Whistler XTR-538 Owner's Manual

POP ™ MODE ALERTS VG-2 ALERTS
POP Mode Alerts VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
™
Note: You must turn this feature on before it
Because POP ™ Mode radar utilizes the same
will detect VG-2.
K or Ka band frequencies, POP Mode Alerts will be
™
displayed as regular radar alerts. When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector 'hides'
its own radiated signal and becomes undetectable
LASER/RADAR ALERTS
by the VG-2.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
signal. If a VG-2 signal is still present, the unit
When X, K, or Ka is detected, the band ID and
continues to hide and repeats the VG-2 alert. If no
signal strength are displayed. The audio alert
signal is detected, two beeps are provided,
is continuous and has a pattern like a geiger
indicating an 'all clear' condition. During a VG-2
counter. The faster the beep, the closer or
Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be
stronger the radar source.
received (Reference page 21 for VG-2 information).
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
Alert Priority
When a laser signal is detected, the audio alert is
When two or more signals are received at the
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
same time, the alert priority is:
1. Laser
• The Display Shows:
2. VG-2
Pulse Protection
® 3. Speed Radar
Pulse (instant-on) radar is more difficult to 4. SWS
detect than conventional radar because it Example:
remains 'off' until activated to measure the If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will
speed of a targeted vehicle.
override the X band alert.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, the
Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
TFSR - Traffic Flow Signal Rejection
audio warning and the display shows: When turned on in option mode, helps
eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous X
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert
and K-band sources. Traffic flow monitoring
pattern continues for as long as the signal is systems are getting more common. Many
present. of these systems generate radar signals to
measure the flow of traffic across multiple lanes.
It is important to respond promptly to a pulse
Most detectors will alert you to it unnecessarily.
alert, since warning time may be minimal.
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.
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
Police have to detect radar detectors is called
seconds after you receive an alert. In this
Spectre. As of this printing. Spectre can detect
situation, there is generally no time to safely
the majority of undetectable (VG-2) laser/radar
adjust your speed. However, if you are traveling
detectors on the market.
near or behind the targeted vehicle, and receive
an alert, response time should be sufficient.
It is the responsibility of the radar detector user
Any laser alert, regardless of duration, requires
to know and understand the laws in your area
immediate action!
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
Other Speed Detection Systems
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Several techniques other than radar or laser are
Consumer Warranty
used to measure vehicle speeds. When these
methods are being used, no detector can provide This Whistler Laser-Radar detector is warranted
a warning. These techniques include: to the original purchaser for a period of one year
from the date of original purchase against all
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and
defects in materials and workmanship. This
matches your driving speed.
limited warranty is void if the unit is abused,
• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to
modified, installed improperly, or if the housing and/
travel a known distance is measured.
or serial numbers have been removed. There are
Radar Detector Detectors: VG-2,
no express warranties covering this product other
Spectre
than those set forth in this warranty. All express or
The Interceptor VG-2 or simply VG-2, is one type of implied warranties for this product are limited to the
above time. Whistler is not liable for damages
microwave receiver used by Police to detect signals
radiated by the local oscillator of a radar detector. arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this
product.
Because its purpose is to identify persons driving
with radar detectors, these devices are known as a
Note: Damaged caused by incorrect battery
"radar detector detector" (RDD). placement or battery leakage is not covered
under this warranty.
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.
21
RESET FEATURES
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.
15 16
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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.
22 23
TROUBLESHOOTING CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Make sure the batteries are fully charged. Care And Maintenance
• Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
During the summer months, avoid prolonged
• Check the fuse in the plug; replace if
exposure to direct sunlight by removing your unit
necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type.
from the dash when your vehicle is parked for an
• Check the fuse for lighter socket; replace if
extended period of time. Do not spray water,
necessary.
cleaners, or polishes directly onto the unit. The
• Make sure the lighter socket is clean. spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
cleaners on the unit's exterior.
bumps.
• Make sure the batteries are seated properly. As with all battery operated devices remove the
• Make sure that the battery door is fully closed.
batteries when the unit will not be used for an
• Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
extended period of time. Damage caused by
• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten
leaky or improperly charged batteries are not
and clean.
covered under warranty.
• Check the connections at both ends of the
power cord. Substitute another cord to ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
determine if the cord is defective. Return
In Most States YES!
defective cord to the factory.
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
• Check audio level setting (see page 7 ).
have local regulations restricting the use of
radar receivers in any vehicle.
PROBLEM: Low Battery Life.
• One or more of the batteries may be
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
defective.
passed a nationwide regulation, effective
• See the battery life tips on page 6.
January 1994, which prohibited radar and laser
detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
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.
17
WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial Important: When returning your unit for service,
number. For reference, please write your unit's be certain to include a daytime telephone
number and an email address (if applicable).
serial number in the following space:
s/n______________.
Customer Service
.
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty
If you have questions concerning the operation of
Important: To validate that your unit is
your Whistler detector, or require service during or
within the warranty period, make sure you
after the warranty period, please call Customer Service
keep a copy of your dated store receipt. You
at:
may register your product online at
www.whistlergroup.com, however, for 1-800-531-0004
warranty verification purposes, a copy of
Representatives are available to answer your questions
your dated store receipt must accompany any
unit sent in for warranty work. Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT) or
visit the FAQ's at www.whistlergroup.com.
Service Out of Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS
Units will be repaired at 'out of warranty' service
rates when:
Laser Wavelength:
• The unit's original warranty has expired.
905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)
• A dated store receipt is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial
Radar Frequencies:
number.
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
• The unit has been abused, modified,
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
installed improperly, or had its housing
removed. 33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
The minimum out of warranty service fee for
Operating Temperature Range:-10˚ C to +70˚ C
your Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you
(14˚ F to +158˚ F)
require out of warranty service, please return
your unit as outlined in the section "Service
Power Requirements:
Under Warranty" along with a certified check
3 AA Ni-MH batteries 1.2 volts each.
or money order for $55.00. Payment may also
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
be made by MasterCard, VISA or American
Express; personal checks are not accepted. with power cord.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
the minimum $55.00 service fee, you will be
#5,666,120, #7,215,276
contacted by a Whistler technical service
specialist who will outline options available POP Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
™
to you.
SWS is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
™
If you elect not to have your unit repaired, it
Specifications are subject to change
will be returned to you along with your certified
without notice.
check or money order.
24
FCC INFORMATION
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.
18 19
ACCESSORIES
These and other accessories can be
ordered directly from Whistler by calling
or visit our online store at
1-800-531-0004
www. whistlergroup .com
Order # Description
202152 Large Windshield Bracket Kit
206552 Power Cord (5')
206880 Hardwire Kit (10' )
(for wiring to fuse box)
206666 Modular* Cord Package
(includes coiled and straight
cords, and power adapter)
202156 Package of 4 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.
25 26
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. 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.
20
OWNER'S MANUAL
XTR-538
Price
$9.95
$14.95
Battery Powered
$9.95
LASER-RADAR
$17.95
DETECTOR
$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 260036 Rev2 © 2012 The Whistler Group, Inc.