User Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING
FCC INFORMATION
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
OWNER’S MANUAL
SPEED MONITORING
SPEED MONITORING
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
ACCESSORIES
WARRANTY INFORMATION
14
15
17
16
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
N
ote:
Y
ou must turn this feature on before it will
detect VG-2.
W
hen a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector ‘hides’ its own
r
adiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal.
If a VG-2 signal is still present, the unit continues to
h
ide 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
b
e received (Reference page 21 for VG-2 information).
Alert Priority
W
hen two or more signals are received at the same
time, the alert priority is:
1.
Laser
2
.
V
G-2
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
E
xample:
I
f 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.
•
Plug Power Cord into unit.
•
Wait for 2 beeps.
• Release Power and Quiet buttons.
Unit is now reset to the following features
a
nd settings.
D
efault factory settings are:
1
.
A
udio to level (4).
2. Display shows Highway.
3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.
4
.
V
G-2 Detection Mode OFF.
5
.
S
afety Radar OFF.
6. Vehicle Battery Saver to 1 hour.
7
.
F
ull Power Up sequence.
8
.
D
efault TONE 3.
9. POP ON.
10. Backlighting Dim/Bright
VG-2 ALERTS
• Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.
• Make sure lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.
• Make sure batteries are seated properly.
• Make sure that the battery door is fully closed.
• Make sure battery contacts are clean.
• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.
• Check connections at both ends of power cord. Substitute
another cord to determine if cord is defective. Return
defective cord to the factory.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle electrical
a
ccessories
(
brakes, power mirrors, power
w
indows, 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: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting
(see page 8 & 9).
PROBLEM: Low Battery Life.
• Recharge the batteries using the home charger.
• One or more of the batteries may be defective.
• See the battery life tips on page 13.
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.
18
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
19
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state (with
t
he exception of Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
h
ave 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
H
ighway Administration (FHWA) issued a regulation,
effective January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser
detector use in these types of vehicles nationally. Prior
t
o 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.
Care And Maintenance
During the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure
t
o direct sunlight by removing your unit from the dash
w
hen your vehicle is parked for an extended period of
time. Do not spray water, cleaners, or polishes directly
o
nto the unit. The spray may penetrate through the
o
penings and damage the unit. Also, do not use any
abrasive cleaners on the unit’s exterior.
20
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 measura-
ble frequency shift occurs. The radar unit converts this
s
hift into miles per hour to determine your vehicle’s
speed. Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) permits operation of traffic radar guns
a
t X Band (10.500 - 10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 -
24.250 GHz), and Ka Band (33.400 - 36.000 GHz).
Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an officer is
not transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.
POP™ Mode
POP
™
Mode is a feature on some newer radar guns
operating on K and Ka bands. When the gun is in
POP
™
Mode and activated, a brief burst of energy,
less that 1/15 of a second, is transmitted and the
vehicle’
s speed is quickly acquired. A detector without
POP
™
Mode detection capability cannot respond to
this brief transmission.
SPEED MONITORING
FCC ID : HSXWH15
T
his device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
O
peration is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device many not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
i
ncluding interference that may cause undesired operation.
Important: F
CC requirements state that changes
o
r modifications not expressly approved by Whistler
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
21 22
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be
repaired without charge to the purchaser when returned
with a dated store receipt to the address below. Units
returned without a dated store receipt will be
handled as described in section
“Service Out Of Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing
a Laser-Radar receiver, there are no authorized serv-
ice stations for Whistler brand detectors other than
Whistler.
When returning a unit for service under warranty,
please follow these instructions:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable
sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return
receipt requested to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1201 North Dixieland Rd
Rogers, AR. 72756
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
Impor
tant:
Whistler will not assume r
esponsibility
for loss or damage incur
r
ed in shipping. Ther
efor
e,
please ship your unit insured with return receipt
r
equested.
CODs will not be accepted!
2. Include with your unit the following information,
clearly printed:
•
Y
our name and str
eet addr
ess
(for shipping via
UPS)
, a daytime telephone number and an
email addr
ess, if applicable.
•
A detailed description of the pr
oblem (e.g., “Unit
performs self-test but does not respond to radar”).
•
A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.
23
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:
•
P
P
a
a
c
c
i
i
n
n
g
g
- A patrol car drives behind you and matches
your driving speed.
•
V
V
a
a
s
s
c
c
a
a
r
r
/
/
A
A
i
i
r
r
c
c
r
r
a
a
f
f
t
t
- The time it takes a vehicle to travel
a known distance is measured.
Radar Detector Detectors: VG-2, Spectre
The Inter
ceptor 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 primar
y tool used by the police to identify
radar detectors equipped vehicles. If caught in a state or
country where detectors are illegal, (see page 18). drivers
risk losing their radar detector and r
eceiving a fine. In
addition, instant-on radar is almost always used in
combination with a RDD, leaving unsuspecting motorists
vulnerable to r
eceive two tickets - one potential for
speeding, the other for possession of a detector
.
N
N
o
o
t
t
e
e
:
:
H
H
a
a
v
v
i
i
n
n
g
g
a
a
r
r
a
a
d
d
a
a
r
r
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
o
o
r
r
c
c
a
a
p
p
a
a
b
b
l
l
e
e
o
o
f
f
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
i
i
n
n
g
g
t
t
h
h
e
e
V
V
G
G
-
-
2
2
m
m
a
a
y
y
a
a
l
l
e
e
r
r
t
t
y
y
o
o
u
u
t
t
o
o
t
t
h
h
e
e
p
p
r
r
e
e
s
s
e
e
n
n
c
c
e
e
o
o
f
f
a
a
s
s
p
p
e
e
e
e
d
d
t
t
r
r
a
a
p
p
.
.
T
T
h
h
e
e
n
n
e
e
w
w
e
e
s
s
t
t
t
t
o
o
o
o
l
l
P
P
o
o
l
l
i
i
c
c
e
e
h
h
a
a
v
v
e
e
t
t
o
o
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
r
r
a
a
d
d
a
a
r
r
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
o
o
r
r
s
s
i
i
s
s
c
c
a
a
l
l
l
l
e
e
d
d
S
S
p
p
e
e
c
c
t
t
r
r
e
e
.
.
A
A
s
s
o
o
f
f
t
t
h
h
i
i
s
s
p
p
r
r
i
i
n
n
t
t
i
i
n
n
g
g
.
.
S
S
p
p
e
e
c
c
t
t
r
r
e
e
c
c
a
a
n
n
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
a
a
l
l
l
l
u
u
n
n
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
a
a
b
b
l
l
e
e
(
(
V
V
G
G
-
-
2
2
)
)
l
l
a
a
s
s
e
e
r
r
/
/
r
r
a
a
d
d
a
a
r
r
d
d
e
e
t
t
e
e
c
c
t
t
o
o
r
r
s
s
o
o
n
n
t
t
h
h
e
e
m
m
a
a
r
r
k
k
e
e
t
t
.
.
It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector
owner to now and understand the laws in your area
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
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 r
emoved
.
Ther
e ar
e no
express warranties covering this product other than
those set forth in this warranty. All express or implied
war
ranties for this pr
oduct
ar
e limited
to the
above time.
Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use,
misuse, or operation of this
pr
oduct.
N
N
o
o
t
t
e
e
:
:
Damaged caused by incorrect battery
placement or batter
y leakage is not cover
ed under
this war
ranty
.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number.
For reference, please write your unit’s serial number
in the following space: s/n_______________.
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
Important: To validate that your unit is within the
warranty period, make sure you keep a copy of
your dated store receipt. You may register your
warranty online at www.whistlergroup.com,
however, for warranty verification purposes, a
copy of 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 units original warranty has expired.
• A dated store receipt is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial number.
• The unit has been abused, modified, installed
impr
operly
, or had its housing removed.
The minimum out of war
ranty service fee for your
Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you r
equir
e out
of warranty service, please return your unit as outlined
in the section “Ser
vice Under W
ar
ranty” along with a
cer
tified check or money or
der for $55.00. Payment
may also be made by MasterCard, VISA or American
Expr
ess;
personal checks ar
e not accepted
.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the
minimum $55.00 service fee, you will be contacted
by a Whistler technical service specialist who will
outline options available to you.
If you elect not to have your unit repaired, it will be
r
etur
ned to you along with your cer
tified check or
money order.
24 25
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 5.3125” L x 3.125” W x 1.375” D
Weight with Batteries: 11.2oz.
Weight without Batteries: 6.4oz.
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)
Operating Temperature Range: -20˚ C to +80˚ C
(-4˚ F to +176˚ F)
Power Requirements:
4 AA Ni-MH batteries 4.8 volts.
12 volts with power cord.
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
#5,146,227, #5,379,456, #5,666,120, #5,990,821
POP™ Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
Specifications ar
e subject to change without notice.
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.
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712
T
el 479.273.6012 • Fax 479.273.2927
Customer Return Center
1201 N. Dixieland Rd. • Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel 800.531.0004
www
.
whistlergr
oup
.com
P/N 203322,
©
2005 The Whistler Gr
oup, Inc.
These and other accessories can be ordered directly
from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or by visiting
our online store at www.whistlergroup.com
*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug. Shipping and
handling (per order) $7.50 Prices are subject to change without notice.
26
RESET FEATURES
POP
™
MODE ALERTS
SPEED MONITORING
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Total Band Protection™
Complete Band Coverage that detects laser, radar,
V
G-2 and safety radar bands.
Laser Facts
I
t’s well documented that many radar guns cannot
r
eliably 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
a
nd determine its speed. The advantage of laser
o
ver radar in terms of target identification is the result
of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radar gun’s
t
ransmission can cover more than a four-lane highway
a
t 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
p
oints in mind:
•
Because the vehicle’s license plate or headlights
a
re 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
LASER/RADAR ALERTS
POP™ Mode Alerts
B
ecause POP
™
M
ode travels on regular radar bandwidth,
t
here is no particular alert for POP
™
M
ode transmissions.
POP
™
Mode alerts will be displayed as a regular radar alert.
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
W
hen X, K or Ka is detected, the band ID and signal
strength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous
and has a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the
b
eep, the closer or stronger the radar source.
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
W
hen a laser signal is detected the audio alert is continuous
for a minimum of 3 seconds.
• The Displays Shows:
T
he 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.
1788
Battery Powered
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR
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.
• Make sure batteries are installed with the correct polarity.
• Make sure batteries are fully charged.
• Make sure battery contacts are clean.
• Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary with a 2
amp 3AG type.
TROUBLESHOOTING