Cobra ESD-9100 User Manual

How to Use Your Cobra
ESD Radar/Laser Detector
1
Features of This Product
• Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System
• Strobe Alert
• Laser Eye 360˚ De te ct i o n
• VG-2 Undete ct a b l e
• Au to and Manual Muting
• 3 Level Dim Bu t to n
• Superior Audio Volume
• Adjustable Windshield Mounting Bra c ke t
Contents
Introduction..................................................................A1
Safety Alert®/Strobe Alert™ Federal Law Governing Radar Detectors Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators................................................A2
Our Thanks to You......................................................A3
Customer Support ...................................................A3
Features.............................................................................1
Installation.......................................................................2
Quick Start .......................................................................5
LED Displays..................................................................6
Operation..........................................................................9
Turning On....................................................................9
Dim Button.................................................................10
Highway/City Mode.................................................11
Muting Mode.............................................................12
Detection........................................................................13
Band Detection.........................................................13
Audible Alarm Indicator.........................................13
Radar.............................................................................14
VG-2 Undetectable..................................................14
Safety Alert/Strobe Alert .......................................15
Laser Detection.........................................................15
Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts.........................................16
Facts About Safety Alert®/Strobe Alert™........17
Radar Frequencies....................................................18
Facts About Lidar (Laser).......................................18
Maintenance.................................................................19
Specifications...............................................................20
Limited One Year Warranty ...................................21
Optional Accessories................................................22
Order Form....................................................................23
If You Think You Need Service.............Back C over
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 1
Installation
3
Installation
2
1 2
3 4
Attach cups to bracket.
Attach detector to bracket.
Plug power cord into detector.
Attach bracket to windshield.
Bend bracket for correct detection angle (if needed). Do not use the ESD-9100 to bend bracket.
Plug power cord i nto cigare t te lighte r.
5
6
Location
Selecting the proper location to mount the Cobra ESD-9100 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-9100 lenses must not be blocked. It should have a view of the rear win­dow to take advantage of Laser Eye 360˚ detec­tion. It is best to locate your detector as low on the front windshield as possible.
Examples of metal in the windshield area that can block or weaken incoming radar/laser signals:
1.Windshield wiper blades .
2. Mirrored sun screens.
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.
Windshield Mounting
Location Windshield
Mounting
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 2
Quick Start
5
Turn On and Adjust Volume
Turn On and Adjust Volume
Installation
4
Note
It will be easy for you to remove and reinstall your Cobra ESD-9100 detector at any time using this hook and loop material on the dashboard.
Remember: Without the means to adjust the angle of the detector (when mounted as above),be sure you that your Cobra ESD-9100 has a level,clear view of the road before you attach the hook and loop material.
Dash Mounting
Dash Mounting
Plug power cord into detector.
Plug power cord i nto cigare t te lighte r.
Peel protective paper off one side of hook and loop material.
Place on dash.
Peel top paper off. Place detector on
hook and loop pad.
1 2
3 4
5 6
Rotate ON-OFF Volume Control to left (away from you). An audible “tone” will indicate the unit is on. PWR LED on front of unit is illuminated.
1
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 4
Quick Start
7
Set Highway/City Mode
City
For urban driving–reduces number of X-Band audible alerts.
Set Highway/ City Mode
Quick Start
6
Set Display Brightness
Select from three levels of LED brightness for your Cobra ESD-9100 display: Normal, Dim and Dark.
Set Display Brightness
Highway
For all other driving.
Press and release Dim button to select normal setting. Press and release Dim button twice to select Dim setting. Press and release Dim button a third time to select Dark setting.
Press and release CITY button.
CITY LED will illuminate orange while in
City mode
1
1
LED Displays
Note
A three position Dim mode is provided for dusk or night driving (please see Dim Button,page 14 for details).
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 6
Quick Start
8
Set Muting Mode
Auto Muting
Automatically reduces volume of alert in progress after 4 seconds.
Set Muting Mode
Operation
9
Manual Muting
Press and release MUTE button to reduce volume of alert in progress.
To Switch Between Modes
Press and release MUTE Button when no signal is being received.
One “beep”= Mute Two“beep” = Auto Mute
1
1
Turning On Yo u r E SD-9 1 0 0
Turning On Your ESD-9100
Plug power cord into detector.
Plug power cord i nto cigare t te lighte r.
2
ON mode
Rotate ON-OFF Volume Control to the left (away from you). An audible “tone”will indi­cate the unit is on and the PWR LED on the front of the unit will illuminate orange.
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 8
Operation
11
Operation
10
Note
Normal = “Beep-Beep” Dim = “Beep” Dark = “Beep”
Note
The Normal (Bright) mode is automatically engaged when the unit is powered up.
Dim Button
You may select from three levels of bri g h tness fo r your Co b ra ESD-9100 display: No rm a l , Di m , and Da rk .
Dim Button
Press and release DIM button a third time to return led display to Normal.A double beep confirms normal LED brightness.
1
2
3
Press and release DIM button to reduce the LED display brightness to Dim.A single beep confirms dim led brightness.
Press and release DIM button again to turn LED display off. A single beep confirms no LED display.The power LED will stay on dim.
Highway/City Mode
Highway/City Mode
The Highway/City function is controlled by a 2 - s tep butto n .The Highway mode is auto m at i ca l l y engaged when the unit is powered up. In the City mode, false radar alerts will be reduced.
To engage City Mode:
Note
City =“Beep” Highway =“Beep-Beep”
Note
Use City Mode in or near cities where there are many sources of false radar signals such as microwave relay towers and automatic door openers.This will filter out weak signals.
Press and release CITY button and the
LED on the front of the unit will illuminate red.A single beep confirms City mode . The X LED will be visible showing you are re ce i v i n g a signal.
1
To reactivate the Highway Mode:
Press and release CITY button again. A double beep confirms Highway Mode.
CITY LED will illuminate orange while in CITY mode.
1
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 10
Press and release MUTE button to reduce volume.
Press and release MUTE button when no sig­nal is being received. In Auto mode, the alarm will be reduced in volume after three seconds. AutoMute mode is automatically engaged when the unit is powered up.
Detection
13
Operation
12
Muting Mode
Muting Mode
The ESD-9100 offers two Mute Modes; Auto and Manual. To switch between these modes:
Note
Mute=“Beep” OR Auto Mute=“Beep-Beep”
1
1
Auto Mode
Manual Mode
Band Detection
This dete cto r is designed to dete ct X, K , S u pe rwide K a Band Ra d a r, Laser (includi ng LT I 2 0 - 2 0 * , U l t ra Ly te* and ProLaser* te c h n o l og i e s ) , VG - 2 , Sa fe ty Al e rt and St ro b e Al e rt* signals.
* 3 6 0˚ De te ct i o n
Begin Band Detection
Audible Alarm Speaker
A diffe re nt alert tone will sound for X,K , Ka ,L a s e r (plus a distinctly diffe re nt tone for each of the thre e laser signals:LTI 20-20,U l t ra Ly te and Pro L a s e r ) , VG - 2 , and Sa fe ty / St ro be Al e rt signals.
Audible Alarm Speaker
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 12
Detection
15
Detection
14
Radar
Radar
The display will show the band (X,K/Ka).The signal strength will first be indicated by the band being illuminated, then the band plus , finally the band plus and will be illuminated. At the same time the frequency of the beeps will increase.
Laser
Indicator “W”is illumina ted.
Safety Alert
®
Tr a ff i cWa rn i n g System and Strobe Alert
Laser Detection with 360˚ Laser Eye
Note
The display does not indicate signal strength.
VG-2 Undetectable
Th Co b ra ESD 9100 is undete ctable by po l i ce VG - 2 d e te ction dev i ce s.I t will alert you when one is in use near your ve h i c l e.Du ring this time, the unit is still on full alert and able to dete ct other signals.
The VG-2 LED on the front of the unit will illuminate yellow.
VG-2 Alert
Note
The display does not indicate signal strength.
Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System and Strobe Alert
Indicator “W”is illumina ted.
Instant-On Detection
The Cobra ESD-9100 is also designed to detect Instant-on speed monitoring signals. Immediate
action is required when warning is given.
Laser will trigger 3 distinct audible signals;one each for LTI 20-20,Ultra Lyte and ProLaser.
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 14
Detection
17
Detection
16
Radar/VG-2/ Laser Alerts
Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts
Type of Audible Signal Interpretation and Response
Your COBRA ESD-9100 starts to signal slowly,then increases in rate very rapidly.
Most likely police radar. FULL ALERT.
Your COBRA ESD-9100 signals just once.
Most likely a false source,or could b e pulsed radar.Exercise Caution.
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.
Most likely police radar on other side of hill or bridge. FULL ALERT.
Radar or VG-2 close by has been suddenly switched on.FULL ALERT .
Short-term,weak signaling; series of such signals.
Laser will trigger 3 distinct audible signals;one each for LTI 20-20,Ultra Lyte and ProLaser.
Use Full Caution.There are no false laser signals.
Safety Alert and Strobe Alert have their own unique “European Emergency”signal.
An emergency vehicle is approaching, you are in the vicinity of a railroad crossing,or you are approaching a road hazard (construction site, acci­dent scene,etc.).
Most likely a false radar source.
Exercise Caution.
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 detec ­tor 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-9100 is designed to differentiate between a standard K-band alert and a Safety Alert warning. Safety technology is relatively new so the number of transmitters in operation is still growing. You may not receive Safety Alert on a daily basis and should not be surprised to encounter some emergency vehicles, road hazards or trains not yet equipped with these transmit­ters,therefore failing to pr ovide a signal.As Safet y Transmitters become more prevalent (the number of operating transmitters is growing every day),these Safety Alerts will become more common. The Safety Alert Transmitter is in use in all 50 states in limited quantities.
Facts About Strobe Alert™
Alerts motorists to over 50,000 emergency vehicles equipped with strobe transmitters that activate red lights at traffic intersections in emergency high speed situations.
Note
Strobe Alert™ is available in over 1,000 cities and works with Tomar and Opticom systems. Call your local Fire/Police depart­ment for your area cover­age or area in which you will be traveling.
Facts About Safety Alert
®
Tr a ff i cWa rn i n g System
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 16
Detection
19
Detection
18
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-9100 can detect signals in all three radar bands including photo radar and STALKER radar which use the Ka band, and Cobra’s Safety Alert signals on the K band.
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.
Radar Frequencies
Facts About LIDAR (Laser)
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.
Maintenance
Facts About LIDAR (Laser)
Does weather have any effect on LIDAR?
Yes,rain,snow, smoke,fog, and airborne dust particles will all reduce the effective range, and if sufficiently 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.
Maintenance
Your COBRA ESD-9100 RADAR/LASER DETECTOR will give you years of trouble-free service with minimum maintenance.
Replacing Power Cord Fuse
Unscrew cap of cigarette lighter adapter and remove fuse. Replace with 1-ampere fuse only.
Troubleshooting
If your COBRA LASER DETECTOR ESD-9100 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?
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 18
Limited One Year Warranty
21
Specifications
20
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
A.FREQUENCIES
1. X BAND 10.525 GHz ± 50 MHz
2. K BAND 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
3. Ka BAND 33.4 - 36.0 GHz
4. VG-2 11.4 GHz - 11.7 GHz
5. Safety Alert 24.07,24.11,24.19 GHz
6. LTI 20-20 Laser 300 THz - 375 THz
7. Strobe Alert 300 THz - 770 THz
8. Ultra Lyte Laser 300 THz - 375 THz
9. ProLaser 300 THz - 375 THz
B.UNIT DIMENSIONS
3-3/16”W x 1-1/4”H x 5”D
Specifications
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONwarrants that its COBRA 9 Band Radar/Laser Detectors, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for period of one (1) year from the date of first consumer purchase.This warranty may be enfor ced by the first consumer purchaser,provided that the pr oduct is uti­lized within the U.S.A.
COBRA will,without charge,repair or replace, at its option, defective 9 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.
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 i n s t a l l at i o n .
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 West Cortland Street Chicago,Illinois 60707 www.cobraelec.com
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 20
Optional Accessories
22
Accessory Order Form
23
You Can Find These Fine Accessories At Your Local Cobra Dealer
If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.
Order by phone
Call 1.773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F CST. )
Order by mail or fax
Please fill out order form on next page,and mail/fax directly to Cobra.
Windshield Mo unting Bra c ke t
Includes suction cups 545-139-N-001 $7.00
S t raight 12V DC Power Co rd
Includes plug and fuse 4 2 0 - 0 8 0 - N - 0 0 1 $ 1 0 . 0 0
Curled 12V DC Power Co rd
Includes plug and fuse 4 2 0 - 0 8 0 - N - 0 0 2 $ 1 0 . 0 0
Subtotal (Tax if applicable) Shipping/handling
$4.00
Total
Tax Table
Illinois residents add 7% Cook Co.residents add .75% (7.75% total) Chicago residents add 1% (8.75% total)
Indiana residents add 5% Michigan residents add 4 % Minnesota residents add 6% Ohio residents add 6% Wisconsin residents add 5%
Prices subject to change without notice.
420-080-N-001 St ra i g ht 12V Power Co rd $10.00 4 2 0 - 0 8 0 - N - 0 0 2 Cu rled 12V Power Co rd $ 1 0 . 0 0
5 4 5 - 1 3 9 - N - 0 0 1 Windshield Mo u nting Bra c ke t $ 7 . 0 0
Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount
Please print clearly Name Address (No P.O.Box) City State Zip Telephone ( ) Credit Card No. Exp.Date Customer Signature Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover
Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.O ffer valid in Continental U.S.only.
For credit card orders fill out order form and fax to: 1.773.622.2269 or call 1.773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8:00 am - 8:00 pm,M-F,CST.
Ma ke check or money order (no stamps) payable to: Cobra Electronics 6500 West Co rtland St . Ch i ca g o,IL 60707 At t n :Ac ce s s o ries De p t .
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 22
The Co b ra line of quality prod u cts also includes:
• CB Ra d i o s
• Mi c ro Ta lk™Ra d i o s
• Ac ce s s o ri e s
• Sa fe ty Al e rt
Traffic Wa rning Sys te m s
Nothing comes close to a Co b ra
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 24
Introduction
A1
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™-9100 works and how radar and (LIDAR) laser are used. Enjoy your Cobra ESD-9100 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.Loc al 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.
Included with your ESD-9100
1. Windshield Bracket
2. Hook and Loop Material
3. Power Cord
M i c ro Ta l k
Radar/Laser Detector
Model ESD-9100
O pe rating Instru ctions for your Co b ra 9 Band Ext ra Se n s o ry De te ct i o n
Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1999 Printed in Thailand
Part No. 480-297-P-001
For te c h n i cal assistance,please call our Au to m a ted Help Desk which can assist
you by answering the most fre q u e n t l y asked questions about Co b ra prod u ct s.
(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 Questions (FAQ) section at
www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to productinfo@cobraelec.com
If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087
“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending your unit in. This will ensure the fastest turn-around 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 a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit.Include a typed or clearly print 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 car rier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or First Class Mail to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation,6500 W.Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707.
6. If the unit is in warran ty,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 1.773.889.3087 for assistance.
If You Think You Need Servic e
and Strobe Alert™
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 t o alert the motorist that an emer­gency or service vehicle equipped with a CODE 3,Strobe (Opticom* or Tomar Preemption System) or Cobra Safety Alert Transmitter is in the area as defined by the range of the product.Please call your local Fire/Police department to verify if coverage exists in your area.Motorists are expected to exercise all due caution while using this product,and to ob ­serve 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 obser ve and follow all applicable traffic laws.
*Opticom is a registered trademark of 3M Corporation
1.
2.
3.
Nothing comes close to a Co b ra™
© 1999 Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, IL 60707 www.cobraelec.com
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 25
1 0
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra ESD-9100 Radar/Laser Detector. Properly used, this Cobra product will give you many years of reliable service.
Customer Support
Should you encounter any problems with the product or not understand its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. I f,after referring to the manual, you still need help, call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.
Our Thanks to You
A3
Cobra Customer Service
Live operators are available M-F 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CST at: 773.889.3087
Au to m a ted Te c h n i ca l As s i s t a n ce available 24 hours a day,s even days a we e k. E-mail questions to: p rod u ct i n fo @ co b ra e l e c. co m
Co b ra on the Wo rld Wide We b : Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found on-line at: www.cobraelec.com
Controls and Indicators
A2
2
4
1
1. On/Off Volume Control
2. Mute Button
3. Dim Button
4. Audio Alerts Speaker
5. Highway/City Button
6. Band Indicators
7. Laser Eye
8. Signal Strength LEDs
9. Windshield Bra c ket
M o u n t
10. 12V DC Power Jack
6
5
9
8
3
7
9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 28
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