Whistler 3300A Installation Instructions

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

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

www.whistlergroup.com

CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER

1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

P/N 202882, © WHISTLER 2003

Installation

Instructions

3300A/3400

Laser/Radar Detectors

www.whistlergroup.com

TOOLS REQUIRES

Tools Required For Installation

• Phillips or Blade Screwdriver

• 3/8" Open End Wrench

• Electric Drill

• Drill Bit: 13/64", 5/16”. 7/64”, 9/64”, and 13/64”

• Other Tools May Be Required Based On Your Vehicle T ype Or
Requirements For Customized Installation

Dimensions:

• Control Panel: .8” H x 2.8” W x 2.4” L

• Radar Antenna: 1.4” H x 4.0” W x 3.6” L

• Laser Antenna (LRM-5): 1.9” H x .9” W x .6” L

Cable Lengths:

• Radar Antenna Cable: 25’

• Laser Antenna (LRM-5) Cable: 9’

• Power Cable: 4’

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Topic Page
Tools Required 1
Whistler 3300A/3400 Components 3
Mounting Brackets 4
Mounting Fasteners 5 - 6
Installation of Radar Antenna 7 - 11
Installation of Temperature Probe 11
Installation of LRM-5 12 - 13
Istallation of Control Panel 14 - 16
Optional Accessories 17
Troubleshooting Guide 18 - 19
Warranty 19
Accessories 20

3

Radar Antenna

Temperature Probe

The waterproof radar antenna with Temperature Probe is

mounted at the front of your vehicle, usually behind the grill.

Control Panel And Power Cable

The compact control panel is mounted on the dash

in a location convenient for viewing. The power

cable plugs into the control panel.

Whistler LRM-5

The LRM-5 (Laser Receive Module) is mounted inside your

vehicle using the windshield bracket or Hook and Loop Fastener.

INTRODUCTION

MOUNTING BRACKETS

4

Antenna Mounting Brackets And 45º Reflector

Large L
Bracket (1)

Small L
Brackets (2)

45º Reflector
(For use when
mounting antenna

in vertical position.

)

Control Panel Mount Brackets

Hanging
Bracket

Thru Dash
Bracket

MOUNTING FASTENERS

5

Bolt
#10-32 x 1-1/4"

Bolt
#10-32 x 1/2"

Nut
#10-32

Lock
Washer

Flat
Washer

A

B

Sheet metal
Screw
#6 x 3/4"

Sheet metal
Screw
#4 x 5/8"

Hook and
Loop Fastener

C

D

E

F

G

H

J

I

Mountable
Cable Tie

4" Cable Tie

K

Interface Cable

MOUNTING FASTENERS

6

Reference Description/Use Qty

A Bolt #10-32 x 1-1/4" 2

• Fastens Large L or Small L
Bracket to vehicle support.

B Bolt #10-32 x 1/2" 2

• Fastens Small L to Large L
Bracket (optional approach).

C Nut #10-32 4

• Use with #10-32 bolts.

D Lock Washer 4

• Use with #10-32 bolts.

E Flat Washer 2

• Use with #10-32 bolts.

F Sheetmetal Screw #6 x 3/4" 7

• Fastens Large L/Small L Bracket
or 45° Reflector to radar antenna.
Mounts Temp. Probe

G Sheetmetal Screw #4 x 5/8" 2

• Fastens hanging bracket
to interior vehicle surface.

H Hook & Loop 1/2” x 1” 1

• Fastens LRM-5 to back
of rearview mirror when
windshield bracket is not used.

I Mounting Cable Tie 1

• Secures cable from radar
antenna at various locations
in engine compartment.

J 4" Cable Tie 5

• Secures cable from radar
antenna at various locations in
or under the vehicle.

K Interface Cable (3400 only) 1

• connects the radar antenna
to inside control panel

Note: If mounting fasteners are missing from your package,
please call 1-800-531-0004 for replacements.

7

General Information

The radar antenna is waterproof and designed to be mounted
at the front of your vehicle. In most vehicles the best mount­ing location is directly below or behind the bumper. Other
locations which provide concealment and/or protection of the
antenna such as on the rear deck (next to the third brake
light) may be acceptable. Radar signals will pass through non­metallic materials such as fiberglass and plastic,
however, be sure to mount the receiver away from any metal,
as it will block the receiver’s antenna. Because the optimal
location for mounting the antenna varies by vehicle type, the
hardware supplied is designed to offer a wide variety of
mounting options. We suggest choosing the option that
enables the antenna to be scurely fastened and provides the
antenna window adequate rearward visibility.

NOTE: 3400 model “antenna” is the bubble area on the
case. All references to antenna in this manual for the 3400 will
be the bubble area.

NOTE: Use of hardware that is not supplied or DRILLING

into the case will cause damage to the receiver and void the warranty .
Antenna Mounting Brackets

There are two types of mounting brackets for the antenna:
Large L (1) and Small L (2). The Large L bracket fastens to the
through the hole on the flange of the antenna and then tight­en into the metal bracket (do not over tighten). The Large L
Bracket may be fastened to the antenna in a variety of posi­tions as shown on page 8.

INSTALLATION OF RADAR ANTENNA

8

The layout of holes on the large L Bracket accommodates multiple antenna
mounting positions.

The Small L Brackets may be fastened to any of the six holes on the antenna.

This arrangement provides flexibility for fastening the anten­na/bracket assembly to your vehicle in a manner that allows the
antenna window (ANTENNA) to have a forward looking view of
the road behind.

The Small L Brackets (2) may also be fastened to the antenna in
different positions as shown below:

Use one #6 x 3/4" screw to fasten each Small L Bracket to the
antenna. Again, do not over tighten the screws.

In some situations it may be advantageous to use both the
Large Land Small L Brackets to install the antenna in a vehicle.

9

The Small L Brackets are fastened to the Large L Bracket using
the #10-32 x 1/2" bolts, #10-32 nuts and lock washers.

To fasten the Large L or Small L Brackets to your vehicle, mark
the supporting structure through the appropriate holes in the
brackets, then drill the holes in the supporting structure with a
13/64" drill bit. Attach the bracket(s) to the supporting struc­ture using two bolts (#10-32 x 1-1/4") and corresponding nuts,
flat washers, and lock washers. You may also use 2 #6 sheet
metal screws. Because rough road surfaces can cause excessive
vibration or bouncing, be certain to fasten the bracket(s)
securely to your vehicle.

Horizontal Or Vertical Mounting Of Antenna

The antenna can be attached to the vehicle in a horizontal or
vertical position, or at any angle between these two points.
Select the position that allows you to fasten the antenna to
your vehicle in the most secure manner

Large L and Small L Brackets may be used in combination.

10

Horizontal Mounting

When mounting the antenna in a horizontal position (or on an
angle between), remember to keep the ANTENNA window as
close to perpendicular as possible to the road surface (ANTEN­NA window should not be angled up toward the sky or down
toward the road surface).

Mounting Vertical (with 45º Reflector)

For vehicles that do not have sufficient clearance behind the
bumper (about 5") to mount the antenna in a horizontal posi­tion, the 45º. Reflector should be used.

The 45º Reflector is attached to the antenna with two screws (#6
x 3/4") on the side of the antenna housing marked ANTENNA.
Slide the screws through the corner holes on the flange of the
antenna housing and then tighten into the metal reflector (do
not over tighten).

Radar antenna mounted in horizontal position.

Best mounting angle for optimum detection of all types of radar guns.

Mount the antenna to the vehicle such that the ANTENNA
window is facing the road surface, sky, right or left of the
vehicle, and the reflector has an unobstructed view of the
road ahead.

Mounted in this position, radar signals are reflected into the
ANTENNA window.

Mounting the Temperature Probe

Find a location that is far enough away from the engine and
radiator heat but still in the airflow for the vehicle. Mounting
the Probe too close to these heat areas will give a false high
temperature.

• Attach the mountable tie wrap (supplied) to the

Temperature Probe as shown.

• Mark location for Probe, then drill a hole using a 7/64” drill

bit. Attach Probe with tie wrap in the correct orientation
using the #6 x 3/4 screws.

NOTE: Mount the Probe so that there is space between the
Probe and the mounting area.
Do not

mount Probe directly to metal area.

11

This side facing
forward traffic

Antenna window

Signal

Radar antenna mounted(vertical) with 45 º Re flector.

Temperature

Probe

Mountable Tie Wrap

Probe Cable

Mounting Location

Antenna Cable to Control Panel

Once the antenna is installed (the 3400 model has a Quick
Disconnect Interface Cable. Connect the cable from the radar
antenna to this cable. Tie this cable in knot similar to using
an electrical extension cord. Follow the remaining proce­dure.), run the cable along the edge of the engine compart­ment to the firewall. Find a location in the firewall where
other wires (or the speedometer cable) enter the passenger
compartment and feed the stereo jack connection through.
Be careful not to interfere with or disconnect other wires,
cables, or mechanical systems of your vehicle while routing
the antenna cable. Also, keep the antenna cable away from
any areas in the engine compartment that may become hot.
Cable ties are provided to secure the antenna and
Temperature Probe cables at various points in the engine
compartment.

General Information

The LRM-5 (Laser Receive Module) provides both front and
rear laser reception. Mount the LRM-5 with the 3-lens array
facing forward (down the road) and the single lens facing
behind. This approach offers the greatest protection, since
you will most often be traveling into a laser signal, rather that
away from it when laser speed enforcement is encountered.
For effective protection, make sure the LRM-5 has an unob­structed view forward and behind, and that it is not placed
behind metallic sun screens.

Mounting the LRM-5

The LRm-5 can be mounted to the frount windshield using the
windshiled bracket supplied.

12

INST ALLA TION OF LRM-5

13

Installing the LRM-5

Before using, attach the suction cup and rubber bumpers (2) to
the metal bracket. If necessary, you may bend the metal bracket
in order to position the LRM-5 correctly (3-lens array facing
forward, single lens facing behind.)

LRM-5 mounted with windshield bracket.

Using Hook & Loop Fasteners, the LRM-5 may also be mounted
to the back side of your rearview mirror. Be careful not to block
the rear facing lens when mounted in this manner. Also, clean
the appropriate surfaces with isopropyl alcohol before adhering
the adhesive side of the fastener to those surfaces.

LRM-5 mounted to rearview mirror with Hook & Loop Fasteners.

INST ALLA TION OF LRM-5

INST ALLA TION OF CONTROL P ANEL

14

General Information

The control panel may be mounted using the Under Dash
Bracket or Hook & Loop fastener supplied. As an alternative, you
may also use a Through Dash Bracket. When choosing a mounting
location, consider your needs for ease of viewing the display,
accessibility of controls (remember Mute Mode may be used
frequently), and concealment.

Control Panel Mounted With Under Dash Bracket

Fasten the Under Dash Bracket to your vehicle’s dash with the
two #4 x 5/8" sheet metal screws provided. A 5/64” drill bit
should be used to drill pilot holes for the screws. Use the holes in
the bracket to mark the location for pilot holes.

Once the bracket is fastened to your vehicle, the control panel
can be attached to it. However, we suggest connecting all cables
to the back of the control panel before snapping it into the bracket.
See page 15 for proper placement of cables.

Control panel snaps into rather than slides onto the Under Dash Bracket.

HIGHWAY

HIGHWAY

INST ALLA TION OF CONTROL P ANEL

Control Panel Mounted With Hook & Loop Fasteners

Fasteners can be used to mount the top or bottom of the control
panel to your vehicle. Before adhering the adhesive side of the
fastener to a surface, clean that surface with isopropyl alcohol.

Use of Hook & Loop simplifies control panel installation.

Control Panel Mounted With Through Dash Bracket

Installation instructions are provided with the bracket. We
recommend using a professional installer if you are not familiar
with customized dashboard installations.

15

1. Power Port

2. Radar 1 Port

3. Radar 2 Port

4. Voice Port

5. Laser Port

Antenna Cable Connection

The stereo connector (straight end) on the end of the antenna
cable plugs into Radar 1 port (2) on the back of the control panel.

LRM-5 Cable Connection

After mounting the LRM-5, conceal the cable and plug the
stereo jack connector (right angled end) into the port on the
back of the control panel labeled LASER port (5).

Power Cable Connection

The power cable has a plug on one end which connects to the
back of the control panel at the port labeled PWR port (1). At
the other end of the power cable the power and ground wires
are separated. The ground wire has a “U” type connector which
should be fastened to a metal surface. Look for an existing
screw or bolt under the dash to use as a grounding point. The
power wire has a spade type connector which should be connected
to a switched +12 volt DC circuit in your vehicle’s fuse box. A
switched circuit is one that has power when your vehicle is on,
but has no power when your vehicle is off. Connect the “U”
type connector to the ground point selected, attach the power
cord plug to the control panel area marked “PWR” then touch
the power wire to the +12 volt DC switched power source
selected; if the control panel sounds the self test sequence,
then all connections are correct.

INST ALLA TION OF CONTROL P ANEL

16

17

Added Protection From Behind

For drivers interested in gaining increased detection range
when radar is transmitted from behind, the Whistler 3300 can
be upgraded with a second antenna. This antenna is mounted
facing rearward and can be purchased from many Whistler
retailers or directly from Whistler; ask for the SWRA-3300
(Superwideband Remote Antenna), Part Number 202964.

The Whistler 3300’s control panel is designed to operate with
the SWRA-3300; the RADAR 2 port (3) is the input for the
SWRA-3300 cable. On model 3300 an asterisk is displayed next
to the Band ID (K ||| |||) when radar signals are detected. The
SWRA-3300 detects all radar guns operating on X, K, and
superwideband Ka frequencies.

Instructions and mounting hardware for installing the SWRA­3300 are included with the unit.

More Volume

Real Voice Module (P/N 202971) can be used to articulate Band
ID, Safety Warning and Feature Selection. Plugs into VOICE
port (4).

NOTE: This is the only audio option that can be plugged into
the Whistler 3300A/3400. Any other device may damage the
unit and void the warranty.

*

OPTIONAL ACCESORIES

18

PROBLEM: No display or audio.

• Check fuse in power cable, replace if necessary.

• Check fuse in fuse box, replace if necessary.

• Make sure power cable is properly grounded.

PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment or

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

• Check condition of vehicle’s electrical system, including
battery and alternator.

• Install a filter capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or larger
capacitor value) where power connection is made.

PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.

• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode

• Check audio level settings.

PROBLEM: Display shows R1 error.

• Warning communicates “loss of link” between
control panel and front antenna (RADAR 1).

• Check antenna connection at back of control panel.

• Contact factory, if you suspect antenna is defective.

• Look for cuts in the cable

TROUBLESHOOTINGDE

19

TROUBLESHOOTINGDE

PROBLEM: Display shows R2 error.

• Turn unit power on.

• Warning communicated “loss of link” between control

panel and rear antenna (RADAR 2); occurs only if rear
antenna has been installed.

• Check antenna connection at back of control panel.

• Contact factory, if you suspect antenna is defective.

• Look for cuts in the cable

If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Customer
Service at 1-800-531-0004 or visit our FAQ page at

www.whistler gr oup.com, before returning your unit for service.

For warranty information, refer to owner’s manual.

20

ACCESSORIES

The following accessories can be ordered directly from Whistler by calling
1-800-531-0004 or visit our online store at www.whistlergroup.com

Order Description Price
Code

206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95

(for wiring to fuse box)
202971 Voice Module $ 69.95
202964 Rear Radar Antenna SWRA-33 $ 179.95
202969 Thru Dash Bracket $ 9.95

Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00 Prices are subject to change without notice.