Whistler XTR-438 Owner's Manual

OPERATION

POP MODE ALERTS
™
Stay Alert Feature POP Mode Alerts
™
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a Because POP ™ Mode radar utilizes the same
driver's alertness. To engage (when the unit is K or Ka band frequencies, POP
not alarming) : be displayed as regular radar alerts.
• Press and hold the City button for

LASER/RADAR ALERTS

approximately 2 seconds. Release the button
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
during or immediately after the alert is given.
Display shows: When X, K, or Ka is detected, the band ID and
signal strength is displayed. The audio alert is
continuous and has a pattern like a geiger
counter. The faster the beep, the closer or
Within 30-60 seconds, an alert is sounded; to stronger the radar source.
show alertness, the driver must press either the
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
City, Menu, or Quiet buttons within 3-5 seconds.
When a laser signal is detected the audio alert is
If a button is pressed within 3-5 seconds, the
cycle is repeated. continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
The Display Shows:
If a button is not pressed within 3-5 seconds, an
alarm sounds and the display shows:
Pulse Protection
Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to
• Press the Dark button to exit the Stay Alert
detect than conventional radar because it
feature.
remains 'off' until activated to measure the speed
of a targeted vehicle.
WARNING!!! Stay Alert is NOT intended as a
substitute for adequate rest. You should NOT When a pulse type transmission is detected, your
Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
operate a vehicle if you are drowsy. During
audio warning and the display shows:
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.
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert
pattern continues for as long as the signal is
NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF YOU ARE
present.
DROWSY.
It is important to respond promptly to a pulse
alert, since warning time may be minimal.
14

SPEED MONITORING

SPEED MONITORING
Laser Tips Note: Having a radar detector capable of
detecting the VG-2 may alert you to the
If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can
presence of a speed trap. The newest tool
often determine your speed within a few
seconds after you receive an alert. In this Police have to detect radar detectors is called
Spectre. Spectre can detect the majority of
situation, there is generally no time to safely
undetectable (VG-2) laser/radar detectors on
adjust your speed. However, if you are traveling
the market.
near or behind the targeted vehicle and receive
an alert, response time should be sufficient. Any
It is the responsibility of the radar detector
laser alert, regardless of duration, requires
user to know and understand the laws in
immediate action!
your area regarding the legality of the use of
Other Speed Detection Systems radar detectors.
Several techniques other than radar or laser are
used to measure vehicle speeds. When these WARRANTY INFORMATION
methods are being used, no detector can provide
Consumer Warranty
a warning. These techniques include:
This Whistler Laser-Radar detector is warranted
Pacing
• - A patrol car drives behind you and
to the original purchaser for a period of one
matches your driving speed.
Vascar/Aircraft year from the date of original purchase against
• - The police measure the time it
all defects in materials and workmanship. This
takes your vehicle to travel a known distance.
limited warranty is void if the unit is abused,
modified, installed improperly, or if the housing
Radar Detector Detectors: VG-2,
and/or serial numbers have been removed.
Spectre
There are no express warranties covering this
The Interceptor VG-2 or simply VG-2, is one type of product other than those set forth in this
microwave receiver used by Police to detect signals warranty. All express or implied warranties for
radiated by the local oscillator of a radar detector. this product are limited to the above time.
Because its purpose is to identify persons driving Whistler is not liable for damages arising from
with radar detectors, these devices are known as a the use, misuse, or operation of this product.
"radar detector detector" (RDD).
Service Under Warranty
An RDD is the primary tool used by the police to
During the warranty period, defective units will
identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught
be repaired without charge to the purchaser when
in a state or country where detectors are illegal (see
returned with a dated store receipt to the address
page 18), drivers risk losing their radar detector and
listed in this section.
receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on radar is
almost always used in combination with an RDD,
Units returned without a dated store receipt will
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receive
be handled as described in section
two tickets - one potential for speeding, and the
"Service Out Of Warranty."
other for possession of a detector.
21

VG-2 ALERTS

VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Note: You must turn this feature on before it will
Mode Alerts 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 (see pg.
21).
RESET FEATURES
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
•Unplug the Power Cord from the unit.
•Press and hold the Quiet button.
•Plug the Power Cord into the unit.
•Wait for 2 beeps.
® •Release the Quiet button.
Unit is now reset to the following features
and settings.
Default factory settings are:
1. HIGHWAY Mode
2. Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination
3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF
4. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF
5. SWS OFF
6. Vehicle Battery Saver ON
7. Full Power Up sequence
8. Default TONE 3
9. POP OFF
10. LED Periscopes to BLINK
11. TFSR OFF
12. Filter Mode
15 16
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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.
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.
22 23
TROUBLESHOOTING CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered Care And Maintenance
and designed to exacting quality standards to
During the summer months, avoid prolonged
provide you with reliable, trouble-free operation. exposure to direct sunlight by removing your unit
If your unit has been correctly installed following
from the dash when your vehicle is parked for an
the guidelines in this manual, but is not
extended period of time. Do not spray water,
operating optimally, please refer to the
cleaners, or polishes directly onto the unit. The
troubleshooting guide below.
spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive
PROBLEM: No display or audio.
cleaners on the unit's exterior.
• Check the fuse in the plug; replace if
necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type.
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
• Check the fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary.
In Most States YES!
• Make sure the lighter socket is clean.
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
bumps.
have local regulations restricting the use of
• Check for a loose lighter socket; tighten and
radar receivers in any vehicle.
clean.
• Check the connections at both ends of the
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
power cord. Substitute another cord to
passed a nationwide regulation, effective
determine if the cord is defective. Return the
January 1994, which prohibited radar and laser
defective cord to the factory.
detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud
enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting. (see page 8)
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
whistlergroup
www. .com, before returning your
unit for service.
17
WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION
Important: To validate that your unit is within Important: When returning your unit for service,
the warranty period, make sure you keep a copy be certain to include a daytime telephone
of your dated store receipt. You may register number and an email address (if applicable).
your warranty online at www.whistlergroup.com,
Customer Service
however, for warranty verification purposes, a
If you have questions concerning the operation
copy of your dated store receipt must
of your Whistler detector, or require service
accompany any unit sent in for warranty work.
during or after the warranty period, please call
Customer Service at:
Service Out of Warranty
Units will be repaired at "out of warranty"
Representatives are available to answer your
service rates when:
questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
• The unit's original warranty has expired. 5:00 p.m. (CT) or visit the FAQ's at
whistlergroup
• A dated store receipt is not supplied. www.
• The unit has been returned without its serial
SPECI FIC ATIONS
number.
Laser Wavelength:
• The unit has been abused, modified,
installed improperly, or had its housing 905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)
removed. Radar Frequencies:
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
The minimum out of warranty service fee for
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
your Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you
require out of warranty service, please return 33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
your unit as outlined in the section "Service
Operating Temperature Range:
Under Warranty" along with a certified check or
-10 C to +70 C (+14 F to +158 F)
money order for $55.00. Payment may also be
made by MasterCard, VISA or American
Power Requirements:
Express; personal checks are not accepted.
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the
minimum $55.00 service fee, you will be
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
contacted by a Whistler technical service
#5,666,120, #7,215,276
specialist who will outline options available to
you.
POP Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
™
SWS ™ is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
If you elect not to have your unit repaired, it will
be returned to you along with your certified
Specifications are subject
check or money order.
to change without notice.
24 25
FCC INFORMATION
FCC ID : HSXWH10
FCC ID : HSXWH21
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 only alarm if an officer
is transmitting on any one of the above radar
bands.
18 19
ACCESSORIES
The following accessories can be ordered
1-800-531-0004
directly from Whistler by calling
or visiting our online store at
whistlergroup
www. .com
Order # Description
1-800-531-0004
202151 Windshield Bracket Kit
206552 Power Cord (5)
206880 Hardwire Kit (10' )
(for wiring to fuse box)
.com.
206666 Modular* Cord Package
(includes coiled and straight
cords, and power adapter)
159032 Package of 8 Suction Cups
402080 Non Skid Dash Pad
* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00 .
Prices are subject to change without notice.
26
SPEED MONITORING
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.
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 +/- 50nm.
20
OWNER'S MANUAL
XTR-438
Price
$9.95
$14.95
LASER-RADAR
$9.95
DETECTOR
$17.95
$2.95
$6.95
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 202915, © 2012 The Whistler Group, Inc.