Whistler 1610 Rader Laser Detector Owners Manual PDF

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Summary of Content for Whistler 1610 Rader Laser Detector Owners Manual PDF

X Band LED

K Band LED

P/VG-2 LED

Radar Visual Alert

City On LED

Both=Ka Laser Visual Alert

Model 1630 X K P/VG-2 Alert C

Ka

The Safety radar alert is displayed for as long as the signal is present and the audio alert is continuous, but has a Geiger counter like pat- tern to help you determine your distance from the Safety radar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are to the source.

Radar Band Identification (1630) When the Whistler 1630 encounters traffic radar, the Radar Band Indicators confirm the band detected by illuminating one or both of the LEDs as follows:

X Band Amber LED Only K Band Red LED Only

Ka Band Amber And Red LEDs Illuminate

Laser Audio And Visual Alerts If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can often determine your speed within a few sec- onds after you receive an alert. In this situa- tion 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! When your Whistler detects a laser signal, the la- ser audio alert is sounded and the four red LEDs (three red LEDs on 1610) illuminate from right to left for as long as the signal is present, or for a minimum of three seconds.

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1630 Display

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6. CITY Button - Reduces the annoyance of false alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.

7. Speaker - Provides distinct audio warn- ings for X, K, Ka band, instant-on (pulse) radar, safety radar and laser.

8. Power Jack - Provides connection for the power cord.

9. Radar Antenna - Compact, high-effi- ciency antenna receives radar signals.

10. Laser Antenna - Provides long range la- ser detection. Both antennas must have an unobstructed view of the road.

11. Mounting Bracket Location - Slot holds mounting bracket firmly.

Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use. Power Cord - Connects to the units power jack and your vehicles lighter socket. Windshield Bracket - For installing the unit on your vehicles windshield. Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to se- cure the unit on a level dashboard.

Whistlers ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a new level of operating convenience. Special features include:

1. Rear Laser Antenna (1630) - An integrated optical waveguide provides superior de- tection of laser signals transmitted from behind.

2. Bracket Release Button - Provides quick and easy release of the mounting bracket.

3. Power/Volume Control (PWR/VOL) - A single control turns the unit on/off and ad- justs audio level.

4. QUIET Button - Pressing QUIET before a signal is detected replaces the continuous audio alert with an auto-mute audio pat- tern (1630 only). Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.

5. VG-2 Button (1630 only) - Engages (one beep) or disengages (2 beeps) VG-2 Cloaking Technology for nondetectibility.

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INTRODUCTION

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Dear Whistler Owner,

Congratulations on your purchase of a Whis- tler radarlaser detector.

Reflecting our continued commitment of pro- viding innovative detection products, your Whistler detector integrates radar and laser detection in a high quality design. In addition to providing complete coverage of all radar and laser speed monitoring guns, your Whis- tler includes many preferred features. It also detects the new Safety Warning System. This provides advanced warning of various high- way hazards, enabling you to respond more appropriately to potentially dangerous con- ditions. The Whistler 1630 also offers the benefit of nondetectibility by alerting you to the presence of the VG-2 (a radar de- tector detector).

To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your unit and to better understand the differences between detecting radar and laser signals, we recommend reading this entire manual.

Enjoy your Whistler detector and please drive safely.

Sincerely,

WHISTLER CORPORATION

MODEL FEATURES

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MODEL FEATURES

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LED DISPLAYS

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OPERATION

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Power On And Self-Test - Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and visual displays are functional. During Power Up, all the LEDs illuminate, while the X, K, and Ka alerts are sounded in se- quence. Immediately after the radar alerts, the red LEDs are momentarily cancelled, then illuminate from right to left while the laser alert is sounded. After the laser alert the 1st and 4th (3rd on 1610) alert LEDs flash and the Safety Radar alert is sounded. At the end of the self-test sequence the unit is in highway mode.

Feature Engaged Confirmation Your Whistler detector provides audible confirmation each time a feature is engaged or canceled. When a button is pressed, one beep confirms feature on, two beeps con- firm feature off. With Feature Engaged Confirmation, you receive immediate feed- back concerning the status of your unit.

Quiet Mode The QUIET Button accesses one of two muting options. 1. Manual Quiet When an audio alert is sounded, you can silence the alarm by pressing QUIET. The only time you can engage Manual Quiet is during an audio alert.

OPERATION

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2. Pre-set Audio Quiet (1630 only) Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected provides an alternate alert pattern, consisting of four beeps (indicating X, K, Ka or Safety radar) followed by clicking. The clicking will continue for as long as the detected signal is present or any new signal is detected within 20 seconds, becoming more rapid as the strength of the signal increases. If Pre-set Audio Quiet is engaged, pressing QUIET while the unit is alarming will cancel the beeps or clicking. Pressing QUIET a second time when the unit is not alarming will cancel Pre-set Audio Quiet mode and restore the continuous audio alert pattern.

City Mode Automatic door openers, intrusion alarms, and other devices which share frequen- cies with police radar can be the source of mis- leading alerts, especially in urban and suburban areas. Driving in City mode will reduce these un- wanted audio alerts while keeping you quietly in- formed of signal activity with visual alerts. Pressing the CITY Button engages City mode. Pressing the CITY Button a second time cancels City mode. In City mode, the unit responds to X, K, Ka, or Safety radar signals by alerting you with an initial alarm (2 beeps), and then remains quiet unless the strength of the detected signal becomes very strong. Two additional beeps are provided when a weak signal becomes strong.

RADAR ALERTS

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Highway Mode Highway mode provides full au- dio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety) or laser signals are detected, and is recommended for open road driving. Highway mode is automati- cally engaged after the unit is turned on and com- pletes the self-test.

Radar Audio And Visual Alerts When your Whistler detector encounters traffic radar, it provides a distinctive audio tone for the specific radar band detected: X, K, or Ka. At the same time, LEDs illuminate sequentially from left to right (see page 4). The green and amber LEDs are cancelled during an alert. The audio alerts are continuous, but have a Geiger counter-like pattern to help you deter- mine your distance from the radar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are to the transmitting source. At the same time, illumination of multiple LEDs indicates relative signal strength.

Pulse Protection Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect than conventional radar because it remains off until activated to mea- sure the speed of a targeted vehicle. When a pulse type transmission is detected, your Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-sec- ond audio warning and flashes the red LEDs at their fastest rate. After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert pattern continues for as long

RADAR ALERTS

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LASER VG-2 ALERTS

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INSTALLATION

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Mounting Guidelines For effective detection of radar and laser sig- nals, it is important to mount your unit prop- erly. Performance will be best if you position the detector with a level, through-the-wind- shield view of the road ahead. (Remember, your units eyes are at the end opposite from the LEDs and controls.) Here are some additional points to keep in mind. Do not mount your detector behind wipers, ornaments, mirrored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal surfaces which can block radar and laser signals and reduce critical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.) Some newer windshields have an Instaclear or Electriclear type coating, which block radar and laser signals. Consult your dealer or the owners manual supplied with your vehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating. To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your unit when not in use. Do not use windshield mount on vehicles with a plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. Bracket may leave per- manent marks on this type of windshield. See vehicles owners manual.

RADAR LASER ALERTS

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VEHICLE BATTERY SAVER

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Dimensions: 1.25"H x 2.7" W x 3.9" L Weight: 5.5 ozs. Laser Frequencies:

90550 nanometers (nm) Radar Frequencies:

10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X band) 24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K band) 33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Superwideband Ka)

Operating Temperature Range: -20C to +80C (-4F to +176F)

Power Requirements: Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 200 mA nominal

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Whistler P/N 203139 16 Elizabeth Drive Whistler 1999 Chelmsford, MA 01824 Patents Pending

Consumer Relations: (800) 531-0004

Printed on recycled paper.

Visit us at www.drivingstore.com

TM

E N H A N C E D D R I V I N G T O O L S

OWNERS MANUAL

1610/1630 RADARLASER DETECTORS

as the signal is present. It is important to respond promptly to a pulse alert, since warning time may be minimal.

Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts Your Whistler detector detects the new Safety Warning System. This provides advanced warning of various road hazards including acci- dent sites, highway construction, emergency vehicles, etc. and enables you to respond more appropriately to potentially dangerous condi- tions. When your Whistler detector detects a safety radar signal, it provides a distinctive au- dio tone and illuminates the first LED and the last LED in the signal strength display.

The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indicate detection of a Safety radar signal.

The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indicate detection of a Safety radar signal.

When the laser signal is no longer detected, the audio warning ends, but the LEDs con- tinue to flash slowly for three seconds, indi- cating a laser encounter has just occurred.

VG-2 Detection Mode (1630 only) The VG-2, also known as a radar detector detector, is a spe- cial receiver used by police to detect signals radiated by a radar detector. Because of your Whistler detectors superior sensitivity and low radiated signal level, you will be able to detect the VG-2 before the VG- 2 is able to detect you. Press the VG-2 button once to engage, unit beeps once. Pressing a second time cancels VG-2 detec- tion mode, unit beeps twice and the VG-2 LED is disengaged. When a VG-2 signal is detected the P/VG-2 LED flashes rapidly for 3 seconds and the VG- 2 alert is sounded. After the 3 seconds the audio is canceled and the P/VG-2 alert LED flashes at a slower rate. This cycle is repeated if the VG-2 signal is again detected. During the period a VG-2 signal is detected, a radar signal cannot be detected. However, be- cause the VG-2 alert has confirmed that a pa- trol car is nearby, you are already aware of the potential for speed monitoring and can ad- just your speed accordingly. Laser detection is not affected while a VG-2 signal is detected.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode (1630 only) The Vehicle Battery Saver mode automatically shuts off your detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any but- ton is pressed before the 3 hours has expired. The detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts off. Display shows:

The Red LEDs flash in an alternating pattern

During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit by pressing any button. This will reset the timer.

If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any button to turn the unit back on. You can manually engage the Vehicle Battery Saver mode by pressing and holding the City button until one beep is heard.

Model 1630

Model 1610

X Band LED

K Band LED

P/VG-2 LED

Radar Visual Alert

City On LED

Both=Ka Laser Visual Alert

Power On LED

City On LED

Radar Visual Alert

Laser Visual Alert

Model 1610 P CAlert

When visor mounting, make sure your unit is relatively level and has a clear view of the road ahead.

Power Connection Plug the small end of the power cord into the units power jack, then plug the large end of the cord into your vehicles lighter socket. Make sure the plug fits snugly, and be sure to keep the socket and contacts free of ashes and dirt.

Windshield Mounting With the windshield mounting kit your Whis- tler detector can be mounted to your vehicles windshield. First, install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the bracket by fitting them into their holes. Now, press the suction cups onto the windshield glass at the location you have chosen. Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place. If necessary, you may adjust the bracket to the proper angle by bending it. Remove detector before bend- ing bracket. To remove the bracket, pull the tab on each suction cup.

To make the unit level, you can easily adjust the angle of the windshield bracket by bending it.

Fuse Replacement The lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2 amp 3AG fuse located be- hind the silver tip. To replace the fuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (Im- portant note: Unscrew slowly. The tip con- tains a spring which may fly out when disas- sembling.) Insert the new fuse with spring and screw the tip on. With use, screwcap on plug may loosen. Retighten occasionally.

Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2 amp fuse.

The following accessories are available through Whistler retailers or can be ordered directly from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.

Order Description Price

202138 Visor Bracket $6.95

202139 Windshield Bracket $9.95

206552 Straight Power Cord (5') $14.95

206553 Coiled Power Cord (7') $15.95

206879 Hook & Loop $ 1.95

206880 Hardwire Kit (10') $ 9.95

Shipping and Handling (Per Order) $ 3.00

Massachusetts residents please add applicable sales tax. Prices are subject to change without notice.

INSTALLATION

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INSTALLATION

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INSTALLATION

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

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SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

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Radar Facts Very simply, a radar gun operates by transmit- ting radio waves at certain frequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up by the radar guns receiving section. When a radar beam reflects off a moving target, such as your vehicle, a measurable frequency shift occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour to determine your vehicles speed. Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) permits operation of traffic radar guns at these frequencies:

X band (10.500 GHz - 10.550 GHz) K band (24.050 GHz - 24.250 GHz) Ka band (33.400 GHz - 36.000 GHz)

Laser Facts Its well documented that many radar guns cannot reliably provide the speed of a tar- geted 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 guns 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 6 feet at the same distance. This is one reason why laser is more difficult to detect than radar.

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

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ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?

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Are Detectors Legal? Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.). Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and Washington D.C., which have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle. Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Fed- eral Highway Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective January, 1994 which pro- hibits 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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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Consumer Warranty Your Whistler detector is warranted to the origi- nal purchaser for a period of one year from the date of original purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship. This limited war- ranty 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 war- ranty. All express or implied warranties for this product are limited to one year. Whistler is not liable for damages of any type arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this product.

Service Under Warranty During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired or replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistlers option, with- out charge to the purchaser when returned prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the address on pg. 23. Units returned without dated proof of purchase will be handled as described in the section Service Out Of Warranty. Due to the specialized equipment necessary for test- ing a radar/laser receiver, there are no autho- rized service stations for Whistler brand detec- tors other than the factory.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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When returning a unit for service under war- ranty, please follow these instructions: 1. Ship the unit in original carton or in a suitable

sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, and shipping charges prepaid to:

Whistler Repair Dept. 16 Elizabeth Drive

Chelmsford, MA 01824

IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsi- bility for loss or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit insured with return receipt requested. 2. Include with your unit the following informa-

tion, clearly printed: Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), and a daytime telephone number. (No P.O. Box please.) A detailed description of the problem (e.g., Unit performs self-test but does not respond to radar). A copy of your dated proof of purchase or bill of sale.

3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. For reference, we recommend keep- ing a record of your units serial number. Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of purchase.

Service Out Of Warranty Units will be repaired at out of warranty service rates when: The units original warranty has expired. Dated proof of purchase 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 $45.00 (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 $45.00. (Payment may also be made by MasterCard or Visa; personal checks are not accepted.) In the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum $45.00 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/replaced, it will be returned to you and your money refunded. IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be certain to include a daytime tele- phone number.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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Code

For best protection keep these additional sug- gestions in mind: Because your vehicles license plate or head-

lights are the laser guns primary targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the dash can improve laser detection at short range.

Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see through. If you cant see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your de- tector wont 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.

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 pro- vide 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 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 iden- tify 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, drivers in Virginia, Wash- ington D.C. and Western Canada and all truck drivers risk losing their radar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on radar is almost always used in combination with the VG-2, leaving unsuspecting motor- ists vulnerable to receiving two tickets one potentially for speeding, the other for pos- session of a detector. Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 alerts you to the presence of a speed trap and preserves your radar detector invest- ment.

SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

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ACCESSORIES

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If your unit has been correctly installed follow- ing the guidelines in this manual, but is not operating optimally, please refer to this chart:

Problem Action

No display or audio.

Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary.

Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.

Make sure lighter socket is clean and fully operational.

Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean socket.

Check connections at both ends of power cord.Substitute another cord to determine if cord is defective. Return de- fective cord to factory.

Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.

Problem Action

Check vehicle's electrical system, including battery and alternator.

Install a filter capacitor (470fd. 25 volt or larger capacitance value) on the back of the lighter socket.

Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment or electrical accesso- ries (brakes, power mirrors/windows, directionals, horn, etc.).

Cancel Pre-set Audio- Quiet. (see pg. 6).

Check PWR/VOL control setting.

Audio alerts are not loud enough.

Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable, trouble-free opera- tion. If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information provided in this Trouble- shooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer Relations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for service or contact us via e-mail: info@whistlercorp.com.

Consumer Relations If you have questions concerning the opera- tion of your Whistler detector, or service dur- ing or after the warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at 1-800-531-0004. Rep- resentatives are available to answer your ques- tions Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST), or you may e-mail questions to us at info@whistlercorp.com. Please allow 3-5 days for e-mail response.

Slide on visor

Insert into bracket mounting slot

Dash Mounting Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes. Separate the hook & loop fastener strips. Peel the backing off each strip, adhere one piece to the dash and the other piece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to cover the serial number.

Be careful not to place the strip over the units serial number. If the strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.

When joined, the two strips provide a secure mount, yet the unit can be easily removed for

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