THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 3604 NW Frontage Rd. Bentonville, AR 72712 TEL: 479.273.6012 FX: 479.273.2927 ©2013 The Whistler Group, Inc. www.whistlergroup.
OWNER’S MANUAL GT-438G LASER/RADAR DETECTOR with GPS
If you have questions concerning the operation of this Whistler product please call: CuSTOmer SeRVICE 479-273-6012 Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT USA or visit our website www.whistlergroup.com Please keep the receipt in a safe place. You may register your product online at www.whistlergroup.com. For warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated store receipt must still accompany any unit sent in for warranty work.
INTRODUCTION Dear Whistler Customer, Whistler has added new features made specifically for the International market.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Model Features Summary................................................ 4 - 5 Installation............................................................................ 6 - 9 • Mounting Guidelines • Windshield Mounting • Power Cord Connection • Fuse Replacement Operation.......................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Radar/Laser Alerts................................................................. 26 Radar Alerts Laser Audio/Visual Alerts Pulse Protection® Reset Features.........................................................................27 Care and Maintenance...........................................................28 Troubleshooting Guide................................................ 28 - 29 Speed Monitoring Technologies................................
FEATURES Feature Listings - GT-438G 13 1 15 6 2 16 9 11 10 14 8 7 12 3 4 4 5
FEATURES 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 band radar and laser. 3. Mounting Bracket Location – slot holds mounting bracket firmly. 4. Radar Antenna – compact, high-efficiency antenna receives radar signals. 5.
INSTALLATION Mounting Guidelines • Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the windshield. • Do not mount the 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.
INSTALLATION Windshield Mounting • Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the bracket by fitting them into their holes. • Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the location you have chosen. Rubber Bumper Important: Some newer cars have a plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The windshield bracket may leave permanent marks on this type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of windshield, check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or ask your dealer.
INSTALLATION 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 socket. Note: Cord fits tightly into detector. When installing the cord, expect some resistance.
INSTALLATION 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. Important: Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out when disassembling. Insert the new fuse with the spring and screw on the tip. With use, screw cap on plug may loosen. Retighten occasionally.
OPERATION Power On and Self-Test Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker, visual displays are functional along with many of the saved settings. To increase the volume, continue turning the volume knob. Memory/Beep Confirmation All features selected (except Stay Alert and Quiet) are retained in memory. Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
OPERATION Auto Quiet Mode Auto Quiet mode reduces the selected audio level approximately 5 seconds after a radar signal is detected followed by a reduced tone. The reduced tone will continue for as long as the detected signal is present and for any new signal within 20 seconds. Auto Quiet mode does not affect laser alerts. Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage Auto Quiet mode. • Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel the audio alarm by pressing Quiet.
OPERATION City/City 1/City 2 Modes Whistler’s City Modes are 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 Mode. N ormal Clock then • Press City again to enter City 1 Mode. then • Press City again to enter City 2 Mode. then • Press City a fourth time to cancel City 2 Mode and returns the unit to Highway Mode.
OPERATION Highway Mode Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K and Ka) or laser signals are detected, and is recommended for open road driving. For more information on City and Highway modes, please visit our FAQ page on our website: www.whistlergroup.com Understanding the Display The unit’s display can be set up to indicate Mode of Operation (Highway and City modes) and Clock or Speed.
OPERATION Signal Strength Display When a radar signal is detected the audio alerts have a geiger counter-like pattern to help you determine the strength of the radar source; the faster the beeping the stronger the radar signal. At the same time the audio is reporting, the display illuminates the band identification Icon and relative signal strength from 1 to 9. 1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal Alert Periscopes Whistler’s Alert Periscopes provide an added attention getting visual alert.
OPERATION Red Light/Speed Camera Detection This unit is capable of alerting to these locations with the updatable database. Getting a Satellite Lock Powering up, the unit will begin its search for satellites. During this time, the unit will flash the satellite icon on the display. Please allow several minutes for the unit to lock onto the satellites.
OPERATION Manual Entry (Waypoint) The unit will save a special location (i.e., a new red light camera or even a “trap”) if you enter it manually. The unit will store 1000 user locations. NOTE: Manual entries must be approximately 100 meters apart to prevent overlapping locations. To manually enter a location, simply press and hold the QUIET button and the unit will announce “user point logged”. Manual entries can be deleted within a certain radius (selected in Option Select Mode).
OPERATION Updating the Database Follow the steps below to update the Laser-Radar Detector. Step 1: Remove the Laser-Radar Detector from the vehicle and bring it to your PC. Note: You do not need to power the Laser-Radar Detector to update it. Step 2: Download the update program and install it on your PC Note: Program is not MAC compatible Step 3: Download and save the .msc file downloaded to your PC.
OPERATION Dim/Dark Modes Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display. • Briefly press and release the Dark button to reduce illumination to a Dim setting. • Briefly press and release the Dark button a second time engages Dark Mode. In Dark Mode, the display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detected and for 20 seconds after, then the display returns to the dim setting. Dim Modes can be engaged during an alert.
OPERATION Vehicle Battery Saver Mode The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off the detector after 3 hours if the unit has constant power. The timer is reset: 1. Each time the detector is turned off 2. The power cord is disconnected or power is removed to the unit. 3. 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 timer by pressing any button.
OPERATION Filter Modes There are times when a radar detector in another vehicle, can emit a frequency which can cause your detector to falsely alert. The Filter Modes allow you to select the level needed for your area to minimize the occurrences of these false alerts. Filter Mode is the factory default setting and should provide adequate filtering for most conditions. If you experience excessive alerts due to radar detectors in other vehicles, increase the Filter level.
OPERATION Laser Signature ID (LSID) Identify the Laser gun’s pulse rate or PPS (Pulses per Second) that is transmitted by the speed laser gun. LSID may also be used to identify other forms of laser sources such as LACC (Laser Assisted Cruise Control) systems found in some high end vehicles.
OPERATION Segmented Selectable Laser Receiver If these alerts are bothersome, you may wish to turn on the LSID feature and make note of the PPS rate for these occurrences. The laser validation windows are separated into segments allowing for customization in your country.
OPERATION 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 Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a laser signal is detected, the laser warning will override the X band alert. Option Select Mode Press the Menu button to enter Option Select Mode. Press the Menu button again will step thru in an ascending order while pressing the City button will step thru in a decending order. Press the Power button to exit.
OPERATION Feature Display Shows To Change: D=Dark Q=Quiet CHANGE TONES TONE 3 D or Q to select SELF TEST TEST YES D = YES Q = NO Option Tone 1, 2, 3 (3 Different Tone Patterns) YES = X, K, Ka Laser Audio Tones OFF = One Beep During Power Up Ka BAND Ka NORM D or Q to select LASER PULSE RATE LSID YES D = YES Q = NO LSID YES (default) LSID NO LASER SEGMENT 1 LSR 1 Y D = YES Q = NO LSR 1 YES (default) LSR 1 NO LASER SEGMENT 2 LSR 2 Y D = YES Q = NO LSR 2 YES (default) LSR 2 NO LASER S
OPERATION Stay Alert Feature The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming): • Press and hold the City button for approximately 2 seconds. Release the 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, Menu, or Quiet buttons within 3-5 seconds. If a button is pressed within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is repeated.
RADAR/LASER ALERTS LASER/RADAR ALERTS 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 word “LSR” and the corresponding laser pulse rate is displayed, the audio alert is continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
RESET FEATURES Reset Features All user features can be reset to factory settings. • Remove Power from the unit. • Press and hold the Quiet button. • Restore Power to the unit. (power switch turned on) • Wait for 2 beeps. • Release the Quiet button. Unit is now reset to the following features and settings. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
TROUBLESHOOTING Care and Maintenance 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. Troubleshooting Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable, trouble-free operation.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps. • Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean. • Check connections at both ends of the power cord. Substitute another cord to determine if the cord is defective. Return defective cord to the factory. PROBLEM: Unit falses too much. • If alarms are POP Ka, switch POP Mode to off. • If the above option doesn’t help, use a higher Ka Filter setting or if Ka is not used turn Ka band off.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES ARE DETECTORS LEGAL? Check with your country’s laws reguarding radar detector ownership and use. It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector user to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors. POP™ Mode POP™ Mode is a feature on some radar guns operating on K and Ka bands.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES 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 can’t either. • The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same as a radar detector.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Radar Facts - Continued This laser/radar detector receives signals from traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 - 10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band (33.400 - 36.000 GHz). Note: Your radar detector is designed to alarm if an officer is transmitting on any one of the above radar bands. Other Speed Detection Systems Several techniques other than radar or laser are used to measure vehicle speeds.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Radar Detector Detectors: VG-2, Spectre - Continued vulnerable to receive two tickets; one potential for speeding, and the other for possession of a detector. Note: The latest tool Police have to detect radar detectors is called Spectre. Spectre can detect the majority of undetectable (VG-2) laser/radar detectors on the market.
WARRANTY INFORMATION Consumer Warranty This Whistler Laser-Radar detector is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of two years from the date of original purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified, installed improperly, or if the housing and/or serial numbers have been removed. There are no express warranties covering this product other than those set forth in this warranty.
WARRANTY INFORMATION Please allow 3 weeks turn around time. Important: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit insured with return receipt requested. CODs will not be accepted! 2. Include with your unit the following clearly printed information: • Your name and street address (for shipping via USPS), a daytime telephone number and an email address, if applicable. • A detailed description of the problem(e.g.
WARRANTY 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 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 $75.00 (U.S.Funds).
WARRANTY/SPECIFICATIONS Customer Service Representatives are available to answer your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT - USA) at: 1-479-273-6012 via email at: info@whistlergroup.com or visit the FAQ’s at www.whistlergroup.com. SPECIFICATIONS Radar Frequencies: 10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band) 24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band) 33.400 - 36.
ACCESSORIES The following accessories can be ordered from Whistler by calling 1-479-273-6012. Order # 202151 206552 206880 206666 159032 402080 Description Windshield Bracket Kit Power Cord (5’) Hardwire Kit (10’ ) (for wiring to fuse box) Modular Cord Package (includes coiled and straight cords, and power adapter) Package of 8 Suction Cups Non Skid Dash Pad Price $ 9.95 $14.95 $ 9.95 $17.95 $ 2.95 $ 6.95 Plus Shipping and handling (per order). Prices are subject to change without notice.
