 |
|
|
|
| How do I return my unit for service?
|
|
See Customer
Service section for full details.
|
| How
do I install the Hardwire kit (p/n 206880)? |
One
end of the power cord plugs directly into the detector. Two
connectors are located on the other end, the "horseshoe"
or "U" connector (ground "-") and a
"blade" connector (positive "+").
- Attach the "U" ground connector to chassis ground of
the vehicle. This will be a metal area that makes contact with
the metal of the vehicle.
- To make the detector go on/off with the key, attach the
positive wire in one of the following methods:
- Locate an optional plug-in connector in the fuse box.
Generally this connector is marked with "IGN" or
"ACC". Simply plug the spade connector into this
jack. If no plug-ins are available on fuse box, go to option
2.
- Select a circuit in the fuse box that has power to it only
when the key is on (i.e., radio fuse). Remove the fuse
selected. Cut the spade connector off the positive wire and
strip back the wire about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. Wrap the wire
around one of the fuse's metal tabs and replace back in fuse
box.
- To make the detector stay on all the time, (manually turning
it off), attach the positive wire in one of the following
methods:
- Locate an optional plug-in connector in the fuse box.
Generally this connector is marked with "BAT".
Simply plug the spade connector into this jack. If no
plug-ins are available on fuse box, go to option 2.
- Select a circuit in the fuse box that has power to it all
the time (i.e., dome light fuse). Remove the fuse selected.
Cut the spade connector off the positive wire and strip back
the wire about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. Wrap the wire around one
of the fuse's metal tabs and replace back in fuse box.
|
| Unit doesn't power up.
|
|
Does the unit work in another vehicle? If not, first thing to
check is the fuse in the power cord. The
adapter (part that plugs into the lighter socket) has a replaceable 2 amp 3 AG
fuse inside it. The end of the adapter, which has the silver tip, unscrews to
gain access to the fuse. CAREFUL: Unscrew slowly! The tip contains a
spring which may fly out when disassembling. With use,
screw cap on plug may loosen. Retighten occasionally.
If the unit
works in another vehicle, it could be the lighter socket fuse. Check vehicle's
owner's manual for fuse location and correct value. If the vehicle is old or the
lighter is used often, the socket may be corroded or loose. Replacement of the
lighter socket may be necessary.
|
| Why does the volume go low after a few
alerts? |
|
The majority of the newer Whistler models have a feature
called "Auto Quiet". This feature reduces the volume to the lowest level or
provides a low volume clicking, after several alarms. To enter or exit this
mode, simply press the "Quiet" button when the unit is not alarming to any
signals.
|
| Unit has no audio during self-test but is otherwise ok. |
|
Models 1640, 1670LD, 1734, 1740, 1743, 1745, 1748 and new units with Icon/Icon 7 segment displays have an unique feature that mutes the self-test. To engage/disengage
this feature, press the quiet button during the self-test.
|
| How far can I pick them
up? |
|
Excluding instant-on
radar, you can get enough range to slow down before the officer can get you.
We do not publish range in miles or feet due to the various types of radar in
use (high power, low power, pulse). If we advertised 1.5 mile range and you came
across a low powered radar gun you may only get 800 feet, for example. If that
happened, you might get the impression that the detector may appear to be
defective when in fact, it was providing detection for the type of radar that
was transmitted.
For the latest radar detector tests, visit www.speedzones.com , www.radartest.com or www.radarbusters.com.
|
| How does police radar work? |
|
A police radar gun
operates by transmitting radio waves at certain frequencies which reflects off
objects (your vehicle) and are then picked up by the radar gun's receiving
section. When radar waves reflect off a moving target, a measurable frequency
shift occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour to
determine the target's speed.

Two basic types of radar are used - stationary and moving. Stationary radar must be used from a
static site, typically a patrol car parked along side the road (See above
figure). But with a single antenna moving radar, an officer can clock
approaching vehicles while driving on patrol. Moving radar with two antennae -
one facing forward, the other aimed out the back of the cruiser - can also clock
vehicles even after they have passed by, headed in the opposite direction.
|
| How does a radar detector
work? |
|
A detector is a radio receiver tuned to specific
frequencies used by police radar. It is extremely sensitive, often able to hear
radar from over a mile away, far beyond the range at which radar can clock a
vehicle's speed. In evaluating a detector, the two most important performance
criteria are sensitivity and selectivity. Sensitivity is a measure of a units
detection range. Selectivity refers to a unit's ability to reject non-police
microwave signals and is an important feature because of the many sources of
"electronic pollution". Note: Automatic door openers and some burglar
alarms operate on X-band, which is a police band. A radar detector cannot tell
if a store is opening a door or a police officer is checking speed.
|
| I saw the police car but the
detector didn't go off. Why? |
|
A detector can alert you of a
police presence only when they are transmitting a signal. The officer may have a
radar or laser gun in the car but the device may not have been turned on. No
detector can alert you if no signal is transmitted!
|
| How common is the use of police radar? |
|
Since the mid
seventies radar has served as the tool of choice for speed enforcement. Over
100,000 radar units are in service by police in all 50 states and account for
over 37,000,000 speeding tickets each year. In fact, there are so many radar
guns on the road today, your speed may be radar monitored more than fifteen
times during a single trip from New York to Los Angeles.
|
| What Frequencies are used?
|
|
Except for a few early units, X band (10.525 GHz) was the only
frequency used for police radar until the mid 1970's. In 1976 radar guns using K
band (24.150 GHz) were introduced; this led to the development of the first dual
band (X/K) radar detectors. A proliferation of radar guns using Ka band
frequencies began in 1987 with the introduction of photo radar (34.3 GHz) and
was followed by the Stalker (34.2 - 35.2 GHz) in 1991 and the BEE 36A (33.4-34.4
GHz) in 1992.
|
| Why are radar detectors described as dual band, triband, wideband or
superwideband? |
|
Early detectors needed only to listen for X
band radar. When K band arrived, dual band models able to receive both
frequencies (X and K) were required. The introduction of Ka band photo radar
(34.3 GHz) led to the development of triband models able to detect X, K, plus a
small portion of Ka band. A fourth category of radar receivers called wideband,
with X, K and "wideband" Ka (34.2 - 35.2 GHz) detection capabilities reached the
market following the introduction of Stalker radar. And finally, in response to
the BEE 36A a new generation of radar detectors were developed termed
superwideband, which cover all radar guns operating on X, K or "superwideband"
Ka (33.4- 36.0 GHz).
|
| What is a false alert? |
|
A
number of transmitting devices are also allowed to operate on the same
frequencies used by police radar. These are not considered false signals. For
example, the automatic door openers commonly used by businesses are low powered X
band transmitters. They produce signals that appear legitimate to a radar
detector and cause it to alarm. Other sources produce "harmonics" signals,
ghosts or look alike K or Ka band radar signals which make a radar detector give
a false alert. A better radar detector reduces these types of false alarms.
|
| What is "pulse", "instant on" or "POP" radar?
|
|
When radar detectors proved easily capable of sniffing out radar
from miles away, radar gun manufacturers responded by producing instant-on radar or unoffically called "Pulse" radar.
In the instant-on mode, the radar's transmitter is placed on hold, ready to fire
but not yet producing a signal for detectors to hear. The officer waits until
his target is very close (brings a new meaning to "wait till you see the whites
of their eyes") then releases the radar from stand by mode and gets a speed reading
within a second or so (pulse). In this situation, no detector offers much warning.
Instant-On radar just took on a whole new meaning in 2003! There are new guns out there
that operate just like the instant-on guns of the past but with a very tough new twist - POPTM mode!
This new gun is a normal K and Ka band radar gun detectable by most radar detectors made in the past 30 years, until this gun is placed
in POP mode. When the gun is in POP™ Mode and activated, a brief burst of energy, less than 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. Whistler models,
1758, 1773, 1776, 1778, 1783, 1788 1793SE, XTR SERIES (Except XTR-105, 140, 260) and all PRO Series have POP mode detection capabilities!
- When traveling in unfamiliar highways
always try to find a vehicle which is traveling at the same rate or faster than
you are and keep several car lengths behind them. This way the other vehicle can
"flush out the radar".
|
| Can I use my detector overseas? |
|
Yes and No! Some countries use the same frequencies as we do. Some countries use
K band combined with other bands not used here. Before bringing a detector
overseas you need to first determine what frequencies are used in that country.
For information on overseas radar visit Whistler's International Sales Representative's web page.
Just a word of warning for those overseas planning on visiting the USA. While visiting, you may want to purchase a radar detector over here
but be careful. Some retailers may mark an inexpensive unit and say that they are "Euro Ready" or "Retuned for European radar".
Whistler does not sell European units in the USA, nor do we "retune" them for sale in the USA.
We have overseas distributor (See link above) to handle these types of sales.
As most consumer advocates warn - "buyer beware".
|
|
|
|
|
|
| How do laser speed guns work?
|
|
Laser speed guns transmit short bursts of invisible light which
bounce off a target vehicle and return to the laser gun. By timing the outgoing
and return trips of the light bursts, it can compute the target's speed. The
laser's biggest selling point is its narrow beam-only about three feet wide at a
distance of 1,000 feet - a feature that provides nearly foolproof target
identification. (In comparison, a radar's beam is about 250 feet wide at 1,000
feet.) Laser guns must be used from stationary position and are most effective
at short range, usually when targeting traffic at 600 to 1,200 feet.
|
| How does a laser detector work?
|
|
Since laser guns use a specific light
frequency, or wavelength, it is possible to detect a laser's signature light pulse rates. Different laser guns operate at different
light pulse rates. Some competitors call them "bands". All Whistler radar/laser detectors receive all
current laser guns in use, these include;
- Pro LaserTM I, II and III
- LTI 20-20
- Ultra Lyte
- Stalker LZ-1
- Laser Atlanta L-1
Keep in mind that laser detectors act differently than radar detectors. Since the narrow
laser beam produces very little "scatter"- random bits of electromagnetic
energy bouncing down the road -it is much harder to detect than a powerful radar
gun that blankets the countryside with easily detectable microwave signals.
Laser guns operate exclusively in instant-on mode and usually target vehicles at
short range. Similar to instant on radar, if you are the target vehicle don't
expect much warning. The result is your laser detector usually will offer less
advance warning because at 1000 feet the beam is only 3 feet wide and that the
officer aims at your license plate or headlights. The distance from where your
detector is mounted to the license plate can be greater than 3 feet. This will
be outside of the laser beam. If the officer is not steady while targeting
vehicles, scatter laser signals can result, giving a possible signal to
detect.
|
| How common is the use of laser for speed monitoring? |
| Less than 1,000 laser guns are in service in 45 states at present. Most are used
by city police on urban multi-lane roadways although some state highway
patrols-Illinois and Ohio to name two - have dozens of units spread throughout
the state. The use of laser guns for speed monitoring is expected to increase,
but will remain limited due to their high cost-four times that of a moving
radar-and limited attractiveness to agencies that favor the convenience, offered
by conventional moving radar. Currently, laser guns account for less than 5% of
the total number of speed monitoring guns (radar and laser) sold in the U.S.
annually; during the next five years, this figure is expected to remain under
8%. Laser guns will likely be in service in every state within a few years. |
| Will laser guns replace radar? |
| No. Their premium
price, limited applications (compared to moving radar), and more complex
operation will keep sales of laser guns at a much lower level than radar. |
| Do laser detectors
"false" like radar detectors? |
| Top selling detectors use
sophisticated signal processing and optical filtering to almost totally
eliminate laser falsing. Because of the design's incredible accuracy, assume any
laser alert received as valid. |
| Unit falses with laser when I rev up the engine. |
| Has
the vehicle had a recent tune up? If not, it is possible that the
distributor cap is to blame. An old and worn cap will allow the "spark" to leak
from the cap and this is what the laser receiver is detecting. Replace
distributor cap with a factory original. If your unit still falses, please email us. |
| What frequency does Laser transmit on? What is a
nanometer? |
| Laser transmits an invisible light beam at a
frequency (actually it transmits a "Wavelength") of 905 nanometers. A nanometer
is how a light wavelength is measured. Same idea applies to a TV signal or radio
signal. These signals are measured in hertz - megahertz to be precise. |
|
|
|
|
|
| What is a radar detector detector? What is VG-2 or Spectre? |
|
A Radar
Detector Detector (RDD) is a microwave receiver used by police to
detect signals radiated by the local oscillator (A circuit inside the detector)
of a radar detector. The trade name of the commonly used RDD manufactured is
Interceptor VG-2, most often simply referred to as VG-2. A newer device in this field is called
Spectre and it can detect most of the "Undetectable" radar detectors that are
on the market! Spectre has upgraded their RDD twice so far, to catch other detectors that tried to "hide" their emissions.
Currently, the latest version is Spectre III (6/04). An officer using a RDD typically parks next to a busy freeway and aims the device at a 45 degree
angle across the traffic stream. The RDD acts just like a radar detector when
it hears an approaching radar detector, increasing its audio alert rate and
progressively lighting more LED's in its visual display. By observing the
traffic and watching how the RDD responds, the officer can make an educated
guess as to which vehicle is using a radar detector. Some detectors are
"noisier" than others and can be detected by the RDD from as far away as 4,000
feet.
In Virginia, the largest user of the RDD's, officers are not empowered to
search a vehicle unless visible signs are present to support the RDD's guess
that a radar detector is in the targeted vehicle. Important: A missing
cigarette lighter plug, dangling power cord, Velcro on the dash, a mounting
bracket on the windshield or visor will tip the officer as to the possible
presence of a detector and allow him to search for it. If found, the detector
isn't confiscated; the officer notes its serial number, checks to see if it's
operational, then hands it back to the driver - along with a citation for having
used it. NOTE: This information was correct when written. It is the responsibility
of the individual radar detector owner to know and understand the laws in your area regarding
the legality of the use of radar detectors.
|
| Where is an RDD (VG-2, Spectre) used? |
| At present the police in
Virginia, Washington DC and the five eastern Canadian provinces employ
RDD's. Because of the recent FHwA regulation which prohibits nationally the use
of radar (and laser) detectors in commercial vehicles, interest in the use of
RDD's by law enforcement agencies has increased.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area
regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors. |
| What is Non detectable or VG-2
immunity? |
| These terms identify a radar detector that can not
be detected by VG-2. Radar Detectors that are non detectable have their circuitry tuned outside of the VG-2 "listening"
frequency or have reduced the emissions emitting from the antenna. Stealth is another term for immunity used by radar detector manufacturers.
See important Spectre RDD information above as most detectors once called "Undetectable" are
no longer safe. |
|
|
|
|
|
| What is VASCAR? |
| VASCAR (Visual Average
Speed Computer and Recorder) is a time/distance computer
that determines a vehicle's average speed by timing it between two reference
points, usually white stripes painted on the roadway. Used both by ground units
and aircraft, VASCAR uses no radio waves and therefore is not detectable.
Officers typically sit at the top of a freeway on-ramp or other vantage point,
timing traffic between the two reference points. It is rarely used at night.
Watch for the telltale white stripes across the road that will reveal you're
in VASCAR country. |
| What is "pacing? |
| Pacing is the granddaddy of all
speed measuring techniques. The officer typically drives up behind the target,
accelerating until his speed matches the speed of the target vehicle. His
calibrated speedometer then verifies the target vehicle's speed. Although pacing
also works when the police cruiser is in front of the target vehicle, some
courts consider this approach unreliable and won't allow it. Pacing is
especially effective at night, but rarely works when the drivers maintain a
close watch in their rear view mirror. |
| How are aircraft used to monitor speed? |
| Using white
reference marks on the road, the airborne officer simply times the target
between two of the marks to establish average speed. Most states use VASCAR (a
few use stopwatches), first programming in the known distance between the marks,
then operating the time switch to determine target speeds. Cruisers waiting
below stop the violator and write the ticket. Contrary to popular belief, radar
cannot be used from aircraft. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Are detectors legal? |
|
Laser detectors are completely
legal in every state when used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000
lbs.). Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors are
legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and Washington DC, which
have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any
vehicle.
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA)
issued a regulation, effective January 19, 1994, which prohibits nationally
radar and laser detector use in these types of vehicles.
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. These laws remain in effect. In Canada,
radar detectors and laser detectors are illegal to use in Manitoba, New
Brunswick; Newfoundland, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area
regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors.
|
| What can I do to keep radar and laser detectors legal?
|
| Fight for your rights. Specifically, watch for news stories about
any legislation in your state that seeks to ban the use or sale of detectors and
let your elected representatives know your feelings. Don't ignore such
legislation even if it targets only heavy trucks. A favored tactic of the
anti-detector forces-primarily large insurance companies who benefit immensely
from slapping surcharges on ticketed drivers-is to first go after truckers'
rights to use detectors. If successful in banning detector use in trucks, you
can bet their efforts will turn to banning in cars. |
|
|
|
|
|
| SAFETY RADAR |
| This relatively new radar is not for speed detection at all, it is used
to keep you informed of highway safety. Transmitters are installed and
programmed (for example: in emergency vehicles) to make you aware of possible
situations that may require your attention, such as: ambulance vehicles that are
moving or stationary, road hazards ahead, road construction delays or detours,
etc.
Important: Safety transmitters
have to be purchased by the town, state or federal agencies. At present safety
radar transmitters are few. Safety radar transmissions
are received by all radar detectors because they transmit on K-band frequency,
however, only newer radar detectors with safety radar capability can identify them. For a listing of SWS text messages, view our text message page.
|
| What is Whistler's "Safe Driving System"? |
| This
comprehensive safety system detects all safety radar systems keeping you
informed of road hazards and adverse weather. Plus, Whistler's
unique Stay Alert feature tests driver's alertness on long solo trips. Safe
Driving System is available on models; 1495 SE, 1560 series and up, 1670 series
and up, 1740 series and up and model 3300 and up remotes. |
| What is Stay Alert and how does it work?
|
|
The Stay Alert feature is designed to test a driver's alertness.
Within 30 to 60 seconds after the feature is engaged an alert is sounded; to
show alertness, the driver must press the volume, city or the mute button 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 the unit alarms at full volume
and the display shows an unique visual alert.
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.
|
| UNDERSTANDING OPTION SELECT MODE |
|
Option select mode allows turning certain features on or off or customizing how the unit operates. The unit will store these features in memory. Option mode is available only on units with Feature Memory capability.You do not have to enter option select mode to receive
police radar and laser signals, only for receiving VG-2 signals. Find out more on VG-2.
NOTE: This mode can only be accessed when the unit is not receiving any
radar or laser signals!
The chart below shows all the possible options that Whistler Detectors may have. Not all models have all options! Some options are for older detectors.
|
| Dash Models |
| * Display Reads |
To Change, Press |
Option |
| CUSTOM |
Vol up or Vol down |
Custom
Night
Mode Truck
Mode |
| CAL MODE |
Press both Vol up & Vol down |
Starts Compass Calibration |
| COMBO |
Vol up or Vol down |
Combo=Radar &Compass Radar=No Compass Compass=No Radar |
| TONE 3 |
Vol up or Vol down |
Tone 1,2 or 3 (3 different X, K, Ka patterns) |
| TEST YES |
Vol up = YES Vol down
= NO |
X, K, Ka Audio tones 1 beep during power up |
| X ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
X Band On X Band Off |
| K ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
K Band On K Band Off |
| Ka ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Ka Band On Ka Band Off |
| LASER ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Laser Band On Laser Band Off |
| VG2 OFF |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Turns VG-2 On Turns VG-2 Off |
| SR ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Turns Safety Radar On Turns Safety Radar Off |
| VOICE ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Real Voice On Real Voice Off |
| POP ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Turns POP Mode On Turns POP Mode Off |
| B SVR ON |
Vol up = ON Vol down = OFF |
Battery Saver On Battery Saver Off |
|
|
| Remote Installed Models |
| Press Quiet (Mute) |
* Display Reads |
To Change, Press |
Option |
| For 2 seconds |
CUSTOM |
Dark or City |
Custom
Night
Mode Truck
Mode |
| 2nd Time |
TEMP F |
Dark = F City = C |
Changes temp reading |
| 3rd Time |
TONE 3 |
Dark or City |
Tone 1,2 or 3 (3 different X, K, Ka patterns) |
| 4th Time |
TEST YES |
Dark = YES City
= NO |
X, K, Ka Audio tones 1 beep during power up |
| 5th Time |
VG2 OFF |
Dark = ON City = OFF |
Turns VG-2 On Turns VG-2 Off |
| 6th Time |
SAFETY ON |
Dark = ON City = OFF |
Turns Safety Radar On Turns Safety Radar Off |
| 7th Time |
VOICE
OFF |
Dark = ON City = OFF |
Real Voice On Real Voice Off |
| 8th Time |
TEMP NO |
Dark = YES City
= NO |
Temp On Temp Off |
| 9th Time |
BATT NO |
Dark = YES City
= NO |
Battery Voltage On Battery Voltage
Off |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| In option mode, what does "Custom", "Truck" and
"Night" mean? |
|
When custom is displayed it allows the unit to be
programmed for the available options that the detector offers. Pressing the
Quiet button again steps down to another option. See Understanding
Option Mode section for model specifics.
Night and Truck modes are preprogrammed selectable options. To enter
"Truck" or "Night" mode the detector must display "Custom" first, then press the
Dark or City button to enter Night or Truck.
|
| What is Night and Truck? |
|
The following shows what features are
activated in each mode.
Night:
- Volume at level 4
- Auto quiet on
- Dark mode on
- Unit in Highway mode
- Safety radar on
- VG-2 off
- Long self test off
- Voice off
Truck:
- Volume at level 8
- VG-2 on
- Long self test off
- Unit in Highway mode
- Safety radar on
- Voice off
Note: 3300 model truck mode volume is set to 4. |
| What is the factory reset and why do I
need it? |
| Factory reset is only available with units that have Feature Memory capability.
This reset allows you to set the unit's options back to original selections. This could be helpful if someone borrowed the unit and
"played" with the settings. Following the factory reset procedure will reset the "played with" options.
For 1540 series and up. (except 2270/90) to reset options:
- Remove power to the unit
- Press and hold the power and quiet (mute) buttons
- Reapply power while still holding the power and quiet buttons
- Wait for 2 beeps
- Release the power and quiet buttons. Unit is now reset.
For 2270/90 series to reset options:
- Remove power to the unit. If connected to a switched source turn off
ignition.
- Press and hold the power button
- Reapply power while still holding the power button
- Wait for 2 beeps or about 5 seconds.
- Release the power button. Unit is now reset.
|
| Where do I mount the detector? |
| A dash model can mount 3 ways; on the windshield,
visor or dash. It is personal tastes or the vehicle's interior design that limits or forces a mounting location. The windshield mounting
option is standard on every unit, where as the visor or dash mounting could be optional.
Laser reception is one concern when choosing a mounting
location. The lower the unit is mounted on the dash the better the laser
detection as the laser gun is generally "shooting" at the license plate or
headlights. Click on laser for more
info.
|
| How do I or do I need to calibrate the compass? |
| For compass model detectors to work correctly, they need to be calibrated after the detector is mounted inside the vehicle.
If this calibration procedure is not performed the compass may either not function at all (compass heading will not change or move) or may give incorrect direction.
Follow the procedure below to properly calibrate the compass:
- Mount the unit level in the center of the vehicle's windshield. Make sure there are no other magnetic sources near the detector, (i.e., speakers).
- Select a large clear area (parking lot or field) without any power lines.
- For 1793SE model, press and hold the Quiet/Menu button until the unit displays "CAL MODE" and then press BOTH volume buttons simultaneously. Skip the next step.
- Press BOTH volume buttons simultaneously. Unit will display "CAL MODE" or the compass ICONs will rotate.
- Carefully drive the vehicle in TWO COMPLETE CIRCLES, in either direction.
- If calibration does not automatically finish, press BOTH volume buttons simultaneously again. Unit will display "CAL DONE" or show current compass heading.
Note: Some text display units show an arrow to also indicate the compass heading.
If unit is taken off the windshield mounting bracket, it does not have to be recalibrated. However, if the mounting bracket is relocated (taken off or moved to another vehicle),
the above procedure will need to be repeated!
|
| Can not calibrate the compass on model XTR-475 |
| There was an error in the manual that omitted an important step. The updated manual is available in the manual section.
For later review the steps are outlined on the label on the bottom of the unit.
Follow the procedure below to properly calibrate the compass:
- Mount the unit level in the center of the vehicle's windshield. Make sure there are no other magnetic sources near the detector, (i.e., speakers).
- Select a large clear area (parking lot or field) without any power lines.
- Press the Menu button and release.
- Press BOTH the Dark and Quiet buttons simultaneously and immediately release. Unit's compass ICONs will rotate.
- Carefully drive the vehicle in TWO COMPLETE CIRCLES, in either direction.
- If calibration does not automatically finish, press BOTH the Dark and Quiet buttons simultaneously again. Unit will show current compass heading.
If unit is taken off the windshield mounting bracket, it does not have to be recalibrated. However, if the mounting bracket is relocated (taken off or moved to another vehicle),
the above procedure will need to be repeated!
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| Understanding
the display. |
| Whistler detectors offer at least 4 different ways
to display information; individual LED's, ICON display, 7 segment digital display or text
display (either by LCD or the newest dot matrix display). All the displays
provide the necessary information to the driver such as mode of operation, power
on indication and signal strength. Higher end models offer band ID (which radar
band is being received, X, K, Ka or laser), feature selection memory or
combination of all display types.
Following brief descriptions of each type
of display:
Individual LED's - general definitions;
- Green LED = Power on. Also VG-2 detection (VG-2 equipped models)
- Yellow LED = City mode
- Row of Red LED's = Signal strength indication - the more LED's lit the
stronger or closer the signal.
- Red and Yellow LED's together = Band ID Red: K band, Yellow: X band and
Both: Ka band.
ICON Display;
- P = Highway mode full sensitivity on all radar/laser bands
- C = Includes City, City 1 and City 2 modes - Reduces the annoyance
(City), Lowers X band sensitivity (City 1) or No X band detection (City 2).
- X = Indication of X band radar.
- K/Ka = Indication of K band radar. Flashing indicates Ka band radar.
- | || ||| = Signal strength indication - the more bars the stronger or closer the signal.
Also indicates City 1 and City 2 modes.
- V/L = Indication of Laser reception. Flashing indicates VG-2 detection.
Seven segment display;
- H = Highway mode - full sensitivity on all radar/laser bands
- C = City mode
- P= Pulse - Indication of an instant on or pulse radar.
- Numbers 1-9 = Signal strength indication - the higher the number the
stronger or closer the signal.
- A = Auto quiet - When engaged lowers the volume to the lowest setting
after several alarms.
- L = Laser detected - Radar/Laser units only
- S. = Safety Radar detected - SWS
ready units only
- - = VG-2 detected - VG-2
detection units only
Text Display - LCD and dot matrix units display the same;
- Highway = Full sensitivity on all radar/laser bands
- City = Includes City, City 1 and City 2 modes - Reduces the annoyance
(City), Lowers X band sensitivity (City 1) or No X band detection (City 2).
City 1 and City 2 not on all models.
- Pulse = Indication of an instant on or pulse radar.
- Numbers 1-9 = Signal strength indication - the higher the number the
stronger or closer the signal.
- Auto quiet = When engaged lowers the volume to the lowest setting after
several alarms.
- Laser = Laser detected
- Caution = Safety Radar detected - followed by SWS
message.
- VG-2 VG-2 = VG-2 detected - info on VG-2
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| What is 360
Protection? |
| Units with 360 protection detect signals from all
radar, laser (Perimeter protection only - Laser is not shot from the sides),
VG-2 and safety radar systems wherever they come from; front, rear or from the side. Click here for more information on how radar operates. |
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| Feature Memory |
| All features selected (selections in option mode, city vs. highway, dark vs. bright, etc) are retained in memory. Once a feature or mode is selected
it will remain in memory even when the power cord is removed from the unit. |
| Vehicle Battery Saver |
| Vehicle battery saver mode automatically shuts off your detector after 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer is reset if the detector is unplugged, turned off or any button is pressed
before the timer has expired. The detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning (text units display "PWR OFF") before shutting off. Units with option select mode can turn this feature off. Most detectors draw around 300mA of power or just over 1/4 of an amp.
When the vehicle battery saver kicks in, this power consumption drops by 90%. What does this mean to me? Well lets assume that the radar detector is left on and the vehicle's battery has a 60 amp/hr rating (average sized battery). The above vehicle would have a
dead battery in about 200 hours or approximately 8.3 days. Roughly the time for an 2 week vacation or company trip. Having a detector with a Vehicle Battery Saver feature will extend the battery life to about 2000 hours or 83 days making the travel home from that
company trip a stress free one. Note: These times are approximate and do not take into consideration the normal battery drain from the vehicle's electronics.
The Battery Saver feature can be manually engaged by holding the city button for 2 seconds. Within 10-15 seconds the unit will turn off as described above, we call this turbo mode. If you tried to enter City Mode and the unit turns itself off, the city button was held too long. |
| Digital Compass |
Units with digital compass and text displays are programmed from the factory in "Combo
Mode". Combo mode means that the unit provides both compass readings as well as detecting laser/radar signals. Through the option mode or the
Mode button,(1785 model) the unit can be changed to operate only in Radar Mode (detection of all police bands and laser - no compass) or only in Compass Mode (no detection of police laser/radar).
Note: The unit must be calibrated to provide accurate compass readings. See Compass Calibration Set-up.
The compass provides cardinal points and direction in 5° increments. Some text display units have an arrow to also indicate current compass heading. |
| What does "Hi T" or "Lo T"
mean on a 3300/3400/3500 or Pro-3450 model remote? |
| When the display shows "Hi T" it means
that the temperature probe has reached its high temperature limit (176 degrees
F). "Lo T" means the opposite, the temperature has reached its low temperature
limit (-4 degrees F).
To correct a "Hi T" display:
- Check location of temperature probe.
- Relocate if probe is mounted near the radiator, an oil cooler or any other
heat source.
- Probe should be mounted in an area that is far enough away from engine and
radiator heat but still in the air flow for the vehicle.
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| Unit displays an "R1" or "R2"
error or the unit clicks while a green or yellow LED flashes. |
When the display shows an "R1" type error on the display or the unit clicks (flashing either the Green power LED or the Yellow city LED),
it means that the link between the inside and outside unit has failed. Generally this is caused by the receiver's (outside unit) cable becoming unplugged from behind the console (inside unit). NOTE: The receiver
cable is the straight one plugged into the "Radar 1" jack. The laser receiver (LRM-5) cable is angled and plugged into the "Laser" jack. This error will also occur if these two cables are reversed. Follow the below
steps to correct R1/Clicking error message:
- Make sure the correct cable is connected to the correct jack and that it is fully engaged.
Make sure there is sufficient slack in the cables to prevent them from "walking out" of the jacks.
- Follow the Factory Reset procedure.
- If the above suggestions does not cure the problem, email our Customer Service dept for more information.
Follow the below steps to correct R2/Clicking (Not available on Pro-3450) with "R" Yellow LED flashing error message:
- Make sure the correct cable is connected to the correct jack and that it is fully engaged.
Make sure there is sufficient slack in the cables to prevent them from "walking out" of the jacks.
- If the rear antenna was not installed, go to the Factory Reset procedure. If a rear antenna was installed, continue to the next step.
- If the rear antenna is installed, it must be programmed.
For models 2270 and 2290
- Remove power from unit
- Press and hold the Dark button
- While holding the dark button, apply power to unit and hold the Dark button for 5 seconds. The "R"LED and either the Green (highway) or Yellow (City)
will illuminate.
For model 3300 and 3400
- Unit will display "R2 ON ?"
- Press the Dark button for Yes or City for No.
- To temporarily cancel the "R2"error message on a 3300 or 3400 model, press and hold either the Dark/City/Quiet button.
- Follow the Factory Reset procedure and see if the "R2" error goes away. If so, go to next step.
- If the above suggestions does not cure the problem, email our Customer Service dept for more information.
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| Real VoiceTM/Memo Technology |
Real Voice
On select models, Real Voice provides added information to the detected signal over and above the simple band ID tones. The unit says "X band" when it detects an X band signal.
This allows you to keep your eyes on-the-road. Real Voice is also used to articulate Safety Warning System messages and feature selections.
Memo
On select models, a record/playback feature is included. Models are, a three track - 45 seconds total time (DE1670LD); a six track - 60 seconds total time (DE 1670); and three 9 track - 90 seconds total time
(DE 1780, DE 1790SE & DE 1793SE).
Recording time consists of 10 seconds per track or longer, up to the total available time for that unit. Example: You can record on track 1 for 15 seconds but this overrides track 2.
The next recordable track (without over recording portion of track 1/2) is track 3. |
| Poor or no NOAA (NWR) reception. |
With few exceptions, NWR broadcasts can be received throughout the US. Canada has a similar system, (Weather Radio Service of Canada), which operates on the same seven (7) NWR frequencies.
Many of the NWR transmitters, however, are low powered (300 to 1000 watts - compare this with an average FM radio station's 50,000 to 100,000 watts) so reception may not always be clear.
As with any radio transmission, range and quality of reception can vary due to local terrain and atmospheric conditions. To hear constant NWR broadcasts, the unit must be switched to NWR ON mode - See Option Select mode in owner's manual.
If you are not receiving any NWR broadcasts, it is possible that you are in an area not covered by an NWR transmitter. NWR transmitters generally cover at least a 40 mile range between transmitter locations.
For transmitter locations and general information, visit NWR's web site. |
| Compass not reading correctly or displays "Distort". |
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If compass is not calibrated correctly or if there is a strong magnetic field (dash or windshield mounted speakers), the unit will show incorrect direction or display "DISTORT". Re-calibrate the compass to correct the readings.
Units that display "DISTORT" need to be moved farther away from the speakers or other magnetic field, then re-calibrate the compass.
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