Cobra ESD6500 Service Manual

3. Operating The ESD-6500:

A. Turn On and Adjust Volume

B. Set Display Brightness

C. Set City/Highway Mode

D. Set Muting Mode

E. Indicators and Visual Alerts
Power

Radar

Laser

VG-2

Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System

Muting

NORMAL

LOW 1

LOW 2

OFF

OR

OR

OR

OR

Installing and Using Your

1. What You’ll Need To Install The ESD-6500:

NOTE: Detailed instructions on opposite side

ESD-6500 Windshield Bracket Hook and Loop Material Power Cord

(For on-dash mounting)

NEED HELP?

Display is briefly
illuminated in the Test
mode at Power ON.

(Shows City/Highway Mode when power is on)

DETECTION SYSTEM

Model ESD™-6500

U.S. Patent No. 5,497,148

2. Installing The ESD-6500:

ON WINDSHIELD ON DASH

➧

NOTE: For your
convenience, Display Dim,
City/Highway, and Muting
mode settings are retained
in memory.

Band Signal Strength

Cobra Electronics Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street,

Chicago, Illinois 60707

PRINTED IN KOREA ©1997 COBRAELECTRONICS CORPORATION 480-265-P-001

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

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

➧

➧

CITY
For urban driving-re d u c e s
number of X-Band audible
a l e rt s .

HIGHWAY
For all other driving.

Auto Muting
Automatically reduces
volume of alert in progress
after 3 seconds.

Manual Muting
Press to reduce volume of
alert in progress.

To Switch Between Modes
P ress the Mute Button when
no signal is being received. In
Auto mode, the display will
show an “M” on the far right.

Auto Mode

Manual Mode when Mute Button is pressed

IV. Detection Alert

®

Traffic Warning System

™

-6500 works and how radar and (LIDAR) laser are

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.

c. Mounting on Windshield

To install the Cobra ESD-6500 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-6500

AS A LEVER.

e. Removal

To remove the Cobra ESD-6500 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-6500 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-6500 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-6500 has a level, clear view of the road before you
attach the hook and loop material.

II. Installation

A. Location

Selecting the proper location to mount the Cobra ESD-6500 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-6500 lenses 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-6500 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-6500 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.

E. Power/Volume Control

Plug the Cobra ESD-6500 power adapter cord into POWER connector. Insert other end into cig­a rette lighter of the vehicle. The POWER/VOLUME CONTROLon the left side of the Cobra
ESD-6500 controls power and regulates the audible alert volume. To turn on, turn the thumb­wheel away from you.

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-6500 detects the VG-2’s radiation before the VG­2 can detect the ESD-6500. The ESD-6500 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-6500 is not able to receive radar or Safety Alert signals (laser reception is not
affected). Once past the VG-2, the ESD-6500 returns to normal operation.

G. Muting Mode

The ESD-6500 offers two Mute modes-Auto and Manual. To switch between them,press the
Mute button when no signal is being received. In Auto mode (an “M” is shown in the dis­play) the alarm will be reduced in volume after three seconds. In Manual mode, press the
Mute button to reduce volume. In either mode, the next alarm will begin with normal vol­ume. The ESD-6500 will retain the chosen mode while Off.

H. 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. To reactivate the Highway Mode simply press down
on the Highway/City button again. Adouble beep confirms Highway Mode. The ESD-6500
will retain the chosen mode while Off.

In the Highway Mode, your Cobra ESD-6500 operates at full sensitivity on all three radar
bands plus laser.

In the City Mode, the X-band audio alert threshold is lowered to reduce false alerts. In or near
cities, there are many sources of false radar signals such as microwave relay towers.

I. Dim Button

You may select from four levels of brightness for your Cobra ESD-6500 display: Normal, Low
1, Low 2 and Dark. Pressing once on the Dim Button reduces the display brightness to Low
1; pressing a second time reduces it to Low 2; pressing a third time turns the display off ;
p ressing it a fourth time returns the display to Normal. Adouble beep confirms Normal
brightness. The ESD-6500 will retain the chosen mode while Off.

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. LED Text Display

The ESD-6500’s state-of-the-art LED dot matrix display presents clear text messages even
in sunlight. A four position Dim mode is provided for dusk or night driving (please see
“I. Dim Button” for details).

Radar

The display shows the band (X, K or Ka) signal strength in
bar form, and a numerical indication of signal strength.

Laser VG-2

The display does not indicate
signal strength.

Safety Alert®Traffic Warning System

City, Highway Mode

Mute

Auto Mode Manual Mode

P ressing the Mute button during an alert will cause the display
to show “Mute” for three senconds, after which the display
will revert to the previous visual message.

C. Audible Alarm Indicator

A different alert tone will sound for X, K, Ka, Las

er, VG-2 and Safety signals.

D. Instant-on Detection

The Cobra ESD-6500 is also designed to detect Instant-on speed monitoring signals.
Immediate action is required when warning is given.

Type of Audible Signal

Your COBRAESD-6500 starts to signal
slowly, then increases in rate very rapidly.

Your COBRAESD-6500 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-6500
double “braps” rapidly.

Interpretation and Response

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.) .

V. Maintenance

Your COBRAESD-6500 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-6500 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

COBRA RADAR DETECTOR ACCESSORIES

420-080-N-001 $10.00

420-080-N-002 $10.00

545-139-N-001 $7.00

Description Part No. Cost Ea. X Qty. = Amount

STRAIGHT DC POWER CORD

Including plug/fuse for ESD-6500

CURLED TYPE POWER CORD For ESD-6500

WINDSHIELD
MOUNTING BRACKET

Allow 4 to 6 weeks delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.

★★

Illinois residents add 7%

★★

Cook County, ILresidents additional .75% (7.75% total)

★★

Chicago, ILresidents additional 1% (8.75% total)

★★

Indiana residents add 5%

★★

Michigan residents add 6 %

★★

Ohio residents add 6%

★★

Wisconsin residents add appropriate %

Amount __________
(Tax if applicable✭✭) __________

Shipping/handling $3.75
Total

✭

__________

Make check or money order (no stamps) payable to Cobra Electronics and mail with this order form to:

Cobra Accessories Dept.

6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707

Call 773-889-3087, or fax [phone] for credit card orders

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.

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-6500 can detect signals in all three bands including photo radar and STA 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.

Automatically reduces
volume of alert in progress
after 3 seconds.

For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk

which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked

questions about Cobra products.

[phone]

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 material.

5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier (to avoid loss in transit) such as United

P a rcel Service (UPS), Roadway Parcel Service (RPS), or First Class Insured Mail to Cobra
Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL60707. Cobra
is not responsible for units not received if package has not been properly insure d .

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.

[e-mail]

(Prices subject to change without notice.)

Please print clearly:
Name __________________________________________________________________
Address (Not P. O. Box)____________________________________________________
City ________________________________State____________Zip ________________
Telephone No. (________) ________________________________________________
Credit Card No.______________________________________Exp. Date ____________

Customer Signature __________________________________________

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