Whistler Z-19R+ - Laser-Radar Detector Manual

Features

• Total Band Protection™
• OLED Text Display
• Detects POP™ Mode
• 360º Maxx Coverage
• 3 City Modes/ Highway Mode
• Quiet/Auto Quiet Mode
• Dim/Dark Mode
• Real Voice®
• Stay Alert™
• Setting Saver
• Selectable Vehicle Battery Saver™
• Safety Warning System™
• Alert Priority
• Alert Periscopes
• Total Laser Detection
• Traffic Flow Signal Rejection
• Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection
• High Gain Lens
• VG-2 Detection

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

1. Bracket Release Button - provides quic and easy release of the mounting bracket.
2. Speaker - provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka band radar, safety warning system, laser and VG-2.
3. Mounting Bracket Location - slot holds mounting bracket firmly.
4. Radar Antenna - compact, high-efficiency antenna receives radar signals.
5. Front Laser - high gain optical lens provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection.
6. Rear Laser - an integrated optical waveguide provides superior detection of laser signals transmitted from behind.
7. City Button - reduces the annoyance of false alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.
8. Quiet Button - pressing QUIET before a signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode which automatically reduces the audio level after the initial warning to a low audio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
9. Power / Volume Control - turns unit on/off and adjusts audio level.
10. Dim / Dark - engages Dim/Dark modes.
11. Menu Button - enters Option Select Mode.
12. Text Display - provides distinct visual confirmation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged modes of operation.
13. Alert Periscopes - provide added visual alerts of threats ahead.
14. Power Jack - Provides connection for the power cord.

INSTALLATION

Mounting Guidelines

• Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the windshield.
• Do not mount the unit behind wipers, ornaments, mirrored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal surfaces which can affect radar and laser signals and reduce critical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception).
• Some windshields have an Instaclear™ or Electriclear™ type coating, which affect radar signals. Consult your dealer or the user guide supplied with your vehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating.
• Avoid placing the unit in direct contact with the windshield.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal the unit when not in use.

Some newer cars have a plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The windshield bracket may leave permanent marks on this type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of windshield, check the vehicle's user guide or ask your dealer. We recommend that you do not leave the suction cup bracket on the window in direct sunlight. If the detector is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some vehicles.

• Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the windshield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove the detector before bending.
  

Make sure the unit is level

Power Cord Connection

NOTE: Cord fits tightly into detector. When installing the cord, expect some resistance.

Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2 amp, 3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replace the fuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug.


Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out when disassembling. Insert the new fuse with the spring and screw on the tip. With use, screw cap on plug may loosen. Retighten occasionally.

OPERATION

Power On Self Test & Volume
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and visual displays are functional. To increase the volume, continue turning the volume knob.

Dim/Dark Mode
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.

Dim or Dark Mode can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode, the display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detected and for 20 seconds after, then the display returns to the dimmer setting.

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.

Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed, one beep confirms feature "on", two beeps confirm feature "off".

NOTE: In certain cases, the voice message does not replicate the text message.

Quiet Mode
Quiet mode cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, approximately 2 beeps are provided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.

Auto Quiet Mode
Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected provides an alternate alert pattern, consisting of four beeps (indicating X, K, Ka or Safety Warning System) 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.

Alert Periscopes
Whistler's new Alert Periscopes provide an added attention getting visual alert. The two extra LEDs flash on and off when the unit alarms to provide a unique visual alert. This alert can be programmed, through the Option Select Mode to:

1. flash for all alarms,
2. remain on, or
3. turn LEDs off completely.

City/City 1/City 2 Mode
Whistler's Three Stage City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and other devices which share frequencies with police radar. Generally, X band is used for these devices.

In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial alarm of two beeps, and then remains quiet until the signal becomes very strong. When the signal strength increases, two additional beeps are provided. City 1 and City 2 Modes operate the same as Highway Mode, but in City 1 Mode, only the X band is reported at high levels. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not detected.

Some towns/small cities may still be using X band radar. City Modes do not change the audio alert for laser or VG-2.

Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Warning System) or laser signals are detected, and is recommended for open road driving.

For more information on City and Highway modes, please visit our FAQ page on our website: www.whistlergroup.com

Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.

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.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode when selected automatically shuts off the detector after 3 hrs. The timer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button is pressed before the timer has expired. The detector will alert you with an audible a and visual warning before it shuts off. During this warning, you can momentarily reset the timer by pressing any button. If the unit has automatically turned off, press any button to turn the unit back on. Refer to "Option Select Mode" for instructions to activate battery saver mode feature.

Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection (FDSR)
Traffic Flow Sensor Rejection (TFSR)
Recently many new products that operate on police radar frequencies have been causing nuisance alerts to radar detectors. These radar based sensors are installed alongside the Highway and more recently on vehicles used as lane change assist / blind spot detectors / collision avoidance systems. TFSR when turned ON is designed to eliminate alerts from specific Traffic Flow sensors. FDSR when turned ON is designed to identify all radar based collision avoidance systems that operate within the same band as police radar and provide a brief less intrusive alert to keep you informed and aware. A signal strength indicator will help determine your proximity to the source without the continued annoyance of audio.
We suggest you turn FDSR ON if you are experiencing excessive random false alerts when behind select vehicles.

Option Select Mode
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize options such as Tone Select, Abbreviated Power Up Sequence, and VG-2 Mode. Press the Menu button to enter Option Select Mode. When selecting options, the Dark or Quiet buttons must be pressed within 20 seconds or Option Select Mode will automatically be exited.
NOTE: To exit Option Select Mode press and hold the menu button.

Stay Alert Feature
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver's alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming):

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 and the display shows:

!! 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. NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF YOU ARE DROWSY.

SWS™

Safety Warning System™
In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety Warning System™ displays over 60 text messages. When Safety Warning System is detected, the audio alert sounds like a geiger counter.

Safety Warning System Text Example: Poor - Road - Surface.

NOTE: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™ transmitters.

POP™ MODE ALERTS

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 is 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.

Pulse Protection®
Pulse (or 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, your 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.

VG-2 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.

ALERT PRIORITY

When two or more signals are received at the same time, the alert priority is:

Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.

RESET FEATURES

All user features can be reset to factory settings.

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 guide, but is not operating optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.

Unit does not turn on

Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps

Audio alerts are not loud enough

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

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.

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: HSXWH23
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.

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.

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:

Whistler Laser-Radar detectors receive all current laser guns which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 +/- 50nm.

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:

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: 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. Spectre can detect the majority of undetectable (VG-2) laser/radar detectors on the market.

It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.