Whistler 1650 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

1650 Series

LASER/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 CST

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 return of the
Warranty Validation card.
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 fulfilling, safer, or just simply
more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve
your driving experience.

Y our new Whistler 1650 Series laser/radar detector detects all
radar, laser and safety radar systems. The comprehensive
safety system detects all safety radar including the Safety
Warning System™ keeping you informed of road hazards
and adverse weather. Whistler’s 1650 Series also offers a dig­ital display with safety messages to keep you informed while
you drive.

To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
1650 Series and to better understand the differences
between detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we
recommend reading this entire manual.

Enjoy the Whistler 1650 Series and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

Topic Page

Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 5

Installation .............................................................................6 - 8

• Mounting Guidelines

• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting

• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement

Operation ............................................................................9 - 12

• Power On And Self-Test

• Feature Engaged Confirmation

• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes

• Highway Mode

• City Mode

• Dim/Dark Mode

• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection

• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................13 - 16

• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

• Pulse Protection®

• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts

• VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts

• Alert Priority

• Care and Maintenance

Troubleshooting Guide............................................................17

Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................18

Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................19 - 20

• Radar Facts

• Laser Facts

• Other Speed Detection Systems

• Radar Detector Detectors

Warranty Information........................................................21 - 23

Specifications ............................................................................24

Accessories ...............................................................................25

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 Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.

3. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts

audio level.

4. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confir­mation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates
engaged modes of operation.

5. QUIET/Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIET before a
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode. Pressing
QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio
alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.

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Whistler 1650 Series

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WHISTLER FEATURES

6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts

typically encountered in urban driving areas.

7. DARK/VG-2 Button – Reduces illumination of display
to “dim” or “dark” settings. Press and hold (for two sec­onds) to engage or disengage VG-2.

8. Laser Antenna (Rear) – An integrated optical wave­guide provides superior detection of laser signals trans­mitted from behind.

9. Laser Antenna (Front) – High gain optical lens array
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading­edge laser detection.

10. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna
receives radar signals.

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

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WHISTLER FEATURES

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.
Certain 1650 Series radar detectors include additional

accessories.

5

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 and laser 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-

6

INSTALLATION

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.

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