Cobra Electronics ESD-9870 User Manual

Download

Operating Instructions for Your

Cobra

11 Band™Extra Sensory Detection

RADAR/LASER

DETECTOR

MODEL ESD –9870

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

Important Information

Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors

It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar 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 Support

In this user's manual, you should find all the information you need to install and operate your detector. If you require further assistance after reading through this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer support services:

Automated Help Desk is available in English only 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087. Customer Service Operators are available in English or Spanish at 773-889-3087 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST. Questions can be faxed in English or Spanish to 773-622-2269. Automated Technical Assistance is available in English or Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: productinfo@cobra.com On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found in English only at: www.cobra.com.

Trademark Acknowledgement

Cobra®,

DigiView

LaserEye

, Safety Alert®Traffic Warning System,

VG-2 Alert

and Nothing comes close to a Cobra

are registered

trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation. 11 Band Ultra™, EasySet™, IntelliMute™, SmartPower™,

Spectre Alert™, Strobe Alert™ and Voice Alert™ are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation.

Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear for Ford

is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company, Inc.

Electriclear for GM

is a registered trademark of General Motors

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

is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.

WARNING

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

NW c

windshield bracket mount slot

ON-OFF/VOLUME control12V DC POWER JACK

PROGRAM/MUTE button to manually mute audio alerts (and to enter programming mode).

SET/CITY button for CITY or HIGHWAY modes for fewer false alerts (and to change user mode settings while programming).

SPEAKER

AUXILIARY AUDIO JACK

LASEREYE for 360°

detection of laser and strobe signals.

SELECT/DIM button to adjust the display brightness for easy reading (and to scroll through user mode settings while programming).

ON-OFF/VOLUME

control allows you to adjust the volume of the TONE alerts.

12V DC POWER JACK

Congratulations

You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing the ESD-9870 radar/laser detector from Cobra.Just look at some of the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:

• ULTRA-SENSITIVITY

• Detects and provides separate alerts for:

radar signals (X, K, and Ka bands, with signal strength indicated)

laser signals emergency vehicle safety and strobe

alert signals VG-2 signals Spectre signals

• 8-POINT COMPASS displays direction of travel

• LASEREYE for 360° detection of laser and strobe signals

RADAR/LASER

DETECTOR

MODEL ESD –9870

• “INSTANT-ON” speed monitoring detection

• BEE III POP single pulse detection

• VOICE ALERT MODE or TONE ALERT MODE with adjustable volume

• DIGIVIEW DATA DISPLAY with easy-to- read alpha/numeric dot matrix text readout

• 3 CITY MODES or HIGHWAY MODE to reduce false alerts

• SAFETY ALERT Traffic Warning System

• STROBE ALERT

• INTELLIMUTE a mute function which automatically reduces false alerts by sensing engine RPMs

• SMARTPOWER a timed power saving function that saves your car’s battery.

• MANUAL MUTE or AUTO MUTE of audio alerts

• EASYSET programming menu

• AUXILIARY AUDIO JACK for external speaker connection

• Distinguishes important safety alerts from other K band signals

• Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard

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.

alpha/numeric dot matrix text display showing*:

*See “Operations” (pages 5-19) for more information

about display features.

user mode settings programming

instructions signal strength

indicators

CITY/HIGHWAY mode indicators

radar, VG-2, Spectre and safety/strobe indicators

Table of Contents

Important information about...

Federal Laws, Safety Alert/Strobe Alert, Safe Driving,

Security of Your Vehicle, Customer Support .......................................................................... A1

IInstallation .......................................................................................................................... 2-4

Operation–Getting Started .................................................................................................... 5

Operation–User Mode Settings .............................................................................................. 6-18

EasySet Programming: Programming User Modes ................................................................ 6-8

Highway/City Modes ...................................................................................................... 9

IntelliMute ...................................................................................................................... 10-12

Auto Mute Mode, Muting an Alert, Auxiliary Audio Jack ........................................................ 13

Voice Alert Mode and Tone Mode........................................................................................ 13

Compass.......................................................................................................................... 14-15

Pop Alert, VG-2 Alert, Spectre Alert...................................................................................... 16-17

SmartPower .................................................................................................................... 17

DigiView Data Display Brightness ........................................................................................ 18

Detection ............................................................................................................................ 19-22

Signals Detected .............................................................................................................. 19

Audio Alerts .................................................................................................................... 19

Visual Display .................................................................................................................. 19-21

Instant-On Detection ........................................................................................................ 22

BEE-III Pop ...................................................................................................................... 22

Responding to Alerts ........................................................................................................ 22

Understanding Radar and Laser .............................................................................................. 23-25

Maintenance and Service ...................................................................................................... 26-27

Limited 1-Year Warranty ........................................................................................................28

Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 29

Optional Accessories .............................................................................................................. 30

Order Form .......................................................................................................................... 31

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. You can also mount it directly on the dashboard.

The unit's lenses must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view out the back window to allow 360° detection.

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).

INSTALLATION

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 sliding it off of the bracket.

Windshield mounting

Dashboard mounting

N W

NW h

INSTALLATION

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 hook-and-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.

OPERATION•GETTING STARTED

Turning Your Unit On

1. Turn on the unit and adjust audio volume

by rotating the ON-OFF/VOLUME CONTROL DIAL clockwise (away from you).

2. You will see and hear the messages “TESTING” (3 beeps will sound), then “SYSTEM READY”, then “VOICE ALERT”, indicating that the power is on.

3. The display will cycle through the user mode settings (City X, City X Beep Off, City X+K or Highway; IntelliMute and SmartPower status).

4. Start-up is complete when the display continuously shows the current compass direction (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW) plus single letters indicating current user mode settings (“c“ = City mode, “c“ = City X Beep Off mode, “c“ = City X+K 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 make sure to utilize the SmartPower feature of your detector.

Testing

System Ready

NW h

Voice Alert

OPERATION•EASYSET PROGRAMMING

EasySet Programming

All user mode settings on your detector can be changed by using Program mode. When changing the settings, please keep in mind:

• Buttons can have multiple functions.

• All settings will be stored in memory when the power is turned off and recalled when the power is turned back on.

In general, the procedure for using Program mode is as follows:

1. Press and hold the PROG/MUTE button

for 2 seconds to enter Program mode. You will hear “start program” in Voice Alert mode or 3 beeps in Tone mode and “PROGRAM” will appear in the display. Then brief programming instructions will scroll through the display two times.

2. While the programming instructions

are scrolling, press and release the SELECT/DIM button to cycle through the

user modes. As each mode is displayed, the current setting for that mode will be shown.

3. With the user mode you wish to change displayed, press and release the SET/CITY button to change the setting. You will hear the current mode setting in Voice Alert mode or either 1 or 2 beeps in Tone mode, depending on your selection. To move to the next selection, press SELECT/DIM again.

4. When you have finished programming any or all of the user modes, press and release the PROG/MUTE button to exit Program mode. Or simply wait 10 seconds without pushing any buttons. When you exit Program mode, the new setting will automatically be saved, you will hear “exit program” in Voice Alert mode or Tone mode and “EXIT PROGRAM” and “Settings

Saved!” will appear in the display.

EasySet Programming Menu

MODE SETTING VISUAL RESULT

Set City Mode Default* City X A single beep sounds when the signal

is first detected.

City X Beep Off Audio for all X band alerts are blocked until

signal strength reaches level 3.

City X + K Combines the City X mode with

prevention of K band audio alerts until

signal strength reaches level 1.

IntelliMute Mode Intelli Mute On All alerts (except for strobe signals from

emergency vehicles) are automatically

muted below the engine rev point you set.

Intelli Mute Off Normal operation.

Set IntelliMute RPMs Press SET at desired RPMs... Allows you to set the engine rev point

(not shown if IntelliMute is off) (see page 12 to set activation point) when using IntelliMute.

continued

NOTE: You cannot enter Program mode during an alert. The unit will not detect signals while in Program mode. During programming, if no buttons are pushed for 10 seconds, the unit will automatically exit Program mode and save the last settings.

Programming User Modes

The table below shows you how to program all user modes and the settings you can choose from.

NOTE: On the following pages, you will find more detailed explanations of each setting.

See page 12 for instructions on setting the IntelliMute activation point. See page 15 for instructions on calibrating the compass. See page 17 for instructions on using SmartPower.

2. Press and release the SELECT/DIM button to cycle through the user modes. Current mode setting is displayed.

1. Press and release the PROG/MUTE button to enter Program mode.

3. Press and release the SET/CITY

button to choose the desired setting for each user mode.

PROGRAM

EXIT

PROGRAM

Settings

Saved!

OPERATION•SETTINGS

OPERATION•EASYSET PROGRAMMING

* The settings for these user modes can also be changed with the one-button method. See the description of each user mode (following) for details.

EasySet Programming Menu (continued)

Highway/City Mode

Your detector has a Highway mode and three different levels of City modes: City X, City X Beep Off and City X+K. City X mode sounds a single beep when the signal is first detected. City X Beep Off mode prevents all X band audio alerts until the signal strength reaches level 3. City X+K mode combines the City X mode with prevention of K band audio alerts until the signal strength reads level 1. This will reduce false alerts while you are driving in or near urban areas where there are many sources for conflicting X or K band signals such as microwave towers and automatic door openers.

Press and release the SET/CITY button to switch between Highway mode or City mode (City X, City X Beep Off or City X+K mode). In Highway mode you will hear “highway” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode and “h” will appear in the display. In City mode (City X, City X Beep Off or City X+K mode) you will hear “city” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode and “c” will appear in the display.

Press and hold the SET/CITY button to set the City mode default. The three City modes will cycle as long as the SET/CITY button is held. When the SET/CITY button is released, the City mode currently displayed will be set. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program mode to select a City mode default.)

The factory setting is Highway. The factory City mode default setting is City X.

SET/CITY button

City

X+K

City X

Beep Off

City X, City X Beep Off, City X+K modes

Highway mode

MODE SETTING VISUAL RESULT

Auto Mute Mode AutoMute On The audio volume of all alerts will be

automatically muted after 4 seconds for

as long as the signal is detected.

AutoMute Off All alerts will sound at full volume for as

long as the signal is detected.

Voice Alert or Tone Mode Voice Alert Voice is heard for alerts and

confirmation of user settings.

Tone Alert Tone is heard for alerts and

confirmation of user settings.

Set Compass Drive in 2 circles... Allows you to calibrate the compass.

(see page 15 to calibrate compass)

Pop Ka Detect Mode Pop On The unit will detect Pop Ka signals.

Pop Off The unit will not detect Pop Ka signals.

VG-2 Detect Mode VG-2 On The unit will detect VG-2 signals.

VG-2 Off The unit will not detect VG-2 signals.

VG-2 Detect Audio Mode VG-2 Audio On With VG-2 Detect On, the unit

(not shown if VG-2 Detect is off) will give audible alerts for VG-2 signals.

VG-2 Audio Off With VG-2 Detect On, the unit

will give only visual alerts for VG-2 signals.

Spectre Detect Mode Spectre On The unit will detect Spectre signals.

Spectre Off The unit will not detect Spectre signals.

Spectre Detect Audio Mode Spectre Audio On With Spectre Detect On, the unit

(not shown if Spectre Detect is off) will give audible alerts for Spectre signals.

Spectre Audio Off With Spectre Detect On, the unit

will give only visual alerts for Spectre signals.

SmartPower Mode Smart Power On Tur ns SmartPower on.

Smart Power Off Tu rns SmartPower off.

Set Display Dim Mode Default* Dim Partially dimmed for dusk or night driving.

Dimmer More dimmed for dusk or night driving.

Dark Display is off.

Restore Factory Settings Are you sure? Resets user modes and settings

Press SET to confirm... to factory default.

Exit Program EXIT PROGRAM Allows you to exit Program mode.

Settings Saved!

NW c

NW h

OPERATION•SETTINGS

IntelliMute

IntelliMute is a unique new feature of the detector 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 all 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 12). Whenever the revs are below that point, IntelliMute will begin muting. The activation point will be stored in memory and recalled each time power is turned on.

When you turn IntelliMute on you will hear “intelli mute on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode and “i” will appear in the display. When you turn IntelliMute off you will hear “intelli mute off” in Voice Alert mode and 1 beep in Tone mode. (See page 7 for instructions using the Program mode to turn IntelliMute mode on or off.)

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 modes when appropriate.

IntelliMute works with all 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.

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.

The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.

Important: 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.

What to Remember While Using IntelliMute

NW ih

OPERATION•SETTINGS

Auto Mute Mode

Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after 4 seconds for as long as the signal is detected. When you turn Auto Mute mode on or off you will hear “auto mute on" in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for Auto Mute on and “auto mute off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for Auto Mute off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program mode to turn Auto Mute on or off.)

The factory setting for Auto Mute is on.

Muting an Alert

Your detector allows you to quickly turn off an audio alert by momentarily pressing and releasing the PROG/MUTE button. If you press and release the PROG/MUTE button a second time during the alert, the audio alert will be turned back on.

Voice Alert Mode and Tone Mode

You can set your detector to sound alerts and confirm user settings with either a voice or a tone. When you turn Voice Alert mode on you will hear “voice alert”. When you turn Tone mode on you will hear 1 beep (voice alerts will be turned off). (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program mode to select Voice Alert mode or Tone mode.)

The factory setting is Voice Alert mode.

Auxiliary Audio Jack

Use to connect an external speaker in environments with high ambient noise levels. The internal speaker will be disconnected.

PROG/MUTE button

Press and release

Your detector must be installed in your vehicle.

IntelliMute must be turned on.

Caution: Do not attempt to set the rev

point while driving. Your vehicle should be parked and idling.

Procedure

In Program mode, go to Set

IntelliMute. Press and release the

SET/CITY button to begin

setting IntelliMute RPMs.

Procedure

Press and release either the

SELECT/DIM button to proceed

to the next user mode or the

PROG/MUTE button to exit the

Program mode.

Voice

none

Visual Display

none

Tone

none

Procedure

Rev your engine to the level you wish

to set. Rev the engine slightly above

idle and hold revs steady for 2

seconds.

Voice

none

Visual Display

none

Tone

none

NOTE: If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses within three seconds, IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn off.

Procedure

At the desired rev level,

press and release the

SET/CITY button.

Voice

“intelli

mute

set”

Visual Display

Intelli Mute

SET!

Tone

3 beeps

“intelli mute not

set, please try again”

“intelli mute off”

IntelliMute not

set...

Please try again...

Intelli Off

1 beep

“intelli mute not

set, please try again”

“intelli mute off”

IntelliMute not

set...

Please try again...

Intelli Mute Off

1 beep

NOTE: If you do not set a rev point within 20 seconds of beginning these steps, IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn off.

Voice

“set engine

revs”

Visual Display

Set IntelliMute

Press SET at

desired RPMs...

Tone

2 beeps

Setting the IntelliMute Activation Point

Intelli

Mute

Off

Intelli

Mute

Set!

Press SET a

e not set...

Please try a

Tone

1 beep

Visual Display

appears

NOTE: If you do not press the SET/CITY button within 2 minutes, compass calibration will automatically terminate

1 beep

Compass not set... Please try again...

for 2 seconds

“compass not set...

please try again”

OPERATION•SETTINGS

Compass

Your detector includes an internal 8-point compass that will continuously display your current direction of travel: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW.

Calibrating the Compass

Important: Before using it for the first

time, you must calibrate the compass to provide accurate indications of direction. (See page 15 for instructions using the Program mode to select Set Compass.)

Calibration allows the compass electronics to measure and store information about the magnetic fields generated by your vehicle.

The compass will remain accurately calibrated as long as your unit is mounted in the same place in your vehicle. If you change the location where the unit is mounted or move it to another vehicle, you must recalibrate the compass.

The compass temporarily may not provide accurate readings if you are inside a building or enclosure, or are close to a large metal tractor/trailer, truck, or train. Once you are away from such a location, the compass will work correctly again.

Drive in 2 c

Compass

NW h

Compass not

Procedure

In Program mode, go to Set Compass.

Press and hold the SET/CITY button to

begin setting the compass.

Tone

2 beeps

Voice

“set compass”

Visual Display

Set Compass

Drive in 2 circles…

Press SET when done

...

Procedure

Within 2 minutes, drive your vehicle in a circle twice, then

press the SET/CITY button again.

Tone

3 beeps

Voice

“compass set”

Visual Display

Compass Set!

for 2 seconds followed by

direction of travel (N, NE, E,

SE, S, SW, W, or NW)

Procedure

Press and release either the

SELECT/DIM button to proceed

to the next user mode or the

PROG/MUTE button

to exit Program mode.

Tone

none

Voice

none

Visual Display

none

To calibrate the compass:

Tone

Visual DisplayVoice

Set!

Press SET wh

Please try a

OPERATION•SETTINGS

Spectre Alert

The detector is undetectable by police Spectre detection devices, 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 alerts. With Spectre Detect mode on, you can also choose whether or not you want your unit to sound audible Spectre alerts.

When you turn Spectre Detect mode on or off you will hear “spectre on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for Spectre detection on and “spectre off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for Spectre detection off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program Mode to turn Spectre alerts on and off.)

When you turn Spectre audio on or off, you will hear “spectre audio on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for Spectre audio on and “spectre audio off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for Spectre audio off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program Mode to turn Spectre audio on and off.)

The factory settings are Spectre Detect on, Spectre Detect Audio on.

SmartPower

Your detector includes the SmartPower feature that, when activated, will put the unit into standby mode (low power) for about 30 minutes after the car’s engine has been turned off. After 30 minutes in standby mode, the unit will automatically turn off.

To return the unit to normal power mode or exit standby mode, start the car, press any button or turn the unit off and then on again.

When you turn SmartPower mode on or off you will hear “smart power on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for SmartPower on and “smart power off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for SmartPower off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program mode to turn SmartPower mode on or off.)

Before the unit enters standby mode, you will hear 1 beep in Voice Alert mode or Tone mode and “Pwr Save” will appear in the display. Press any button to exit standby mode or return to normal power mode.

The factory setting is SmartPower on.

OPERATION•SETTINGS

Pop Alert

Pop Alert will alert you of Ka band Pop signals. During the alert, the unit continues to detect other signals.

When you turn Pop Ka Detect on or off you will hear “Ka pop on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for Pop detection on and “Ka pop off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for Pop detection off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program Mode to turn Pop Ka Detect on and off.)

The factory setting is Pop Ka Detect off.

VG-2 Alert

The detector is undetectable by police VG-2 detection devices, 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 VG-2 alerts. With VG-2 Detect mode on, you can also choose whether or not you want your unit to sound audible VG-2 alerts.

When you turn VG-2 Detect mode on or off, you will hear “VG-2 on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for VG-2 detection on and “VG-2 off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for VG-2 detection off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program Mode to turn VG-2 alerts on and off.)

When you turn VG-2 Detect Audio on or off you will hear “VG-2 audio on” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode for VG-2 audio on and “VG-2 audio off” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode for VG2 audio off. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program Mode to turn VG-2 audio on and off.)

The factory settings are VG-2 Detect on, VG-2 Detect Audio on.

Pwr Save

OPERATION•SETTINGS

DETECTION

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 mode, you will hear the tones only.

In both Voice Alert and Tone modes, a distinctly different alert tone is used for each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser signal). For X, K, and Ka 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, page 22.)

Visual Display

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

Weakest Signal

Strongest

Signal

SIGNAL STRENGTH CHART

Your detector has a Bright display mode (for daytime driving) and 3 levels of Dim display modes (Dim for dusk driving, Dimmer for night driving and Dark where no visual alerts will be displayed) to control the display’s brightness levels.

Press and release the SELECT/DIM button to switch between Bright mode and Dim mode. In Bright mode you will hear “bright” in Voice Alert mode or 2 beeps in Tone mode. In Dim mode (Dim, Dimmer or Dark mode) you will hear “dim”, “dimmer” or “dark” in Voice Alert mode or 1 beep in Tone mode.

Press and hold the SELECT/DIM button to set the Dim mode default. The three Dim display modes will cycle as long as the SELECT/DIM button is held. When the SELECT/DIM button is released, the Dim mode currently displayed will be set. (See page 7 for instructions on using the Program mode to select a Dim mode default.)

The factory setting is Bright. The factory Dim mode default setting is Dimmer.

SELECT/DIM button

Dark

Dim

Dimmer

DigiView Data Display Brightness Signals Detected

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

Dark indicator

E L

DETECTION

PLEASE NOTE: There are different tones for each Safety Alert

VG2

* your detector provides LaserEye 360° detection of these signals

VG-2 Alert

Safety Alert

Type of Signal

emergency vehicles

road hazards

trains

Voice

”emergency vehicle

approaching“

”road hazard ahead“

"train approaching"

Visual Display

Emergency Vehicle…

Road Hazard

Train

Type of Signal

Interceptor VG-2

Voice

“VG-2 alert”

Visual Display

VG2

Emergency V

Road

Hazard

Train

Spectre

Type of Signal

Spectre

Voice

“spectre alert”

Visual Display

Spectre

DETECTION

* your detector provides LaserEye 360° detection of these signals

PLEASE NOTE: There are different tones for each Safety Alert

X 5

K 5

Ka 5

Emergency V

Radar

Laser*

Type of Signal

X band radar K band radar

Ka band radar

Ka band Pop

Voice

”X alert“ ”K alert“

”Ka alert“

”pop alert“

Visual Display

X K

Pop!

Strobe Alert*

Type of Signal

LTI 20-20*

LTI Ultra-Lyte*

Kustom Signals ProLaser*

Kustom Signals ProLaser III*

Voice

”laser alert“

"laser alert"

Visual Display

Laser

20/20…

Laser

UltraLyte…

Laser

Pro Laser…

Laser

Pro Laser 3…

Type of Signal

3M Opticom or Tomar

Voice

”emergency vehicle

approaching“

Visual Display

Emergency Vehicle…

(flashing)

PLEASE NOTE: Beep rate changes with different laser alerts

Laser

20/20...

UltraLyte...

Pro Laser...

Laser

Pro Laser 3...

Pop!

DETECTION

UNDERSTANDING RADAR & 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.

VG-2 and Spectre

VG-2 and Spectre 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 VG-2 or Spectre, but does detect VG-2 and Spectre 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.

Description Interpretation Recommended Response

Responding To Alerts

tone repeats slowly at first, then

speeds up rapidly

tone sounds one time only

tone instantly begins

repeating rapidly

Pop mode tone

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

any Safety Alert or

Strobe Alert

probably police radar

probably a false alarm, but

possibly pulsed radar

radar, VG-2 or Spectre nearby has

been activated suddenly

Bee III Pop mode very close

probably police radar beyond

the hill or bridge

probably a false alarm

laser alerts are never

false alarms

you are nearing an emergency

vehicle, railroad crossing, or road

hazard (construction, accident, etc.)

FULL ALERT

exercise caution

FULL ALERT

exercise caution

FULL ALERT

exercise caution

Instant-On Detection

Your detector is designed to detect instanton speed monitoring signals, which can suddenly appear at near full strength.

You should take appropriate action immediately whenever an alert is given.

Bee III Pop Detection

Your detector is designed to detect single pulse mode radars. These radars are designed to have a low probability of detection. You should note that these radar guns have a much shorter range while in this mode.

UNDERSTANDING RADAR & LASER

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, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.

LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though not as quickly. 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.

Pop Radar Guns

The Pop mode radar gun is a single pulse Doppler radar that is a feature of a Ka band Instant On radar gun. It uses a single short time pulse (<100 msec.) to measure the target vehicle’s speed. Despite the fact that the short, single pulse makes the unit very sensitive to officer hand and vehicle movement and reduces the range of the gun in Pop mode to 50% of its range in Continuous Wave mode, this feature is added in an attempt to make the radar gun invisible to Radar Detectors.

While your purchased radar detector will detect this mode of operation in excess of it’s range of operation, the very nature of the Pop signals also means that the Pop mode receiver section is more prone to false alerts than the Continuous Wave portions of the Detector. In recognition of the fact that the Pop mode guns are new and limited in distribution, Cobra Electronics has included a user selectable on or off Pop Ka Detect mode.

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.

Some common questions about LIDAR include:

PRODUCT SERVICE

MAINTENANCE & CUSTOMER SERVICE

If you are asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory, please follow these steps:

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 USA

6. Please allow 3 to 4 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.

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 1-amp fuse only.)

Customer Service

Technical assistance in English and/or Spanish for your unit through one of our customer support services:

Automated Help Desk is available is English only 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087.

Customer Service Operators are available in English or Spanish at 773-889-3087 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.

Questions can be faxed in English or Spanish to 773-622-2269.

Automated Technical Assistance

is available in English or Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: productinfo@cobra.com

On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found in English only at: www.cobra.com.

For assistance outside the USA, please contact your local dealer.

Product Service

If you suspect that your unit requires service, please call 773-889-3087 BEFORE shipping it to Cobra. This will ensure that you receive service as quickly as possible.

SPECIFICATIONS

WARRANTY

X band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz

K band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz

Safety Alert 24.070 ± 0.010 GHz Traffic Warning System

24.110 ± 0.010 GHz

24.190 ± 0.010 GHz

24.230 ± 0.010 GHz

Ka band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz

Laser 910 ± 50 nm

Strobe 700 ± 300 nm

Dimensions 3

⁄16"W x 15⁄16"H x 411⁄16"D

Weight 170 grams

Band Frequencies

Unit Dimensions & Weight

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.

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

warrants that its Cobra 11 Band Ultra Radar/ Laser Detectors, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for period of one (1) year from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be 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 11 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.

Cobra Electronics Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

QUALITY SEALQUALITY SEAL

NOTES

ORDER FORM

For credit card orders fill out order form and fax to: 773.622.2269 or call 773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, M-F, CST.

Make check or money order payable to:

Cobra Electronics 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, IL 60707 USA Attn: Accessories Dept.

To order online, please visit our website at:

www.cobra.com

Please print clearly

Name

Address (No P.O. Box)

City State

Zip

Telephone ( )

Credit Card No. Exp. Date

Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover

Customer Signature

Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.

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

Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount

Subtotal (Tax if applicable) Shipping/handling $4.00 Total

Prices subject to change without notice.

Tax Table

California residents add 7.25% Illinois residents add 8.75% Indiana residents add 6% Michigan residents add 6% Ohio residents add 5% Wisconsin residents add 5%

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

You can find these fine accessories at your local Cobra dealer. If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.

To order by phone

Call 773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu 8 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F CST. )

To order by mail or fax

Please fill out order form on next page, and mail/fax directly to Cobra.

To order online

Go to www.cobra.com.

Windshield Mounting Bracket

Includes suction cups 545-139-N-001

Straight 12V DC Power Cord

Includes plug and fuse 420-030-N-001

Curled 12V DC Power Cord

Includes plug and fuse 420-026-N-001

Dual Port Power Adapter

Includes adjustable plug (up to 90˚) and fuse CLP-2B

Printed in Korea Part No. 480-064-P

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, IL 60707 USA

The Cobra®line of quality products includes:

CB radios

microTALK

radios

Radar/Laser Detectors

GPS

Safety Alert

Traffic Warning Systems

Accessories

HighGear

™

Accessories

For more information or

to order any of our products,

please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

Cobra Electronics ESD-9870 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual