background image

Setting Saver 

Setting Saver stores your personalized settings 

so that when the detector is turned off and then 

on again, you do not have to re-enter them.  

VG-2 Mode

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 detected again  .

 

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. 

(See page 24 for more information)

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. If the Laser PPS information displayed 

is due to another source such as local airports or 

LACC, LSID allows you to Lock Out this rate from 

giving you the continuous audio alert during this 

and any new encounter of the same rate.
To lock out a PPS, press the Quiet button during 

the Laser alert. This will place an * on the screen 

beside the PPS rate and Lock Out this signature 

ID. Any new encounter with the same Laser 

Signature ID will provide the display information 

and two quick beeps.

Caution: 

Do not lock out a PPS rate if it is close 

to known speed laser guns.

Segmented Selectable Laser Receiver

If these alerts are bothersome, you may wish to make 

note of the PPS rate for these occurrences. The laser 

validation windows are separated into segments allowing 

for customization.

Segment Pulse Rate

Laser Area 1: 20Hz to 950Hz

Laser Area 2: 2600Hz to 3200Hz

Laser Area 3: 3800Hz to 4200Hz 

Laser Area 1 covers the traditional laser guns used in North 

America. Laser Area 2 and 3 cover laser guns recently 

approved for use in North America. You can change the 

selection from yes to no individually in option mode.
If laser within a group is not used in your area, you may shut off 

that group (change the selection from Y to N while in Option 

Select Mode) by pressing the 

DARK or QUIET buttons.

POP

 Mode Alerts

 

Because POP

 Mode radar utilizes the same K or Ka 

band frequencies, POP

 Mode Alerts will initially be 

displayed as  POP K or POP Ka then switch to band and 

signal strength.

Safety Warning System

In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety 

Warning System

 provides over 60 text messages. When 

SWS

 is detected the audio alert is geiger counter-like.

Safety Warning System Text Message

Example: Poor - Road - Surface.

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. 

OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS

OPTION SELECT MODE

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. 

City/Highway to Highway Mode

2. 

Dim/Dark Mode - to full illumination of display

3. 

Auto Quiet OFF

4. 

Vehicle Battery Saver ON

5. 

Full Power Up sequence

6. 

Default TONE 3

7. 

Laser LSID YES

8.      SWS

™ 

OFF

9. POP

 OFF

10.  LED Periscopes to BLNK

11.     VOICE

®

 ON

12.     TFSR OFF

13. Filter

14.  Laser Segments ON

15.  VG-2 OFF

16.  GPS YES 

- GPS RELATED FEATURES -

17.  DST NO

18.  GMT -5

19.  Clock YES

20.  Compass YES

21.  Speed MPH

22.    Overspeed: CLEARED

23.  Auto Quiet SPD 0

24.    Auto Filter SPD 0

25.  Alarm Radius:  400

26.  Delete Radius: 400

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.
If a button is not pressed within 3-5 seconds, an alarm 

sounds.

Display shows:

•  Press the DARK button to exit during the Stay Alert 

feature.

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.

 

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. 

“LSR 238”

Pulse Protection

®

 

Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more of a threat 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.

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.

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 power cable, replace if necessary.

•  Check fuse in fuse box, replace if necessary

TROUBLESHOOTING

RADAR/LASER ALERTS

RADAR/LASER ALERTS

PROBLEM:

 Unit alarms when vehicle equipment or 

electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows, 

directionals, horn, etc.)

•  Check conditions of vehicle’s electrical system, 

including battery and alternator. 

  

PROBLEM:

 Audio alerts are not loud enough.

•  Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.

•  Check audio level setting.

•  Check Speed Selective Auto Quiet setting in Option 

Mode.

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 Filter 

setting or if Ka is not used turn Ka band off.

•  If alarms are X or K band and due to radar based 

traffic flow sensors or radar based vehicle blind spot 

detectors, turn TFSR to ON.

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, before returning your unit for service.

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.

TROUBLESHOOTING

SPEED MONITORING

SPEED MONITORING

WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARRANTY/SPECIFICATIONS

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 police measure the 

time it takes your vehicle to travel a known 

distance.

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 its 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, drivers risk 

losing their radar detector and receiving a fine. 

In addition, instant-on radar is almost always 

used in combination with an RDD, leaving 

unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receive 

two tickets; one potential for speeding, and the 

other for possession of a detector.

Note:

 

The newest 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.

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

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.  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

:

 

Units that cannot be repaired will be replaced with the same or 

similar model. Replacement unit’s warranty will be based on the original 
unit’s purchase date.

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 

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. 

551 N. 13th St. 

Rogers, AR. 72756

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.“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 space provided on the Accessory page of this

    manual.

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 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). 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. 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 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.

Important: 

When returning your unit for service, be certain 

to include a daytime telephone number and an email 

address (if applicable).

Customer Service

 

Representatives are available to answer your 

questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 

p.m. (CT - USA) at: 

1-800-531-0004

via email at: [email protected] 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 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)

Laser Wavelength:

 905nm +/- 50nm

 

Operating Temperature Range:

 -10 C to +70 C   (+14 F to +158 F)

  

Power Requirements:

 

Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal (2 

amp fuse) Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal. 

Patents can be viewed here:

www.whistlergroup.com/pat

POP

 Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.

SWS

 Mode is a trademark of Safety Warning Systems L.C.

  

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

OWNER’S MANUAL

The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters

3604 NW Frontage Rd. • Bentonville, AR  72712

Tel 479.273.6012 • Fax 479.273.2927

Customer Return Center

551 N 13th St. • Rogers, AR  72756

Customer Service Tel 800.531.0004

www.whistlergroup.com

P/N  260045 ©2013 The Whistler Group, Inc.

Z-31R

LASER-RADAR

 

DETECTOR

with gps

ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?

 

In Most States YES.

Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state (except 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.). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued 

a regulation, effective January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser 

detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Prior to the FHWA regulation, 

laws existed in 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: HSXWH10

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,  

(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.

POP

 Mode

 

POP

 Mode is a feature on some 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

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 can’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 wave length of 905nm 

+/- 50nm including but not limited to the following:

 

•  Ultra Lyte

•  LTI 20-20

•  LTI TruSpeed

®

 S

•  Laser Ally

•  Pro Laser

 I II III

•  Laser Atlanta

®

 Stealth Mode

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.

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. 

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. 

Feature

Display

Shows

To Change:

D=Dark  Q=Quiet

Option

CHANGE TONES

TONE 3

D or to select

Tone 1, 2, 3

(3 Different Tone Patterns)

TEST

TEST ON

D = ON Q = OFF

ON = X, K, Ka Audio Tones

OFF = One Beep During Power Up

LASER PULSE 

RATE

LSID YES

D = YES Q = NO

LSID YES (default)

LSID NO

LASER AREA 1

.02-.95 Y

D or Q to select

Laser Area 1 ON (default)

Laser Area 1 OFF

LASER AREA 2

2.6-3.2 Y

D or Q to select

Laser Area 2 ON (default)

Laser Area 2 OFF

LASER AREA 3

3.8-4.2 Y

D or Q to select

Laser Area 3 ON (default)

Laser Area 3 OFF

VG-2 Mode

VG-2 OFF

D = YES Q = NO

VG-2 ON

VG-2 OFF (default)

SWS

SWS OFF

D = ON Q = OFF

SWS ON

SWS OFF (default)

POP

POP OFF

D = ON Q = OFF

POP ON

POP OFF (default)

ALERT

PERISCOPES

LED BLNK

D or Q to select

Alert Periscopes ON

(ON, OFF or Blinking)

VOICE

®

VOICE ON

D = ON Q = OFF

Real VOICE

®

 Engaged

Real VOICE

® 

Disengaged

BATTERY SAVER

Mode

B SVR ON

D = ON Q = OFF

Battery Saver ON (default)

Battery Saver OFF

FILTER Mode

FILTER

D = ON Q = OFF

Filter (default)

Filter 1

TFSR

TFSR OFF

D = ON Q = OFF

TFSR ON

TFSR OFF (default)

GPS Mode

GPS Y

D = ON Q = OFF

GPS Mode ON (default)

GPS Mode OFF

LOCAL TIME

GMT -5

D or Q to select

Change Time Zone

DAYLIGHT

SAVINGS

DST N

D = YES Q = NO

Daylight Savings YES

Daylight Savings NO (default)

CLOCK

CLOCK Y

D = YES Q = NO

Clock Display YES (default)

Clock Display NO

COMPASS Mode

COMPAS Y

D = YES Q = NO

Compass Mode ON (default)

Compass Mode OFF

UNIT of

MEASURE

SPD MPH

D or Q to select

English / Metric

SPEED WARNING

O-SPD 0

D or Q to select

Over speed warning - Select 

desired speed limit for alert

AUTO QUIET 

SPEED

AQSPD 0 

D or Q to select

Select low speed limit for Auto 

Quiet to engage

AUTO FILTER 

SPEED

AFSPD  

D or Q to select

Select low speed limit for 

Auto Filter to engage

NEVER OPERATE

A VEHICLE IF YOU

ARE DROWSY!

write serial number in the space provided

Press and hold the Menu button to exit. Option mode 

will automatically exit if no buttons are pressed within 20 

seconds.

ALARM RADIUS

RAD 400

D or Q to select

Select 200, 400, 600

DELETE RADIUS D-RAD 400

D or Q to select

D and Q to execute

Select delete waypoint radius

DELETE

WAYPOINTS

ALL DEL

Press and Q

Delete all manual waypoints

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