Cobra XRS 888 User Manual

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Introduction

Important Information and Customer Assistance

The Cobra line of quality products includes:

CB Radios

microTALK

Radar/Laser Detectors

Safety Alert

Truck-Specific Navigation Systems

HighGear

CobraMarine VHF Radios

Power Inverters

LED Lights

Jumpstarters

Accessories

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Radios

Traffic Warning Systems

Accessories

For more information or to

order any of our products,

please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

English

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

TECHNOLOGY

XRS 888

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Operating Instructions

Printed in China

Part No. 480-713-P

Version B

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 5:30 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. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

English

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

•

Introduction

Controls, Indicators and Connections

Windshield

Bracket

Mount

WARNING

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

Windshield Bracket

Release Button

12V DC Power Jack

On-Off/Volume Control

Allows you to adjust the

volume of the tone alerts.

Dim Button

Allows you to adjust the UltraBright Data Display brightness for easy reading. (Also turns VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ alerts On and Off.*)

turns Voice Alert On and Off.*)

* Press and hold for four seconds to

access these functions.

English

Speaker

Mute Button

For manual mute or auto

mute of audio alerts. (Also

LaserEye

For 360° detection of laser signals.

Audio Jack

City Button

For City or Highway modes to reduce false alerts. (Also turns Ku 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.*)

Accessories Order Info and

Introduction

•

Display

Display and Product Features

•

NOTE: In This Manual

X K Ka V S L

When steady, the display will

X K Ka V S c

be shown:

Radar, VG-2,

Spectre I & IV+ and

Safety Indicators

and IntelliMute Pro

Signal Strength 1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest)

Mode Indicators

Signal

Strength,

Pop, Laser,

City/Highway

IntelliMute Indicator

Product Features

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, VG-2 signals, Spectre I & IV+ signals

LaserEye

For 360° detection of laser signals

Instant-On Ready

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

Pop Detection

Detects the latest super-fast instant-on single pulse radar guns

Tone Alert or Voice Alert

With adjustable volume

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.

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

Manual Mute or Auto Mute

A mute function of audio alerts

IntelliMute

A mute function reduces false audio alerts by sensing engine RPMs

IntelliMute

Prevents detection by radar detector detectors (RDDs) when traveling at slower speeds

Mounting

Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard

When blinking, the display will

X K Ka V S c

be shown:

X & K will light simultaneously

X K Ka V S c

when indicating Ku detection:

Pro

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Customer Assistance

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 5:30 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

Trademark Acknowledgement

Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®, IntelliMute Pro®, IntelliShield Strobe Alert are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 14 Band™, 15 Band™, Extreme Bright 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 Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear® for GM is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. LTI Laser™ and LTI 20-20™ are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. Kustom Laser™, Kustom Laser 340™ and ProLaser II™ are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. SpeedLaser™ is a trademark of Laser Atlanta. Bee III™ and Pop™ are a trademarks of MPH Industries. Stalker™ LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts, Inc. Spectre I™ and Spectre IV™ are trademarks of Stealth Micro Systems Pty. Ltd. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar® is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.

Trademark Acknowledgement

, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System,

, VG-2 Alert®, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne® and the snake design

for Ford is a registered trademark of Ford

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

Introduction

Contents

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

IntelliMute Pro ......................................................................................... 12

Voice/Tone Setting .................................................................................. 13

VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alert Settings ................................................. 13

Radar Alert and Pop Alert Settings ...........................................................14

Detection ..................................................................................................... 15

Signals Detected ...................................................................................... 15

Audio Alerts ............................................................................................. 15

Visual Display .......................................................................................... 15

Instant-On Detection ................................................................................ 18

Responding to Alerts ............................................................................... 18

Understanding Radar and Laser ................................................................. 19

Maintenance ................................................................................................ 20

Specifications .............................................................................................. 21

Warranty

Limited 1-Year Warranty ............................................................................. 22

Customer Assistance

Product Service .......................................................................................... 23

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

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

Trademark Acknowledgement ..................................................................... 25

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Installation

Your Detector

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 the unit is level with the road. You can also mount it directly on the dashboard.

Windshield Mounting Dashboard Mounting

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

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.

•

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 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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Installation

Your Detector

Getting Started

Dashboard Mounting

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.

5. Plug the power cord

into the detector.

6. Plug the cigarette lighter

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

Getting Started

Power On

X K Ka V S h

On-Off/

Volume Control

Rotate clockwise

(away from you)

To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume

Rotate the On-Off/ Volume control

clockwise (away from you).

Tone Voice

Three beeps Testing, then

three beeps

System Ready, then

Visual Display

appears in the display indicating that the power is On

Voice Alert

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.)

•

English

Auxiliary Audio Jack

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

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

Buttons can have multiple functions.

Depending on your choice of Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode, you will

hear either voice messages or tones confirming changes in settings.

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 (either in Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode) as you complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.

Press and

X K Ka V S h

City Mode

X K Ka V S

To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode

Press and release the City button.

To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode

Press and release the City button again.

Tone Voice

One beep City

Tone Voice

Two beeps Highway

release

Visual Display

appears

in the display

Visual Display

h appears

in the display

•

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.

Bright

Press and release Dim

Dark

button

Dim

Dim Button

Press and release

To Change the Brightness to Dim

Press and release the Dim button once.

To Change the Brightness to Dark

Press and release the Dim button again.

To Change the Brightness to Bright

Press and release the Dim button a third time.

Tone Voice

One beep Dim Display dims

Tone Voice

One beep Dark Display remains

Tone Voice

Two beeps Bright Display returns

Visual Display

dim (no visual alerts will be seen)

Visual Display

to full brightness

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

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.

Mute Button

Press and release

To Turn Auto Mute On

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

To Turn Auto Mute Off

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

Tone Voice

Two beeps Auto Mute On None

Tone Voice

One beep Auto Mute Off None

Visual Display

IntelliMute

IntelliMute is a unique 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 audio radar alerts.

Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine’s revs (see page 10). 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 Button

Press and release

To Turn IntelliMute On

Press and release the IntelliMute button.

To Turn IntelliMute Off

Press and release the IntelliMute button again.

Tone Voice

Two beeps IntelliMute On Dot appears next to

Tone Voice

One beep IntelliMute Off Dot disappears

Visual Display

the large character on the right

Visual Display

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Settings

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.

Below Activation Point

Above Activation Point

Your Detector

Settings

IntelliMute Button

Press and release

X K Ka V S

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. Depending on whether the unit is in Tone Alert or Voice Alert mode, you will hear a series of beeps or voice messages as you follow the steps on the next page.

To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point

Press and hold the IntelliMute button for two seconds.

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

At the desired rev level, press and release the IntelliMute button.

Tone

Two beeps Set Engine Revs None

None None Three bars will

Three beeps IntelliMute Set All three bars flash

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.

Tone

Four beeps IntelliMute Error,

Voice

followed by

IntelliMute Off

Visual Display

flash in succession

1 2 3

three times

1 2 3

Visual Display

E appears

X K Ka V S E

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

IntelliMute Pro

IntelliMute Pro prevents detection by radar detector detectors (RDDs) such as VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+ when traveling at slower speeds. It is intended for use by experienced users only.

When IntelliMute Pro is turned On, and engine RPMs are below the IntelliMute activation point, your detector’s radar detection circuits are turned Off to prevent detection by RDDs.

Before IntelliMute Pro can be turned On, you must have turned On and Set the IntelliMute activation point. (See pages 9 through 11.)

CAUTION When IntelliMute Pro is On, NO radar signals will be detected and NO alerts will be given at RPMs below the IntelliMute activation point.

IntelliMute Button City Button

Press and hold both buttons simultaneously

IntelliMute Pro On

X K Ka V S

To Turn IntelliMute Pro On

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

To Turn IntelliMute Pro Off

Press and hold both the IntelliMute and City buttons for four seconds.

English

Tone Voice

Two beeps IntelliMute Pro On c or h will blink

Tone Voice

One beep IntelliMute Pro Off c or h will show

Visual Display

steady

Voice/Tone Setting

You can set your detector to sound alerts with either a Voice or a Tone. You can change settings by using the Mute button. In Voice Alert mode, you will first hear several tones, then a voice message announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert mode, you will hear the tones only. The factory setting

To Change From Voice Alert to Tone Alert

While no signal is being detected, press and hold the Mute button for two seconds.

To Change From Tone Alert Back to Voice Alert

While no signal is being detected, press and hold the Mute button for two seconds again.

VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alert Settings

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.

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.

To Turn VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alerts On and Off

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

Tone Voice

One beep Tone Alert None

Tone Voice

None Voice Alert None

Tone Voice

On = Two Beeps Spectre VG-2 On

Off = One Beep

Spectre VG-2 Off

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Visual Display

V will blink twice

in the display

V will blink once in the display

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings and Detection

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.

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.

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.

To Turn Ku Band* On and Off

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

Tone Voice

X On = Two beeps

X Off = One beep

Tone Voice

K On = Two beeps

K Off = One beep

Tone Voice

Ku On = Two beeps Ku On

Ku Off = One beep

X On

X Off

K On

K Off

Ku Off

Visual Display

X will blink twice

in the display

X will blink once in the display

Visual Display

K will blink twice

in the display

K will blink once in the display

Visual Display

X and K will blink

twice in the display

X and K will blink once in the display

Pop Alert

The Pop Mode Radar Gun is a single-pulse Doppler radar that is a feature of a K and Ka (Bee III Ka radar gun) band Instant-On radar gun. It uses a single, short-time pulse to measure the target vehicle’s speed.

The Pop mode receiver senses Pop singles beyond the effective range of Pop radar guns. As the Pop mode receiver is so sensitive, you should limit the use of Pop Detect mode to highway and rural driving.

Pop Alert will alert you to Pop radar signals. During the alert, the unit continues to detect other signals. The factory setting is Pop Detect Off.

Pop Alert (continued)

To Turn Pop Alert On and Off

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

Tone Voice

Pop On = Two beeps

Pop Off = One beep

Pop On

Pop Off

Visual Display

P will blink twice

in the display

P will blink once in the display

Detection

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

In Voice Alert mode you will first hear several tones, then a voice message announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert mode, you will hear the tones only.

In both Voice Alert and Tone Alert modes, 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 18.)

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)

X Signal Detected

X K Ka V S 2

K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected

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

Ku Signal Detected

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Detection

Your Detector

Detection

During pop alerts, the letter P

will

appear; and during laser alerts, the letter L will appear, instead of

POP Signal Detected

X K Ka V S P

Laser Signal Detected

X K Ka V S L

the signal strength indication.

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

During Safety Alert, the letter

VG-2 Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S

Safety Alert Signal Detected

Spectre I or IV+ Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S

S will appear.

X K Ka V S

Radar Signals, Voice and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

X Band Radar X Alert X and Signal Strength

K Band Radar K Alert K and Signal Strength

Ka Band Radar Ka Alert Ka and Signal Strength

Ku Band Radar Ku Alert X K and Signal Strength

Pop Radar Mode Pop Alert P is Steady

X Signal Detected

X K Ka V S 2

POP Alert Signal Detected

X K Ka V S P

English

K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected

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

Ku Signal Detected

Laser Signals, Voice and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

LTI 20-20* Laser L is Steady

LTI Laser* Laser L is Steady

Kustom Signals Laser 340* Laser L is Steady

Kustom Signals Laser* Laser L is Steady

Stalker LIDAR* Laser L is Steady

Laser Atlanta SpeedLaser/Kustom Signals-ProLaser II* Laser L is Steady

* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.

Laser Signal Detected

X K Ka V S L

NOTE Beep rate changes with different laser alerts.

Safety Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

Emergency Vehicles Emergency Vehicle Approaching S is Steady

Road Hazards Road Hazard Ahead S is Steady

Trains Train Approaching S is Steady

Safety Alert Signal Detected

NOTE

X K Ka V S

There are different tones for each Safety Alert.

VG-2 and Spectre I or IV+ Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

Interceptor VG-2 VG-2 Alert V is Steady

Spectre I or IV+ Spectre Alert V Blinks

VG-2 Alert Signal Detected

Spectre I or IV+ Alert Signal Detected

NOTE There are different

X K Ka V S

tones for each alert.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Detection

Your Detector

Understanding Radar and Laser

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.

Description Interpretation

Tone repeats slowly at first, then speeds up rapidly.

Tone sounds one time only.

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

Any Safety Alert.

English

Probably police radar. FULL ALERT

Probably a false alarm, but possibly pulsed radar, VG-2, or Spectre I or IV+ nearby.

Radar, VG-2 or Spectre I or IV+ nearby has been activated suddenly.

Probably police radar beyond the hill or bridge.

Probably a false alarm. Exercise caution

never false alarms.

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

Recommended Response

Exercise caution

FULL ALERT

Exercise caution

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 I & IV+

VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ are radar detector detectors (RDDs) that work by detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals that can be spotted by VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs. However, your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs. Your unit detects signals from these or similar devices and will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle.

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.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

Understanding Radar and Laser and Maintenance

Your DetectorYour Detector

Specifications

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.

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.)

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Specifications

Band and Frequencies

Band Frequencies

X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz

K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz

Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz

Ku Band 13.435 ± 0.035 GHz

VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHz

Laser 910 ± 50nm 100 PPS 910 ± 50nm 125 PPS 910 ± 50nm 130 PPS 910 ± 50nm 200 PPS 910 ± 50nm 238 PPS 910 ± 50nm 340 PPS

Spectre I 13.300 ± 0.200 GHz

Spectre IV/IV+ Not Disclosed

Traffic Warning 24.110 ± 0.010 GHz System 24.190 ± 0.010 GHz

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24.230 ± 0.010 GHz

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.

Safety Alert 24.070 ± 0.010 GHz

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Product Service

Limited 1-Year Warranty

For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra Radar/Laser Detectors, and the com po nent parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of first consumer purchase. This war ran ty may be enforced by the first consumer pur chas er, pro vid ed that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.

Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, de fec tive Radar/Laser Detectors, products or com po nent parts upon de liv ery to the Cobra Factory Service Department, ac com pa nied by proof of the date of first consumer pur chase, such as a du pli cat ed 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 dam aged by accident.

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

of un au tho rized alterations or repairs.

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

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

All implied warranties, including war ran ties of mer chant abil i ty and fitness for a par tic u lar purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, con se quen tial or oth er dam ag es; including, without lim i ta tion, damages re sult ing from loss of use or cost of in stal la tion.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the ex clu sion or limitation of incidental or con se quen tial dam ag es, so the above lim itations may not apply to you.

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Product Service

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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 Insured 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.

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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Customer Assistance

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.

Straight 12V DC Power Cord

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

Windshield Mounting Bracket

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

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Coiled 12V DC Power Cord

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

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Dual Port Power Adapter

Includes adjustable plug (up to 90˚) and fuse

Item # CLP-2B

Cobra XRS 888 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual