Whistler XTR-585 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

XTR-585

Total Band Protection™Plus Ku

LASER-RADAR

DETECTOR

The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters

13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712

Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]

Customer Return Center

551 N. 13th St. • Rogers, AR 72756

Customer Service Tel [phone]

www.whistlergroup.com

P/N 260016 ©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 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.

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number of the unit in the space pr
ranty section of the manual.

Now is the time to record the serial

To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your
Whistler and to better understand the differences
between detecting radar, laser and safety radar sig­nals, we recommend reading this entire manual or
visit our FAQ page on our website www.whistler­group.com

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

at www.

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

Installation ........................................... 3 - 5

•Changing Trim Rings 3 - 4

•Mounting Guidelines 4

•Windshield Mounting 5

•Power Connection and Fuse Replacement 5

Operation .......................................... 5 - 14

•Programmable Text Display 5 - 6

•Programmable Audio Tones 6 - 8

•External Audio Jack 8

•Power On and Self-Test 8

•Setting Saver 8

•Feature Engaged Confirmation 8

•Audio Level Adjustment 8

•Auto Quiet Mode 9

•Quiet Mode 9

•Intellicord

•Highway Mode 9

•City/City 1/ City 2 Mode 10

•Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 10

•Teach/Tutorial Mode 10

•Backlight Setting 11

•Battery Saver Mode 11

•Compass Mode 12

•Compass Calibration Set-up 12

•Option Select Mode 13

•Stay Alert Feature 14

Safety Warning System™ ......................... 14

POP

Laser/Radar Alerts ................................. 15

•Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts 15

•Laser Audio/Visual Alerts 15

•Pulse Protection

VG-2 Alerts ............................................ 16

•Alert Priority 16

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

Troubleshooting Guide .......................... 17

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

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

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

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

•Radar Facts 19

•POP™Mode 19

•Laser Facts 20

•Other Speed Detection Systems 21 -22

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

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

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

®

™

Mode Alerts ................................. 15

®

15

9

WHISTLER FEATURES FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

XTR-585

6

1

2

9

10

8

12

Accessories:

Windshield Bracket Kit, Straight Power Cord & 2 Trim Rings

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

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 release of the mounting bracket.

2. Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for
X, K, Ka, Ku band radar, safety radar, laser a nd 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

2

14

13

16

15

3

7

11

5

4

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 encounter

8. Quiet/Menu Button - Pressing QUIET befor
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 13)

9. Power/Dim -Turns unit on/off and engages
Backlight settings (press and hold).

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

12. Blue Backlit LCD Pr
Display – Provides distinct visual confirmation

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

13. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power
cor

d.

14. Removable Trim Ring – Allows changing the trim
ring to one of the other colors.

15. External Audio Jack – Permits easy connection of
an external speaker/headset to the XTR 585.

16. Microphone – Allows recording of audio tones

IMPORTANT:

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INSTALLATION

Trim Ring Removal/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.

3

Installation

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

e a

of

o

e

.

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 vehicle’s owner’s manual to

determine if your windshield has this coating.

• Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.

• Avoid placing unit in direct sunlight.

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

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.

Important: Make sure unit is level with road surface.

4

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:

The cord fits tightly into detector. When

installing the 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 scr
the tip. With use, the screw cap on plug may
loosen. Retighten it occasionally.

Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug
carefully when replacing the 2 amp fuse.

d, expect some resistance.

:

Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a

ew on

OPERATION

Programmable Text Display

The unit has the ability to modify the standard
laser/radar detector’s display. “WHISTLER”,
“HIGHWAY”, “CITY”, “CITY 1”, and “CITY 2” can
be changed to display your name, or any combi­nation of 8 characters. For example, “HIGHWAY”
can be changed to “GO 4 IT”.

Note: A space is counted as a character.
WARNING!!! Programming the text display or the

INSTALLATION

audio is not intended to be done while you ar
driving. You should not use any device in a vehicle
that may distract you from observing the road
ahead.

56

e

To Modify the Text

OPERATION

• Press and hold the Quiet button to enter
Option mode (see page 13 ). Once “USER
TEXT” is displayed simultaneously press and
release the VOL UP and VOL DOWN buttons
each time to scroll through the text that can
be customized. When a text is selected, (use
WHISTLER for example) the display will
indicate “WHISTLER” with a blinking cursor
under the letter “W”.

Note: The blinking cursor indicates that this is
the first letter r

• Press the Volume Up button to advance to the
next letter/character/symbol/space to be
displayed.

• Press the Volume Down button to select the
previous letter/character/symbol/space to be
displayed.

• Press the Quiet button to advance to the next
position in the current word.

• Press the City button to go back to the previous
position in the current word

• Press and hold the City button to change the
character set (A, a, 9, ! etc.).

• Press PWR to exit User Text Mode and return to
OPTION Mode.

• Press PWR again to exit OPTION Mode.

Programmable Audio Tones

Model XTR-585 also has the ability to modify the
standard laser/radar detector’s audio tones. Audio
tones such as “X Band”, “K Band,” “Ka Band” “Ku
Band” and “Laser” can be changed to play up to 15
seconds of a favorite tune, phrase, saying, almost
anything you like. When the unit detects K band, for
example, the K band voice will now be followed by
what was recorded for K band.

TIP: Turn off the voice option to have the unit
respond only with the custom recorded alerts.

eady to be changed.

To Modify the Audio

OPERATION

• Press and hold the Quiet button to enter Option

Mode (see page 13 ). Once “USER TONE” is
displayed, simultaneously press and release the
VOL UP and VOL DOWN buttons to allow for
selection of Normal Tones or Custom Tones.
(Display shows “ X - Norm” or “ X - Cust”) The
Vol Up button selects Custom Tone and Vol Down
button selects Normal Tone. The Quiet button
advances the menu to the next band selection.
“X - Norm”—› “K - Norm”—› “Ka - Norm” —›
“Ku - Norm” —› “L - Norm”

The PWR button exits User Tone Mode, but still
remains in Option Mode. Press the PWR button
again to exit Option Mode.

IMPORTANT: Unit does not detect radar or laser

signals during recording or while playing a
tone.To ensure a quality recording, the source
should be approximately 1” away from the micro­phone.

To record or play a message (Record/Playback
Mode):

• Press both volume buttons for less than 2
seconds and release. The unit will beep once;
this enters Custom Mode. Displa y shows: C USTOM
The display shows the word PLAY and REC
with accompanying arrows to indicate the
buttons to control these functions (Start/Stop
Play = PWR and Start/Stop Rec = City).

• The display then indicates: CUST--X as X is the
first band ready to record up to 15 seconds of
audio.

• Press and release the Quiet/Record button
advances the recording feature to the next
band.

• Press both volume buttons for less than 2
seconds and release to exit Record/Playback
mode.

NOTE: Custom Mode automatically exits within 20

seconds if a button is not pressed. Messages are
kept in memory and are not affected by resetting
the factory features. See “Reset Features” section of
the manual.

7

To delete a message:

OPERATION

• Enter Custom mode and press Volume Up or
Volume Down button until selected band
appears on the display.

• Press the Quiet/Record button twice.

TIP: To prevent the recording of the stop button
press (click), allow the recording process to continue
for 15sec and automatically time out.

External Audio Jack

The External Audio Jack can be used to connect an
external speaker or headphones in environments
with high ambient noise levels. The internal speaker
will be disconnected.

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. Ku-Band

9. SR OFF 10. COMBO

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”.

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.

6

6

.LASER 7. POP ON 8. VG2 OFF

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.

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.

Intellicord

Using Whistler’s included Intellicord®Power Cable
allows control of the detector’s features such as
Power On/Off, City Modes, Dim/Dark, and
Quiet/Auto Quiet with a simple press of the but­ton on the Power Cable. Two features can be con­trolled: one by a short press of the button (S1), and
the second by a long press of the button (S2).
Option Mode allows the user to program the fea­ture assignments.

Highway Mode

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

Note: In Combo Mode an “
to indicate mode of operation.

For mor
our FAQ page on our website: www.whistlergroup.com

®

H

C

H

C

” or “

” will be shown

e information on City and Highway mode, please visit

City/City 1/City 2 Mode

OPERATION

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 using
X band radar
alert for laser or VG-2.

Engaging/Disengaging VG-2

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 again detected. 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.

Teach/Tutorial Mode

Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.

• Press City and Quiet simultaneously and release.

• Display Shows:

• Press Power to exit.

. City Modes do not change the audio

Backlight Setting

OPERATION OPERATION OPERATION

The backlighting (B/L) 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:

OFF-OFF = B/L is off at idle and off during an alarm.
OFF-DIM = B/L is off at idle and dim during an

alarm.

OFF-BRT = B/L is off at idle and bright during an alarm.
DIM-OFF = B/L is dim at idle and off during an

alarm.
DIM-BRT = B/L is dim at idle and bright during an
alarm.
BRT-BRT = B/L remains bright at idle as well as alarm­ing.

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 pr
backlight will illuminate at the dim setting and
remain on for 3 seconds afterwards. The backlight
will also illuminate while in option mode.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically
shuts off your detector 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 timer has
expired. The detector will alert you with an audible
and visual warning before it shuts off.

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

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

Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions for
deactivating battery saver mode feature. Ti mer = 3 hrs

11 12

essed the

Compass Mode

The unit is programmed from the factory in
“Combo Mode”. COMBO mode means that the

nit provides both compass readings as well as

u
detecting laser/radar signals. Through the
“Option Select Mode”, either laser / radar or com­pass features can be turned off meaning, RADAR
equals detection of all police bands and laser;
COMPASS equals no detection of police
laser/radar

Note:The unit must be calibrated to provide
accurate compass readings.

Compass Calibration Set-up

The unit will need to be calibrated in order for
the compass to provide accurate readings. To
calibrate the unit, perform the following proce­dure:

11.
vehicle’s windshield. Make sur
magnetic sources near the detector (i.e., speaker).

2

2

without any power lines.
3

3

CCAALL MMOODDE
simultaneously

4

4

b
bration. The unit will beep twice and display shows,
for example:

Note: In Combo Mode an “
shown to indicate mode of operation.

Important: If unit mounting is relocated in the
vehicle, (i.e., visor to windshield mounting or dash
mounting), or if the unit is moved to another vehi­cle, you must r

.

.

Mount the unit level in the center of the

. Select a large clear area (parking lot or field)

. Press the Menu button until display shows

E

. Then press the both Volumn buttons

. The display shows (scrolling):

. If calibration does not automatically finish press the
oth Volumn buttons simultaneously to complete cali-

ecalibrate the compass.

e there are no other

H

C

H

C

” or “

” will be

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:

13

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 not 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 sub-

stitute 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”

14 15

POP™ MODE ALERTS

POP™Mode Alerts

Because POP™ Mode travels on regular radar
bandwidth, there is no particular alert for POP
Mode transmissions. POP™ Mode alerts will be
displayed as a regular radar alert.

LASER/RADAR ALERTS

Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts

When X, K, Ka, or Ku is detected, the band ID
and signal strength are displayed. The audio
alert is continuous and has a geiger counter-like
pattern. The faster the beep, the closer or
stronger the radar source.

Note: Geiger not available when custom tones
are selected

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.

®

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 detector ‘hides’ its
own radiated signal and becomes undetectable by
the VG-2. Once VG-2 is detected, 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 sig­nal s cannot be received (Reference page 21 for VG­2 information).

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.

Reset Features

All user features can be reset to factory settings.

• Unplug Power Cord from unit.

• Press and hold Power and Quiet buttons.

• Plug Power Cord into unit.

• Wait for two beeps then release buttons.

Unit is now reset to the following features and settings.

Default factory settings are:

1. Audio to level (5).

2. Display shows COMBO.

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. Backlighting Dim/Bright.

11. Ku OFF.

16

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: Unit alarms when using vehicle
electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors,
power windows, turn signals, horn, etc.)
when unit is connected to the power cord.

• Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and
alternator, may have electrical noise. Install a filter
capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or larger capacitance value)
on the back of the lighter socket.

PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
bumps.

• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.

• Check connections at both ends of power cord.
Substitute another cord to determine if cord is
defective. Return 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).

PROBLEM: Unit turns itself off

• See battery saver feature on page 11

If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by
information in this Troubleshooting Guide, please
call Whistler Customer Service at 1-800-531-0004
or visit our FAQ page at
www.whistlergroup.com/faq-detectors.asp,
before returning your unit for service.

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.

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.

FCC INFORMATION

FCC ID: HSXWH16

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two 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: 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 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), Ka Band (33.400 - 36.000
GHz) and Ku Band (13.425 - 13.475 GHz).

Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an offi-

er is not transmitting on any one of the above

c
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.

17

18

19

SPEED MONITORING

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

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ssppeeeedd ttrraapp.. AAss ooff tthhiiss pprriinnttiinngg,, tthhee nneewweesstt ttooool
PPoolliiccee hhaavvee ttoo ddeetteecctt rraaddaarr ddeetteeccttoorrss iiss ccaal
SSppeeccttrree.. SSppeeccttrree ccaann ddeetteecctt mmoosstt uunnddeetteeccttaabblle
((VVGG--22)) llaasseerr//rraaddaarr ddeetteeccttoorrss oonn tthhee mmaarrkkeett.

It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector
operator to know and understand the laws in your

ea regarding the legality of the use of radar detec-

ar
tors.

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lleed

.

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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.

-

a

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Service Under Warranty

During the warranty period, defective units will
be repaired without charge 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, 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.
Ther
return receipt requested. CODs will not be

accepted!

2. Include with your unit the following

` to radar”).

“Service Out Of W

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

Whistler Repair Dept.

551 N. 13th St.

Rogers, AR. 72756

Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.

efore, please ship your unit insured with

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.

arranty.”

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:
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

• The unit has been abused, modified,

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 con-

acted by a Whistler technical service special-

t
ist 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.

To validate that your unit is within

number.

installed improperly, or had its housing
removed.

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.

SPECI FIC ATIONS

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)

13.425 - 13.475 GHz (Ku Band)
Operating Temperature Range:-20˚ C to +80˚ C

(-4˚ F to +176˚ F)

Power Requirements:

12 volts, center tip positive.

One or more U.S. patents may apply:

#5,146,227, #5,379,456, #5,666,120, #5,990,821
#7,215,276

™

Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.

POP

Specifications are subject to change
without notice.

25

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

OOrrddeerr ##DDeessccrriippttiioon

403774 Intellicord

500501 Zipped Travel Case $ 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

206 666 Modular Cord Package $ 17. 95

402081 Non Skid Dash Pad $ 6.95

206660 Straight Modular Cord & $ 11. 95

206 661 Coiled Modular Cord & $ 12. 95

26 0 05 P Replaceable Ring and Insert Set

* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.

Shhiippppiinngg aanndd hhaannddlliinngg ((ppeerr oorrddeerr)) $$55..0000 .. PPrriicceess aarree

S
ssuubbjjeecctt ttoo cchhaannggee wwiitthhoouutt nnoottiiccee.

(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.

n

®

.

26

PPrriiccee

$27.95

$ 14.95