Cobra XRS9530 Service Manual

Introduction

Important Information and
Customer Assistance

The Cobra line of quality products includes:

CB Radios
microTALK
Radar/Laser Detectors
Safety Alert
Handheld GPS Receivers
Mobile GPS Navigation Systems
HighGear
CobraMarine
CobraMarine
Accessories

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

Radios

®

Traffic Warning Systems

®

Accessories

TM

VHF Marine Radios

TM

Power Inverters

®

For more information or to

order any of our products,

please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

English

12 BAND

™

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

®

TECHNOLOGY

XRS 9530

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

Operating Instructions

Printed in China

Part No. 480-232-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

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 6:00 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. [e-mail] (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

English

A1

©2006 Cobra Electronics Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

•

•

Introduction

Assistance

Warranty

Controls, Indicators
and Connections

Introduction

Display and Product Features

Introduction

Customer Assistance

Important Information and

Accessories Order Info

Customer Assistance

Controls, Indicators and Connections

Windshield

Bracket Mount

Dim Button

Allows you to adjust

the DigiView Data Display

brightness for easy reading.

alerts on and off.*)

WARNING

Modifications or parts substitutions not approved
by Cobra Electr
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.

Engine RPM sensing mute function

which reduces false alerts. Button

(Also enters IntelliMute setting mode.*)

* Press and hold for two seconds to

access these functions.

English

A2

turns IntelliMute on and off.

Speaker

IntelliMute Button

(Also turns Spectre 1 and VG-2

LaserEye

For 360° detection of
laser and strobe signals.

Audio Jack

City Button

For City or Highway
modes to reduce
false alerts.

Mute Button

For manual mute or auto
mute of audio alerts.
(Also turns Voice Alert
on and off.*)

onics Corporation may violate

•

Display

•

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 6:00 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday.

h

Alpha/Numeric Dot Matrix Text Display

See pages 6 – 16 for more information about
display features.

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

Product Features

•

Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a high
performance radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the
sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:

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,
Strobe Alert signals, Spectre 1 signals,
VG-2 signals

LaserEye

For 360° detection of laser and
strobe signals

Instant-On Ready

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

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.

DigiView Data Display

With easy-to-read alpha/numeric dot
matrix text readout

City or Highway

Modes to reduce false alerts

Safety Alert

Traffic warning system distinguishes
important safety alerts from other
K band signals

Strobe Alert

Emergency vehicle warning system

Manual Mute or Auto Mute

A mute function of audio alerts

IntelliMute

A mute function which
automatically reduces false
alerts by sensing engine RPMs

Mounting

Mounts easily on windshield
or dashboard

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

A3

Item # Description

420-030-N-001 Straight 12V Power Cord
420-026-N-001 Coiled 12V Power Cord
545-139-N-001 Windshield Mounting Bracket
CLP-2B Dual Port Power Adapter

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

25

Introduction

ain Icons

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

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Highway/City Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

DigiView Data Display Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Muting an Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Auto Mute Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

IntelliMute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Voice/Tone Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Spectre 1 and VG-2 Alert Audio Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

K Band & Ku Band Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Signals Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Audio Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Visual Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Instant-On Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Responding to Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Understanding Radar and Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

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

Warranty

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

Customer Assistance

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

Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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

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

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

1

Your Detector

Installation

Your Detector

Installation

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.

2

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

3

Your Detector

Assistance

Warranty

N

otic

o

n

s

Installation

Your Detector

Getting Started and Settings

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

Testing

On-Off/

System Ready

Volume Control

Rotate clockwise

(away from you)

Voice Alert

To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume

Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control

clockwise (away
from you).

Start-Up Complete

Tone Voice

Three beeps Testing, then

three beeps

System Ready, then
Voice Alert

Start-up is complete when the display continuously

h

shows the letters indicating the current user settings
(c = City mode, h = Highway mode, i = IntelliMute on)

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.

Visual Display

The display will
cycle through and
show the user
modes.

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.

•

•

English

4

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

5

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

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
as you complete each step. The factory setting is

Highway Mode

h

City Mode

c

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

Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode)

Highway mode.

City Button

Press and

release

Visual Display

c appears

in the display

Visual Display

h appears

in the display

DigiView Data Display Brightness

You can choose from four (4) settings for Brightness of the display.
You can cycle through the settings by repeatedly pushing the
The factory setting is

Bright

Press and

Dark Dim

release

Dim button

Dimmer

Dark Indicator

.

To Change the Brightness to Dim

Press and release
the Dim button
once.

To Change the Brightness to Dimmer

Press and release
the Dim button
again.

To Change the Brightness to Dark

Press and release
the Dim button
a third time.

To Change the Brightness to Bright

Press and release
the Dim button a
fourth time.

Bright.

Dim Button

Press and

release

Tone Voice

One beep Dim Display dims

Tone Voice

None Dimmer Display dims further

Tone Voice

One beep Dark Display remains

Tone Voice

Two beeps Bright Display returns

Visual Display

Visual Display

Visual Display

dim (no visual
alerts will be seen)

Visual Display

to full brightness

Dim button.

6

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

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7

Your Detector

A

ssistance

W

arranty

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

Muting an Alert

Your detector allows you to quickly turn off an audio Alert by momentarily
pressing the
during the

Mute button. If you press the Mute button a second time

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 is

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.

Auto Mute on.

Mute Button

Press and release

Tone Voice

Two beeps Auto Mute On None

Tone Voice

One beep Auto Mute Off None

Visual Display

Visual Display

IntelliMute

IntelliMute is a unique new 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 alerts (except for strobe signals from
emergency vehicles).

Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine’s
revs (see page 11). 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

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

IntelliMute On

Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate.

ih

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

Tone Voice

One beep IntelliMute Off None

IntelliMute off.

Visual Display

i appears in

the display

Visual Display

8

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

9

Assistance

Warranty

Customer
Assistance

Your Detector

Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Settings

What to Remember While Using IntelliMute
IntelliMute

works with both City and Auto Mute modes.

Whenever engine revs are below the activation point, an arrow
pointing down will appear in the display. Above the activation point,
an arrow pointing up will appear.

Below Activation PointihAbove Activation Point

ih

Your Detector

Hold IntelliMute Button

Settings

Press Int...

button ag...

desired RPMs

Rev Level Set

Intelli

Mute

Set!

IntelliMute Button

Press and hold for
two seconds

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 page 11.

English

10

To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point

Press and hold
the IntelliMute
button for two

Tone

Two beeps Set Engine Revs Press IntelliMute

seconds.

Rev your engine to

None None None
the level you wish
to set (recommend
slightly above idle)
and hold revs steady
for two seconds.

At the desired

Three beeps IntelliMute Set IntelliMute Set!
rev level, press
and release the
IntelliMute button.

IntelliMute
Not Set

IntelliMu...

Please tr...

IntelliMute Off

Intelli

Mute

Off

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 Not

One beep IntelliMute Off IntelliMute Off

Voice

Voice

Set, Please Try
Again followed by

Visual Display

button again at
desired RPMs

Visual Display

IntelliMute not set
Please try again

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

11

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

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
The factory setting is

Mute Button

Press and hold for

two seconds

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.

Tone Alert mode, you will hear the tones only.

Voice Alert mode.

Tone Voice

One beep Tone Alert None

Tone Voice

None Voice Alert None

Visual Display

Visual Display

Spectre 1, VG-2 Alert Audio Settings, K & Ku Band Detection

The detector is undetectable by police Spectre 1 and VG-2 radar detector detectors and
will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle. During the alert, the unit
continues to detect other signals. You can choose whether or not you want your unit to
show

Spectre 1 and VG-2 alerts. The factory setting is Spectre 1 and VG-2 alert off.

Spectre 1 and VG-2 On

Spectre1

& VG2

Dim Button

Press and hold

for two seconds

To Turn Spectre 1 and VG-2 Alerts On and Off

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

To Turn K Band On and Off

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

To Turn Ku Band* On and Off

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

City Button

Press and hold

for two seconds

On

Tone Voice

Two beeps Spectre

VG-2 On

One beep Spectre

VG-2 Off

Tone Voice

Two beeps K On K On

One beep K Off K Off

Tone Voice

Two beeps Ku On Ku On

One beep Ku Off Ku Off

Spectre 1 and VG-2 Off

Spectre1

& VG2

Off

Visual Display

Spectre1
& VG 2 On

Spectre1
& VG 2 Off

Visual Display

Visual Display

12

English

* The new Ku band may be introduced to North America in

the future. To prevent false alerts until it is, the factory default

Ku band detection is off.

for

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

13

Your Detector

Assistance

Warranty

Detection

Your Detector

Detection

Detection

Signals Detected

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.

Audio Alerts

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.

Voice Alert and Tone Alert modes, a distinctly different alert tone is

In both
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 17.)

Visual Display

An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the DigiView Data
Display. During X, K, Ka and Ku alerts, you will also see from 1 to 5 vertical
bars, indicating the strength of the signal detected.

Signal Strength Chart

Signal Strength = 1
(Weakest Signal)

-

Signal Strength = 4

-

--

--

---

----

Signal Strength = 2

-

- -

Signal Strength = 5
(Strongest Signal)

_

-

-

--

_

---

- - -

- - - -

----

Signal Strength = 3

-

-

--

---

•

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 Ku and Signal Strength

-

--

_

-

_

Ku Signal Detected

Ku --4

Kustom Signals
ProLaser III

--

---

----

Laser

Pro Laser 3

X Signal Detected K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected

X2

-

--

Laser Signals, Voice and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

LTI 20-20* Laser Alert Laser 20/20
LTI Ultra-Lyte* Laser Alert Laser UltraLyte
Kustom Signals ProLaser* Laser Alert Laser Pro Laser
Kustom Signals ProLaser III* Laser Alert Laser Pro Laser 3

* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of these signals.

LTI 20-20

Laser

20/20

NOTE

Beep rate changes with different laser alerts.

K-3

-

--

---

LTI Ultra-Lyte

Laser

UltraLyte

Ka ---5

Kustom Signals
ProLaser

---

----

----

Laser

Pro Laser

_

-

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15

Your Detector

A

ssistance

W

arranty

A

ssistance

W

arranty

Assistance

Warranty

Assistance

Warranty

Detection

Your Detector

Detection

Strobe and Safety Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

3M Opticom or Tomar* Emergency Vehicle Approaching Emergency Vehicle
Emergency Vehicles Emergency Vehicle Approaching Emergency Vehicle
Road Hazards Road Hazard Ahead Road Hazard
Trains Train Approaching Train

* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of this signal.

Strobe Alert Display
(Flashing)

Emergency...

Emergency Alert
Signal Detected

Emergency...

Road Hazard Alert
Signal Detected

Road

Train Alert Signal
Detected

Train

Hazard

NOTE

There are different tones for each Safety Alert.

Spectre 1 Alert Signal, Voice and Visual Display

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

Spectre Spectre Alert Spectre1

Spectre 1 Alert Signal
Detected

Spectre1

VG-2 Alert Signal, Voice and Visual Display

Type of Signal Voice Visual Display

Interceptor VG-2 VG-2 Alert VG2

VG-2 Alert Signal
Detected

VG2

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16

NOTE

There are different tones for each alert.

NOTE

There are different tones for each alert.

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.

Responding to Alerts

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
or Strobe Alert.

Probably police radar FULL ALERT

Probably a false alarm,
but possibly pulsed radar,
Spectre 1 or VG-2 nearby

Radar, Spectre 1 or VG-2
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

FULL ALERT

FULL ALERT

Exercise caution

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

17

Your Detector

Understanding Radar and Laser

Your Detector

Understanding Radar and Laser

Understanding Radar and Laser

Radar Speed Monitoring Systems

Four 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
Ku band 13.435 GHz

Your detector detects signals in all four radar bands.

Spectre 1 and VG-2

Spectre 1 and VG-2 are “detector detectors” that work by detecting low-level
signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals
that can be detected by Spectre 1 or VG-2, but does detect Spectre 1 and VG-2
signals and will alert you when a device is in use near your vehicle, if you
so choose.

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.

•

Strobe Alert

Special strobes mounted on the light bars of authorized emergency
vehicles (fire trucks, police cars, ambulances) automatically change traffic
signals as the vehicle approaches an intersection. These strobes and the
special strobe detectors located on the traffic signals, introduced fairly
recently by 3M and Tomar, are already in use in more than 1000 cities
nationwide. Cobra’s exclusive

Strobe Alert detector will detect these

special strobes and give an emergency vehicle alert.
When you receive such an alert, please watch for an approaching

emergency vehicle and pull over to allow it to pass. To inquire about
coverage in your area, contact your local fire and police departments.

LIDAR (Laser)

The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as
laser is actually

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.

LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.

18

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

19

Your Detector

Maintenance

Your Detector

Specifications

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

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

■ Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter

■ Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of

Maintenance is required.

is clean and free of corrosion.

is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter.

the cigarette lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required,
replace it with a 2-amp fuse only.)

•

Specifications

Band and Frequencies

Band Frequencies

X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz
K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz
Safety Alert 24.070 ± 0.010 GHz

Traffic Warning
System

Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz
Ku Band 13.435 ± 0.050 GHz
Laser 910 ± 50 nm
Strobe 700 ± 300 nm

Unit Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions* (H x W x D) Weight*

11⁄3" x 23⁄4" x 41⁄3" 5.11 oz.
(34 mm x 70 mm x 110 mm) (145 g)

* Dimensions and weight measurements are approximate.

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.

24.110 ± 0.010 GHz

24.190 ± 0.010 GHz

24.230 ± 0.010 GHz

•

20

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

®

21

Warranty

Warranty

Customer Assistance

Product Service and
Trademark Acknowledgement

Limited 1-Year Warranty

For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra 12 Band Radar/Laser
Detectors, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in
workmanship and materials for period of one year from the date of first
consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer
purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.

Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective 12 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.

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 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.

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22

•

Product Service

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 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.

Trademark Acknowledgement

Cobra®, 6 Band®, 9 Band®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliShield®,

®

LaserEye

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

®

Strobe Alert
registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 12 Band™, IntelliMute™, Revolution™ Series, RoadReady™,
SmartPower™, Spectre Alert™, UltraBright™, and Voice Alert™ are trademarks of Cobra
Electronics Corporation, USA.

Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear
Ford Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear
Corporation. 20-20™ and Ultra-Lyte™ are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. ProLaser™ and
ProLaser III™ are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. Bee III™ and Pop™ are a trademarks of
MPH Industries. Spectre™ is a trademark of Stalcar. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of
TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar

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

®

®

for GM is a registered trademark of General Motors

®

is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.

for Ford is a registered trademark of

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

®

23

Customer Assistance

Optional Accessories

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 # 545-139-N-001

•

Coiled 12V DC Power Cord

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

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24

Dual Port Power Adapter

Includes adjustable plug
(up to 90˚) and fuse

Item # CLP-2B