Whistler XCS-800 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

XCS-800

Battery Powered

LASER-RADAR

DETECTOR

The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters

13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712

Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]

Customer Return Center

551 North 13th Street. • Rogers, AR 72756

Customer Service Tel [phone]

www.whistlergroup.com

P/N 203322-2,

REV1©

2007 The Whistler Group, Inc.

Dear Whistler Owner,
If you have questions concerning the operation of

this Whistler product please call:

CuSTOmer SeRVICE

1-800-531-0004

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

or visit our website

www.whistlergroup.com

Please keep the receipt in a safe place. You may regis­ter your product online

verification purposes, a copy of your dated

warranty
store receipt must 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.

our warranty period begins at the time of pur-

Y

Note:
chase. The warranty is validated only by the dated
store receipt!
unit in the space provided in the warranty section of
the manual.

Please record the serial number of the

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
manual or visit our F.A.Q. page on our website

histlergroup

www.

w

.com
Enjoy your Whistler and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.

at www.

histlergroup.

w

com. For

Model Features Summary .................... 2 - 3

Installation ........................................... 4 - 6

•Battery Installation 4

•Trim Ring Installation 5

•Mounting Guidelines 5

•Windshield Mounting 6

•Power Connection and Fuse Replacement 6

Operation .......................................... 7 - 13

•Battery Charging/External Power 7

•Battery Life 8

•Power On and Self-Test 8

•Feature Engaged Confirmation 8

•Audio Level Adjustment 8

•Quiet Mode 8

•Auto Quiet Mode 9

•Backlight Setting 9

•Highway Mode 10

•City/City 1/ City 2 Mode 10

•Setting Saver 11

•Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 11

•Battery Saver Mode 11

•Teach/Tutorial Mode 11

•Option Select Mode

•Stay Alert Feature 13

Safety Warning System™ ......................... 13

™

Mode Alerts ................................. 14

POP

Laser/Radar Alerts ................................. 14

•Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts 14

•Laser Audio/Visual Alerts 14

•Pulse Protection

VG-2 Alerts ............................................ 15

•Alert Priority 15

Reset Features ....................................... 16

Troubleshooting Guide ..................... 16 - 17

Care and Maintenance ........................... 18

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

FCC Information ..................................... 19

Speed Monitoring ............................ 19 - 22

•Radar Facts 19

•POP™Mode 19

•Total Band Protection

•Laser Facts 20 - 21

•Other Speed Detection Systems 21

Warranty Information ....................... 22 - 25

Specifications ......................................... 25

Accessories ............................................ 26

®

™

12

14

20

WHISTLER FEATURES FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

XCS-800

6

1

9

10

8

• Battery Operated
With Built-in Battery Charger

• Replaceable Trim Rings

• Total Band Protection

• POP™Mode Detection

• Blue LCD Text Display

• High Gain Optical Lens

• Stay Alert

• 360° Total Perimeter Protection

• VG-2 Cloaking™ Technology

• 3 City Modes

• Quiet/Auto Quiet Modes

• Battery Saver

• Setting Saver

• Alert Priority

• Safety Warning System

Accessories:

Windshield Bracket Kit, Rechargeable Batteries,
Straight Power Cord, Home Battery Charger &
2 Additional Color Trim Rings

™

™

2

13

2

7

11

12

™

™

14

3

4

5

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

1. Bracket Release Button – provides quick
and easy r

2. Speaker – provides distinct audio warnings
fo r X, K, Ka band radar, safety radar, 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 – high gain optical lens provides
increased sensitivity and field of view for leading­edge laser detection

6. Rear Laser – 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. Quiet/Menu Button - pressing QUIET
before a signal is detected engages Auto
Quiet Mode. Pressing QUIET during a
radar/laser encounter silences audio
alerts.(Pressing and holding for 2 seconds allows
you to enter Option Select Mode—see page 12)

9. Power/Dim

Backlight settings (press and hold).

10 . Volume Down Button – adjust volume down.
11 . Volume Up Button – adjust volume up.

12. Blue LCD Text Display – provides distinct

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

13. Power Jack – provides connection for the
power cord.

14. Battery Compartment – compartment for
which you place the included 4 AA Ni-MH
batteries.

elease of the mounting bracket.

-

-

turns unit on/off and engages

34

Battery Installation

INSTALLATION

PPlleeaassee cchhaarrggee bbaatttteerriieess oovveerrnniigghhtt bbeeffoorree ffiirrsstt uussee!
Remove the battery compartment cover by
sliding the cover to the edge of the unit and lift
up. Observing corr
batteries as shown. Reinstall battery
compartment cover. Alkaline batteries are not
recommended.

When replacing the Ni-MH rechargeable batter­ies we recommended batteries that have a
power rating of 2100 mA or higher.

:

NNoottee:

DO NOT mix battery types as this can
damage the batteries. Lithium batteries ar
recommended for use in cold temperatures.

IImmppoorrttaanntt:
ed. These batteries will not pr
capacity to be useful. Replace the Ni-Cd’s with
Ni-MH type rechargeable batteries.

:

CCaauuttiioonn:

Only use rechargeable batteries in the
optional home battery char
non-rechargeable batteries can damage the
charger or possibly cause the batteries to
explode. See battery charging section (page 7)
to either charge batteries with the power cord
or home battery charger.

ect polarity (+) and (-), insert

e

:

Ni-Cd batteries are not recommend-

ovide enough

ger. Charging

!

Trim Ring Removal/Installation

INSTALLATION

To change the trim ring to another color, follow
these simple steps:

Removal

• Locate the tab on the trim ring at the top of
the mounting bracket location.
Using your fore finger, lift up on the trim ring

•
and the ring will pop out.

Installation

• Locate the tab near the button openings and
insert this end first into the unit.
Gently snap in the other tabs as you work

•
your way to the back of the unit.

Mounting Guidelines

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

• Do not mount your unit behind wipers,
ornaments, mirrored sunscreens, etc. These
obstructions have metal surfaces which can
affect radar and laser signals and reduce
critical warning time. (Regular tinted glass
does not affect reception.)

• Some windshields have an Instaclear™or
Electriclear™type coating, which affect radar
signals. Consult your dealer or the owner’s
manual supplied with your vehicle to determine
if your windshield has this coating.

• Avoid placing unit in direct contact with wind
shield.

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

56

INSTALLATION

Windshield Mounting

• Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper
onto the bracket by fitting them into their holes.

Windshield
Mounting

Rubber Bumper

• Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the
location you have chosen.

• 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.

Power Cord 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.

:

NNoottee:

Cord fits tightly into detector. When

installing the cor

NNOOTT

Do
using the power cor

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.

IImmppoorrttaanntt:

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.

d, expect some resistance.

put alkaline batteries in the detector if

:

d.

Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a

Battery Charging

OPERATION

External/Home Battery Charger - The home
battery charger provides approximately 10 hour
recharge time for Ni-MH batteries. Simply
observe the battery polarity when installing the
batteries into the charger and plug the home
charger into a convenient outlet.
Internal/Power Cord - While traveling, plug
your included power cord into your detector
and into your lighter socket to slowly charge the
rechargeable batteries. This will also provide
power to the detector. The display will show an

asterisk, i.e., when the unit is
charging the batteries. The asterisk will flash

during charging and go out when charging is
complete.*
ccaann bbee uusseedd bbuutt NNOOTT wwiitthh tthhee ppoowweerr ccoorrdd aannd
NNOOTT wwiitthh tthhee hhoommee bbaatttteerryy cchhaarrggeerr.
power cable is r
the vehicle’s lighter socket is switched off, the
unit will alarm and display then
simply turns off.

NNoottee::
remove the batteries when this unit will not be
used for an extended period of time. Damage
caused by leaky or impr
are not covered under warranty. Check with the
battery manufacturer about their specific prod­uct warranty and disposal recommendations.

CChhaarrggiinngg NNoottee:
less and you wish to char
unit, you must plug in the cigarette lighter cord
and insert into a live 12 volt DC socket for at
least 8 hours or until the battery charge indica­tor (*) on the display is no longer blinking.

NNoottee:: RReegguullaarr bbaatttteerriieess ((nnoott NNii--CCdd)

.

emoved from the detector or

As with all battery operated devices,

operly charged batteries

:

If the unit is displaying 20% or

ge the batteries in the

7

When the

)

d

Battery Life

OPERATION

The unit can provide over 20 hours of laser/radar
detection. There are settings that can maximize
battery life.

1) Backlighting set to OFF-OFF

2) Auto Quiet to ON

3) Battery saver set to 1 hour

4) Using a lower volume setting

5) Using Mute whenever possible

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. Display shows in order:

1. WHISTLER 2. X-Band 3. K-Band 4. Ka-Band

5. LASER

9. Bat Ful

Feature Engaged Confirmation

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.

• 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.

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.

6

6

.POP ON 7. VG2 OFF 8. SR OFF

l - This will display the battery status. 10. Highway

8910

Auto Quiet Mode

OPERATION

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/Menu (before a signal is detected)
to engage Auto Quiet.

• 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.

Backlight Setting

The backlighting can be programmed to be illumi­nated all the time, only when alarming, or choices
in-between. The options are selectable by press­ing and holding the Power/Dim button on the
unit. The options are:

OOFFFF--OOFFF

F

= Backlight is off during normal
operation and of
OOFFFF--DDIIM
operation and dim when the unit alarms.
OOFFFF--BBRRT
operation and bright when the unit alarms.
DDIIMM--OOFFF
operation and off when the unit alarms.
DDIIMM--BBRRT
operation and bright when the unit alarms.

Backlight will turn on, if selected, while the unit
alarms and remain on for 3 seconds after the unit
stops alarming. When any button is pressed the
backlight will illuminate at the dim setting and
remain on for 3 seconds afterwards. The backlight
will also illuminate while in option mode.

f when the unit alarms

M

= Backlight is off during normal

T

= Backlight is off during normal

F

= Backlight is dim during normal

T

= Backlight is dim during normal

Highway Mode

OPERATION

Highway mode provides full audio warnings any
time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Radar) or laser sig­nals are detected, and is recommended for open
road driving. (Highway mode lets every signal in)

For more information on City and Highway mode,
please visit our FAQ page on our website:

www.whistlergroup.com

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 City to cancel Highway mode and
engage City.

• Press City again to enter City 1 Mode

- display shows ‘C1 Lo X’.

• Press City again to enter City 2 Mode

- display shows ‘C2 No X’

• Pressing City a fourth time cancels City 2 Mode
and returns the unit to Highway Mode.

In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signal
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. City 1 and 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: Some towns/small cities may still be

sing X band radar. City Modes do not change

u
the audio alert for laser or VG-2.

Setting Saver

OPERATION OPERATION

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.

Engaging/Disengaging VG-2

See Option Select Mode to turn this feature
on/off. For more VG-2 information see page 15.

Battery Saver Mode

The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically
shuts off the detector if you forget to turn it off.
The timer is reset if the detector is turned off, the
optional power cord is unplugged or any button is
pressed before the timer has expired. The detec­tor will alert you with an audible and visual warn­ing before it shuts off. This auto off function can
be programmed for the following: Off, 1, 2, or 3
hours.

During this warning you can reset the timer by
pressing any button.

If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press the
Power button to turn the unit back on. You can man­ually engage the Battery Saver Mode by pressing
and holding the City button until one beep is
heard.

Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions for
changing the Battery Saver Mode settings.

Teach/Tutorial Mode

Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.

• Press City and Quiet simultaneously and
release.

• Display Shows:

• Press Power to exit.

11 12 13

Option Select Mode

Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Abbreviated Power Up
Sequence and VG-2 Mode. Press and hold quiet but­ton to enter Option Select Mode. When selecting
options, the volume up , volume down or
Quiet buttons must be pressed within 20 seconds or
options mode will automatically be exited. To enter:

Press: Display To Change: Option:
Quiet Reads:

1st Time TONE 3 = YES Tone 1, 2, 3

2nd Time TEST YES = ON X, K, Ka Audio

3rd Time X-ON = ON X Band On

4th Time K-ON = ON K Band On

5th Time Ka-ON = O N Ka Band On

6th Time LASER ON = ON LASER Band On

7th Time VG-2 OFF = ON Turns VG-2 On

8th Time SR OFF = ON Safety Radar On

9th Time POP ON = ON Pop On

10th Time B SVR 1 HR OR Options are 1H,

= NO (3 different X, K,

Ka Patterns)

= OFF tones 1 beep

during Power Up

= OFF X Band Off

= OFF K Band Off

= OFF Ka Band off

= OFF LASER Band Off

= OFF Turns VG-2 Off

= OFF Safety Radar Off

= OFF Pop Off

2H, 3H & NO

Stay Alert Feature

OPERATION

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

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

Within 30-60 seconds two beeps are sounded;
to show alertness, the driver must press either the
City, Volume, or Quiet buttons within 3-5 seconds. If
a button is pressed within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is
repeated.

If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds
alarm sounds and the display shows:

• Press Power to exit.

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. NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF

YOU ARE DROWSY.

Safety Warning System™

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.

NNoottee::

Safety Warning System

in Option Select Mode.

Safety Warning System Text

Example: Poor - Road - Surface.

Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System
transmitters.

SWS

™

™ is labeled “SR”

™

POP™ MODE ALERTS

POP™ Mode Alerts

Because POP™Mode radar utilizes the same
K or Ka band frequencies, POP™Mode Alerts will be
displayed as regular radar alerts.

LASER/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.

Laser Audio/Visual Alerts

When a laser signal is detected the audio alert is
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.

• The Displays Shows:

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

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 the display shows:

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.

®

14 15

VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts

VG-2 ALERTS

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

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 r
VG-2 signal is again detected. When a VG-2 signal
is detected, the detector ‘hides’ its own radiated sign al
and becomes undetectable by the 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
can no t be received (Reference page 21 for VG-2
information).
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.

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 a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will
override the X band alert.

epeated if the

Reset Features

All user features can be reset to factory settings.

• Unplug Power Cord from unit.

• Remove Batteries.

• Press and hold Power and Quiet.

• Plug Power Cord into unit.

• Wait for 2 beeps.

• Release Power and Quiet buttons.

Unit is now reset to the following features
and settings.

Default factory settings are:

1. Audio to level (4).

2. Display shows Highway.

3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.

4. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.

5. Safety Radar OFF.

6. Vehicle Battery Saver to 1 hour.

7. Full Power Up sequence.

8. Default TONE 3.

9. POP ON.

10. Backlighting Dim/Bright

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM: No display or audio.

• Make sure batteries are installed with the correct

polarity.

• Make sure batteries are fully charged.

• Make sure battery contacts are clean.

• 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 (see page 8 ).

PROBLEM: Low Battery Life.

• Recharge the batteries using the home charger.

• One or more of the batteries may be defective.

• See the battery life tips on page 8.

PROBLEM: Unit turns itself off

RESET FEATURES

• See battery saver feature on page 11

16

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
bumps.

• Make sure batteries are seated properly.

• Make sure that the battery door is fully closed.

• Make sure battery contacts are clean.

• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and
clean.

PROBLEM: Unit not charging in car and unit
displays “NO BA

• The batteries may be too low and need to be
refreshed. To refresh the batteries, you need
to charge them in the home charger for 10
hours, remove the charger from the wall outlet
to reset the 10 hour timer and then re-insert
for a 2nd charge of 10 hours. This will peak
and refresh the batteries to maximum capacity.

PROBLEM: Battery gauge indicates “BATT
FULL” but the unit only a few hours

• If you had a low battery warning and you
charge the batteries for 1 or 2 hours using the
power cor
FULL because the battery voltage is greater
than 1.25 volts per cell but the capacity is not
full and as a result the battery operation of
your unit will be greatly diminished. Recharge
the batteries using the home charger
overnight or in the unit for at least 8 hours
using the power cord and a live cigarette
lighter socket. The battery gauge is only
accurate if the batteries are fully charged by
the procedures as indicated above.

If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by
information in this Troubleshooting Guide,
please call Whistler Customer Service at

880000..553311..0000004

wwhhiissttlleerrggrroouup

www

.

unit for service.

T” or the * is not blinking.

d, the battery gauge may say BATT

4

or visit our F.A.Q. page at

p

.com before returning your

17

CARE AND 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 unit’s exterior.

As with all battery operated devices remove the
batteries when this unit will not be used for an
extended period of time. Damage caused by
leaky or improperly charged batteries are not
covered under warranty. Check with the battery
manufacturer about the specific battery warranty.

ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?

In Most States YES!

Laser-Radar detectors are 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.

18

FCC INFORMATION

FCC ID : HSXWH15

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.

SPEED MONITORING

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 mo ving t arg et, 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™Mode and 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™Mode detection capabili­ty cannot respond to this brief transmission.

19

SPEED MONITORING

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 more than a four-lane highway at a dis­tance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser gun’s
transmission which covers about 3 feet at the
same distance. For best protection, keep these
points in mind:

• Because the vehicle’s license plate or
headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets,
mounting the 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.

• 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

™

20

SPEED MONITORING

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!

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:

g

PPaacciinng

•

- A patrol car drives behind you and
matches your driving speed.
VVaassccaarr//AAiirrccrraafft

•
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 it 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 18). 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 receive
two tickets - one potentially for speeding, the other
for possession of a detector.

t

- The time it takes a vehicle to

21 22

SPEED MONITORING

NNoottee:: HHaavviinngg aa rraaddaarr ddeetteeccttoorr ccaappaabbllee oof
ddeetteeccttiinngg tthhee VVGG--22 mmaayy aalleerrtt yyoouu ttoo tthhee pprreess­eennccee ooff aa ssppeeeedd ttrraapp.. TThhee nneewweesstt ttooooll PPoolliicce
hhaavvee ttoo ddeetteecctt rraaddaarr ddeetteeccttoorrss iiss ccaalllleedd SSppeeccttrree.

t

hhiiss pprriinnttiinngg.. SSppeeccttrree ccaann ddeetteecctt aallll uunnddee-

AAss ooff t
tteeccttaabbllee ((VVGG--22)) llaasseerr//rraaddaarr ddeetteeccttoorrss oonn tthhe

.

mmaarrkkeett.
It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector

owner to know and understand the laws in your ar
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.

f

-

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e

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, 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.

:

NNoottee:

Damaged caused by incorrect battery
placement or battery leakage is not cover
under this warranty.

ed

.

-

ea

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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

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 the unit in the original carton or in a

Important: Whistler will not assume responsi­bility for loss or damage incurred in shipping.
Therefore, please ship your unit insured with
return receipt requested. CODs

accepted!

2. Include with your unit the following

` to radar”).

“Service Out Of Warranty.”

suitable sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with
return receipt requested to:

Whistler Repair Dept.

551 North 13th Street.

Rogers, AR. 72756

Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.

will not be

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

• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of
sale.

23 24

WARRANTY INFORMATION

3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial
number. For reference, please write your unit’s
serial number in the following space:
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

dated store receipt must accompany any

your
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 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.

elect not to have your unit repaired, it will

If you
be returned to you along with your certified
check or money order.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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:

1-800-531-0004

Representatives are available to answer your questions
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT) or
visit the FAQ’s at www.whistlergroup.com.

SPECIFIC ATIONS

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˚

(-4˚ F to +176˚ F)

Power Requirements:

4 AA Ni-MH batteries 4.8 volts.
12 volts with power cor

d.

One or more U.S. patents may apply:

#5,146,227, #5,379,456, #5,666,120, #5,990,82,
#7,215,276

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

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

25

C to +80˚ C

These and other accessories can be

ACCESSORIES

ordered directly from Whistler by calling

1-800-531-0004 or visit our online store at

www.whistlergroup.com

Order # Description Price

500501 Zippered Travel Case $ 9.95

600111 Home Battery Charger $ 9.95
202152 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95
206552 Straight Power Cord (5’) $14.95
206553 Coiled Power Cord (7’) $15.95
206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95

206666 Modular* Cord Package $17.95

402081 Non Skid Dash Pad $ 6.95
206660 Straight Modular Cord & $11.95

206661 Coiled Modular Cord & $12.95

26005P Replaceable Ring and Insert Set

* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.

hipping and handling (per order) $5.00 . Prices are

S
s

ubject to change without notice.

(for wiring to fuse box)

(includes coiled and straight
cords, and power adapter)

Socket Multiplier

Socket Multiplier

Includes 6 trim rings: metallic
blue, metallic gold, metallic
red, pink, silver and white and
2 inserts: metallic silver and
metallic black.

26

$14.95