Cobra Electronics SSR-50 Instruction Manual

Introduction

Important Information And Customer Assistance

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 1934 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.

Operating Instructions

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

Radios

TrafficWarningSystems

Accessories

For more information or to

order any of our products,

please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

English

9 BAND

SUPER-SENSITIVE RADAR/LASER DETECTOR

SSR 50

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Printed in the Philippines

Part No. 480-720-P

Version B

EnglishNothing Comes Close to a Cobra

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. product info@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

Introduction

Display And Product Features

Customer Assistance

Accessories Order Info

Controls, Indicators And Connections

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Display

Power Laser/City

Indicator

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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.,

Windshield

Bracket Mount

12V DC Power Jack

On-Off/ Volume Control

Allows you to adjust the volume of the tone alerts.

Product Features

P X/K Ka L/C

Radar Indicators

•

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

Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a 9 Band radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:

Mute Button

For manual mute of audio alerts.

City Button

For City or Highway modes to reduce false alerts.

Detection And Separate Alerts For:

Radar signals (X, K and Ka bands, with signal strength indicated), Laser and VG-2 signals

LaserEye

For 360° detection of laser signals

Instant-On Ready

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

Tone Alerts

With adjustable volume

UltraBright Data Display

Is easy to read

City Or Highway

Modes to reduce false alerts

Safety Alert

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

Manual Mute

A mute function of audio alerts

Mounting

Mounts easily on windshield

WARNING

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

English

this equipment.

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.

or dashboard

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Table Of 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

Muting An Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Signals Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Audio Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Visual Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Instant-On Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Responding To Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Understanding Radar And Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Warranty

Limited 1-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Customer Assistance

Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Accessories Order Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Your Detector

Installation

Your Detector

Installation

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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.

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.

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 (1) 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.

6. Plug the power cord

into the detector.

Getting Started

To Turn On The Unit And Adjust The Audio Volume

Rotate the On-Off/ Volume control

clockwise (away from you).

Tone

Visual Display

Three (3) beeps The power indicator icon

“P”will light up in the display indicating that the power is

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.

•

Power On

P X/K Ka L/C

On-Off/ Volume Control

Rotate clockwise (away from you)

7. Plug the cigarette lighter

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

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Settings

Your Detector

Settings

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

■

Each time the unit is turned On the factory settings of Highway and Auto Mute-On will be set. They can be changed while the unit is in use as described in the following sections.

Highway/City Mode

Setting your detector to City mode delays all X band audio alerts at lower signal strength levels. (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 as you complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.

Highway Mode

P X/K Ka L/C

City Mode

P X/K Ka L/C

To Change From Highway Mode To City Mode

Touch the City area.

Tone

One (1) beep

City Button

Press and release

Visual Display

L/C

appears in the display

•

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.

Mute Button

Touch and release

To Change From City Mode Back To Highway Mode

Touch the City area again.

English

Tone

Two (2) beeps

Visual Display

L/C

disappears from the display.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Detection

Your Detector

Detection

Signals Detected

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

Audio Alerts

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 on page 11.)

Visual Display

An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the UltraBright data Display.

Radar Signals And Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

X Band Radar X/K Flashes

K Band Radar X/K Flashes

Ka Band Radar Ka Flashes

X Signal Detected

P X/K Ka L/C

Ka Signal DetectedK Signal Detected

P X/K Ka L/C

•

Laser Signals And Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

LTI 20-20* L/C Flashes

LTI Ultra-Lyte* L/C Flashes

Kustom Signals ProLaser* L/C Flashes

Kustom Signals ProLaser III* L/C Flashes

* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.

Laser Signal Detected

P X/K Ka L/C

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Detection

Your Detector

Detection

Safety Alert Signals And Visual Displays

Type of Signal Visual Display

Emergency Vehicles X/K & Ka Flash Simultaneously

Road Hazards X/K & Ka Flash Simultaneously

Trains X/K & Ka Flash Simultaneously

Safety Alert Signal Detected

P X/K Ka L/C

VG-2 Alert Signal And Visual Display

Type of Signal Visual Display

Interceptor VG-2 X/K & Ka Flash Simultaneously

VG-2 Alert Signal Detected

P X/K Ka L/C

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 (1) 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. You are nearing an

Probably police radar FULL ALERT

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

Radar or VG-2 nearby has been activated suddenly

Probably police radar beyond the hill or bridge

Probably a false alarm Exercise caution

never false alarms

emergency vehicle, railroad crossing, or road hazard (construction, accident, etc.)

Recommended Response

Exercise caution

FULL ALERT

Exercise caution

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Understanding Radar And Laser

Your Detector

Understanding Radar And Laser

Radar Speed Monitoring Systems

Three (3) 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 (3) radar bands.

VG-2

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

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.

•

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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Your Detector

Maintenance And Specifications

Warranty

Warranty And Product Service

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.)

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 24.110 ± 0.010 GHz System 24.190 ± 0.010 GHz

Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.200 GHz Laser 910 ± 50 nm

Unit Dimensions And Weight

Dimensions* Weight*

11⁄4" x 23⁄4" x 37⁄8" 4.26 oz. (33 mm x 70 mm x 98 mm) (121 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.

English

24.230 ± 0.010 GHz

•

Limited 1-Year Warranty

For Products Purchased In The U.S.A.

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra 9 Band Radar/Laser Detectors, and the com po nent 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 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 9 Band 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.

Customer Assistance

Product Service

If you have any questions about operation or installing your new Cobra product, or if you are missing parts…

Please call Cobra first! DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE! See customer assistance on page A1.

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.

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 U.S.A. 6) Please allow three (3) to four (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.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

Trademark Acknowledgement And Optional Accessories

English

Windshield Mounting Bracket

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

Straight 12V DC Power Cord

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

Coiled 12V DC Power Cord

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

Dual Port Power Adapter

Includes adjustable plug (up to 90°) and fuse

Item # CLP-2B

Customer Assistance

Optional Accessories

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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.

Trademark Acknowledgement

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Cobra®, 9 Band®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®, IntelliMute® Pro, IntelliShield®, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System, Strobe Alert®, VG-2 Alert®, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 14 Band™, 15 Band™, AURA™, Extreme Bright DataGrafix™, IntelliLink™, IntelliScope™, IntelliView™, Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, 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® for Ford is a registered trademark of Ford 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.

Cobra Electronics SSR-50 Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual