User Manual

POP
™
MODE ALERTS LASER/RADAR ALERTS VG-2 ALERTS TROUBLESHOOTING CARE AND MAINTENANCE FCC INFORMATION SPEED MONITORING
SPEED MONITORING SPEED MONITORING WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION ACCESSORIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712
T
el 479.273.6012 • Fax [phone]
Customer Return Center
1201 N. Dixieland Rd. • Rogers,
AR 72756
Customer Service Tel [phone]
www
.
whistlergr
oup
.com
P/N 200010, © 2006 The Whistler Group, Inc.
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21 22 23 24
25
26
P
OP
™
M
ode Alerts
B
ecause POP
™
M
ode travels on regular radar
b
andwidth, there is no particular alert for POP
™
Mode transmissions. POP
™
Mode alerts will be
d
isplayed as a regular radar alert.
Safety Warning System
™
I
n communities where transmitters are located,
t
he Safety Warning System
™
d
isplays over 60 text
messages. When Safety Radar is detected, the
audio alert is geiger counter-like.
Safety Warning System Text (XTR-520 Only)
E
xample: Poor - Road - Surface.
• XTR-220 Model displays a
“
S.
”
to indicate
a SWS
™
message has been received.
NOTE: Not all areas have Safety Warning
System
™
transmitters.
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
When X, K, or Ka 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.
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected, the audio alert is
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
•
Model XTR-520 displays:
The more “|||”, the closer the laser source.
• Model XTR-220 displays:
Pulse Protection
®
Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to
d
etect than conventional radar because it
r
emains ‘off’ until activated to measure the speed
of a targeted vehicle.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, your
W
histler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
a
udio warning and:
•
Model XTR-520 displays:
•
Model XTR-220 displays:
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert
p
attern 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
N
OTE:
Y
ou 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 VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals
cannot be received (Reference page 19 for VG-2
information).
NOTE: Having a radar detector capable of detecting
the VG-2 may alert you to the presence of a speed
trap. As of this printing , the newest tool Police have to
detect radar detectors is called Spectre, as of this
printing. Spectre can detect all undetectable (VG-2)
laser/radar detectors on the market.
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 VG-2 is
detected, the VG-2 warning will override the X
b
and alert.
Reset Features
A
ll user features can be reset to factory settings.
• Unplug Power Cord from unit.
• Plug Power Cord into unit.
Unit is now reset.
Default factory settings are:
1
.
A
udio to level (5).
2. Display reads Highway. (XTR-520 only)
’H’ illuminates on XTR-220
3. Dim/Dark Mode to Dim-Bright
4. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.
5. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.
6. Safety OFF.
7. Vehicle Battery Saver ON.
8. Full Power Up sequence.
9. Default TONE 3.
10. POP ON
11. Voice On (XTR-520 only)
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered
a
nd designed to exacting quality standards to
p
rovide you with reliable, trouble-free operation.
If your unit has been correctly installed following
t
he guidelines in this manual, but is not
o
perating 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: The unit alarms when vehicle hits
b
umps.
• 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: The u
nit alarms when using vehicle
e
lectrical accessories
(
brakes, power mirrors,
power windows, turn signals, horn, etc.).
• 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: The remote no longer controls the
detector
• Make sure the remote is pointed at the front display.
• Possible weak or dead remote battery, replace battery.
PROBLEM:The audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting (see page 7).
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.
C
are And Maintenance
D
uring the summer months, avoid prolonged
exposure to direct sunlight by removing your unit
from the dash when your vehicle is parked for an
e
xtended period of time. Do not spray water,
c
leaners, or polishes directly onto the unit. The
spray may penetrate through the openings and
d
amage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive
c
leaners on the unit’s exterior.
In Most States YES!
L
aser-Radar detectors are legal in every state
(with the exception of Virginia and Washington,
D.C., which have local regulations restricting the
u
se 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.
F
CC ID: HSXWH17
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
c
onditions:
(
1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
r
eceived, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
IMPORTANT
F
CC requirements state that changes or
modifications not expressly approved by Whistler
could void the user’s authority to operate the
e
quipment.
SPEED MONITORING
Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2)
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a
microwave receiver used by police to detect
signals radiated by the local oscillator of a radar
detector. Because its purpose is to identify
persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is
known as a ‘radar detector detector’.
The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the police
to identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If
caught in a state 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 VG-2, leaving unsuspecting
motorists vulnerable to receiving two tickets -
one potentially for speeding, the other for
possession of a detector.
Having a radar detector capable of detecting
the VG-2 may alert you to the presence of a speed
trap. For more information on speed monitoring
technologies, please visit our FAQ page on our
website:
www.
whistlergroup.com
N
OTE:
I
t is the responsibility of the individual
radar detector operator to know and understand
the laws in your area regarding the legality of the
u
se of radar detectors.
Radar Facts
A
radar gun operates by transmitting radio
waves at certain frequencies which reflect off
objects and are then picked up by the radar
g
un’s receiving section. When a radar beam
r
eflects off a moving target, a measurable
frequency shift occurs. The radar unit converts this
s
hift into miles per hour to determine your
v
ehicle’s speed. Currently, the FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) permits
operation of traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500
-
10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and
Ka Band (33.400 - 36.000 GHz).
N
ote:
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. This detector has the power to
report this new gun where other detectors
cannot!
Total Band Protection
™
Complete Band Coverage that detects laser,
radar, VG-2 and safety radar bands.
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns
cannot reliably provide the speed of a targeted
vehicle that is traveling in a group of vehicles. In
contrast, a laser gun can target a specific vehicle
out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of
target identification is the result of the laser gun’s
narrow beam. A radar transmission can cover
more than a four-lane highway at a distance of
1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmission
which covers about 3 feet at the same distance.
For best protection, keep these points in mind:
•
Because your vehicle’s license plate or
headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets,
mounting your 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.
W
histler Laser-Radar detectors receive all
cur
r
ent
laser guns which operate at a laser
wavelength of 905 +/- 10mm.
•Pro Laser
™
I II III •LT1 20-20 •Ultra Lyte
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 ther
e is generally no time to safely
adjust your speed. However, if you are traveling
near or behind the targeted vehicle and receive
an alert, r
esponse time should be suf
ficient. 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:
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and
matches your driving speed.
• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to
travel a known distance is measured.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Consumer W
arranty
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 has
been removed, or if the serial number is missing.
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.
NOTE: Any damage to the r
emote batter
y or
battery leakage, water damage or any physical
damage is not covered under the warranty.
Check with the batter
y manufactur
er about this
warranty.
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 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 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
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.
IMPORTANT:
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 requested. CODs
will not be accepted!
2. Include with your unit the following
information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address
(for shipping
via UPS)
, a daytime telephone number and
email address, if applicable.
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,
“Unit performs self-test but does not respond
to radar”).
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of
sale.
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 improperly, or had its housing
removed.
The minimum out of warranty service fee for
your Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you
r
equir
e out
of war
ranty 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 MasterCar
d, VISA or American
Express;
personal checks are not accepted.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the
minimum $55.00 service fee, you will be
contacted by a Whistler technical service
specialist who will outline options available to
you. If you elect not to have your unit repaired,
it will be returned to you along with your
certified check or money order.
These and other accessories can be ordered
directly from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or
visit our online store at www.
whistlergroup.com
Order# Description Price
202151 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
(for wiring to fuse box)
206666 Modular Cord Package $ 17.95
(includes coiled and straight cords,
and power adapter)
159032 Package of 8 Suction Cups $ 2.95
402081 Non-Skid Dash Pad $ 6.95
206660
Straight Modular Cord & $ 11.95
Socket Multiplier
206661
Coiled Modular Cor
d & $ 12.95
Socket Multiplier
260251
Remote Contr
ol
$
Call
260250
Retractable Lanyar
d Key Ring $ Call
*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug. Shipping
and handling (per order) $5.00 Prices are subject to change
without notice.
LASER/RADAR ALERTS
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
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 Requir
ements:
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
Remote: 3V Coin Cell CR2032
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 are subject to change
without notice.
DETECTOR
LASER-RADAR
Total Band Protection
™
XTR-220/520