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:
-10˚ C to +70˚ C
(14˚ F to +158˚ F)
Power Requirements:
3 AA Ni-MH batteries 1.2 volts each.
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
with power cord.
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
#5,666,120, #7,215,276
POP
™
Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
SWS
™
is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
Specifications are subject to change
without notice.
POP
™
Mode Alerts
Because POP
™
Mode radar utilizes the same
K or Ka band frequencies, POP
™
Mode Alerts will be
displayed as regular radar 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 pattern like a geiger
counter. 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.
• The Display Shows:
Pulse Protection
®
Pulse (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, the
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.
POP
™
MODE ALERTS
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Note:
You 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.
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 a VG-2
Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be
received (Reference page 21 for VG-2 information).
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
4
. SWS
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will
override the X band alert.
TFSR - Traffic Flow Signal Rejection
When turned on in option mode, helps
eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous X
and K-band sources. Traffic flow monitoring
systems are getting more common. Many
of these systems generate radar signals to
measure the flow of traffic across multiple lanes.
Most detectors will alert you to it unnecessarily.
This rejection feature examines the incoming
signal and will aid in reducing the alerts to such
sources.
We suggest you turn TFSR on if you are
experiencing excessive X or K band false alerts
every half mile or so along stretches of roadway
that contain these traffic flow sensors.
VG-2 ALERTS
Reset Features
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
• Unplug the Power Cord from the unit.
• Remove the Batteries.
• Press and hold Power/BL and Quiet/Vol
buttons.
• Plug the Power Cord into the unit.
• Wait for 2 beeps.
• Release Power/BL and Quiet/Vol buttons.
Unit is now reset to the following features
and settings.
Default factory settings are:
1.
Audio to level (4).
2.
Highway Mode.
3.
Auto Quiet Mode OFF.
4.
VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.
5.
SWS OFF.
6.
Vehicle Battery Saver to 1 hour.
7.
Full Power Up sequence.
8.
Default TONE 3.
9.
Voice ON.
10.
POP OFF.
11.
Dim/Dimmer/Dark Mode to Full Illumination
12.
Periscopes to Flashing.
13.
TFSR OFF.
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.
• Make sure the batteries are installed with the
correct polarity.
RESET FEATURES
• Make sure the batteries are fully charged.
• Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
• Check the fuse in the plug; replace if
necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type.
• Check the fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary.
• Make sure the lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
bumps.
• Make sure the batteries are seated properly.
• Make sure that the battery door is fully closed.
• Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten
and clean.
• Check the 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: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting (see page 7 ).
PROBLEM: Low Battery Life.
• One or more of the batteries may be
defective.
• See the battery life tips on page 6.
PROBLEM: Unit turns itself off
• See Auto Shut Off Mode on page 11
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.
TROUBLESHOOTING
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.
As with all battery operated devices remove the
batteries when the unit will not be used for an
extended period of time. Damage caused by
leaky or improperly charged batteries are not
covered under warranty.
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
have local regulations restricting the use of
radar receivers in any vehicle.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
passed a nationwide regulation, effective
January 1994, which prohibited radar and laser
detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
FCC ID : HSXWH15
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, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Important:
FCC
(Federal Communications
Commission)
requirements state that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by
Whistler could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
SPEED MONITORING
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.
Currently, the FCC 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).
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 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.
FCC INFORMATION
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. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances
are your detector won’t either.
• The receiving range of laser signals will
not be the same as radar signals. 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
± 50 nm., including Laser Atlanta ’s™ Stealth mode.
SPEED MONITORING
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:
•
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.
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 (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 an RDD,
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receive
two tickets - one potentially for speeding, the other
for possession of a detector.
SPEED MONITORING
Note:
Having a radar detector capable of
detecting the VG-2 may alert you to the
presence of a speed trap. The newest tool
Police have to detect radar detectors is called
Spectre. As of this printing. Spectre can detect
the majority of undetectable (VG-2) laser/radar
detectors on the market.
It is the responsibility of the radar detector user
to know and understand the laws in your area
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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, 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:
Damaged caused by incorrect battery
placement or battery leakage is not covered
under this warranty.
SPEED MONITORING
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 turnaround 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
information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for
shipping via UPS), 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.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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 product 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 $55.00 (U.S.). 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 for $55.00. 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 $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.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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
202152
Large Windshield Bracket Kit $9.95
206552
Power Cord (5’) $14.95
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)
202156
Package of 4 Suction Cups $2.95
402080
Non Skid Dash Pad $6.95
* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling ( per order) $5.00 . Prices are
subject to change without notice.
ACCESSORIES
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
25
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 260036 Rev2 © 2012 The Whistler Group, Inc.
XTR-538
Battery Powered
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR
