PNI IFS-11428 Users Manual

OPERATION
MANUAL

114 64 R0 2 10003 18 R0 2

Talking Radar/Laser Detector with
Digital Vehicle Compass

CONTENTS

Congratulations ........................................ 1

Features .................................................................. 1

Package Contents ................................................... 2

Identifying Parts of the Detector ........................... 3

Installing the Detector................................ 5

Mounting Guidelines ............................................. 5

Windshield Mounting ............................................ 6

Operation ................................................. 7

Power & Volume Control ....................................... 7

Brightness Control ................................................. 8

Voice Alert Language Selection ............................. 9

Audio On/Off Selection ......................................... 9

Voice On/Off Selection .......................................... 10

Highway & City Mode Selection ............................ 11

Compass Calibration ............................................. 12

Tutorial Mode ........................................................ 14

Care and Maintenance .............................. 16

Fuse Replacement ................................................. 17

Troubleshooting ....................................... 17

Specications ........................................... 19

Service and Replacement .......................... 20

Warranty Information .............................. 22

CONGRATULATIONS

You have acquired the SENSORO ZODIAC II from
PNI Corporation, the talking radar/laser detector with
a digital vehicle compass. The SENSORO ZODIAC II
incorporates the same compass technology used in
built-in compasses for GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles,
to provide highly accurate and reliable compass readings
in a radar/laser detector.

Features

• Protection against all radar/laser bands

• Alert on all types of radar signals: Constant-On,
Instant-On, and POP signals

• 360° laser coverage that protects you against laser
guns in all directions

• Undetectable by all radar detector sensing devices
used in the USA

• Patented digital compass that displays 8 cardinal
points: N – NE – E – SE – S – SW – W – NW

• Dual screens: detector display at front and compass
periscope display on top

• Text display backlit by LEDs

• 4 driving modes: Highway1 – Highway 2 – City 1 – City 2

• 4-step brightness control: Bright – Dim –
Dimmer – Dark

• Audio on/off (Mute off/on) selection

1

CONTENTS

3

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Auto audio control (Auto quiet)

• Volume control by rotary thumb wheel

• Voice alert on/off selection

• Voice alert language selection – English or Spanish

• Tutorial mode that demonstrates detector operations

• Memory retention on previous user settings

• Easy-to-use windshield mounting

• Manual compass calibration

• 12V DC input power – use the power cord included
in the package

Package Contents

Your SENSORO ZODIAC II package includes the
following components:

• The SENSORO ZODIAC II detector (1ea)

• Mounting bracket (1ea)

• Suction cups (3ea)

• Coiled 12V DC power cord (1ea)

• Operation manual (1ea)

• Quick Guide (1ea)

2

IDENTIFYING THE PARTS

Top Side

COMPASS PERISCOPE DISPLAY

DETECTOR DISPLAY

Back Side

BRACKET SLOT COVER

TOP LASER RECEIVER

CITY/CALIBRATE BUTTON

DIM/LANGUAGE BUTTON

MUTE/VOICE BUTTON

Front Side

RADAR RECEIVER

FRONT LASER RECEIVER

3

5

CONTENTS

IDENTIFYING THE PARTS

SPEAKER

Bottom Side

POWER & VOLUME
CONTROL THUMB WHEEL

Left Side

POWER CORD INPUT JACK

MOUNTING BRACKET

SUCTION CUPS

Right Side

4

POWER CORD

CONTENTS

INSTALLING THE DETECTOR

Mounting Guidelines

The SENSORO ZODIAC II can be mounted on your
windshield using the bracket provided.

• Mount on the windshield in a centered location
within the driver’s reach so that the buttons can be
easily accessed. Make sure that the mounted device
does not obstruct the view of the driver.

• Do not mount behind windshield wipers, metal
surfaces, ornaments, or mirrored sunscreen glass,
as it will affect radar/laser signals. Tinted glass does
not affect radar/laser signal reception.

• Do not mount close to strong stereo speakers, as it
will affect compass accuracy.

• Conceal the SENSORO ZODIAC II when you leave
your vehicle to prevent theft and to minimize the
detector’s exposure to extreme temperatures, which
can temporarily impair performance.

5

CONTENTS

7

CONTENTS

INSTALLING THE DETECTOR

Windshield Mounting Instructions

1. Install the suction cups by sliding them into the
holes on the mounting bracket so that combined, it
makes assembled bracket kit.

2. Pull out the bracket slot cover from the detector.

3. Place the assembled bracket kit onto the detector
where the bracket slot cover was removed.

4. Press the bracket base rmly against the windshield
until the suction cups securely take hold.

5. Bend the angle of the mounting bracket, if necessary,
to adjust for best viewing and detection angle.

6. Plug the small connector of the power cord into the
12V DC power input jack located on the side of the
detector.

7. Plug the power cord adapter into the lighter socket
in your vehicle.

6

CONTENTS

OPERATION

Power & Volume Control

Plug the adapter of the provided 12V DC power cord into
the lighter of your vehicle, and plug the small connector
at the other end of the 12V DC power cord into the power
jack of your detector. This will send power to the detector
when your vehicle is running. To turn on the detector,
rotate the wheel controller (located on the side of the
detector) until you hear it click. To turn off the detector,
rotate the wheel controller in the opposite direction until
it clicks again. You can also use the controller to adjust
the volume level by turning it up or down within the
range that it does not click.

• Opening Diagnosis: The detector performs a single
loop of checking and demonstrating its audio, visual,
and voice alert capability for about 3~5 seconds each
time it is powered on.

•

Voice Preamble:

running, the voice preamble lets you know which
user settings you used last. The user setting options
announced by voice preamble are:

- “HIGHWAY1” or “HIGHWAY2” or “CITY1” or “CITY2”

- “BRIGHT” or “DIM” or “DIMMER” or “DARK”

- “VOICE ON” or “VOICE OFF”

One beep after the voice message of “
Highway1, and two beeps after “

Highway2. This is the same for City1 and City2 options

While the opening diagnosis is

HIGHWAY

HIGHWAY

” means

” means

7

.

CONTENTS

9

CONTENTS

OPERATION

If the voice alert language is set to Spanish mode, the
voice preamble will occur in Spanish.

Even when the voice alert mode is turned off, the detector
will give the voice preamble. The voice alert “on/off”

feature controls alert-related voice messages only.

Brightness Control

Press the DIM button repeatedly (for less than 2 seconds
each time) to toggle between 4 different brightness
levels.

The brightness options are: Bright – Dim – Dimmer

–

Dark. Dark is not the complete blackout option. Once
the brightness level is set, a corresponding voice message
will follow. The corresponding voice messages are:

“BRIGHT (CLARO)” or “DIM (DEBIL)” or “DIMMER (MAS
DEBIL)” or “DARK (OSCURO)”. In Spanish alert mode,

the corresponding voice messages are spoken in Spanish.
The factory default mode is Bright.

When a signal is detected, alerts are always displayed in
Bright, regardless of the brightness level you’ve selected.
The display returns to your setting following the alert.
Also, even when the voice alert feature is turned “off”,
the detector will still announce which user interface you
selected because it is not an alert-related message.

8

CONTENTS

OPERATION

Voice Alert Language Selection

Press and hold the LANGUAGE button (= DIM button)
repeatedly (for more than 2 seconds each time) to toggle
between English and Spanish mode. The factory default
is English mode. Spanish mode is engaged with the voice
message of “VOZ ESPAÑOLA” and English mode with
“ENGLISH VOICE”.

You can always choose either English or Spanish for your
voice alert system. When the detector is set in English
mode, it will speak only in English, and when in Spanish
mode, only Spanish.

Audio On/Off Selection

Press the MUTE button repeatedly (for less than 2 seconds
each time) to toggle between Mute On (Audio Off) and
Mute Off (Audio On). The factory default mode is Mute
Off. Mute On is turned on with the voice message of:
“MUTE ON (SONIDO DESACTIVADO)” and Mute Off with:
“MUTE OFF (SONIDO ACTIVADO)”. Mute On/Off can
be used when you manually turn the audio alert off, or
restored while the detector is reporting alerts.

Mute On will be automatically reset to Mute Off when
you turn the detector off. Mute On does not remain in the
detector’s memory.

9

CONTENTS

11

CONTENTS

OPERATION

•

Auto Audio Control:

the detector report with reduced audio alarms for

continuously detected alerts. When a signal is

constantly reported for more than 5 seconds, the

detector will gradually reduce the audio level in the

following
vehicle. The reduced audio level will continue for
new alerts detected within 60 seconds from the
previous alert.

5 seconds to the ambient noise level in your

Auto Audio will have

Voice On/Off Selection

Press and hold the VOICE button (= MUTE button)
repeatedly (for more than 2 seconds each time) to toggle
between Voice On and Voice Off. The factory default
mode is Voice On. Voice Off is activated followed by
the voice message: “VOICE OFF (VOZ DESACTIVADA)”
and Voice On with the voice message: “VOICE ON (VOZ
ACTIVADA)”.

Voice alert messages always occur rst. Audio and
visual alert messages occur next when the detector
is set to “VOICE ON” mode. When the detector is set
to “VOICE OFF
alerts, but by audio and visual alerts only.

” mode, you will not be notied by voice

10

CONTENTS

OPERATION

Highway & City Mode Selection

Press the CITY button repeatedly (for less than 2 seconds
each time)
selectivity & sensitivity modes. The modes are: Highway1
(H1) - Highway2 (H2) - City1 (C1) - City2 (C2). The
factory default mode is H1. H1 is engaged with the voice
message: “HIGHWAY (CARRETERA)” followed by one beep,
H2 with the voice message of “HIGHWAY (CARRETERA)”
followed by two beeps, C1 with “CITY (CIUDAD)”
followed by one beep, C2 with “CITY (CIUDAD)” followed
by two beeps.

The detector detects all radar band (X, K, Ka) signals at
H1 and C1, while it detects only K and Ka band signals at
H2 and C2. Also, it detects with full sensitivities at both
highway modes and with reduced sensitivities at both city
modes. It detects laser signals at all times regardless of
these highway and city modes.

• H1 detects X, K, and Ka signals with full sensitivities.

• H2 det

• C1 detects X, K, and Ka signals with reduced sensitivities.

•

to toggle through 4 different radar band

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

ects only K and Ka signals with full sensitivities.

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

C2 detects only K and Ka signals with reduced sensitivities.

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

11

CONTENTS

13

OPERATION

Compass Calibration

Press and hold the CALIBRATE button (= CITY button)
for more than 2 seconds to access compass calibration
mode. In English mode, the calibration mode starts
with the voice message: “START YOUR CALIBRATION”
and (after 2 seconds) “DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE IN TWO
COMPLETE CIRCLES”. In Spanish mode, the messages
are: “EMPIEZA CALIBRAR” and (after 2 seconds) “HAGA
DOS VUELTAS ENTERAS EN SU COCHE”. The detector
ashes the 4 compass LEDs one after another (clockwise)
until the calibration is completed.

Perform the calibration on a level surface and following
these steps:

• Turn the detector on. (See Power & Volume Control .)

• Mount the detector on the windshield in your vehicle.
(See INSTALLING THE DETECTOR.)

• Press and hold the CALIBRATE button (= CITY
button) until you hear the detector talk and see
it ashing the compass LEDs clockwise, one after
another.

• Drive your vehicle in two circles. The size of the
circles and the direction that you drive does not
matter. The circles do not need to be perfect circles
but must be completed in the same direction. Each
circle should take a minimum of 20 seconds but no

12

OPERATION

more than 1 minute to complete.

• Press the CALIBRATE button (= CITY button). The
detector will end the compass calibration with
the voice message: “CALIBRATION COMPLETED”
(English mode) or “CALIBRACION LOGRADA” (Spanish
mode) and with the 4 compass LEDs ashing twice.
The compass screen will indicate which direction
your vehicle is pointing. Calibration is now complete.

While the detector is calibrating, the front screen will
remain completely blacked out.

• When to Calibrate: The compass must be
calibrated:

- When the detector is used for the rst time in a
vehicle, and

- When the detector is mounted in a new location.

• Compass Display: The compass periscope displays
8 cardinal points. (See graphics next page.)

13

15

OPERATION

NORTH NORTHEAST EAST

SOUTHEAST SOUTH SOUTHWEST

WE ST NORT HW ES T

Tutorial Mode

Turn the detector on while holding the CITY button
and the detector will demonstrate how it operates when
each radar and laser band signal is detected. Each time
it demonstrates a different band, it starts with the
corresponding band ID voice messages: “X BAND (BANDA
X)”, “K BAND (BANDA K)”, “KA BAND (BANDA KA)”,
and “LASER BAND (BANDA LASER)”, followed by the
corresponding visual displays and audio tones.

14

OPERATION

• X band Constant-On signal detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• X band Instant-On or POP signal detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• K band Constant-On signal detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• K band Instant-On or POP signal detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• Ka band Constant-On signal detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• Ka band Instant-On or POP signal detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• Laser band detected operation

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

• All LEDs on

H C X K Ka L 2 3 4

15

17

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Press any button to exit the all-LEDs-on status with one
beep sound, which is the end of the tutorial mode. The
detector automatically enters detection mode and begins
detecting signals. The detector uses the same audio,
visual, and voice alerts as used in the tutorial mode when
it reports real alerts.

• Signal Strength Meters: The numbered LEDs are
called signal strength meters when they are
displayed together with a radar band LED (X, K,
or Ka) to indicate the strength of a detected signal. The
higher the number, the stronger the signal. When the
numbered LEDs are used together with H or C LED,
they demonstrate the level of the highway or city mode
you’ve set.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Here are some tips to help you care for your SENSORO
ZODIAC II:

• To deter theft, remove the detector from your
windshield when you leave your vehicle.

• Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight.
Remove the detector from your windshield when
your vehicle is parked for an extended period of
time. On hot days, the temperature inside your
vehicle can reach levels that could damage the
detector

16

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Do not expose the detector to rain, moisture, spray
cleaners, or liquids that could damage the internal
circuitry of the detector.

Fuse Replacement

The lighter socket adapter of the power cord has a
replaceable 2-Amp SAG fuse located below the silver tip.
To check or replace the fuse, slowly and carefully unscrew
the tip of the plug, making sure the spring and silver tip
located inside the plug do not y out when you remove
the cap. Check fuse and replace if necessary.

Your SENSORO ZODIAC II is designed for reliable
service. If you encounter a problem, however, please
refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual
before making a service call.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The SENSORO ZODIAC II will not power up.

• Make sure that the Power & Volume On/Off thumb
wheel is turned on.

• Check all power cord connections.

• Check the fuse in the lighter socket adapter and
replace if necessary.

• Check lighter socket. Clean if dirty.

• Check your vehicle’s fuse panel (refer to your vehicle’s
manual).

17

19

TROUBLESHOOTING

The SENSORO ZODIAC II did not alert when passing
an ofcer.

• Not all police cars have radar/laser, or the radar/
laser may not be in use at that time you passed the
ofcer

The SENSORO ZODIAC II signal is weak.

• Set the detector to H1 or H2 mode.

• Make sure the detector is level to the road.

• Make sure the radar window or the top laser receiver
is not obstructed. Move the detector if necessary.

The SENSORO ZODIAC II beeps over bumps or when
using vehicle’s equipment or electrical accessories, such
as brakes, windshield wipers, power windows, etc.

• Check power cord for loose connections.

• Vehicle has electrical noise. Install a lter capacitor
(470µF; 35-volt, or larger capacitance value) on the
back of the lighter socket across the power
connection.

18

SPECIFICATIONS

Radar

• Receiver type: Dual conversion superheterodyne

• Antenna type: Linear polarized, self-contained

• Detector type: Scanning frequency discriminator

• Frequency operation:

- X band; 10.525 GHz ±50 MHz

- K band; 24.150 GHz ±100 MHz

- Ka band (superwide); 34.700 GHz ±1,300 MHz

- Safety radar; 24.100 GHz

Laser

• Receiver type: Pulsed laser signal receiver

• Detector type: Digital signal processor pulse width
discriminator

• Optical sensor: Dual convex condenser lens and high
speed photo diode detector

Compass

• Accuracy: 5 degrees

• Resolution: 45 degrees

General

• Temperature range: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)

• Power requirements: 12V to 16V DC, 350 mA,
negative ground

• Dimensions: 2.0˝ H x 2.85˝ W x 4.2˝ L

• Weight: 3.8 ounces

19

21

SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT

Specications are typical, individual detectors may vary.
Specications are subject to change without notice.
Performance may vary with driving behaviors and driving
environments. U.S. patents apply: #6, 549, 145. Other
patents pending.

SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT

For fastest service, contact or return your SENSORO
ZODIAC II to the place of purchase. If you wish to return
the detector for replacement or repair to PNI Corporation,
please follow the following procedures:

1. Products returned to PNI must be pre-authorized
by PNI with an RMA (return material authorization)
number marked on the outside of the package. Obtain
an RMA number by contacting PNI Corporation:

• By phone: [phone] (toll-free in the U.S.
only) or at [phone]

• By fax: [phone]

• By e-mail: [e-mail]

2. Provide proof of purchase, such as a mechanical
reproduction or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you
send your original receipt, it will not be returned.
Proof of purchase must show printed date of
purchase, model number, and place of purchase.
Once you have acquired an RMA number, pack
the detector securely to prevent damage in transit. If
possible, use the original packing material and box.

20

SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT

Be sure to send the entire product.

3. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable
carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS), Roadway
Parcel Service (RPS), or First Class Mail to avoid loss
in transit.

4. With the issued RMA number written on the outside
of your package, send your proof of purchase and
description of the problem to the following address:

PNI Corporation
5464 Skylane Boulevard, Suite A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1084

5. Type or print your name and address where the
replacement should be delivered. After receipt of
your documents and detector, a replacement detector
will be sent to you. Please allow two to three weeks
from receipt of your returned product to delivery of
your replacement.

ZODIAC II • QJ3-IFS-11428

This device complies with part 15 of the 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.

In addition, any changes or modications to this product, which are not
expressly approved by PNI Corporation in writing, could void the user’s
authority to operate this product.

21

23

WARRANTY INFORMATION

LIMITED WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
for Sensoro radar detectors, model Zodiac II

PNI Corporation (“PNI”) manufactures its products,
which include accessories, from parts and components
that are new or equivalent to new in performance and
expressly warrants to the original retail purchaser who
is also the original user that this product will be free of
defects in workmanship and materials for one (1) year
from the date of purchase. Implied warranties are limited
to such person for the same period.

If the product is found by PNI to be defective, PNI's entire
liability and your exclusive remedy for breach of warranty,
express or implied, shall be that PNI will repair or replace
the product and return the product or its replacement
to you at no charge, provided that you ship the product
to PNI at your expense with a description of the defect
and subject to the other conditions of this warranty.
Should the product prove to be irreparable, PNI may
substitute an equivalent product of the same or similar
style and of a value not in excess of the original purchase
price of your product. PNI warrants the repaired or
replacement product to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for the balance of the original warranty
period, extended by the time period from your shipment
to PNI for repair or replacement until the repaired or
replaced product was received by you.

22

WARRANTY INFORMATION

This warranty will be void if the serial number or other
identication marks on the product or its accessories have
been defaced, damaged or removed. This warranty does
not cover wear and tear due to normal use, or damage
to the product as the result of improper usage, neglect
of care, alteration, accident or unauthorized repair, nor
does this warranty apply to the battery necessary to
operate the product.

This warranty is extended only to the original retail
purchaser who is also the original user and may not be
transferred or assigned to subsequent owners. In order
to validate your warranty, you must provide proof of
purchase acceptable to PNI, together with the product
shipped for warranty repair/replacement. Products
returned to PNI must be pre-authorized by PNI with an
RMA (return material authorization) number marked
on the outside of the package. Please refer to the Service
and Replacement section for PNI Corporation contact
information.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU
OF AND PNI DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER EXPRESS
WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS IN FACT
OR IN LAW WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY
OR REPRESENTATION THAT USE OF THE PRODUCT
WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE.

23

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Except for the breach of warranty remedies set forth
herein, or for personal injury, PNI shall have no liability
for any indirect or speculative damages (including, but
not limited to, consequential, incidental, punitive and
special damages) relating to the use of or inability to use
this product, whether arising out of contract, negligence,
tort, or under any warranty theory, or for infringement of
any other party's intellectual property rights, irrespective
of whether PNI had advance notice of the possibility of
any such damages, including, but not limited to, loss
of use, revenue or prot. In no event shall PNl's total
liability for all claims regarding the product exceed the
price paid for the product. PNI neither assumes nor
authorizes anyone to assume for it any other liabilities.

Some states and provinces do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may have
other rights that vary by state or province.

24