Whistler GT-138XI User Manual

GT-138Xi

Total Band Protection

LASER-RADAR

DETECTOR

User Guide

™

INTRODUCTION

Dear Whistler Customer,

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

Customer Service

Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT

Please keep the receipt in a safe place. You may register
your product online at 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!
Please record the serial number of the unit in the space
provided in the accessories section of the guide.

To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your
Whistler detector and to better understand the
differences between detecting radar, laser, and safety
radar signals, we recommend reading this entire guide or
visiting our FAQ page on our website

www.whistlergroup.com

Enjoy your Whistler detector and please drive safely.

1-479-273-6012

or visit our website

www.whistlergroup.com

Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Model Features Summary......................................... 5 - 6

Installation ................................................................... 7 - 9

• Mounting Guidelines

• Windshield Mounting

• Power Cord Connection And Fuse Replacement

Operation ................................................................ 10 - 14

• Power On and Self-Test

• Feature Engaged Confirmation

• Auto Quiet Mode

• Quiet Mode

• Audio Level Adjustment

• Highway Mode

• City, City 1, City 2 Modes

• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

• VG-2 Detection

• Dim/Dark Mode

• Setting Saver

• Ka Narrow Band

• FDSR/TFSR Rejection Modes

Laser & Radar Alerts ......................................................15

• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts

• Laser Tips

• Pulse Protection®

VG-2/POP Alerts ............................................................16

Option Select Mode ......................................................17

Troubleshooting Guide .................................................18

Care & Maintenance ......................................................19

Reset Features ................................................................19

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Speed Monitoring Technologies ......................... 20 - 22

• Radar Facts

• Laser Facts

• Other Speed Detection Systems

Warranty Information ............................................ 23 - 26

Specifications ..................................................................27

Accessories ......................................................................28

5

WHISTLER FEATURES

6

10

1

2

8

7

17

9

3

131615

4 5

6

121114

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

1. Bracket Release Button – provides quick and easy release of the

mounting bracket.

2. Speaker – provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka band radar,
safety warning system, laser and VG-2.

3. Mounting Bracket Location – slot holds mounting bracket firmly.

4. Radar Antenna – compact, high-efficiency antenna receives radar

signals.

5. Front Laser Antenna – high gain optical lens provides increased
sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection.

6. Rear Laser Antenna – an integrated optical waveguide provides
superior detection of laser signals transmitted from behind.

7. City Button – reduces the annoyance of false alerts typically
encountered in urban driving areas.

8. Power / Volume Control – turns unit on/off and adjusts audio level.

9. Icon Display – offers easy-to-read display to indicate power, city

mode, radar band identification, and signal strength.

10. 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

11. X / K Band Indicator – shows the unit is receiving an X-band or a K
band signal (flashing).

12. Ka - Band Indicator – shows the unit is receiving an Ka-band signal.

13. P - Power On Indicator – shows that the unit is operating and in

Highway mode.

14. C - City Indicator – shows that the unit is operating in City Mode.

15. Signal Strength Indicator – shows the strength of the signal being

detected.

16. V / L – shows that the unit is receiving a VG-2 or Laser signal.

17. Dim / Dark Mode – engages Dim/Dark modes.

7

INSTALLATION

Windshield Mounting

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

windshield.

• Do not mount the 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 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 the unit in direct contact with the windshield.

• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal the unit when not in

use.

Windshield Mounting

IMPORTANT: Make sure the unit is level.

8

INSTALLATION

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.

Rubber Bumper

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 vehicle’s 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

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

9

INSTALLATION

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 socket.

NOTE: Cord fits tightly into detector. When installing the cord,
expect some resistance.

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.

10

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.

Feature Engaged Confirmation

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

Auto Quiet Mode

Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected provides an
alternate alert pattern, consisting of several beeps (indicating
X, K or Ka) followed by clicking. The clicking will continue for
as long as the detected signal is present or any new signal
is detected within 20 seconds, becoming more rapid as the
strength of the signal increases.

Quiet Mode

Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within 20
seconds. After approximately 20 seconds, 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.

11

OPERATION

Highway Mode

The icon “P” indicates Highway Mode. It provides full audio
warnings any time radar (X, K or Ka) or laser signals are detected,

and is recommended for open road driving.

Audio Level Adjustment

The audio levels can be adjusted high to low or low to high.

• Move Power/Volume control back to

increase audio level.

• Move Power/Volume control forward to decrease audio level.

City/City 1/City 2 Modes

Whistler’s City Modes are 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 City to cancel Highway Mode and engage City Mode.

The display will switch from“P” to “C”.

• Press City again to enter City 1 Mode.

• Press City again to enter City 2 Mode.

NOTE: After 3 seconds, “I” or “II” City Mode indicator turns off.

• Press City a fourth time to cancel City 2 Mode and returns the

unit to Highway Mode.

12

OPERATION

In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
alarm of two beeps, and then remain quiet until the signal
becomes very strong. When the signal strength increases,
two additional beeps are provided. City 1 and City 2 Modes
operate the same as Highway Mode, but in City 1 Mode, only
the X band is lowered. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not
detected.

CAUTION: Some towns/small cities may still be using X band
radar. City Modes do not change the audio alert for laser or
VG-2.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your
detector after 6 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 time has expired. The detector will alert you with an
audible and visual warning before it shuts off. 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 any button to turn the unit back on.

13

OPERATION

Engaging / Disengaging VG-2

See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on.

Dim/Dark Modes

Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.

• Press the Dark button to reduce illumination to a Dim setting.

• Press the Dark button a second time engages Dark Mode. In

Dark mode display illumination is further reduced.

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 Dark button a third time restores full illumination

to the display.

Setting Saver

Setting Saver saves your personalized settings so that when the
detector is turned off and then on again, you do not have to
re-enter them.

Ka Narrow Mode

Many countries do not share the same Ka radar guns as the
USA. Having a radar detector that scans the complete Ka
band may not be necessary if your Country is only using
one or more of the following (34.0 or 34.3 GHz). See
Option Select Mode to engage Ka Narrow mode.

14

OPERATION

Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection (FDSR)
Traffic Flow Sensor Rejection (TFSR)

Recently many new products that operate on police radar
frequencies have been causing nuisance alerts to radar detectors.
These radar based sensors are installed alongside the Highway
and more recently on vehicles used as lane change assist / blind
spot detectors / collision avoidance systems. TFSR is designed
to eliminate alerts from specific Traffic Flow sensors. FDSR is
designed to identify all radar based collision avoidance systems
that operate within the same band as police radar and provide a
brief less intrusive alert to keep you informed and aware.

A signal strength indicator will help determine your proximity to
the source without the continued annoyance of audio.

NOTE: TFSR and FDSR are ON by default and not selectable on
the GT-138Xi

15

LASER / RADAR ALERTS

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 alert strength
indicators 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.

Laser Audio/Visual Alerts

When a laser signal is detected, the display indicates a laser
by scrolling the alert Icon ’s from right to left. The audio alert is
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.

Laser Tips

If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can often determine
your speed within a few seconds after you receive an alert. In this
situation there is generally no time to safely adjust your speed.
However, if you are traveling near or behind the targeted
vehicle and receive an alert, response time should be sufficient.
Any laser alert, regardless of duration, requires immediate action.

16

VG-2 / POP™ MODE ALERTS

VG-2 Mode

See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on/off. When a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 alert is sounded and the display
flashes “VG-2”. After 3 seconds the audio is canceled and the
display no longer flashes. This cycle is repeated if the VG-2 signal
is detected again.

During the period a VG-2 signal is detected, a radar
signal cannot be detected.

However, because the VG-2 alert has confirmed that a patrol
car is nearby, you are already aware of the potential for speed
monitoring and can adjust your speed accordingly. Laser
detection is not affected while a VG-2 signal is detected.

POP™ Mode Alerts

Because POP™ Mode radar utilizes the same K or Ka band
frequencies, the “P” icon will remain on when a POP™ alerts is
detected. See Option Select Mode to turn POP detection on.

17

OPTION SELECT MODE

Option Select Mode

Press and hold the Quiet/Menu button to enter Option Select
Mode. Each press of the Menu button changes to the next
selectable feature.

The Dark (D) button and the City(C) button turns the feature ON/
OFF. The signal strength display will not show an icon when the
feature is off.
The “I” and “III” icons will show when a feature is selected.

A button must be pressed within 20 seconds or Option Select
Mode will automatically be exited.

Feature Display Option

POP

(default = OFF)

Ka

(default = FULL)

VG-2

(default = OFF)

Laser

(default = ON)

NOTE: TFSR and FDSR are ON by default (not selectable on the GT-138Xi)

Flashing P C for ON, D for OFF

Flashing Ka

Flashing V/L C for ON, D for OFF

Solid V/L C for ON, D for OFF

C or D "I" = NARROW

"III" = FULL Ka

18

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting

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: Audio alerts are not loud enough.

• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.

• Check audio level setting.

PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.

• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.

• Check connections at both ends of the power cord. Substitute

another cord to determine if the cord is defective. Return
defective cord to the factory.

If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Customer
Service at 1-479-273-6012 or visit our FAQ page at
www.whistlergroup.com, before returning your unit for service.

19

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 units exterior.

RESET FEATURES

All user features can be reset to factory settings.

• Remove Power from the unit.

• Press and hold the Quiet/Menu button.

• Restore Power to the unit.

• Wait for 2 beeps.

• Release the Quiet/Menu button.

Unit is now reset to the following features and settings.

City/Highway to Highway Mode.

1. POP Mode OFF.

2. VG-2 OFF.

3. Ka to FULL.

4. Dim/Dark to full illumination of display.

5. Auto Quiet OFF.

6. FDSR/TFSR ON

20

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

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 traffic radar guns operate 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.

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 transmission
can cover 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,
listed on the following section, in mind:

• Because your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser

gun’s primary targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the
dashboard can improve laser detection at short range.

• 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.

21

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

• 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 800-1000nm.

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.

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” (RDD). An RDD is the primary tool used
by the police to identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If
caught, in a country where detectors are illegal, drivers risk losing
their 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.

22

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

For more information on speed monitoring technologies, please
visit our FAQ page on our website: www.whistlergroup.com

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.

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 the majority of undetectable
(VG-2) laser/radar detectors on the market.

23

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Consumer Warranty

This Whistler Laser-Radar 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, or 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.

NOTE: This warranty does not include installation or reinstallation
charges.

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.

24

WARRANTY INFORMATION

When returning a unit for service, please follow these
instructions:

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

equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested to:

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. CODs 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 an email address,
if applicable.

• A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,“Unit performs
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
space provided on the Accessory page of this guide.

Whistler Repair Dept.

1412 South 1st St.
Rogers, AR. 72756

25

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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.

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
GT-138Xi detector is $45.00 (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
in the amount stated above. Payment may also be made by
MasterCard, VISA or American Express; personal checks are not

accepted.

26

WARRANTY INFORMATION

In the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum
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 along with your certified check or money order.

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

Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT).

1-479-273-6012

www.whistlergroup.com

27

SPECIFICATIONS

Laser Wavelength:

800 ± 1000 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)

34.000 and 34.300 GHz (Ka Narrow)

Operating Temperature Range:

-10º C to +70º C (+14º F to +158º F)

Power Requirements:

Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 200mA nominal (2 amp fuse)
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.

Patents can be viewed here:

www.whistlergroup.com/pat

POP™ Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

28

ACCESSORIES

These and other accessories can be ordered directly from Whistler
by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visiting our online store at www.

whistlergroup.com.

Order # Description Price

202151

206552 Power Cord (5’) $14.95

206880

206666

159032

402080

*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug. Shipping and
handling (per order) $5.00. Prices are subject to change without
notice.

Windshield Bracket

Kit

Hardwire Kit (10’)

(for wiring to fuse box)

Modular* Cord

Package
(includes coiled an
straight cords, and

power adapter)

Package of 8 suction

Cups

Non Skid Dash Pad

$9.95

$9.95

$17.95

$2.95

$6.95

______________________________________________

write serial number in the space provided

29

CORPORATE
HEADQUARTERS

1716 SW Commerce Dr. Ste. 8
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL [phone]
www.whistlergroup.com

CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER

1412 South 1st St.
Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

02G17 © 2017 The Whistler Group, Inc.