Dear Whistler Detector Owner,
If you have questions concer
this Whistler product please call:
ning the operation of
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
For 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.
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 visiting our FAQ page on our website
www.whistlergroup.com
Enjoy your Whistler Detector and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
The Whistler Gr
oup, Inc.
.
com.
f
d
Model Features Summary ................................. 2 - 3
Whistler’s er gonomic and user-friendly design provides a new
level of operating convenience. Special features include:
. Bracket Release Button –provides quick
1
and easy release of the mounting bracket.
1
3
11
7
3
5
4
2. Speaker – provides distinct audio warnings
or X, K, Ka band radar, safety radar, laser and
f
VG-2.
ounting Bracket Location
3. M
14
mounting bracket firm
4.Radar Antenna –
antenna receives radar signals.
5. Front Laser – high gain optical lens provides
increased sensitivity and field of view for
leading-edge 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 Button - pressing QUIET before a
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode
which a utomatically r educes 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.
9. Power / Volume Control – turns unit on/off
and adjusts audio level.
10. Dim / Dark Button - engages Dim/Dark modes.
ly.
compact, high-ef
11. Menu Button - enters Option Select Mode.
12. Text Display - provides distinct visual
confirmation of signals detected, signal
strength, and indicates engaged modes of
operation.
13. Low Profile Alert Periscopes - provide an
additional attention getting visual alert.
14. Power Jack - provides connection for the
power cord.
3
– slot holds
ficiency
Mounting Guidelines
• Mount the unit as low as possible near the
enter of the windshield.
c
Do not mount the unit behind wipers,
•
ornaments, mirrored sunscreens, etc. These
bstructions have metal surfaces which can
o
ffect radar and laser signals and reduce
a
ritical warning time. (Regular tinted glass
c
oes not affect reception).
d
• Some windshields have an Instaclear
E
s
• 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
• 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.
™
lectriclear
ignals. Consult your dealer or the vehicle’s
owner’s manual to determine if your
windshield has this coating.
ype coating, which affect radar
t
(Image A)
™
or
(Image A)
Windshield
Mounting
IIMMPPOORRTTAANNT
T
: Make sure the unit is level
4
Page 3
Important: Some newercars have a plastic safety
INSTALLATION
oating on the inside of the windshield. The
c
indshield bracket may le ave per man entmarks on this
w
type of surface. To find out if your vehiclehas this typ e
f windshield, check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or
o
sk your dealer. We recommend that you do not
a
leave the suction cup bracket on the windshield in
direct sunlight. If the detector is removed, this may
ause blistering of the dash in some vehicles.
c
• Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into
place. (Image B)
(Image B)
Rubber Bumper
• 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
INSTALLATION
Plug the small end of the power cord into the
•
unit’ s power jack.
• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
ocket.
s
:
NNoottee:
Cord fits tightly into detector. When
installing the cord, expect some resistance.
Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket plug is equipped with a
eplaceable 2 amp, 3AG fuse located behind the
r
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 slowly. The tip contains a
Power On Self Test
OPERATION
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on,
an automatic self-test sequence confirms that
the speaker and displays is functional.
• Text Display shows in order:
HISTLER 2. X-band 3. K-band 4.Ka-band
1.W
5. LASER 6
9.B
Dim/Dark Mode
Dim/Dark Mode re
isplay
d
• Press and release the Dark button to reduce
illumination to a dim setting.
• Press and release the Dark button a second
time to engage Dark Mode. The 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 20 seconds after,
then the display returns to the dimmer setting.
• Press and release the Dark button a third time
to restore the display to full illumination.
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.
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed, one beep confirms
feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
..
SR OFF 7. VG2 OFF 8. POP ON
SVRON10.HIGHWAY
duces the illumination of the
5
6
7
Page 4
Quiet Mode
OPERATION
Quiet mode cancels audio during an alert and any new
alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, 2 beeps are
provided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.
• Press Quiet button to cancel the audio.
• Press Quiet button a second time during an alert to
restore the standard audio alert pattern; or turn the
unit off, then on.
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet mode 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
mode does not affect laser alerts.
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage
Auto Quiet mode.
• Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to
cancel Auto Quiet mode.
Audio Level Adjustment
To Change the audio level:
• Rotate Power/Volume button back to increase audio
level.
• Rotate Power/Volume button forward to decrease
audio level.
8910
City/City 1/City 2 Mode
OPERATION
Whistler’s Three Stage City Mode is designed to
educethe annoyance of automatic door
r
openers, intrusion alarms and other devices which
share frequencieswith police radar. Generally, X
and is used for these devices.
b
•
Press City button to cancel Highway Mode
and engage City Mode.
• Pre
ss City button again to enter City 1 Mode
• Press City button again to enter City 2 Mode
• Pre
ss City button a four
Mode a
nd r
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. City 1 and City 2
Modes operate the same as Highway Mode, but
in City 1 Mode, X band requires a stronger
signal to alert. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not
detected.
Caution: Some towns/small cities may still be
using X band radar. City Modesdo not change
the audio alert for laser or VG-2.
Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any
time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Radar) or laser
sign als are detected, and is recommended for
open road driving.
For more information on City and Highway modes,
please visit our F .A.Q. page on our website:
www.whistlergroup.com
th time to cancel City 2
eturn
the unit to Highway Mode.
Teach/Tutorial Mode
OPERATION
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
Press City and Quiet buttons simultaneously
•
• Display Shows:
• Press Dark button to exit..
Low Profile Alert Periscopes
Whistler’s Low Profile Alert Periscopes provide an
added attention getting visual alert. The two extra
ED’s flash on and off when the unit alarms to
L
provide a unique visual alert. This alert can be
programmed through the Option Select Mode to
be: ON, OFF, or FLASHING during alerts..
Page 5
VG-2 Mode
OPERATION
See Option Select Mode to turn this feature
n/off. When a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2
o
lert is sounded and the display flashes “VG-2”.
a
After 3 seconds the audio is canceled and the
isplay no longer flashes. This cycle is repeated
d
if the VG-2 signal is detected again.
DDuurriinngg tthhee ppeerriioodd aa VVGG--22 ssiiggnnaall iiss ddeetteecctteedd,, a
rraaddaarr ssiiggnnaall ccaannnnoott bbee ddeetteecctteedd.
ecause the VG-2alert has confirmed that a
b
patrol car is nearby, you are already aware of the
potential for speed monitoring a
your speed accordingly. Laser detection is not
affected while a VG-2 signal is detected.
page 16 for more information)
.
However,
nd can adjust
a
(See
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
OPERATION
he Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts
T
off the detector after 3 hrs. The timer is reset if the
etector is turned off, unplugged or any button is
d
ressed before the timer has expired. The detector
p
will alert you with an audible and visual warning
before it shuts off. During this warning, you can
omentarily reset the timer by pressing any button.
m
f the unit has automatically turned off, press any
I
button to turn the unit back on.
efer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions
R
for deactivating battery
saver mode feature.
OPERATION
Option Select Mode
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
ptions such as Tone Select, Abbreviated Power Up
o
equence, and VG-2 Mode. Press the Menu button to
S
enter Option Select Mode. When selecting options, the
ark or Quiet buttons must be pressed within 20
D
seconds or Option Select Mode will automatically be
exited.
Press and hold Menu button to exit Option Select Mode.
11
12
13
Page 6
OPERATION
Stay Aler
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s
alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming) :
• Press and hold the City button for approximately 2
s
econds. Release the button during or immediately after
t
he alert is given. Display shows:
Within 30-60 seconds, an alert is sounded; to show
alertness, the driver must press either the City, Menu, or
Quiet buttons within 3-5 seconds. If a 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 the Dark button to exit the Stay Alert feature.
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 YOUARE DROWSY.
In communities where transmitters are located,
the Safety Warning System™displays over 60 text
messages. When Safety Radar is detected, a unique
audio alert sounds.
Safety Warning System T ext Example: Poor - Road - Surface.
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™transmitters.
t Feature
Safety Warning System
™
POP™ MODE ALERTS
POP™Mode Aler
ecause POP
B
or Ka band frequencies, POP
K
displayed as regular radar alerts.
ts
™
ode radar utilizes the same
M
™
M
ode Alerts will be
LASER/RADAR ALERTS
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
When X, K, or Ka is detected, the band ID and
signal stre
c
counter. 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.
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 w arning and the display shows:
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert
pattern continues for as long as the signal is
pr
It is impor
alert, since warning time may be minimal.
ngth is displayed. The audio alert is
ontinuous and has a pattern like a geiger
• The Display Shows:
®
esent.
tant to respond promptly to a pulse
VG-2 ALERTS
VG-2 Audio/V
Note: You must turn this feature on before it will detect VG-2.
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its
own radiated signal and becomes undetectable by the
V
G-2. Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2
s
ignal. 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 (see pg. 11).
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are re
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
o
ride the X band alert.
ver
isual Alerts
ceived at the same
RESET FEATURES
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
•Unplug the Power Cord from the unit.
• Press and hold the Quiet button.
• Plug the Power Cord into the unit.
• Wait for 2 beeps.
• Release the Quiet button.
Unit is now reset to the following features and settings.
Default factory settings are:
1. HIGHWAY Mode
2. Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display
3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF
4. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF
5. Safety Radar OFF
6. Vehicle Battery Saver ON
7. Full Power Up sequence
8. Default TONE 3
9. POP ON
10. LED Periscopes to BLINK
14
15
16
Page 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
our Whistler detector is expertly engineered
Y
nd designed to exacting quality standards to
a
provide you with reliable, trouble-free operation.
f your unit has been correctly installed following
I
he guidelines in this manual, but is not
t
operating optimally, please refer to the
roubleshooting guide below.
t
PROBLEM: No display or audio.
• Check the fuse in the plug; replace if
necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type.
• Check the fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary.
• Make sure the lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
bumps.
• Check for a loose lighter socket; tighten and
clean.
• Check the connections at both ends of the
power cord. Substitute another cord to
determine if the cord is defective. Return the
defective cord to the factory.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud
enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting. (see page 8)
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by
informationin this Troubleshooting Guide, please
call Whistler Customer Service at 1-800-531-0004
or visit our FAQ page at
whistlergroup.com/faq-detectors.asp,
www.
before returning your unit for service.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
e And Maintenance
Car
uring the summer months, avoid prolonged
D
xposure to direct sunlight by removing your unit
e
from the dash when your vehicle is parked for an
xtended period of time. Do not spray water,
e
leaners, or polishes directly onto the un it. The
c
spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive
cleaners on the unit’s exterior.
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
have local regulations restricting the use of
radar receivers in any vehicle.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
passed a nationwide regulation, effective
January 1994, which prohibited radar and laser
detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
FCC INFORMATION
FCC ID : HSXWH10
FCC ID : HSXWH21
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
ules. Operation is subject to the following two
R
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Important:
ommission)
C
modifications not expressly approved by
Whistler could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
FCC
(Federal Communications
equirements state that changes or
r
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 vin g ta r get , a measurable frequency shift
occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles
per hour to determine your vehicle’s speed.
Currently, the FCC 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 only alarm if an
officer is transmitting on any one of the above
radar bands.
17
18
19
Page 8
SPEED MONITORING
POP™ Mode
POP™Mode is a featur
operating on K and Ka bands. When the gun is in
POP™Mode and activated, a brief burst of ener
less that 1/15 of a second, is transmitted and the
s speed is quickly acquired. A detector
vehicle’
without P
OP
respond to this brief transmission.
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 la s e r gun can target a specific vehicle
out of a line of traffic and determine its speed. The
advantage o f l a s er over radar in terms of
target identification is the result of th e l a se r g u n ’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. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances
are your detector won’t either.
• The receiving range of laser signals will
not be the same as radar signals. 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
+/- 10nm.
•Pro Laser™I II III •LT1 20-20 •Ultra Lyte
e on some radar guns
™
Mode detection capability cannot
20
gy,
SPEED MONITORING
Laser Tips
f you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can
I
often determine your speed within a few
econds after you receive an alert. In this
s
ituation, there is generally no time to safely
s
adjust your speed. However, if you are traveling
ear or behind the targeted vehicle and receive
n
n alert, response time should be sufficient. Any
a
aser alert, regardless of duration, requires
l
mmediate action!
i
ther Speed Detection Systems
O
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
•
takes your vehicle to travel a known d i s ta n c e.
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 18), drivers risk losing their radar detector and
receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on radar is
almost always used in combination with an RDD,
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receive
two tickets - one potential for speeding, and the
other for possession of a detector.
t
- The police measure the time it
2122
SPEED MONITORING
ote:
N
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 S pe c t re. Spectre can detect the
majority of undetectable (VG-2) la se r /r a d ar
detectors on the market.
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.
.
Page 9
ARRANTY INFORMATION
W
Service Under Warranty
uring the warranty period, defective units will
D
e repaired without charge to the purchaser when
b
returnedwith a dated store receipt to the address
elow. Unitsreturned without a dated store
b
eceipt will be handled as described in section
r
ue to the specialized equipment necessary for
D
esting a Laser-Radar receiver, there are no
t
authorized service stations for Whistler brand
etectors other than Whistler.
d
W
hese instructions:
t
. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a
1
mportant:
I
responsibility for loss or damage incurred in
hipping. Therefore, please ship your unit
s
nsured with return receipt requested.
i
will not be accepted!
2. Include with your unit the following
`
“Service Out Of Warranty.”
hen returning a unit for service, please follow
suitable sturdyequivalent, fully insured, with
eturn receipt requested to:
r
histler Repair Dept.
W
551 N. 13th St.
ogers, AR. 72756
R
lease allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
P
nformation, clearly printed:
i
• Your name and street address
shipping via UPS)
n
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,
“Unit performs self-test but does not respond
to radar”).
•
sale.
histler will not assume
W
ODs
C
umber and an email address, if applicable.
A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of
, a daytime telephone
324
2
(for
ARRANTY INFORMATION
W
. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial
3
umber. For reference, please write your unit’s
n
serial number in the following space:
/n______________.
s
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
mportant: To validate that your unit is within
I
he warranty period, make sure you keep a
t
opy of your dated store receipt. You may
c
register your warranty online at
ww.whistlergroup.com, however, for
w
warranty verification purposes, a copy of
our dated store receipt must accompany any
y
unit sent in for warranty work.
Service Out of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty”
ervice rates when:
s
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,
nstalled improperly, or had its housing
i
removed.
The minimum out of warranty service fee for
your Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you
equire out of warranty service, please return
r
your unit as outlined in the section “Service
arranty” along with a certified check or
Under W
oney order for $55.00. Payment may also be
m
made by MasterCard, VISA or American
Express;
personal checks are not accepted.
n the event repairs cannot be covered by the
I
inimum $55.00 service fee, you will be
m
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.
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 r equir e service during or after the
warranty period, please call Customer Service at:
1-800-531-0004
esentatives are available to answer your questions
Repr
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT) or
visit the FAQ’s at www.
C
I
F
I
SPEC
avelength:
Laser W
50 nanometers (nm)
±
905
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:-10 C to +70 C