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 ofcials until and unless
they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.
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 trafc
laws. Do not attempt to change settings of the unit while in motion.
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.
For manual mute of audio
alerts, changing standby
screens, turning Quiet
Drive on/off.
Windshield
Bracket
Mount
SEN Button
Adjust sensitivity
and ltering modes
to reduce unwanted
alerts.
Menu Button
To select
detector
settings.
•
USB
Port
Easy-to-Read Display
Radar Band
Signal Strength
Frequency
Product Features
Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a radar/laser
detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the sophisticated features and
capabilities your new unit includes:
Radar/Laser Protection
Detects all radar and laser guns.
LaserEye®
Detects laser signals from both front and rear.
VoiceAlert
Digital voice announcements help keep your
eyes on the road.
QuietDriveTM
Muted driving mode for times driver wants less
audible feedback while talking with passengers
or on the phone.
Premium Anti-Falsing Circuitry
Automatically reduces false alerts from
erroneous sources including automatic door
openers, xed position trafc ow monitoring
systems and other radar detectors.
Updatable IVT FilterTM
User updatable system automatically reduces
false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology
sources such as collision avoidance systems and
adaptive cruise control.
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.
Sensitivity Modes
Selectable Low/Med/High modes reduce falsing
in densely populated areas.
Auto Mute
Automatically mutes audio for sustained alerts.
Eye-Catching OLED Display
Bright white OLED display features band
identication icons and numeric signal strength
meter.
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. You can
also mount it directly on the dashboard.
Windshield MountingDashboard Mounting
The unit’s lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view
out the back window to allow maximum detection.
The LaserEye should have a clear view
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials and
objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
n Windshield wiper blades
n Mirrored sun screens
n Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
n Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM). Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.
Windshield mounting
1. Attach the rubber cups
to the bracket.
2.
Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.
3. Push the bracket rmly onto
the windshield.
4. Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check that
the unit is parallel to the
road’s surface.
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.
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Your Detector
Installation
Dashboard Mounting
1. Place the detector on the dashboard to nd a location
where the unit has a clear, level view of the road and is
parallel to the road’s surface. The angle CANNOT be
adjusted after mounting
2. Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hookand-loop fastener.
Your Detector
Getting Started
Getting Started
To Turn On The Unit And Adjust The Audio Volume
Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control
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.
Audible ToneVisual Display
“Testing”
Three beeps
“System Ready”
•
4
English
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.
Plug the power cord into the
5.
detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.
SEN Button
Setting your detector to Low or Medium sensitivity delays the audio alerts
for weak X band and K band signals until they become stronger. (A single beep
will sound when the signal is rst detected.) Also, additional ltering is done to
reduce false alerts while you are driving in, or near, urban areas where there are
many sources for conicting X and K band signals such as microwave towers and
automatic door openers.
IconSens LevelFor
High
Medium
Low
No ltering for maximum range
Minimal ltering to reduce unwanted alerts
Maximum ltering to reduce unwanted alerts
Premium Anti-Falsing Circuitry
Your RAD 450 is designed to provide you the truest alerts and minimize the
distraction of erroneous signals from radar-based xed-position and moving sources.
• Adjustable Sensitivity: High/Medium/Low modes allow driver to adjust sensitivity
to driving environment, reducing false alarms from xed position sources such as
automatic door openers.
• IVT Filter: updatable system automatically reduces false alerts from moving
In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive
cruise control.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
5
Your Detector
SettingsSettings
Your Detector
MUTE Button
Manual Mute: 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.
When an alert is being muted the audio icon on the display will
change to:
Quiet Drive is a muted driving mode for times when a driver wants less audible
feedback while talking with passengers, on the phone, etc. Only the rst few
seconds of audio will be heard. This mode is Off by default.
This mode can be changed in the User Settings menu or by
pressing and holding the MUTE button for two seconds. When
Quiet Drive is on the audio icon on the display will change to:
Battery Voltage
To display your vehicle’s battery voltage, press the MUTE button while no signal
is being detected.
DIM Button
Menu - User Settings continued
USER SETTINGVALUE
DetailMore*/Less
Quiet Drive Off*/On
Auto Mute Off/On*
Voice Off/On*
Language English*/Spanish
IntelliMuteOff*/On/Set
Screen SaverOff/1 Minute*/3 Minute
Low V. WarningOff*/On
Smart PowerOff*/On
System InfoPress the SEN button to display system information.
Restore DefaultsPress the SEN button to restore factory default settings
then press SEN button again to conrm.
Exit MenuPress the MUTE button to exit the menu.
* = Factory default setting
•
You can choose from four settings for the brightness of the display. Repeatedly
push the DIM button to cycle through the settings. The factory setting is Bright.
MENU Button
Menu - User Settings
To change the User settings enter the Menu by pressing the MENU button. A voice
announces “Menu” and the display will change to
USER MENU ALERT
Press the DIM button to enter the User settings menu.
Press the MUTE or MENU buttons to switch between the User settings.
•
Menu - Alert Settings
To change the Alert settings enter the Menu by pressing the MENU button.
A voice announces “Menu” and the display will change to
USER MENU ALERT
Press the SEN button to enter the Alert settings menu.
Press the MUTE or MENU buttons to switch between the Alert settings.
Press the DIM or SEN buttons to change the selected Alert setting’s value.
The value that is shown on the display is the selected value. To exit the menu
simply wait several seconds or select Exit Menu.
•
Press the DIM or SEN buttons to change the selected User setting’s value.
The value that is shown on the display is the selected value. To exit the menu
simply wait several seconds or select Exit Menu.
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Your Detector
SettingsSettings
Your Detector
Menu - Radar Settings continued
RADAR SETTINGVALUE
X BandOff/On*
K Band Off/On*
Ka Band Off/On*
VG-2 Off*/On
Spectre Off*/On
Exit MenuPress the MUTE button to exit the menu.
* = Factory default setting
Detail
In the More detail mode, information about the radar band, signal strength and
frequency will be displayed.
In Less detail mode, only the threat level is displayed (see page 10).
AutoMute
AutoMute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after four
seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting for AutoMute
is On.
Language
The detector can be set to either English or Spanish for all text and voice audio.
IntelliMute
INTELLIMUTE 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. 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 SEN mode when appropriate.
•
Screen Saver
Your detector has a SCREEN SAVER mode. When SCREEN SAVER is turned On
(factory default is 3 minutes), the screen will change to Dark from it’s Bright,
Dim, or Dimmer setting after the time interval selected. While the screen is Dark,
the scanner will be displayed dimly.
NOTE: While
SCREEN SAVER
is activated, any alert will turn the display back on
at the last brightness setting (Bright, Dim or Dimmer). Touching any button will
also turn On the display.
Smart Power
Your detector includes the SMARTPOWER feature that, when turned On, will put the
unit into Low Power mode 15 minutes after the car’s engine has been turned Off.
Before
SMARTPOWER
SMARTPOWER
and exit Low Power mode, start the car, press any button or turn the unit
enters Low Power mode, you will hear three beeps and
will ash on the display. To return the unit to Normal Power mode
Off
and
then On again.
Low Car Voltage
Displays your car battery voltage and automatically warns you if this drops
below 11.9V. Your detector will then shut off to prevent further draining of
your car battery.
System Info
Displays information about the versions of software/rmware that are
installed on your detector.
Restore Defaults
To return your detector to factory default settings, press the SEN Button.
Press the SEN Button again to conrm that you want to restore factory
settings. Press the MUTE Button to exit.
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Your Detector
Settings and DetectionDetection
Your Detector
Radar Alerts
In More detail mode the radar band, signal strength and frequency of the detected
radar signal will be displayed.
Radar Band
Signal Strength
Frequency
If you are a new user of radar detectors, you may want to use the Less detail
mode. In this mode the display will only show one, two, or three bars which
indicate how likely the alert is to be a police radar or laser gun. This threat level
indication takes into account the laser or radar band, strength, and frequency of
the detected signal.
LevelDisplayThreat
1Low
2
3
Medium
High
Radar Alerts - Radar Detector-Detectors
Police use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors.
Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+
RDDs and can provide alerts when any of these or similar devices are in use
near your vehicle.
Laser Alerts
With Laser signals you will always receive a full strength alert. In More Detail
mode the word Laser will be shown on the display along with the pulse rate of
the Laser signal. In Less Detail mode three signal strength bars will be shown.
•
Responding to Alerts
DescriptionInterpretationRecommended Response
Tone repeats slowly at rst,
then speeds up rapidly.
Tone sounds one time only.Probably a false alarm,
Tone instantly begins
repeating rapidly.
Tone repeats slowly as you
approach a hill or bridge,
then speeds up sharply as
you reach it.
Tone repeats slowly for a
short period.
Any type of laser alert.Laser alerts are never
Probably police radar.FULL ALERT
but possibly pulsed radar
or VG-2 nearby.
Radar or VG-2 nearby has
been activated suddenly.
Probably police radar
beyond the hill or bridge.
Probably a false alarm.Exercise caution
false alarms.
Exercise caution
FULL ALERT
FULL ALERT
FULL ALERT
Firmware Update
To update the rmware of your RAD450 use a micro-USB data transfer cable
•
to connect the detector to a Windows based computer. You do not need to
connect the detector’s power cord to update the rmware. With the detector
connected to your computer you should see “Download” on the detector’s display. Go to the Software Downloads section in the Support area of the Cobra.
com website and search for RAD450 then follow the instructions on the System
Update link to install the latest rmware available to your detector.
•
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Your Detector
Detection
Your Detector
Understanding LIDAR &
Maintenance
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 band10.525 GHz
K band24.150 GHz
Ka band33.400 – 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
VG-2 is a “detector detector” that works by detecting low-level signals emitted
by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals that can be detected
by VG-2, but does detect VG-2 signals and will alert you when a device is in use
near your vehicle. While no signal is being detected, press and hold the Dim
button for four seconds.
Your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs, but is invisible to VG-2 and
Spectre I RDDs. You can choose whether you want to be alerted to VG-2 and
Spectre I & IV+ RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+
alerts is Off. It is recommended to leave these Off unless you are concerned
about being monitored for having a radar detector.
The factory setting for VG-2 alerts is Off.
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:
nDoes 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.
nCan 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.
n 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.
nIs it legal for police to use LIDAR?
Yes, LIDAR is allowed to be used in all 50 States by police. Your detector
detects LIDAR (laser).
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Your Detector
Specications &
Maintenance
Your Detector
Warranty
Specications
Band and Frequencies
BandFrequencies
X Band10.525± 0.050GHz
K Band24.125± 0.125GHz
Ka Band34.700± 1.300GHz
Laser910 ± 50 nm 100 PPS
VG-211.500± 0.250GHz
WARNING Modications or parts substitutions not approved by
Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your
authority to operate this equipment.
U.S. Patent Number: 6,078,279
Maintenance
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:
n Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
n Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and free
of corrosion.
n Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is rmly seated in
your cigarette lighter.
•
Limited 1-Year Warranty
•
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that this product and the component parts
thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year
from the date of rst consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the rst
consumer purchaser. If the product is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged
depending on the model as determined at Cobra’s sole discretion. Such remedy shall
be your sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty.
The procedure for obtaining service and support, and the applicability of this warranty,
will vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which you purchased and utilize
the product. For the details on obtaining product service, support and warranty please
visit www.cobra.com/support
Provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.- Cobra will, without charge,
repair or replace, at its option, defective products, products or component parts upon
delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of
rst 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, to an address in the U.S.A., will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is
repaired or replaced under warranty.
•
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state and country to country.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply: 1) To any product damaged by
accident; 2) In the event of misuse, ordinary wear, failure to follow directions, or
improper maintenance 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 product
was purchased or is utilized in a jurisdiction not covered by the limited warranty.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and tness 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 and countries 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. This warranty gives you
specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state
and country to country.
®
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
15
Customer Information
Product Service & Support
and Optional Accessories
Customer Information
FCC Statement &
Trademark Acknowledgement
Product Service and Support
•
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT
COBRA FIRST…do not return this product to the retail store. The contact information for
Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and utilize the product.
For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/support
For products purchased in the U.S.A. you may also call 1-773-889-3087.
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A., if your product should require factory service, please
go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions for returning your product to
the Cobra Factory Service Department for service.
Optional Accessories
•
You can nd quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra dealer,
or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra at www.cobra.com
Windshield
Mounting Bracket
Includes suction cups
Item #545-159-N-001
Dual Port Power Adapter
Includes adjustable plug
(up to 90˚) and fuse
Item # CLP-2B
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Straight 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
Item #420-030-N-001
Hardwire Cord for Radar
Includes fuse
Item # RA-PSCB
Coiled 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
Item # 420-026-N-001
Install Mount
Includes 3M Dual Lock
Item # 545-002
Straight Combination Radar
USB Cord
Includes plug and USB
Output
Item # PWR USB-01
FCC Statement
FCC NOTICE: This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules: Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any
interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
AVIS FCC: Cet appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC: Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux
conditions suivantes: (1) Ce dispositif ne peut causer des interférences nuisibles, et (2) Cet appareil doit accepter
toute interférence reçue, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement.
NOTE: Cet équipement a été testé et jugé conforme aux limites d’un appareil numérique de classe B,
conformément à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC. Ces limites sont conçues pour fournir une protection
raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles dans une installation résidentielle. Cet équipement
génère, utilise et peut émettre de l’énergie radiofréquence et, si non installé et utilisé conformément aux
instructions, il peut causer des interférences nuisibles aux communications radio. Cependant, il n’y a
aucune garantie que l’interférence ne se produira pas dans une installation particulière. Si cet appareil
provoque des interférences nuisibles à la réception radio ou de télévision, ce qui peut être déterminé
en mettant l’appareil hors tension, l’utilisateur est invité à essayer de corriger l’interférence par une ou
plusieurs des mesures suivantes:
- Réorienter ou déplacer l’antenne de réception.
- Augmenter la distance entre l’équipement et le récepteur.
- Branchez l’appareil dans une prise sur un circuit différent de celui auquel le récepteur est connecté.
- Consulter le revendeur ou un technicien radio / TV expérimenté.
Trademark Acknowledgement
Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®,
®
, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra
VG-2 Alert
Electronics Corporation, USA.
Cobra Electronics Corporation
™
, SmartPower™, Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, and Voice Alert™ are trademarks
Filter
of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
®
for Ford is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear® for GM is a
Instaclear
registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. LTI Laser
Technology, Inc. Kustom Laser
Inc. SpeedLaser
Spectre I
of Laser Atlanta, LLC. Interceptor VG-2
™
is a trademark of Laser Atlanta. Stalker™ LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts, Inc.
™
and Spectre IV™ are trademarks of Stealth Micro Systems Pty. Ltd. SpeedLaser™ is a trademark