fast signal rate instantly.
Slow signal rate as you approach hill or
bridge. Sharp increase in signal rate as you
reach hill or bridge.
Short-term, weak signaling; series of such
signals.
Laser "chirps.”
All Band Indicators illuminate,ESD-6100
double “braps” rapidly.
Most likely police radar.
FULLALERT.
Most likely a false source, or could be pulsed
radar. EXERCISE CAUTION.
Radar or VG-2 close by has been suddenly
switched on. FULLALERT.
Most likely police radar on other side of hill
or bridge. FULLALERT.
Most likely a false radar source.
EXERCISE CAUTION.
Take FULLCAUTION.There are no false
laser signals.
An emergency vehicle is in the vicinity,
you are in the vicinity of a railroad crossing,
or you are approaching a road hazard
(construction site, accident scene, etc.) .
B. Facts About the Safety Alert®Traffic Warning System
FCC-approved Safety Alert®Transmitters emit microwave radar signals to indicate the presence
of a safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency of these signals, as set on the transmitter, the outgoing signal can indicate whether the transmitter is on a speeding emergency vehicle
or train, or at a stationary road hazard location.
These microwave signals are located in the K-band and as a result, any radar detector which
detects K-band radar will detect these Safety signals as standard K-band radar alerts. However,
unlike a standard radar detector, your Cobra ESD-6100 is designed to differentiate between a
standard K-band alert and a Safety Alert.
Since Safety technology is relatively new and the number of transmitters in operation is not yet widespread, you may not receive Safety alerts on a daily basis and should not be surprised to encounter
some emergency vehicles, road hazards and trains that are not yet equipped with these transmitters
and therefore fail to provide a signal. As Safety transmitters become more prevalent (the number of
operating transmitters is growing every day), these safety warnings will become more common.
Interpretation and Response
II. Installation
A. Location
Selecting the proper location to mount the Cobra ESD-6100 is very important for optimum
performance. Both radar and laser transmissions pass through glass but not through other
objects. For this reason the Cobra ESD-6100 lens must not be blocked, and it should have a
view of the rear window to take advantage of LaserEye 360° detection. It is best to locate
your detector in the middle of the front windshield.
Examples of metal in the windshield area that can block or weaken incoming radar/laser
signals:
1. Windshield wiper blades. Mount your Cobra ESD-6100 so that it will NOT be behind
the blades when they are at rest.
2. Mirrored sun screens. It is recommended that sun screens be removed, or they may
impair the performance of your Cobra ESD-6100 by acting as an impenetrable barrier
to radar/laser signals.
3. Regular tinted glass does not affect radar reception, although the darker tint at the top
of the tinted windshield prevents laser light from penetrating.
4. Heated windshields, currently available as an option for some Ford®(Instaclear) and
GM®(Electriclear) vehicles act as an impenetrable barrier to radar signals. (If in doubt,
check with your dealer to see if this applies to your vehicle).
B. Mounting
1. Windshield Mounting
The WINDSHIELD MOUNTING BRACKET offers
convenient mounting to windshields and provides for
easy movement of detector between vehicles.
Note: Some new vehicles have a soft plastic coating
on the inside surface of the windshield. Suction cups
can permanently mark this "anti-lacerative" coating.
Check with your owner's manual to see if this applies
to your vehicle.
a.
Assemble suction cup on bracket by putting round
“buttons” through larger holes in the bracket and
pressing them toward the outside edges until they
snap into position.
b. Install bracket to detector: align bracket with slot on rear of detector and slide bracket
into opening. To remove bracket from detector, simply pull bracket out of slot.
C. Radar Frequencies
There are now three frequencies that have been approved by the FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) for use in speed monitoring equipment.
They are: X Band (10.525 GHz), K Band (24.150 GHz), Ka Band (33.400—36.000 GHz)
Your Cobra ESD-6100 can detect signals in all three bands including photo radar and ST A L K E R
radar which use the Ka band, Cobra Safety Alert signals on the K band, VG-2 and laser.
D. Facts About LIDAR (Laser)
• What is LIDAR?
LIDAR stands for Light Detection And Ranging. While everyone refers to it as LASER the
correct name is LIDAR.
• How does LIDAR work?
LIDAR operates a lot like RADAR. Like RADAR, it spreads out. Not as quickly, but it does
spread, as shown on the diagram below.
LIDARs must have a clear line of sight to target a vehicle during the entire measurement interval. Intervening objects such as signposts, utility poles, tree branches, etc., will prevent a valid
speed reading.
• Does weather have any effect on LIDAR?
Yes, rain, snow, smoke, fog, and airborne dust particles will all reduce the effective range, and if
s u fficiently dense, may prevent its operation.
• Can LIDAR operate through glass?
No, LIDAR guns cannot obtain readings through any glass. But the laser pulse can be
received through glass to easily and quickly trigger a laser detector's alarm.
• Can LIDAR operate while moving?
No, since LIDAR is line of sight, an officer cannot drive, aim, and shoot while driving.
• Is a LIDAR DETECTOR legal to use?
Yes, it is legal in all 50 states.
c. Mounting on Windshield
To install the Cobra ESD-6100 onto the windshield,
simply press it firmly on to the glass. Sometimes
the suction cups adhere better if they are slightly
moistened. In cold weather, you may need to warm
the suction cups before application.
d. Adjustment
If necessary to achieve correct angle,remove the
detector from the bracket and the bracket from the windshield. Adjust the bracket
by bending it.
DO NOT BEND THE BRACKET USING THE
ESD-6100
AS A LEVER.
e. Removal
To remove the Cobra ESD-6100 from your windshield, release each suction cup by
lifting one edge with your finger, or by pulling on tab.
2. Dashboard Mounting
Mounting your ESD-6100 to the dashboard of your vehicle requires a clear, level unobstructed view of the road for the detector, without blocking the driver's vision. Select a
mounting position that allows the detector to have a clear view of the road ahead. Using
the hook and loop material provided, proceed as follows: (See illustration on reverse side)
a. Remove backing from one side and apply to dash.
b. Clean dashboard with common rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grease. Remove
backing from other side and place detector on top. Let adhesive set.
Note: With this hook and loop material dashboard mounting, it's easy for you to remove
and reinstall your Cobra ESD-6100 detector at any time.
Remember: Without means to adjust the angle of the detector (when mounted as above),
be sure you that your Cobra ESD-6100 has a level, clear view of the road before you
attach the hook and loop material.
V. Maintenance
Your COBRAESD-6100 RADAR/LASER DETECTOR will give you years of trouble-free service
with minimum maintenance.
Replacing Power Cord Fuse
U n s c rew cap of cigarette lighter adapter and remove fuse. Replace with 1-ampere fuse only.
Troubleshooting
If your COBRALASER DETECTOR ESD-6100 isn’t operating, we suggest you make the following checks:
1. Is the power cord properly connected?
2. Is the fuse OK?
3. Is the cigarette lighter socket clean and free from corrosion?
Limited One Year Warranty
C O B R A ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its COBRAradar detectors, and the
component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of
one (1) year from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first
consumer purc h a s e r, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.
C O B R A will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective radar detectors, products or
component parts upon delivery to the COBRAfactory Service Department, accompanied by proof of
the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales re c e i p t .
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. For further details concerning procedures for obtaining service, see the “If You Think You
Need Service” section of the Owner’s Manual.
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.
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
6500 W. Cortland Street, Chicago, Illinois 60707
III. Operation
A. Band Detection
This detector is designed to detect X, K, Superwide Ka Band Radar, Laser, VG-2, and
Safety Alert signals.
B. Signal Strength Meter
The Signal Strength Meter on your detector indicates relative range. The meter is made up
of the Visual Alarm Indicators (see section I) for low level radar/laser signals and the Signal
Strength LEDs for stronger signals.
C. Audible Alarm Indicator
A different alert tone will sound for X, K, Ka, Las
demonstrated during the power-on sequence each time y
er, VG-2 and Safety signals. These sounds are
ou turn your Cobra ESD-6100 on.
D. Instant-on Detection
The Cobra ESD-6100 is also designed to detect Instant-on speed monitoring signals.
Immediate action is required when warning is given.
E. Power/Volume Control
Plug the Cobra ESD-6100 power adapter cord into POWER connector. Insert other end
into cigarette lighter of the vehicle. The POWER/VOLUME CONTROLon the left side of
the Cobra ESD-6100 controls power and regulates the audible alert volume. To turn on,
turn the thumbwheel away from you. Each time the unit is turned on, an automatic test
pattern takes place:
• This pattern consists of the Alarm Indicators and SIGNAL STRENGTH METER
illuminating in unison with the audio alarm for two seconds.
•
The green POWER LED remains illuminated after the test sequence is completed.
F. VG-2 Undetectable
Some states or municipalities use devices referred to as “VG-2”. The VG-2 device detects
low level energy radiated by the internal oscillators of radar detectors. The VG-2 device
also radiates a similar type of energy. The ESD-6100 detects the VG-2’s radiation before the
VG-2 can detect the ESD-6100. The ESD-6100 then briefly turns off its internal oscillator,
rendering it invisible to the VG-2, and alerts you to VG-2’s presence. During these short
intervals, the ESD-6100 is not able to receive radar or Safety Alert signals (laser reception is
not affected). Once past the VG-2, the ESD-6100 returns to normal operation.
For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk
which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked
questions about Cobra products.
(773) 889-3087
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through
this same number 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently
Asked Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to
If You Think You Need Service, Call 773-889-3087
If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending
your unit in. This will ensure the fastest turnaround time on your repair.
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the
following, in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair, include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical
reproduction or carbon or sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be
returned.
2. Send the entire product. For example–must include detector, bracket with suction cups,
and cord.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed or clearly
printed name and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing materi-
a l .
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier (to avoid loss in transit) such as
United Parcel Service (UPS), Roadway Parcel Service (RPS), or First Class Insured Mail
to Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago,
IL 60707. Cobra is not responsible for units not received if package has not been properly insured.
6. If the unit is in warranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or
exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before
contacting us for status. If the unit is out of warranty a letter will automatically be sent
informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions,
please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.
productinfo@cobraelec.com
G. Band Alarm Indicators
When the Cobra ESD-6100 detects an X-band radar signal, the red "X" Visual Alarm
Indicator (LED) will flash in unison with the X-Band audio tone. When the ESD-6100
detects either a K-band or a Ka-band radar signal, the amber "K/Ka" Visual Alarm Indicator
will flash in unison with the K or Ka Band audio tone. When the ESD-6100 detects pulses
of laser light, the yellow "L" LED will flash in unison with the Laser tone. When VG-2 is
detected, the amber "VG-2" LED will flash with an audio tone. When a Safety Alert signal
is detected, all LEDs except POWER will flash.
H. Mute Button
The mute function is controlled by a momentary button. Pressing MUTE will eliminate the
audio during the alert in progress. The detector will automatically reset to normal operation after the alert has passed. It will also reset to normal any time the detector is turned off.
I. City/Highway
The Highway/City function is controlled by a 2-step momentary button. The Highway
mode is automatically engaged when the unit is powered up. To engage City Mode, pre s s
down on the Highway/City button. A g reen LED will light to indicate that the detector is in
City Mode. To reactivate the Highway Mode simply press down on the Highway/City button again. The green LED will go dark to indicate that the detector is in Highway Mode.
The ESD-6100 will retain the chosen mode while off. In the Highway Mode, your Cobra
ESD-6100 operates at full sensitivity on all three radar bands plus laser.
In the City Mode, the X-band audio alert sensitivity is lowered to reduce false alerts. In or
near cities, there are many sources of false radar signals. Microwave relay towers for telephone and TV signaling, anti-shoplifting systems and bank alarms–all are examples of false
X-band sources.
J. Dim Button
You may select from three levels of brightness for your Cobra ESD-6100 display: Normal,
Low, and Dark. Each time you turn your ESD-6100 on, the display is automatically set to
full brightness. Pressing once on the Dim Button reduces the display brightness to Low;
pressing a second time turns the display off; pressing a third time returns the display to
Normal.
COBRA RADAR DETECTOR ACCESSORIES
Description Part No. Cost Ea. X Qty. = Amount
STRAIGHT DC POWER CORD
Including plug/fuse for ESD-6100
CURLED TYPE POWER CORD For ESD-6100
WINDSHIELD
MOUNTING BRACKET
(Prices subject to change without notice.)
★★
Illinois residents add 7%
★★
Cook County, ILresidents additional .75% (7.75% total)
★★
★★
Indiana residents add 5%
★★
Michigan residents add 6 %
★★
Ohio residents add 6%
★★
Wisconsin residents add appropriate %
Make check or money order (no stamps) payable to Cobra Electronics and mail with this order form to:
Please print clearly:
Name __________________________________________________________________
Address (Not P. O. Box) ____________________________________________________
City ________________________________State____________Zip ________________
Telephone No. (________) ________________________________________________
Credit Card No.______________________________________Exp. Date ____________
Customer Signature __________________________________________
Circle One:
Chicago, ILresidents additional 1% (8.75% total)
Cobra Accessories Dept.
6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707
Call 773-889-3087, or fax 773-622-2269 for credit card orders
Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.
Visa MasterCard Discover
Allow 4 to 6 weeks delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.
420-015-N-001 $10.00
420-026-N-001 $10.00
545-135-N-001 $10.00
Amount __________
(Tax if applicable✭✭) __________
Shipping/handling $3.75
✭
Total
__________
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