Whistler 1790SE User Manual

THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

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

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]
Email: [e-mail]

P/N 1790SE, © WHISTLER 2001

OWNER’S MANUAL

1790SE

LASER/RADAR DETECTOR

INTRODUCTION

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
w a rranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at
the time of purchase. The warranty is
validated o n l y by re t u rn 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.

Dear Whistler Owner,
Technology has changed dramatically in 30 years and

Whistler has weathered the changes in style. The 1790SE
30th anniversary edition was developed with all the technical
know-how of those 30 years. We started with a proven
detection circuitry with All BandTMand added top-of-the-line
features such as:

Memo-record up to 90 seconds
Digital Compass-provides cardinal points and direction

in 5 degree increments.

Real Voice®-allows you to keep your eyes on the road
Whistler’s exclusive Safe Driving System-incorporates

the Safety Warning System (SWS), keeping you informed
of road hazards as well as our unique Stay Alert system,
it tests your alertness on long solo trips
Vehicle Battery Saver and Monitor system-battery saver
turns the detector off if you forget and the monitor
momentarily displays the vehicle’s battery voltage

Even though the 1790SE is packed full of features, it is still
very easy to use. To fully utilize the unit to its potential, we
recommend reading this entire manual.

NOTE: Compass must be calibrated before use! See
“Compass Calibration Set-up” section.

Enjoy the Whistler 1790SE and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHISTLER FEATURES

Topic Page

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

Installation.............................................................................6 - 9

• Mounting Guidelines

• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting

• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement

• Compass Calibration Set-up

Operation.............................................................................10-17

• Power On And Self-Test

• Integrated Real Voice™

• Feature Engaged Confirmation

• Auto Level Adjustment

• Compass Mode

• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes

• City Mode

• Dim/Dark Mode

• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection

• Stay Alert

• Option Select Mode

• Memo Mode

• Teach/Tutorial Mode

• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

• Vehicle Battery Monitor

Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts.............................................18-22

• Radar Alerts

• Pulse Protection®

• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts

• VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts

• Alert Priority

• Reset Features

• Care Maintenance

Troubleshooting Guide............................................................23

Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................24

Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................25 - 26

• Radar Facts

• Laser Facts

• Other Speed Detection Systems

• Radar Detector Detectors

Warranty Information........................................................27 - 29

Specifications............................................................................30

Accessories...............................................................................31

Whistler 1790SE

10

3

2

7

1

4

5

9

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

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

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

3. Speaker – Provides distinct audio and Real Voice™

warnings for X, K, Ka band radar, safety radar, laser and
VG-2.

4. Power/Dim/Dark Button – Tu rns unit on/off and
engages Dim/Dark modes (press and hold for 2 seconds).

5. Volume Up/Down Buttons – Adjust volume up or
down. Pressing both buttons enter compass calibration
mode. In memo mode, select one of nine messages.

8

6

3

WHISTLER FEATURES

WHISTLER FEATURES

6. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confir-

mation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates
engaged modes of operation.

7. Quiet/Menu Button - Pressing QUIET before a signal is
detected engages Auto Quiet Mode which automatically
reduces the audio level after the initial warning to a low
audio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser
encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to
keep you informed. Pressing and holding for 2 seconds
allows you to enter Option Select Mode (see page 16).

8. CITY/CITY 1/CITY 2 Button - Reduces the annoyance
of false alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.

9. Memo Button - Pressing Memo enters Memo Mode
feature. Press & hold (3 seconds) unit will momentarily dis­play vehicle battery voltage.

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

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

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

13. Mounting Bracket Location - Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.

4

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.

5

INSTALLATION

Mounting Guidelines

• Mount the unit as low and level as possible near the center
of the windshield. Unit must be level for compass to func­tion pro p e r l y.

• Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments, mirro re d

s u n s c reens, etc. These obstructions have metal surfaces which
can affect radar and laser signals and reduce critical warn i n g
time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect re c e p t i o n . )

• Some windshields have an Instaclear™or Electriclear™ type
coating, which affect radar signals. Consult your dealer or the
o w n e r’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.

• P ress the suction cups onto the windshield at the location
you have chosen. I M P O RTA N T: Some newer cars have a

plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The
suction cups may leave permanent marks on this type of
s u rface. 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
v e h i c l e s .

INSTALLATION

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

• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind­shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and re m o v e
the detector before bending.

Dash Mounting

• Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is

relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopro p y l
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 warr a n t y .

6

7

INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION

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 ro a d .

Slide on view

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

Power Connection

• Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s power
j a c k .

• 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. (I M P O RTA N T:
U n s c rew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out
when disassembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring and
s c rew on the tip. With use, screw cap on plug may loosen.

Retighten occasionally.

U n s c rew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2 amp
f u s e .

8

Compass Calibration Set-up

The unit will need to be calibrated in order for the com­pass to provide accurate readings. To calibrate the unit,
perform the following procedure:

1. Mount the unit level in the center of the vehicle’s wind­shield in which it will be used. Make sure there are no
other magnetic sources near the detector (i.e., speaker).

2. Select a large clear area (parking lot or field) without any
power lines.

3. While parked, press both volume buttons simultaneous­ly until unit displays:

4. Drive vehicle slowly in two complete circles. If
calibration does not automatically finish press both volume
buttons simultaneously to complete calibration. The unit
will beep twice and display:

Note: If unit mounting is relocated in the vehicle, (i.e.,
visor to windshield mounting or dash mounting), or if the
unit is moved to another vehicle, you must recalibrate the
compass.

9

OPERATION

OPERATION

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.

• Press (Power) or apply Power. Display reads:

Integrated Real Voice

When selected, Real Voice will be used to articulate the
following:

1.Band Identification

2.Safety Warning System messages
NOTE: In certain cases the voice message does not repli­cate the text message.

3.Feature Selection

10

Memory/Beep Confirmation

All features selected (except Stay Alert and Quiet) are
retained in memory. Each time a button is pressed one
beep confirms feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature

“off”.
Audio Level Adjustment

The audio levels can be adjusted high to low, or low to
high, in nine steps: (0) is no audio level, (8) the highest.

• Press Volume up to increase audio level.

• Press Volume down to decrease audio level.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the

display indicates volume level. Example:

Compass Mode

The 1790SE is programmed from the factory in “Combo
Mode”. Combo mode means that the unit provides both
compass readings as well as detecting laser/radar signals.
Through the “Option Select Mode” (page 16) or the
“Mode“ Button, the unit can be changed to operate in
Radar Mode (detection of all police bands and laser (no
compass) or Compass Mode (no detection of police laser
radar). Note: The unit must be calibrated to provide accu­rate compass readings. See Compass Calibration Set-up
section on page 9.

11

OPERATION

OPERATION

Auto Quiet Mode

Auto Quiet reduces the selected audio level to level (1)
approximately 5 seconds after a radar or safety radar sig­nal is detected. The alert for any new signal within 20 sec­onds will resume at level (1). Auto Quiet does not affect
VG-2 or laser alerts.

• P ress Quiet/Menu (before a signal is detected) to
engage Auto Quiet. Display reads:

• Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel
the audio alarm by pressing Quiet.

• Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel
Auto Quiet mode.

Quiet Mode

Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert with­in 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, approximately 2 beeps
are provided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.

• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.

• Press Quiet a second time during an alert to restore the
standard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit off, then on.

City/City 1/City 2 Mode

W h i s t l e r’s Three Stage City Mode is designed to reduce the
annoyance of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and
other devices which share frequencies with police radar.
Generally X band is used for these devices.

• P ress City to engage City. Display re a d s :

• P ressing City a second time engages City 1. Display re a d s :

• P ressing City a third time engages City 2. Display re a d s :

• P ressing City a fourth time cancels City, City 1, and City 2.
Display re a d s :

In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
a l a rm of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signal
becomes very strong. When the signal strength incre a s e s ,
two additional beeps are provided. In City 1 Mode, only the
X band sensitivity is lowered. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not
detected. CAUTION: When selecting this mode, some
towns/small cities may still be using X band radar.
If Auto Quiet is engaged in City 1 or City 2 modes and the
unit receives a strong radar signal, the unit perf o rms the Auto
Quiet feature. City Modes do not change the audio alert for
laser or VG-2.

12

13

OPERATIONOPERATION

Dim/Dark Mode

Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.

• P ress and hold (Power) for 2 seconds to reduce illumi­nation to a Dim setting. Display re a d s :

• P ressing and holding for 2 seconds a second time
engages Dark Mode. Display re a d s :

Dim or dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode,
the display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detect­ed and for 20 seconds after, then the display re t u rns to the
dimmer setting.

• P ressing and holding a third time re s t o res full illumina­tion to the display.

Engaging/Disengaging VG-2

See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on.

Stay Alert Feature

The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s alert­ness. To engage (when unit is not alarming):

• P ress and hold City for approximately 2 seconds.
Release the button during or immediately after the alert is
given. Display reads:

Within 30-60 seconds two beeps are sounded; to show alert­ness, the driver must press either the (Volume), City or

(Quiet) button within 3-5 seconds. If the button is pre s s e d

within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is re p e a t e d .
If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds alarm sounds

and the display re a d s :

• Press (Power) to exit.
WA R N I N G ! ! ! Stay Alert is NOT intended as a substitute for

adequate rest. You should NOT operate a vehicle if you are
d ro w s y. During extended periods of vehicle operation, you
should take frequent breaks. Improper reliance on the Stay
A l e rt feature may result in vehicle damage, personal injury or
d e a t h . NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF YOU ARE DROWSY.

14 15

OPERATIONOPERATION

Option Select Mode

Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Compass Select, Abbreviated
Power Up Sequence and VG-2 Mode. When selecting
options, the , or must be pressed within 20 seconds
or options mode will automatically be exited. To enter:

Press : *Display To Change, Option:
(Quiet) Reads: Press

For 2 seconds COMBO or Combo=Radar & Compass

2nd time TONE 3 = YES Tone 1, 2, or 3

3rd time TEST YES = ON X, K, Ka Audio tones

4th time VG2 OFF = ON Turns VG-2 On

5th time SAFETY = ON Turns Safety Radar On

6th time VOICE = ON Real Voice engaged

7th time B SVR = ON Battery Saver On

8th time X = ON X Band On

9th time K = ON K Band On

10th time Ka = ON Ka Band On

11th time Laser = ON Laser On

ON

ON

ON = OFF Battery Saver Off

Yes = OFF X Band Off

Yes = OFF K Band Off

Yes = OFF Ka Band Off

Yes = OFF Laser Off

= NO (3 different X, K, Ka

= OFF 1 beep during

= OFF Turns VG-2 Off

= OFF Turns Safety Radar Off

= OFF Real Voice disengaged

Radar=No Compass
Compass=No Radar

patterns)

Power Up

*Factory settings.
Press anytime to exit.

16

Teach/Tutorial Mode

Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.

• Press City and (Quiet) simultaneously and release.
Display reads:

Quiet mode can also be accessed while Teach/Tutorial
mode is engaged.

• Press (Power/Play) to exit.

Memo Mode

Record up to nine distinct message tracks for a total of 90
seconds, one 90 second message or any combination in
between.
IMPORTANT: Unit does not detect radar or laser signals
during recording or while playing a memo.
WARNING!!! Memo mode is not intended to be used
while you are driving. You should not use any device in a
vehicle that may distract you from observing the road
ahead.

To record or play a message (Memo mode):

• Press memo button and release. The unit will beep once;
this enters Memo mode. Display reads:

17

OPERATIONOPERATION

• Press and release the (Quiet/Record) button to begin

a recording. Note: Recording starts as soon as the button
is released. Display reads:

REC = record, 1 = track #, 8 = time remaining

If the recording time expires for a track, the unit will auto­matically switch to the next track. Press and release

(Quiet/Record) again to stop recording. The unit will

automatically stop recording once track 9 is completed.
To play a message:

• Enter Memo mode and press (Power/Play) to listen to

recorded messages.

• To play a selected track, press (Volume Up) or

(Volume Down) button until selected track appears on

the display. Display reads:

PLY = play, 1 = track #, 8 = time remaining

• Press the (Power/Play) button.

Messages are kept in memory and are not affected by
resetting the factory features. See “Reset Features” sec­tion of the manual.

To delete a message:

• Enter Memo mode and press (Volume Up) or

(Volume Down) button until selected track appears on

the display.

• Press the (Quiet/Record) button twice.

To exit Memo mode:

• Press memo button and release. The unit will beep twice.
NOTE: Memo mode automatically exits within 20 seconds
if a button is not pressed.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off
your detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The
timer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or
any button is pressed before the 3 hours have expired. The
detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning
before it shuts off. Display reads:

During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit by
pressing any button. This will reset the timer.

If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press the

(Power/Play) button to turn the unit back on. You can
manually engage the Vehicle Battery Saver Mode by press­ing and holding the City button until one beep is heard.

Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions for deacti­vating battery saver mode feature.

Vehicle Battery Monitor

The vehicle’s battery voltage can be momentarily dis­played by pressing and holding the Mode button for 3 sec­onds. Display reads:

12.8 V

18

19

RADAR– ALERTS

SAFETY RADAR ALERTS

Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

When X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signal
strength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous and
has a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the beep the
closer or stronger the radar source. Example:

1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal

Pulse Protection

When a pulse type signal (instant on strong signal) is
detected an urgent 3 second audio warning is sounded
and the display reads:

After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.

®

In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety
Warning System displays over 60 text messages. When
Safety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counter­like.

Safety Warning System Text

Example: Poor Road Surface:

Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System transmitters.
Visit Safety Warning Systems web page at www.safetyradar.com
for SWS locations.

20

21

LASER/VG-2 ALERTS

RESET FEATURES

Laser Audio/Visual Alerts

When a laser signal is detected the word “Laser” and sig­nal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous for
a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:

The more “|||” the closer the laser source.

VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts

Note: You must turn this feature on in option select mode before
it will detect VG-2.

When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its own
radiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.

Text message confirms detection of VG-2.

Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal. If
a VG-2 signal is still detected, the unit continues to hide
and repeats the VG-2 alert. If no signal is detected, two
beeps are provided, indicating an “all clear” condition.
During VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be
received. (Reference page 27 for VG-2 information.)

Alert Priority

When two or more signals are received at the same time,
the alert priority is:

1. Laser

2. VG-2

3. Speed Radar

4. Safety Radar
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly VG-2 is detected, the
VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.

22

Reset Features

All user features can be reset to factory settings.

• Unplug Power Cord from unit.

• Press and hold (Power) and (Quiet).

• Plug Power Cord into unit.

• Wait for 2 beeps.

• Release and . Unit is now reset.

1. Audio to level (4).

2. Display reads Highway.

3. Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display.

4. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.

5. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.

6. Voice ON.

7. Combo ON.

8. Safety ON.

9. Vehicle Battery Saver ON.

10. Full Power Up sequence.

11. Default TONE 3.

12. Unit ON or OFF.

13. All Band ON.

NOTE: Must recalibrate compass after resetting detector.

23

CARE & MAINTENANCE

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

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, tro u b l e - f ree operation. If
your unit has been correctly installed following the guidelines in this
manual, but is not operating optimally, please refer to the tro u­bleshooting guide below.

P R O B L E M : 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.
P R O B L E M : 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
d e t e rmine if cord is defective. Return defective cord to the factory.

P R O B L E M : Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment, electrical accessories

(

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

• Ve h i c l e ’s electrical system, including battery and altern a t o r, may have electri­cal noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or larger capacitance value)

on the back of the lighter socket.

P R O B L E M : Audio alerts are not loud enough.

• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.

• Check audio level setting (see page 00 - 00).

P R O B L E M : No X band signals.

• Cancel City 2, or turn X band on. (See page 00.)

P R O B L E M : Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.

• Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with high quality cap.

P R O B L E M : Not detecting radar/laser signals.

• Make sure that the unit is in Combo or Radar Only mode. If unit is in

Compass Only mode, no radar/laser signals will be re c e i v e d .

• Make sure that Laser or any one of the radar bands have not been turned
o ff in Option Select mode. (See page 00 )

If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in this
Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer Relations at 1­800-531-0004 before re t u rning your unit for serv i c e .

24

25

ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

In Most States YES!

Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when
used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).
Similarly, 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, eff e c t i v e
January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser detector use
in these types of vehicles nationally.
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of
New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks
over 18,000 lbs. and in Illinois in trucks over 26,000 lbs.

Radar Facts

A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at cert a i n
f requencies 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.
C u rre n t l y, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
p e rmits 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

I t ’s well documented that many radar guns cannot re l i a b l y
p rovide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in a
g roup of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a spe­cific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of target identifi­cation is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radar
transmission can cover more than a four-lane highway at a
distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmission
which covers about 6 feet at the same distance.
For best protection, keep these points in mind:

• Because your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser gun’s
p r i m a ry targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the dashboard can

i m p rove laser detection at short range.

• Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see through. If you
c a n ’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector won’t

e i t h e r.

• The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same as a radar

d e t e c t o r. Laser guns are most often used at short range.

26

27

WARRANTY INFORMATIONSPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

Other Speed Detection Systems

Several techniques other than radar or laser 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 (VG-2)

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, in a state where
detectors are illegal, (see page 26), 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.
Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 may
alert you to the presence of a speed trap.

NOTE: For more information on speed monitoring tech­nologies, visit our FAQ page at
www.whistlergroup.com/faq-detectors.asp.

28

Consumer Warranty

The 1790SE Whistler detector is warranted to the original
p u rchaser for a period of three years from the date of original
p u rchase against all defects in materials and workmanship.

This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modi­fied, installed impro p e r l y, if the housing has been
removed, or if the serial number is missing. T h e re are no

e x p ress warranties covering this product other than those set
f o rth in this warr a n t y. All express or implied warranties for this
p roduct are limited to three years. Whistler is not liable for
damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this
p ro d u c t .

Service Under Warranty

During the warranty period, defective units will be re p a i red or
replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistler’s
option, without charge to the purchaser when re t u rned pre­paid, with dated proof of purchase to the address below. Units
re t u rned without dated proof of purchase will be handled as
described in section “Service Out Of Wa rr a n t y.” Due to the
specialized equipment necessary for testing a radar/laser
re c e i v e r, there are no authorized service stations for Whistler
brand detectors other than the factory.
When re t u rning a unit for service under warr a n t y, please
follow these instru c t i o n s :

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 Rd.

Rogers, AR. 72756

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WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

I M P O RTA N T: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or

damage incurred in shipping. There f o re, please ship your unit
i n s u red with re t u rn receipt re q u e s t e d .

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
f o rms 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 re t u rned with its serial number. For

re f e rence, please write your unit’s serial number in the following

space: s/n __________________.

Units without serial numbers are not covered under warr a n t y.
I M P O RTA N T: To validate that your unit is within the warranty

period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of

p u rchase and re t u rn the Wa rranty Validation card .

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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 $55.00 (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 $55.00. Payment may also be made by
MasterCard or VISA; personal checks are not accepted. In
the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum
$55.00 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 re q u i re service during or after the
w a rranty 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.
( C S T ) .

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SPECIFICATIONS

ACCESSORIES

• Dimensions: 1.6"H x 2.9"W x 4.5"L

• Weight: 7.5 oz.

• Laser Wavelength:

905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)

• 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, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 70mA nominal.

• Compass:

Accuracy to 5°, Resolution to 5°.

One or more U.S. patents apply: #4,315,261; #5,146,227;
#5,379,456; #5,666,120, and #5,990,821.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

The following accessories can be ordered directly from
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004, or by mailing in the
form on page ??.

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.

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ACCESSORY ORDER FORM

NOTES

PLEASE SHIP TO:

Name______________________________________________
Street______________________________________________
City________________________State_______Zip___ _ _ _ _ _ _
Telephone Number (______) _________________________ _

Order Code/Description Quantity Total Price

$

Subtotal
Sales Tax (if Applicable)
Shipping and Handling* $ 5.00
Total Enclosed $

SEND ORDER FORM WITH CERTIFIED CHECK OR
MONEY ORDER TO:

Whistler CTS
PO Box 1844

Bentonville, AR 72712

I F PAY I N GBY MASTERCARD OR VISA PLEASE PROVIDE:

Type of Card ___MasterCard ___Visa ___American Expre s s
Name on Card______________________________________
Card Number_______________________________________
Expiration Date_____________________________________
Cardholder Signature________________________________

*For expedited shipping costs, contact Whistler Customer Service, 1-800-531-0004

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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