The Cobra line of quality products includes:
CB Radios
®
microTALK
Radar/Laser Detectors
Safety Alert
Radios
®
Trafc Warning Systems
Operating Instructions
Important Information
Introduction
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 ofcials 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 trafc accidents. It is only intended to alert the motorist that an
emergency vehicle equipped with a Cobra Safety Alert transmitter is within range as
dened by that product. Please call local re 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 trafc
laws. Do not attempt to change settings of the unit while in motion.
Security of Your Vehicle
Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector
in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.
Customer Information
and
Truck-Specic Navigation Systems
®
HighGear
Accessories
CobraMarine VHF Radios
Power Inverters
LED Lights
Jumpstarters
Accessories
®
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
EnglishNothing Comes Close to a Cobra
14 BAND™
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH XTREME RANGE
SUPERHETERODYNE
®
TECHNOLOGY AND
RED LIGHT / SPEED CAMERA GPS LOCATOR
XRS 9550G
Printed in China
Part No. 480-595-P
Version B
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
A1
English
©2010 Cobra Electronics Corpora-
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
tion
Controls, Indicators and Connections
Assistance
Warranty
Introduction
Accessories Order Info and
Trademark Acknowledgement
Controls, Indicators and Connections
Windshield Bracket
Mounting Slot
Windshield Bracket
Release Button
12V DC
Power Jack
On-Off/
Volume Control
Allows you to adjust
the volume of the alerts.
Mark/Dim Button
Allows you to adjust
brightness for easy reading (Also sets
* See page 6 for
accessing multiple
button functions.
A2 A3
English
the DigiView Data Display
and deletes User Points.*)
Engine RPM sensing mute function
which reduces false alerts. Button
turns IntelliMute On and Off. (Also enters
IntelliMute setting mode and turns VG-2
and Spectre alerts On and Off. *)
FCC NOTICE This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules: Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IntelliMute Button
LaserEye
For 360° detection
of laser and
Speaker
Mute Button
For manual mute or
auto mute of audio alerts.
(Also turns Voice Alert
On and Off.*)
City/Hwy Button
For City or Highway
modes to reduce false
alerts. (Also turns
Ku alerts On and Off.*)
•
GPS Locator
Attaches to
USB Port.
Display
h
Alpha/Numeric Dot Matrix Text Display
See pages 6 – 17 for more information
about display features.
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, Spectre I & IV signals,
VG-2 signals
LaserEye
For 360° detection of laser signals
Instant-On Ready
Detects radar guns with “instant-on”
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities
Pop Detection
Detects the latest super-fast instant-on
single pulse radar guns
Tone Alert or Voice Alert
With adjustable volume
City or Highway
Modes to reduce false alerts
DigiView Data Display
With easy-to-read alpha/numeric dot matrix
text readout
Alert Programming
Easy setting of radar bands to be monitored
Safety Alert
Trafc warning system distinguishes
important safety alerts from other
K band signals
Manual Mute or Auto Mute
A mute function of audio alerts
IntelliMute
A mute function which automatically
reduces false audio alerts by sensing
engine RPMs
IntelliMute Pro
Prevents detection by radar detector detectors
(RDDs) when traveling at
slower speeds
Mounting
Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard
GPS Ready
The GPS Locator unit adds: Photo Enforced,
Caution, Speed Trap and User Location Alerts;
and a GPS Compass
IntelliScope
Uses GPS Locator to show direction of
Location-Based Alerts relative to your moving
vehicle
Lifetime Updates
The GPS Locator includes free lifetime
updates of its Cobra-exclusive AURA database
of location-based alerts
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
•
Ordering From U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.
For Credit Card Orders
Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Make Check or Money Order Payable To
•
Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
To Order Online
Please visit our website: www.cobra.com
Item # Description
RDA GPSL66 Plug-in GPS Locator Unit
420-030-N-001 Straight 12V Power Cord
420-030-N-001 Coiled 12V Power Cord
545-159-N-001 Windshield Mounting Bracket
CLP-2B Dual Port Power Adapter
Trademark Acknowledgement
Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®, IntelliMute® Pro, IntelliShield®,
LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, Safety Alert® Trafc 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 DataGrax™,
IntelliLink™, IntelliScope™, IntelliView™, Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, Spectre Alert™,
Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, UltraBright™, and Voice Alert™ are trademarks
of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear® 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.
Stalker™ LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts, Inc. Spectre I™ and
Spectre IV™ are trademarks of Stealth Micro Systems Pty. Ltd. SpeedLaser™ is a trademark
of Laser Atlanta, LLC. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar®
®
is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
•
®
33
Introduction
Contents
Introduction
Important Information ........... A1
Customer Assistance ............ A1
Controls, Indicators and Display ... A2
Display and Product Features ..... A3
Your Detector
Installation ..................... 2
Windshield Mounting ........... 3
Dashboard Mounting ........... 4
Getting Started ................. 5
Standby Screens .............. 5
Settings ....................... 6
City/Highway Modes. ........... 6
DigiView Data Display Brightness ... 8
Muting an Alert ............... 9
Auto Mute Mode .............. 9
IntelliMute .................. 10
IntelliMute Pro ............... 13
Voice/Tone Setting ............ 14
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV
Alert Settings ............... 15
Radar Alert Settings. . . . . . . . . . . 16
Pop Alert ................... 17
Detection ..................... 16
Signals Detected ............. 16
Audio Alerts ................. 16
Visual Display ............... 16
Instant-On Detection .......... 21
Responding to Alerts ............ 21
Understanding Radar and Laser ... 22
Global Position System
Locator (GPS Locator)
Overview ..................... 24
Connecting to your Detector .... 24
Initial Satellite Lock ............. 25
User Locations ................. 26
GPS Settings .................. 26
Photo Enforcement Areas ...... 26
Caution Areas ............... 26
Known Speed Traps ........... 27
Speed Units ................. 27
GPS Alerts .................. 27
Visual Display ............... 28
IntelliScope ................. 28
Customer Information
and Warranty
Maintenance .................. 30
Specications ................. 30
Limited 1-Year Warranty ......... 31
Product Service ................ 32
Optional Accessories ............ 32
Accessories Order Info .......... 33
Trademark Acknowledgement ..... 33
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
1
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. 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. If the GPS Locator unit is installed,
it must have a clear view of the sky to receive GPS signals.
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Radar, laser and GPS signals pass through glass but not through other materials and
objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
n Windshield wiper blades
n Mirrored sun screens
n Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
n Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM). Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.
Windshield Mounting
1. Attach the rubber cups
to the bracket.
2.
Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.
3. Push the bracket rmly onto
the windshield.
4. Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check that
the unit is parallel to the
road’s surface.
5. To adjust the angle if neces-
sary, 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 depressing the bracket release button
and sliding it off the bracket.
2
English
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
3
Installation
Assistance
Warranty
Your Detector
Getting Started
Dashboard Mounting
1. Place the detector on the dashboard to nd a location
where the unit has a clear, level view of the road and is
parallel to the road’s surface. The angle CANNOT be
adjusted after mounting
2. Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hookand-loop fastener.
3. Attach the pad to the
dashboard at your chosen
location and remove the
other paper backing.
4. Attach the detector to the
hook-and-loop fastener. You
can remove and
reattach the unit as often
as you like
Plug the power cord into the
5.
detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.
Standby Screens
Power On
Testing
System Ready
To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume
Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control
clockwise (away
from you).
Start-Up Complete
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.
On-Off/
Volume Control
Rotate clockwise
(away from you)
P
Tone Voice Visual Display
Three beeps Testing, then
Start-up is complete when the display continuously
shows the letters indicating the current user settings
(c = City mode, h = Highway mode, i = IntelliMute On)
h
three beeps
System Ready
The display will
sequentially show the
settings for any user
modes you have
changed from the
factory defaults.
If the GPS Locator
is connected, the
sequence will continue
with the database
version, whether the
GPS is locked on a
signal and the speed
units in effect.
•
4
English
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
5
Your Detector
Assistance
Warranty
Settings
Your Detector
When changing the Settings on your detector, please keep in mind:
n Buttons can have multiple functions.
•
– Press means press and release (less than two seconds).
– Hold 2 means press and hold for two or three seconds before releasing.
– Hold 4 means press and hold for four seconds or more before releasing.
n Depending on your choice of Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode, you will hear
either voice messages or tones conrming changes in settings.
n All settings will be stored in memory when the power is turned Off and
recalled when the power is turned back On.
City/Highway 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 rst
detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are driving in, or near, urban areas
where there are many sources for conicting X band signals such as microwave
towers and automatic door openers.
To change settings, follow the procedure listed on the next page, which indicates
what you will see and hear (either in Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode) as you complete
each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.
City/Highway Mode (continued)Settings
Highway Mode
h
City Mode
c
To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode
Press and release
the City/Hwy button.
To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode
Press and release
the City/Hwy button
again.
NOTE
If the GPS Locator is connected, “c” or “h” will show
for two seconds, then be replaced by the GPS symbol.
See page 24 for GPS features.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep City City X blinks, then c
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Highway Highway blinks, then h
City/Hwy
Button
Press and
release
appears in the display*
appears in the display*
6
English
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
7
Your Detector
Settings
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 Mark/Dim button. The factory
setting is Bright.
Mark/Dim Button
Press and
release
To Change the Brightness to Dim (50% of full brightness)
Press and release
the Mark/Dim
button once.
To Change the Brightness to Dark (Off)
Press and release
the Mark/Dim
button a third time.
To Change the Brightness to Bright (Full Brightness)
Press and release
the Mark/Dim
button a fourth time.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Dim Dim blinks, then
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Dark
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Bright
Bright
Press and
release
Mark/Dim
Button
Dimmer
Dark Indicator
.
display dims
Dark blinks, then display
goes dark (no visual
alerts will be seen)
Bright blinks, then
display turns to full
brightness
Dim
Your Detector
Muting an Alert
Your detector allows you to quickly turn Off an audio Alert by pressing the Mute button.
If you press the Mute button a second time during the Alert, the audio Alert will be
turned back On.
Auto Mute Mode
Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after four seconds
for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting is Auto Mute On.
Mute Button
Press and
release
To Turn Auto Mute Off
Press and release
the Mute button
while no alert
is occurring.
To Turn Auto Mute On
Press and release
the Mute button
again while no
alert is occurring.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Auto Mute Off Auto Mute Off blinks
in the display
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Auto Mute On Auto Mute On blinks
in the display
8
English
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
9
Your Detector
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
Settings
Your Detector
IntelliMute
IntelliMute is a unique feature that allows you to avoid alerts you don’t need to hear
because you are stopped or moving slowly. By sensing the “revs” (RPMs) of your
engine, IntelliMute knows when you are at low speed and automatically mutes alerts.
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 IntelliMute Off.
NOTE
IntelliMute may not work with some vehicles because it cannot sense the
engine’s revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts by
using Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate.
IntelliMute On
i h
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 Visual Display
Two beeps IntelliMute On IntelliMute On blinks,
then i appears in the
display
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep IntelliMute Off IntelliMute Off blinks
in the display
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 Point
i h
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 t your individual preferences
and driving style.
Setting the IntelliMute Activation Point
Your detector must be installed in your vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving. Your vehicle should
be parked and idling.
IntelliMute must be turned On before setting the activation point. Depending on
whether the unit is in Tone Alert or Voice Alert mode, you will hear a series of
beeps or voice messages as you follow the steps on the next page.
10
English
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
11
Your Detector
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
Hold 2 IntelliMute Button
Settings
Rev Level Set
Intelli
button ag...
desired RPMs
Mute
Set!
To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point
Press and hold
the IntelliMute
button for two
seconds.
Rev your engine to
the level you wish
to set (recommend
slightly above idle)
and hold revs steady
for two seconds.
At the desired
rev level, press
and release the
IntelliMute button.
IntelliMute Not Set
IntelliMu...
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Set Engine Revs Press IntelliMute
None None None
Three beeps IntelliMute Set IntelliMute Set!
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.
IntelliMute Button
Press and release
button again at
desired RPMs
Your Detector
IntelliMute Pro
IntelliMute Pro prevents detection by radar detector detectors (RDDs) such as VG-2,
Spectre I and Spectre IV when traveling at slower speeds. It is intended for use by
experienced users only.
When IntelliMute Pro is turned On, and engine RPMs are below the IntelliMute
activation point, your detector’s radar detection circuits are turned Off to prevent
detection by RDDs.
Before IntelliMute Pro can be turned On, you must have turned On and Set the
IntelliMute activation point. (See pages 11 through 12.)
CAUTION
When IntelliMute Pro is On, NO radar signals will be detected and
NO alerts will be given at RPMs below the IntelliMute activation point.
To Turn IntelliMute Pro On
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the IntelliMute and
City/Hwy buttons for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps IntelliMute Pro Oni blinks continuously
IntelliMute Button
City/Hwy Button
Press and Hold 4 both
buttons simultaneously
NOTE
The arrow up or down will continue
to show that engine RPMs are above
or below the user-set value.
IntelliMute Pro On
i h
in the display after
IntelliMute Pro On
blinks
12
Intelli...
Mute
Off
English
Tone Voice Visual Display
Four beeps IntelliMute Not
Set, Please Try
Again followed by
One Beep
IntelliMute Off IntelliMute Off
IntelliMute not set
Please try again
To Turn IntelliMute Pro Off
Press and hold both
the IntelliMute and
City/Hwy buttons for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep IntelliMute Pro
Off
IntelliMute Pro Off
blinks in the display
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
13
Your Detector
Settings
Your Detector
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 rst hear several tones, then a voice message
announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert mode,
you will hear the tones only. The factory setting is Voice Alert mode.
Mute Button
Press and Hold 2
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 Voice Visual Display
One beep Tone Alert Tone Alert blinks in
the display
Tone Voice Visual Display
None Voice Alert Voice Alert blinks in
the display
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV Alert Settings
Police use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors.
Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV
RDDs and can provide alerts when any of these or similar devices are in use
near your vehicle.
Your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV RDDs, but is invisible to VG-2 and
Spectre I RDDs. You can choose whether you want to be alerted to VG-2 and Spectre
I & IV RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 and Spectre I & IV
alerts is Off.
Spectre I & IV
and VG-2 On
& VG2 & VG2
IntelliMute Button
Press and hold for four seconds
On Off
To Turn VG-2 and Spectre I & IV Alerts On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold the
IntelliMute button
for four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
On = Two beeps Spectre VG-2 On Spectre I/VI & VG2 On
Off = One beep Spectre VG-2 Off Spectre I/VI & VG2 Off
Spectre I & IV
and VG-2 Off
Spectre
blinks in the display
blinks in the display
14
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
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15
Your Detector
Settings
Your Detector
Radar Alert Settings
XKKaKu
To Turn X Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Mark/Dim and
Mute buttons for
four seconds.
To Turn K Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Mute and City
buttons for
four seconds.
To Turn Ka Band On and Off
With unit power Off,
press and hold the
Mute button. Then
turn the power On
and continue to hold
the Mute button for
two seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
X On = Two beeps X Band On X On blinks in the
X Off = One beep X Band Off X Off blinks in the
Tone Voice Visual Display
K On = Two beeps K Band On K On blinks in the
K Off = One beep K Band Off K Off blinks in the
Tone Voice Visual Display
Ka On = Two beeps Ka Band On Ka On blinks in the
Ka Off = One beep Ka Band Off Ka Off blinks in the
display
display
display
display
display
display
Pop Alert
The Pop Mode Radar Gun is a single-pulse Doppler radar that is a feature of a
K and Ka (Bee III Ka radar gun) band Instant-On radar gun. It uses a single,
short-time pulse to measure the target vehicle’s speed.
The Pop mode receiver senses Pop signals beyond the effective range of Pop radar
guns. As the Pop mode receiver is so sensitive, you should limit the use
of Pop Detect mode to highway and rural driving.
Pop Alert will alert you to Pop radar signals. During the alert, the unit continues
to detect other signals. The factory setting is Pop Detect Off.
To Turn Pop Alert On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Mark/Dim and
City/Hwy buttons for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Pop On =
Two beeps
Pop Off =
One beep
Pop Alert On Pop Alert On blinks in
the display
Pop Alert Off Pop Alert Off blinks in
the display
To Turn Ku Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold the
City/Hwy button for
four seconds.
16
English
Tone Voice Visual Display
Ku On = Two beeps Ku Band On Ku On blinks in the
display
Ku Off = One beep Ku Band Off Ku Off blinks in the
display
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
17
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 rst hear several tones, then a voice message
announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert mode,
you will hear the tones only.
In both Voice Alert and Tone Alert modes, a distinctly different alert tone is used for
each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser signal). For X,
K, Ka and Ku band radar signals, the tones will repeat faster as you approach the
signal source. The repeat rate of the tones gives you useful information about the
signal detected. (See responding to alerts on page 21.)
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.
Single
Strength
Chart
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
18
Ka Band Radar Ka Alert Ka and Signal Strength
Ku Band Radar Ku Alert Ku and Signal Strength
Pop Radar Pop Alert POP
English
Signal Strength = 1
(Weakest Signal)
Signal Strength = 4
Signal Strength = 2
Signal Strength = 5 (Strongest Signal)
Signal Strength = 3
•
Visual Display (continued)
X Signal Detected
x 1
Pop Signal Detected
K Signal Detected
K 3 Ka 5 Ku 4
Ka Signal Detected
Ku Signal Detected
POP
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
Stalker LIDAR* Laser Alert Stalker
Laser Atlanta - SpeedLaser* Laser Alert SpeedLaser
* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.
LTI 20-20
Laser
20/20
Stalker LIDAR
Laser
LTI Ultra-Lyte
Laser
UltraLyte
Laser Atlanta –
Speedlaser Other Laser
Kustom Signals
ProLaser
Laser Laser
ProLaser
Laser Laser
Kustom Signals
ProLaser III
ProLaser3
NOTE
Beep rate
changes with
different laser
Stalker
Speedlaser Laser
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
alerts.
®
19
Your Detector
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
Your Detector
Detection and
Responding to Alerts
Visual Display (continued)
Safety Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
Emergency Vehicles Emergency Vehicle Approaching Emergency Vehicles
Road Hazards Road Hazard Ahead Road Hazard
Trains Train Approaching Train
* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.
Emergency Alert
Signal Detected
Emergency...
Spectre I & IV+ Alert Signal, Voice and Visual Display
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
Spectre I Spectre Alert Spectre1
Spectre IV Spectre Alert Spectre4
Spectre I Alert
Signal Detected
Spectre1
VG-2 Alert Signal, Voice and Visual Display
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
Interceptor VG-2 VG-2 Alert VG-2
VG-2 Alert
Signal Detected
VG-2
Road Hazard Alert
Signal Detected
Road
Train Alert
Signal Detected
Train
Hazard
Spectre IV Alert
Signal Detected
Spectre4
NOTE
There are different tones for each for each radar
detector detector alert.
NOTE
There are
different
tones
for each
Safety 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
Tone repeats slowly at rst,
then speeds up rapidly.
Tone sounds one time only. Probably a false alarm,
Tone instantly begins
repeating rapidly.
Tone repeats slowly as you
approach a hill or bridge,
then speeds up sharply as
you reach it.
Tone repeats slowly for a
short period.
Any type of laser alert. Laser alerts are never
Any Safety Alert. You are nearing an
Interpretation
Probably police radar. FULL ALERT
but possibly pulsed radar,
Spectre I or IV or VG-2
nearby.
Radar, Spectre I or IV, or
VG-2 nearby has been
activated suddenly.
Probably police radar
beyond the hill or bridge.
Probably a false alarm. Exercise caution
false alarms.
emergency vehicle, railroad
crossing or road hazard
(construction, accident,
etc.).
Recommended
Response
Exercise caution
FULL ALERT
FULL ALERT
FULL ALERT
Exercise caution
•
20
English
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
21
Your Detector
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
Understanding Radar and Laser
Understanding Radar and Laser
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:
X band 10.525 GHz
K band 24.150 GHz
Ka band 33.400 – 36.00 GHz
Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435 GHz),
which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV are radar detector detectors (RDDs) that work by detecting
low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit
signals that can be spotted by VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs. However, your detector can
be spotted by Spectre IV RDDs. Your unit detects signals from these or similar devices
and will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle.
Safety Alert Trafc 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.
22
English
•
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:
n 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.
n 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.
n Can LIDAR operate while in motion?
No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot drive
the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.
n Is it legal for police to use LIDAR?
Yes, LIDAR is allowed to be used in all 50 States by police. Your detector
detects LIDAR (laser).
®
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
23
GPS Locator
Global Position System Locator
GPS Locator
Initial Satellite Lock
Global Position System Locator (GPS Locator)
Overview
The GPS Locator unit monitors vehicle location using the GPS satellite system to
add features to your detector. Whenever it is installed and GPS signals are available,
it:
n Provides alerts as you approach photo-enforced intersections and locations with
xed red light or speed cameras, as well as known speed traps and areas where
increased caution should be exercised (such as a high-accident intersection).
The built-in location database can be updated at Cobra’s website to stay current
with photo-enforced locations, known speed traps and caution areas. See www.
cobra.com/AURA for details.
n Allows you to identify and store up to 1,000 User Alert Locations in addition
to those in the database.
n Provides speed and direction of travel information (compass).
Registration
The database built into your GPS Locator is populated with the latest data available
during production. However, due to the time elapsed between production and
your purchase, the database may not be 100% up-to-date. Therefore it is highly
recommended that you register and update your product before you rst use it.
Then, periodically perform AURA database updates to ensure that your GPS Locator
works as effectively as possible.
Registering your GPS Locator will immediately activate your lifetime database
update subscription to the AURA™ Camera and Driving Hazard Database. (Lifetime
includes life of product – cannot be transferred to other products.)
Minimum system requirements:
Windows
(1.1 or above); 20 MB of available on hard drive.
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English
®
XP or Vista Operating System; Internet access; 64 MB System RAM; USB
IMPORTANT Please read before the rst use
of your Cobra GPS Locator!
•
Registration and initial update:
1. Go online to the ofcial AURA
website – http://aura.cobra.com.
2. Select your detector model.
3. Complete the registration form
and click “Register.”
IMPORTANT Do not plug the GPS
Locator into your PC’s USB port until
the GPS data updater is installed and
you are prompted to plug in the
GPS Locator.
4. Click on “Update My Data” and follow the online instructions.
5. Once installed, launch the updater and follow on screen instructions.
6. When update is complete, remove the GPS Locator from the PC.
It is ready to plug into your detector.
Subsequent updates:
1. Access the internet on your PC.
2. Plug your GPS Locator into your PC’s USB port
for automatic update of new data.
Connecting to your Detector
Simply plug the GPS Locator into the USB socket on right
side of the detector. No external power connection is needed
for the GPS Locator; it is powered from the detector unit.
Initial Satellite Lock .
When the GPS Locator is rst used (or after a prolonged period of nonuse), the
GPS Locator needs more time to detect the Global Position System satellites.
1. After installation of the GPS Locator, turn the detector unit On with the
vehicle in an area clear of obstructions to the sky.
2. Keep the detector turned On for at least 15 minutes to allow fast satellite
acquisition in subsequent power-ups. The vehicle can be moving as long
as it is in an area where the GPS Locator can “see the sky.”
GPS Locator Status
The status of the GPS Locator is shown
at start-up with Locked or No Lock
ashing on the screen during that
sequence (see page 5). When the GPS
Locator is connected, the standby
screen shows your vehicle’s compass
heading (eight point), speed and the
City or Highway symbol.
GPS Lock
NW 55 h
GPS No Lock
h
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
GPS Locator
•
Headed northwest at
55 miles per hour with
GPS signal locked.
If GPS Lock is lost,
the Compass heading
and speed will change
to dashes.
®
25
GPS Locator
User Locations and GPS Settings
GPS Locator
GPS Settings
User Locations
The GPS Locator database is populated with all the Photo Enforcement, Caution Area
and Known Speed Trap locations known at the time of its last update.
You can add User Locations of your own to alert you to places other than those
in the Photo Enforcement, Caution Area, and Known Speed Trap categories.
Whenever your vehicle approaches a user set location, the alarm chime will
sound and the screen will show User Location.
n To set a User Location:
With the GPS Locator unit connected to the detector, press and hold the
Mark/Dim button for two seconds when your vehicle is at a Location
you want to set.
n To delete a specic User Location:
While a User Location Alert is sounding at a Location you have set,
press and hold the Mark/Dim button for two seconds.
GPS Settings
All of the settings associated with the GPS Locator except Known Speed Trap
Locations and IntelliScope are always On and cannot be selectively turned Off.
If you do not want to hear or see alerts for Photo Enforcement, Caution Area
and User Locations, simply remove the GPS Locator from the unit. This will
also remove the Compass and Speed information.
All radar and laser alerts will continue to function even when the GPS Locator
is removed.
Photo Enforcement Areas
These are xed red light and speed cameras.
Caution Areas
These are high-accident intersections and other dangerous locations.
26
English
•
Known Speed Traps
These are areas where it is known that mobile enforcement units are frequently
deployed. If you do not want to receive Speed Trap alerts while the GPS Locator
is connected, you can turn them Off. The factory default is Speed Traps On.
To Turn Off and On Speed Trap Alerts
With the GPS Locator
connected and unit
power Off, press and
hold the Mark/Dim
button. Then turn the
power On and
continue to hold the
Mark/Dim button
for two seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Speed Trap Alerts
Off = One beep
Speed Trap Alerts
On = Two beeps
Speed Trap Alerts
Off
Speed Trap Alerts OnSpeed Trap Alerts On
Speed Trap Alerts Off
blinks in the display
blinks in the display
Speed Units
•
Speed units can be selected as miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour
(km/h). The factory default is mph.
To Toggle Between mph and km/h
With the GPS Locator
connected and unit
power Off, press and
hold the City/Hwy
button. Then turn the
power On and continue
to hold the City/Hwy
button for two seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
None Miles per hour mph
None Kilometers per
hour
km/h
GPS Alerts
When a Location-Based Alert other than a Known Speed Trap is activated, the screen
will show the distance between your vehicle and the Location as Zones 1, 2, and 3
with Zone 1 being the furthest from the location.
Location
Distance
Chart
Zone 1 Zone 2
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
27
GPS Locator
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
GPS Settings
GPS Locator
Visual Display
In addition to distance from the Location, the screen will show the type of alert.
Photo Enforced Areas
PE
Caution Areas
CA
User Location
UL
SPEED TR
IntelliScope
IntelliScope adds direction information to the distance and type of Location-Based
Alert (other than Known Speed Trap Locations) by showing an arrow at the right of
the screen.
In zones 1 and 2 the arrow will point in the approximate direction of the Location. In
zone 3, the location is in front of you. The factory setting is IntelliScope On.
IntelliScope Alert Signal For a Location Directly Ahead
Display while approaching a Photo Enforcement Location on your route and
directly ahead.
Zone 1 Zone 2
PE PE PE PE PE
NOTE The arrow disappears in Zone 3 when you are close to the Location.
IntelliScope Alert Signal Sequence When You Turn Toward the Location
Display while approaching a Photo Enforcement Location involving a turn onto
a cross street where it is located.
Zone 1
PE PE PE
PE PE
Vehicle
Turns Right
NOTE The arrow changes to straight ahead after turning onto the cross
street where the Location is.
Zone 3
Zone 3
IntelliScope (continued)
IntelliScope Alert Signal Sequence When Location Is Off Your Route
Display while approaching and passing a Caution Area that is some distance
away to the right of your route.
Zone 1
CA CA CA CA CA
NOTE The signal never enters zone 3 since you never get close
to the Location.
When IntelliScope is turned Off, Location-Based Alerts will be sounded only
when the Location is ahead of you and in the direction of your vehicle’s travel.
No arrow will be shown on the screen.
For example, if a particular red light camera operates only for vehicles going
north and your vehicle is going south, you will not receive an alert with
IntelliScope turned Off. With IntelliScope turned On, you will receive an alert at
that Location even though the camera does not operate in your direction.
To Turn IntelliScope Off and On
With the GPS Locator
connected and unit
power Off, press and
hold the IntelliMute
button. Then turn
the power On and
continue to hold the
IntelliMute button
for two seconds.
NOTE IntelliScope does not indicate the direction of Known Speed Traps.
Whenever you approach Known Speed Trap Locations, the warning
will scroll across the display.
Tone Voice Visual Display
IntelliScope Off
= One beep
IntelliScope On
= Two beeps
IntelliScope Off Intelliscope Off blinks
in the display
IntelliScope On Intelliscope On blinks
in the display
28
English
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
29
Customer Information
Maintenance and Specications
Customer Information
Specications and Warranty
Maintenance
Your detector is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance
without the need for service. No routine Maintenance is required.
If you have added the GPS Locator unit to your detector, you can update the
database of Photo Enforced locations. Go to Cobra’s website (www.cobra.com) and
follow the online instructions.
If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these
troubleshooting steps:
n Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
n Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and free
of corrosion.
n Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is rmly seated in
your cigarette lighter.
n 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.)
Specications
Band and Frequencies
Band Frequencies
X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz
K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz
Safety Alert
Trafc Warning
System
Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz
Ku Band 13.435 ± 0.050 GHz
VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHz
Spectre I 13.300 ± 0.200 GHz
Spectre IV Not Disclosed
30
English
Laser 910 ± 50 nm
24.070
24.110
24.190
24.230
± 0.010
± 0.010
± 0.010
± 0.010
GHz
GHz
GHz
GHz
•
Specications (continued)
WARNING Modications or parts substitutions not approved by
Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your
authority to operate this equipment.
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; 6,621,447. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product or pending.
Limited 1-Year Warranty
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.
•
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra 15 Band Radar/Laser Detectors, and the
component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of
one year from the date of rst consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the rst
consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.
Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective 15 Band Radar/
Laser Detectors, products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service
•
Department, accompanied by proof of the date of rst consumer purchase, such as a
duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service,
but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired
or replaced under warranty.
This warranty gives you specic 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 tness for
a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without
limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.
Some states 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.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
31
Customer Information
Product Service and
Optional Accessories
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 before sending the product. This
will ensure the fastest turn-around 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. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical
reproduction or carbon of a sales receipt. Make sure the date of purchase and product
model number are clearly readable. If the originals are sent, they cannot be returned;
2. Send the entire product;
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the product. Include a typed or clearly
printed name and address of where the product is to be returned, with phone number
(required for shipment);
4. Pack product securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original
packing material;
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service
(UPS) or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics
Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, Illinois 60707 U.S.A.;
6. If the product is in warranty, upon receipt of the product it will either be repaired or
exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 – 4 weeks before
contacting Cobra for status. If the product is out of warranty, a letter will automatically be
sent with information as to the repair charge or replacement charge.
For any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.
Optional Accessories
•
You can nd quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra dealer,
or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra. See order info on page 33.
Plug-in GPS
Locator Unit
Item #RDA GPSL66
32
English
Straight 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug
and fuse
Item #420-030-N-001
Windshield
Mounting Bracket
Includes suction
cups
Item #545-159-N-001
Coiled 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug
and fuse
Item #420-026-N-001
Dual Port Power
Adapter
Includes adjustable
plug (up to 90˚) & fuse
Item #CLP-2B
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