Whistler 1605 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

1605

RADAR DETECTOR

TM

If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
please call consumer relations:

1-800-531-0004

Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT

Please keep the receipt in a safe
place. If the unit is returned without a
dated proof of purchase, an out of
warranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at
the time of purchase. The warranty is
validated only by your receipt.
Now is the time to record the serial
number of the unit in the space pro­vided in the warranty section of the
manual.

1

INTRODUCTION

Dear Whistler Owner,
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It

can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment
center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler
products are designed to make the time you spend in your
vehicle more productive, more fullfilling, safer, or just simply
more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve
your driving experience.

Your new Whistler 1605 radar detector detects all radar and
safety radar systems. Your Whistler detector includes many
preferred features. It offers dectection of the new Safety
Warning System™ technology. This provides advanced
warning of various highway hazards in communities where
available, enabling you to respond more appropriately to
potentially dangerous conditions.

To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
1605 we recommend reading this entire manual.

Enjoy the Whistler 1605 and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

Topic Page

Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 4

Installation .............................................................................5 - 7

• Mounting Guidelines

• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting

• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement

Operation ............................................................................8 - 10

• Power On And Self-Test

• Feature Engaged Confirmation

• Quiet Modes

• City Mode

Radar Alerts.......................................................................11 - 13

• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

• Pulse Protection®

• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

• Care and Maintenance

Troubleshooting Guide............................................................14

Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................15

Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................16 - 17

• Radar Facts

• Laser Facts

• Other Speed Detection Systems

• Radar Detector Detectors

Warranty Information........................................................18 - 20

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

Accessories ...............................................................................22

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

WHISTLER FEATURES

Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a
new level of operating convenience. Special features
include:

1. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy
release of the mounting bracket.

2. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.

3. QUIET Button – Pressing QUIET during a radar
encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts
to keep you informed.

4. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
typically encountered in urban driving areas.

5. Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka
band radar and safety radar.

3

Whistler 1605

6

5

4

1

2

3

WHISTLER FEATURES

6. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.

7. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna

receives radar signals.

8. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.

Accessories

Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.
Power Cord - Connects to the unit’s power jack and your

vehicle’s lighter socket.
Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your

vehicle’s windshield.
Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on

a level dashboard.

4

7

8

INSTALLATION

Mounting Guidelines

• Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the

windshield.

• Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments, mir­rored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal sur­faces which can affect radar signals and reduce critical warn­ing time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.)

• Some newer windshields have an Instaclear

™

or
Electriclear™ type coating, which affect radar signals.
Consult your dealer or the owner’s manual supplied with
your vehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating.

• Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.

• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your unit when

not in use.

Windshield Mounting

• Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the

bracket by fitting them into their holes.

• Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the location
you have chosen. IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have a

plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The
windshield bracket may leave permanent marks on this
type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of
windshield, check the owner’s manual or ask your dealer.
We recommend that you do not leave the suction cup
bracket on the window in direct sunlight. If the detector
is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some
vehicles.

• Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.

• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-

5

shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove
the detector before bending.

Dash Mounting

• Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is

relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl
alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes.

• Separate the fastener strips. Peel the paper backing off
each strip and adhere one piece to the dash and the other
piece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to cover

the serial number.

Be careful not to place the fastener strip over the unit’s serial number. If the
fastener strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Units
without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.

INSTALLATION

6

INSTALLATION

7

Visor Mounting (optional accessory)

• Slide the visor bracket into the bracket mounting slot.

• Clip the visor bracket onto the visor making sure it is
relatively level and has a clear view of the road.

Power Connection

• Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s power
jack.

• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

Fuse Replacement

The lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2
amp 3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replace the
fuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (IMPORTANT:
Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out
when disassembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring and
screw on the tip. With use, screw cap on plug may loosen.

Retighten occasionally.

Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2 amp
fuse.

Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this
section of bracket.

Slide on view

Power On And Self-Test

Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an auto­matic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and
visual displays are functional.

During Power Up, all the LEDs illuminate, while the X, K,
and Ka alerts are sounded in sequence.

After the alert the 1st and 3rd alert LEDs flash and the
Safety Radar alert is sounded. At the end of the self-test
sequence the unit is in the highway mode.

Feature Engaged Confirmation

Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature
“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.

The audio alerts are continuous, but have a Geiger counter­like pattern to help you determine your distance from the
radar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are to the
transmitting source.

At the same time, illumination of multiple LEDs indicates rel­ative signal strength.

OPERATION

8

Power On

LED

City On

LED

Radar

Visual Alert

OPERATION

9

Quiet Mode

The QUIET Button accesses one of two muting options.

• Manual Quiet: When an audio alert is sounded, you

can silence the alarm by pressing QUIET. The only time you
can engage/disengage Manual Quiet is during an audio
alert.

City Mode

Whistler’ s City Mode is designed to r educe the annoyance of
automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and other devices
which share frequencies with police radar.

• Press City to engage City. Display reads:

• Pressing City a second time cancels City Mode.

In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
alarm of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signal
becomes very strong. When the signal strength increases,
two additional beeps are provided.

Highway Mode

Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X,
K, Ka, Safety) signals are detected, and is recommended for
open road driving. Highway mode is automatically engaged
after the unit is turned on and completes the self-test.

OPERATION

10

Radar Audio And Visual Alerts

When your Whistler detector encounters traffic radar, it pro­vides a distinctive audio tone for the specific radar band
detected: X, K, or Ka. At the same time, LEDs illuminate
sequentially from left to right (see page 8). The green and
amber LEDs are cancelled during an alert.

RADAR ALERT

11

RADAR ALERTS

12

Pulse Protection

®

Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect than conven­tional radar because it remains “off” until activated to measure
the speed of a targeted vehicle.

When a pulse type transmission is detected, your Whistler detec­tor sounds an urgent 3-second audio warning and flashes the red
LEDs at their fastest rate. After the 3-second pulse alert, the stan­dard alert pattern continues for as long as the signal is present.

It is important to respond promptly to a pulse alert, since
warning time may be minimal.

Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

Y our Whistler detector detects the new Safety Warning System

™

.
This provides advanced warning of various road hazards includ­ing accident sites, highway construction, emergency vehicles, etc.
and enables you to respond more appropriately to potentially
dangerous conditions. When your Whistler detector detects a
safety radar signal, it provides a distinctive audio tone and illumi­nates the first LED and the last LED in the signal strength display.

The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indi­cate detection of a Safety radar signal.

The Safety radar alert is displayed for as long as the signal is pres­ent and the audio alert is continuous, but has a Geiger counter
like pattern to help you determine your distance from the Safety
radar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are to the
source.

PCAlert

13

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Care And Maintenance

During the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure to
direct sunlight by removing your unit from the dash when
your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time.
Do not spray water, cleaners or polishes directly onto the
unit. The spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners on
the unit’s exterior.

Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed
to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable,
trouble-free operation. If your unit has been correctly installed
following the guidelines in this manual, but is not operating
optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.

PROBLEM: No display or audio.

• Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary with a
2 amp 3AG type.

• Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.

• Make sure lighter socket is clean.

PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.

• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.

• Check connections at both ends of power cord. Substitute
another cord to determine if cord is defective. Return
defective cord to the factory.

PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment,

electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows,
directionals, horn, etc.), or when accelerating.

• Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and alternator ,
may have electrical noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd.
25 volt or larger capacitance value) on the back of the
lighter socket.

PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.

• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.

If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer
Relations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for
service.

14

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

15

ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?

In Most States YES!

When used in automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors
are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and
Washington, D.C., which have local regulations restricting
the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway
Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective
January, 1994 which prohibits radar detector use in these
types of vehicles nationwide.
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed restricting the
use of radar detectors in trucks over 18,000 lbs. in the state
of New York, and in trucks over 26,000 lbs. in the state of
Illinois.

Radar Facts

A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain
frequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up
by the radar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beam
reflects off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift
occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour
to determine your vehicle’s speed.
Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
permits operation of traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 -

10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band

(33.400 - 36.000 GHz).

Laser Facts

It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliably
provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in a
group of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a spe­cific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
BE ADVISED: This radar detector does NOT detect laser
signals.

16

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

17

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

Other Speed Detection Systems

Several techniques other than radar are used to measure
vehicle speeds. When these methods are being used, no
detector can provide a warning. These techniques include:

• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and matches your
driving speed.

• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to travel a
known distance is measured.

Radar Detector Detectors

The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave receiv­er used by police to detect signals radiated by the local
oscillator of a radar detector . Because its purpose is to iden­tify persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is known
as a “radar detector detector”.
The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the police to identify
radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught, drivers risk los­ing their radar detector and receiving a fine. In addition,
instant-on radar is almost always used in combination with a
VG-2, leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receiv­ing two tickets — one potentially for speeding, the other for
possession of a detector.

BE ADVISED: This radar detector does not detect or
hide from the VG-2.

Consumer Warranty

The 1605 Whistler detector is warranted to the original
purchaser for a period of one year , from the date of original pur­chase, against all defects in materials and workmanship. This

limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified,
installed improperly , had its housing r emoved, or has a miss­ing serial number. There are no express warranties covering

this product other than those set forth in this warranty. All
express or implied warranties for this product are limited to one
year. Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use,
misuse, or operation of this product. The warranty card pro-

vided with your detector must be returned in order to validate
your warranty.

Service Under Warranty

During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired or
replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistler’s
option, without charge to the purchaser when returned
prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the address below.
Units returned without dated proof of purchase will be
handled as described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing a
radar/laser receiver, there are no authorized service stations for
Whistler brand detectors other than the factory.
When returning a unit for service under warranty, please
follow these instructions:

1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy

equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, and
shipping charges prepaid to:

Whistler Repair Dept.

1201 North Dixieland Road

Rogers, AR. 72756

18

WARRANTY INFORMATION

19

WARRANTY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss
or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your
unit insured with return receipt requested.

2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:

• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), and
a daytime telephone number , (No P.O. Box please.)

• A detailed description of the problem (e.g., “Unit per
forms self-test but does not respond to radar”).

• A copy of your dated proof of purchase or bill of sale.

3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. For
reference, please write your unit’s serial number in the following
space: s/n __________________.

Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.

IMPORT ANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty
period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of
purchase.

Service Out Of Warranty

Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates when:

• The unit’s original warranty has expired.

• Dated proof of purchase is not supplied.

• The unit has been returned without its serial number.

• The unit has been abused, modified, installed improperly,
or had its housing removed.

The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler
detector is $25.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty serv­ice, please return your unit as outlined in the section “Service
Under Warranty” along with a certified check or money order
for $25.00. Payment may also be made by MasterCard or
VISA; personal checks are not accepted. In the event
repairs cannot be covered by the minimum $25.00 service
fee, you will be contacted by a Whistler technical service spe­cialist who will outline options available to you. If you elect
not to have your unit repaired/replaced, it will be returned to
you along with your certified check or money order.

IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be cer­tain to include a daytime telephone number.

Consumer Relations

If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler detector, or require service during or after the
warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at
1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answer your
questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT).

20

WARRANTY INFORMATION

• Dimensions: 1.25"H x 2.7"W x 3.9"L

• Weight: 5.5 oz.

• Radar Frequencies:

10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)

24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )

33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)

• Operating Temperature Range:

-20˚ C to +80˚ C (-4˚ F to +176˚ F)

• Power Requirements:

Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 200mA nominal

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

21

SPECIFICATIONS

ACCESSORIES

The following accessories can be ordered directly from
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.

Order Description Price
Code

202138 Visor Bracket $ 6.95
202140 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95
206294 *Modular Lighter Plug $ 7.95

(Requires 206550 or

206551)

206550 *Modular Straight $ 6.95

Power Cord (5')

(Requires 206294)

206551 *Modular Coiled $ 7.95

Power Cord (7')

(Requires 206294)

206552 Straight Power Cord (5’) $ 14.95
206553 Coiled Power Cord (7’) $15.95
206879 Hook & Loop $ 1.95
206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95

(for wiring to fuse box)
*Modular: interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00
Prices are subject to change without notice.

22

NOTES

23

NOTES

24

NOTES

25

THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL [phone] FX [phone]

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER

25 Industrial Ave.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
TEL [phone] FX [phone]

CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER

1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel [phone]

P/N 1605MANW/0AQ, WHISTLER 2000