You may register your product online
www.whistlergroup.com.
For warranty
verification purposes, a copy of your dated
store receipt must still accompany any unit
sent in for warranty work. If the unit is
returned without a dated store receipt, an
out of warranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at the
time of purchase. The warranty is validated
only by the dated store receipt! Now is the
time to record the serial number of the unit
in the space provided in the warranty section
of the manual.
at
Dear Whistler Owner,
With the change in time also comes the change in technology and
customer's needs. Whistler introduces the 3500 to provide you
convenience and "Technology for the Way You Live."
The Whistler 3500 is an easy to install, wireless laser-radar detector
that features the new POP™ Mode Detection Capability, and a
Tri-Directional display. The Tri-Directional Display allows you the
option to install the control panel in 3 different orientations:
horizontal, vertical, or upside down.
The Whistler 3500 provides Total Band™ Protection, combined with
the convenience of wireless technology, that allows the ultimate in
performance and convenience. With POP™ Mode Detection
Capability, the fully featured Whistler 3500 can react fast enough to
detect new radar technology.
To fully utilize your unit to its potential, we recommend reading
the entire manual or visit our FAQ page on our web site at
whistlergroup.com.
www.
Enjoy your new Whistler and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHISTLER FEATURES
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 4
• Laser Module - High gain optical lens provides increased
sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection.
Note: Specifications and appearance may change without notice.
3
Whistler 3500
WHISTLER FEATURES
OPERATION
• City/City 1/City 2 Mode – Reduces the annoyance of false
alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.
• 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 QUIET for 2
seconds allows you to enter Option Select Mode (see page 13).
• Power/Volume Control - Turns unit on/off and adjusts audio level.
• Text Display - Provides distinct visual confirmation
of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged
modes of operation. The display can also be mounted 3
different ways (see page 11 for more information).
• Dim/Dark Mode– Reduces the illumination of the display.
Press and hold this button to momentarily display
temperature/voltage.
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
P/V or apply Power. Display shows:
4
5
OPERATION
OPERATION
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
Audio Level Adjustment
The audio levels can be adjusted high to low, or low to
high, in eight steps: (0) is no audio level, (7) the highest.
• Press and hold
• Press and hold P/V to decrease audio level.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the display indicates volume level. For example:
Press and hold
then proceed to lower the volume to level (0). Continuing
to hold the
“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
P/V to increase audio level.
•
P/V and the volume will go to the max level (7),
P/V button will repeat the volume steps above.
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.
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage Auto
Quiet. Display shows:
• Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel
the audio alarm by pressing
• Press
Note: When Auto Quiet engages, it cancels the audio to
the optional Voice Module.
Quiet Mode
Quiet Mode cancels the 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
• Press
Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel
Auto Quiet mode.
Quiet to cancel the audio.
Quiet a second time during an alert to restore the
standard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit off, then on.
Quiet.
6
7
OPERATION
OPERATION
Temperature/Voltage Mode
The unit can be programmed to display either the outside
temperature or battery voltage along with Highway/City
modes. See Option Select Mode. Display reads:
• Ice Warning Mode: When temperature drops to 32˚F
display reads:
Unit then gives a unique warning tone. This will only happen once after the unit is first turned on. When either Hi T
or Lo T is displayed, the limits of the temperature sensor
have been reached.
Note: Temperature may rise while vehicle is stopped and
idling, this is normal.
Engaging/Disengaging VG-2
See option select mode to turn this feature on/off.
Note: Selecting “POP OFF” turns VG-2 ON.
8
City/City 1/City 2 Mode
Whistler’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.
• Press
• Pressing
• Pressing City a third time engages City 2. Display shows:
• Pressing City a fourth time cancels City 2 Mode and
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. In City 1 Mode, only the X band
sensitivity is lowered. City 1 & City 2 Modes operate the same as
Highway Mode, but 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 s till be using X band rad ar.
If Auto Quiet is engaged in City 1 or City 2 modes and the unit receives
a strong radar signal, the unit performs the Auto Quiet
feature.City Modes do not change the audio alert for laser
or VG-2.
City to engage City. Display shows:
or
City a second time engages City 1. Display shows:
or
or
returns the unit to Highway Mode. Display shows:
or
9
OPERATION
OPERATION
Dim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage Modes
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Press
Display shows:
• Pressing
Display shows:
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
returns to the dimmer setting.
• Pressing
the display.
The Dark Button will allow the display to momentarily
indicate the outside temperature reading.
• Press and hold
then release. Display switches:
If Temperature or Battery Voltage is programmed (see Option
Select Mode), pressing and holding
momentarily switch to the other reading. Example:
Dark to reduce illumination to a Dim setting.
Dark a second time engages Dark Mode.
Dark a third time restores full illumination to
Dark for 2 seconds until unit beeps once
to
Dark for 2 seconds will
to
Horizontal/Vertical Viewing
The display can be mounted in 3 different orientations:
• Horizontally
• Upside Down
• Vertically
See Option Select Mode on page 13 to change display viewing.
10
11
OPERATION
OPERATION
Stay Alert™ Feature
The Stay Alert™ Feature is designed to test a driver’s
alertness. To engage (when unit is not alarming):
• Press and hold
Within 30-60 seconds two beeps are sounded; to show
alertness, the driver must press either the
button within 3-5 seconds. If the button is pressed within 3-5
seconds, the cycle is repeated.
If a button is not pressed within 3-5 seconds, an alarm sounds
and the display shows:
• Press
WARNING!!! Stay Alert™ is NOT intended as a substitute for
adequate rest. You should NOT operate a vehicle if you are
drowsy. During extended periods of vehicle operation, you
should take frequent breaks. Improper reliance on the Stay
Alert™ feature may result in vehicle damage, personal injury
or death.
DROWSY.
Integrated Real Voice
When selected and Optional Voice Module is connected,
Real Voice
1. Band Identification
2. Safety Warning System™ messages
NOTE: In certain cases, the voice message does not
3. Feature Selection
P/V to exit.
replicate the text message.
City for 2 seconds. Display shows:
Dark, City or Quiet
NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF YOU ARE
®
®
will be used to articulate the following:
12
Option Select Mode
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Real Voice
Power Up Sequence test and VG-2 Mode. When selecting
options,
Any one of these must be pressed within 20 seconds or
option mode will automatically be exited. To enter:
Press Q:*DisplayTo Change, Option:
For 2 SecondsTONE 3
2nd timeTEST YES
3rd timeTEMP ˚F
4th timeTEMP NO
5th timeBATT NO
6th timePOP ON
7th timeSR OFF
8th timeX ON
9th timeK ON
Dark (D)=yes, City (C)=no, Quiet (Q)=next selection.
Shows:Press:
D or CTone1, Tone 2
D = YESX, K, Ka Audio tones
C = NO1 beep during
D or CChanges Temp
D = YESTemp ON
C = NOTemp OFF
D = YESBattery Voltage ON
C = NOBattery Voltage OFF
D = YESTurns POP™Mode ON
C = NOTurns POP™Mode OFF
D = ONTurns Safety Radar ON
C = OFFTurns Safety Radar OFF
D = ONTurns X Band ON
C = OFFTurns X Band OFF
D = ONTurns K Band ON
C = OFFTurns K Band OFF
®
, Abbreviated
Power Up
Reading
13
OPERATION
RADAR ALERT
10th time Ka OND = ONTurns Ka Band ON
C = OFFTurns Ka Band OFF
11th time Laser ON
D = ONTurns Laser ON
C = OFFTurns Laser OFF
12th time Voice OFF
D = ONReal Voice®ON
C = OFFReal Voice®OFF
13th time DSP NOR
D or CNormal
Vertical
Reversed
*Factory settings.
Press and hold P/V to exit. NOTE: Turning POP
on VG-2.
™
Mode off, turns
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press
City and Quiet simultaneously and release.
Display shows:
• Press
P/V to exit.
Voice Module Port
Allows you to use an optional Whistler Voice Module.
(See accessory page for ordering and option mode for
programming). Any other device may damage the unit
and void your warranty. When mute or auto quiet modes
are engaged, the audio will be cancelled to the voice port.
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 the standard alert pattern resumes.
14
15
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
LASER/VG-2 ALERTS
Safety Warning System™ Text
Example: Poor Road Surface:
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™ transmitters.
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 counter-like.
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:
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 present, 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 a
VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be received.
Having a laser/radar detector does not make you invisible or
immune to laser/radar guns. As in the case with detecting
instant-on radar, there are some circumstances that the VG-2
may detect you laser/radar detector before the laser/radar can
detect the VG-2 signal in time to hide. (Reference page 23 for
Radar Detector Detector information.)
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same time,
the alert priority is:
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2 signal is detected,
the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.
1. Laser
2. VG-2
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
16
17
RESET FEATURES/CARE & MAINTENANCE
COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
Reset Features
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
• Remove Power from unit.
• Press and hold P/V and Quiet.
• Apply power to the unit.
• Wait for 2 beeps.
• Release P/V and Quiet. Unit is now reset to the following
features and settings.
1. Audio to level (5).
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 OFF.
™
7. POP
8. Safety Radar OFF.
9. Full Power Up sequence.
10. Default TONE 3.
11. BATT OFF.
12. TEMP OFF.
13. Display to Normal orientation.
14. Unit ON or OFF.
Care And Maintenance
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.
Mode ON.
Communication Breakdown
If a problem arises between the control panel and the
outside antenna, the unit will give a unique audio tone.
The display scrolls:
If a communication error occurs:
• Press
• Check power connections at the battery.
• Perform “reset features.”
• See dealer/installer.
If a T error occurs:
• Press
• Check temp probe installation for possible pinched wire.
• See dealer/installer.
NOTE: The T error occurs only at Power Up.
P/V to turn unit off.
P/V to turn off unit.
18
19
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
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 power cable, replace if necessary.
• Check fuse in fuse box, replace if necessary.
• Make sure power cable is properly grounded.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle equipment or electrical
accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows, directionals, horn, etc.)
• Check conditions of vehicle’s electrical system, including battery
and alternator.
• Install a filter capacitor (470 mfd. 25 volt or larger capacitance
value) where power connection is made.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting.
PROBLEM: Display shows communication error. Also see page 19.
• Warning communicates “loss of link” between control panel and
Radar antenna.
• Check fuse in receiver’s power cord.
• Check antenna connection at battery.
• Relocate ground terminal to a different location.
• Relocate power terminal to a different location.
• Contact the factory if you suspect antenna is defective.
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Customer
Service at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for service.
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are completely legal in every state,
(with the exception of Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers
in any vehicle), when used in automobiles or light trucks
(under 10,000 lbs.). Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a regulation, effective 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.
FCC ID: HSXWH12
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device many not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT
FCC requirements state that changes or modifications not
expressly approved by Whistler could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
20
21
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain
frequencies which reflect off objects and are 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).
NOTE:
A radar detector will not alarm if an officer is not
transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.
POP™Mode
POP™Mode is a feature on some newer radar guns operating
on K and Ka bands. When the gun is in POP
activated, a brief burst of energy, less that 1/15 of a second,
is transmitted and the vehicle’s speed is quickly acquired. A
detector without POP
respond to this brief transmission.
Total Band Protection
Complete Band Coverage that detects laser, radar, VG-2
and safety radar bands.
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. The advantage
of laser over radar in terms of target identification is the result
of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radar gun’s transmission can cover
™
Mode detection capability cannot
™
™
Mode and
22
more than a four-lane highway at a distance of 1,000 feet,
compared with a laser transmission which covers about 3 feet at
the same distance. For best protection, keep these points in mind:
• Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see
through. If you can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you,
chances are your detector won’t either.
• The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the
same as a radar detector. Laser guns are most often
used at short range.
Whistler Laser/Radar detectors receive all current laser guns
which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 +/- 10mm.
• Pro Laser™ I II III• LT1 20-20 • Ultra Lyte
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, Spectre
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is one type of 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, these devices are known
as a “radar detector detector”(RDD).
An RDD is the primary tool used by the police to identify radar
detector equipped vehicles. If caught in a state or country where
detectors are illegal, (see page 21), drivers risk losing their
23
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
radar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on radar
is almost always used in combination with a RDD, leaving unsuspecting
motorists vulnerable to receiving two tickets — one potentially for
speeding, the other for possession of a detector.
NOTE: Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2
may alert you to the presence of a speed trap. The newest
tool Police have to detect radar detectors is called Spectre.
As of this printing. Spectre can detect all undetectable (VG-2)
laser/radar detectors on the market.
It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner
to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the
legality of the use of radar detectors.
Consumer Warranty
This Whistler detector is warranted to the original purchaser for a period
of three years from the date of original purchase against all defects in materials
and workmanship.
installed improperly, if the housing and/or serial numbers have been
removed. 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 the above time. Whistler is not liable for
damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this product.
This warranty does not include installation or reinstallation charges.
This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified,
NOTE:
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired without
charge to the purchaser when returned with a dated store receipt to
the address below. Units returned without a dated store receipt will
be handled as described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing a
laser/radar receiver, there are no authorized service stations for
Whistler brand detectors other than Whistler.
When returning a unit for service under warranty, please follow
these instructions:
1. Ship both the control panel and antenna (
CUT WIRES when removing the antenna as this will void the warranty.) in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy equivalent, fully
insured, with return receipt requested to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1201 North Dixieland Rd
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or damage
incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit insured with return
receipt requested. COD’s will not be accepted.
2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), a daytime telephone
number and e-mail address if applicable. (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 store receipt 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:
Antenna S/N ________________________________________
Control Panel S/N ____________________________________
Laser Receiver S/N____________________________________.
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty period,
make sure you keep a copy of your dated store receipt. You may
register your warranty online at www.whistlergroup.com, however, for
warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated store receipt must
accompany any unit sent in for warranty work.
Rogers, AR. 72756
CAUTION: DO NOT
24
25
WARRANTY INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• A dated store receipt 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, VISA or American Express; 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, it will be returned to you and your repair fee will be refunded.
CODs will not be accepted! Therefore, please ship your unit insured with
return receipt requested.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be certain to include
a daytime telephone number and an e-mail address (if applicable).
Customer Service
If you have questions concerning the operation of your Whistler detector,
or require service during or after the warranty period, please call:
Customer Service at:
Representatives are available to answer your questions
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m (CT). or visit the FAQ’s at
1-800-531-0004
Monday - Friday
www.whistlergroup.com
• Dimensions: Antenna: 1.4"H x 4"W x3.6"L
Control Panel: .8” L x 2.8” W x 2.3” H
Laser Module: 1.9”H x .9”W x .7”L
• Weight:Antenna: 7.5 oz.
Control Panel: 2 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, 200mA nominal
One or more U.S. patents may apply: #5,146,227;
#5,379,456; #5,666,120, and #5,990,821.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
26
27
ACCESSORIES
These, and other accessories, can be ordered directly from
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visiting our online
store at