ESCORT Beltronics V8 - Radar Detector Manual

Introduction

The Vector V8 is the most advanced radar, laser and safety detector ever designed by Beltronics.
The Beltronics V8 includes full X, K, SuperWide Ka, and Safety Warning System radar capability, front and rear laser detection, varactor-tuned (VTO) microwave receiver, digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range and reduced false alarms, our patented Mute and AutoMute, audible and visual band alerts, and all the performance you'd expect from Beltronics. In addition, the Beltronics V8 introduces the following revolutionary features:

• Varactor-tuned receiver provides long-range protection against all radar threats
• New easy-to-use Programming lets you customize up to 6 features
• New AutoScan mode intelligently reduces unwanted false alarms, plus Highway and City settings
• Ultra-bright text-display provides easy to read information from any angle
• Detects and decodes Safety Warning System messages

If you've used a radar detector before, a review of the Quick Reference Guide, and the Programming information will briefly explain the new features.
If this is your first detector, please read the manual in detail to get the most out of your V8's outstanding performance and innovative features.
Please drive safely.

Beltronics V8 Quick Reference Card

There are 6 user-selectable options so you can customize your V8 for your own preferences. The buttons labeled CITY and BRT are also used to enter the Program Mode, REVIEW your current program settings, and to CHANGE any settings as desired. The words PGM,RVW and CHG are located on the top of the detector, and are highlighted in graphics.

How to use Programming

1. To enter Program Mode, press and hold both CITY and BRT buttons down for 2 seconds. The unit will beep twice, and will display the word .
2. Then press the RVW button to review the current settings. You can either tap the button to change from item to item, or hold the button to scroll through the items.
3. Press the CHG button to change any setting. You can either tap the button to change from setting to setting, or hold the button to scroll through all the options.
4. To leave Program Mode, simply wait 8 seconds without pressing any button. The unit will display , beep, and return to normal operation.

Factory Default Settings
To reset your V8 to its original factory settings, press and hold the"CITY"and "BRT"buttons while turning the power on. The V8's display will provide a message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

An example
Here is how you would turn the V8's AutoMute feature off.

1. Enter the Program Mode by holding both the CITY and BRT buttons down for 2 seconds. The V8 will beep twice and display .
2. Then hold the RVW button down. V8 will scroll through the categories, starting with Display (), then Voice (), then Power-On sequence (), and then AutoMute ().
3. Release the RVW button when the V8 shows the AutoMute item. Since the factory setting is for AutoMute to be on, the V8 will display . If you accidentally don't release the Review button in time, and the V8 goes to the next category, hold the RVW button down again, and after the V8 scrolls through all categories, it will begin again at the top of the list.
4. Press the CHG button to change from to .
5. To complete the Programming, simply wait 8 seconds without pressing any button. TheV8 will display , beep 4 times, and return to normal operation.

Quick Reference Card

Quick Reference Guide

To begin using your V8, just follow these simple steps:

1. Plug the small end of the power cord into the side jack of the detector, and plug the large end of the power cord into your car's lighter socket.
2. Mount your V8 on the windshield using the supplied windshield mount.
3. Press the PWR button, located top left, to turn the V8 on.
4. Press and hold the Volume/Mute button to adjust the volume.

Please read the manual to fully understand your V8's operation and features.

Installation

Power Connection
To power your V8, plug the small end of the power cord, (telephone-type connector) into the modular jack on the V8's right side, and plug the lighter plug adapter into your vehicle's lighter socket or accessory socket.
Your V8 operates on 12 volts DC negative ground only. The lighter plug provided is a standard size and will work in most vehicles. However, some vehicles may require the optional European sleeve to ensure a snug fit. If so, simply call our service department to order one. This sleeve slides over the lighter plug. Of course, your lighter socket must be clean and properly connected for proper operation.
NOTE: Depending on your vehicle, the lighter socket power may either be continuously on, or it may be switched on and off with your ignition switch.

Optional power cords
See the Accessories section for details on our optional coiled SmartPlug or Directwire power cords.

Mounting Location

BELTRONICS cannot anticipate the many ways the V8 can be mounted. It is important that you mount your V8 where it will not impair your view nor present a hazard in case of an accident.

Where to mount your V8
For optimum detection performance, we recommend the following:

• Using the QuickMount bracket, mount your V8 level, and high enough on your front windshield to provide a clear view of the road from the front and rear.
• Mount the V8 away from windshield wipers, other solid objects, and heavily tinted areas that might obstruct the radar antenna or laser lens.

Windshield QuickMount
The V8's QuickMount bracket is designed for unobtrusive and hassle-free mounting.

1. Depress the QuickMount button on the top of the V8 (by the word BELTRONICS) and slide the QuickMount bracket into the slot until it is locked into the position which best fits the angle of your windshield (there are four settings available). For extremely horizontal or extremely sloped windshields, the QuickMount bracket can be bent.
   To ensure that the suction cups adhere to the windshield firmly, be sure to keep both your windshield and the suction cups clean.
2. To adjust the V8 on your windshield, use the QuickMount adjustment button located on the top of the V8, and slide the V8 forward or backward to obtain a level horizontal position.
   When installed and adjusted properly, the back top edge of the V8 should rest solidly against your windshield.

A few vehicles (including some Porsches) have windshields with a soft anti-lacerative coating on the inside surface. Use of suction cups will permanently mar this coating. Consult your dealership or the vehicle owner's manual to determine if your windshield has this coating.

User's Tip
You can leave the QuickMount bracket in place on your windshield, and easily remove the V8 by pressing the adjustment button and sliding the V8 off the mount. Again, be sure to position the bracket where it won't present a hazard in the event of an accident. Additional mounts are available.

Controls and Features

Power
To turn your V8 on or off, press the PWR button located on the top. When you turn your V8 on, it goes through a sequence of alerts.
If you prefer, you may program your V8 for a shorter power-on sequence. See the Programming section for details.

Volume
Press and hold the Volume/Mute button located on the top case to adjust the V8's alert volume level. The audio will ramp up and down, accompanied by a bar-graph on the display. Once you've reached your preferred audio level, simply release the button.

Power-on indication
After the V8's start-up sequence is complete, the alphanumeric display will show Highway, AutoScan, or City to indicate which sensitivity mode is selected. If you prefer, you can select alternate power-on displays. See the Programming section for details.

Voice Alerts
The V8 provides digital voice announcements of radar and laser bands detected. If Safety Radar (SWS) is turned on, a safety radar message will also be announced. See the Programming section for details.
If you prefer, you can turn Voice Alerts off. See Programming section for details.

AutoMute
Your V8 has our patented AutoMute feature. After the V8 alerts you to a radar encounter at the volume you have selected, the AutoMute feature will automatically reduce the volume to a lower level. This keeps you informed without the annoyance of a continuous full-volume alert. If you prefer, you can turn the AutoMute feature off. See the Programming section for details.

Mute
The Mute button, located on the V8's top case, allows you to silence the audio alert during a radar encounter. To mute the audio for a single specific signal, briefly press the Mute button. After that radar encounter has passed, the mute will automatically reset and the audio will alert you to the next encounter.

Highway / AutoScan / City Button
The City button selects the V8's sensitivity mode. We recommend the AutoScan mode for most driving.
Your V8's AutoScan mode provides long-range warning, with minimum false alarms. In this mode, the V8's internal computer continuously analyzes all incoming signals and intelligently filters out false alarms.
You can also select conventional Highway and City modes. When driving in urban areas where annoying X-band intrusion alarms and door openers are common, City mode can be engaged to lower X-band sensitivity and reduce X-band alerts. Full sensitivity is maintained on all other bands. You can also customize your V8's City mode sensitivity, including "No X" mode. See the Programming section for details.

Brightness
The V8's BRT button selects the brightness of your V8's display. There are four settings: Maximum, Medium, Minimum, and Dark. Press the BRT button to select your preferred brightness.

Dark Mode
When you select the Dark mode with the BRT switch, your V8 changes to a very inconspicuous power-on indication: a very Dim AD, HD, or CD. (In this display, the A, H, or C indicates Auto, Highway, or City, and the D indicates Dark.)
When the V8 is in the Dark mode, the display will not show visual alerts when V8 detects signals. Only the audible alert will tell you of detected signals.

Audible Alerts
For Radar signals: Your V8 uses a Geiger-counter-like sound to indicate the signal strength and type of radar signal being encountered. When you encounter radar, a distinct audible alert will sound and occur faster as the signal gets stronger. This allows you to judge the distance from the signal source without taking your eyes from the road. Each band has a distinct tone for easy identification.
X-band = chirping
K-band = buzzing
Ka-band = double-chirp
POP = full double-chirp

For Laser and POP signals:
Since laser and POP signals (if turned on) are a possible threat no matter how weak, the V8 alerts you to these bands at full strength.

For Safety signals:
Your V8 will alert you to these signals with a double-beep tone, and a corresponding text message.

Power Connector
The V8's power jack uses a telephone-type connector. This 4-conductor connector only works with the included power cord, optional direct-wire, or SmartPlug cord. For more information or to order, call us toll-free at 1-800-341-2288.

Signal Strength Meter
Your V8's alphanumeric display consists of 280 individual LEDs, to provide an intuitive ultra-bright display of signal strength and text messages. The V8's standard bar-graph signal strength meter only displays information on a single radar signal. If there are multiple signals present, the V8's internal computer determines which is the most important threat to show on the bar-graph meter. When your V8 detects radar, it displays the band (X, K, or Ka), and a precise bargraph of the signal strength. When your V8 detects a laser signal, the display will show "LASER."
NOTE: If you are operating the V8 in the Dark mode, the display will not light when a signal is detected, only the audio will be heard.

Programming

There are 6 user-selectable options so you can customize your V8 for your own preferences. The buttons labeled CITY and BRT are also used to enter the Program Mode, REVIEW your current program settings, and to CHANGE any settings as desired. The words PGM, RVW, and CHG are located on the top of the detector, and are highlighted in colored graphics.

How to use Programming

1. To enter Program Mode, press and hold both the CITY and BRT buttons down for 2 seconds. The unit will beep twice, and will display the word .
2. Then press the RVW button to review the current settings. You can either tap the button to change from item to item, or hold the button to scroll through the items.
3. Press the CHG button to change any setting. You can either tap the button to change from setting to setting, or hold the button to scroll through all the options.
4. To leave the Program Mode, simply wait 8 seconds without pressing any button, or press the PWR button. The unit will display , beep 4 times, and return to normal operation.

An example
Here is how you would turn your V8's AutoMute feature off.

1. Enter the Program Mode by holding both the CITY and BRT buttons down for 2 seconds. The V8 will beep twice and display .
2. Then hold the RVW button down. The V8 will scroll through the categories, starting with Pilot (), Voice (), Power-on sequence (), and then AutoMute ().
3. Release the RVW button when the V8 shows the AutoMute item. Since the factory setting is for AutoMute to be on, the V8 will display . If you accidentally don't release the RVW button in time, and the V8 goes to the next category, hold the RVW button down again, and after your V8 scrolls through all categories, it will begin again at the top of the list.
4. Press the CHG button to change from to .
5. To complete the Programming, simply wait 8 seconds without pressing any button, or press the PWR button. The V8 will display Complete, beep 4 times, and return to normal operation.

Overview of Programming

* Factory Default Settings
To reset your V8 to its original factory settings, press and hold the"CITY"and"BRT"buttons while turning the power on. The V8's display will provide a Reset message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

Details of Programming

Pilot (Power-on indication)
NOTE: When you are using the Dark mode, the display will only show HD, AD, or CD (Highway-Dark, AutoScan-Dark, or City-Dark).
(Full description)
In this setting, your V8 will display "Highway," "City," or "AutoScan" as its poweron indication. (factory default)
(Letter)
In this setting, your V8 will display "H" for Highway, "C" for City, and "A" for AutoScan.

Voice
(Voice announcements on)
In this setting, all radar, laser, and SWS messages (if programmed) will be announced using a digital voice.
) Voice announcements off)
In this setting, only the distinct audio tone will be heard when a radar, Laser, or SWS message is detected.

Power-on Sequence
(Standard)
In this setting, each time you turn on your V8, it will display "BEL V8," "Laser," "Ka-band," "K-band," "X-band," "Safety," followed by a brief X-band alert. (factory default)
If any bands have been changed from the factory default settings, a double X-band tone and corresponding message (i.e. "SWS ON"), will alert you that one or more bands have been changed.
(Fast power-on)
In this setting, your V8 will provide a single X-band tone. If any bands have been changed from the factory default settings, a double X-band tone and corresponding message (i.e. "SWS ON"), will alert you that one or more bands have been changed.

AutoMute
(AutoMute on)
In this setting, your V8's audio alerts will initially be at the volume you set, but after a few seconds, the V8 will automatically reduce the volume level, to keep you informed, but not annoyed. (factory default)
(AutoMute off) With AutoMute off, your V8's audio alerts will remain at the volume you set for the duration of the radar encounter.

City Mode Sensitivity
(Standard)
In this setting, when you put your V8 in the City mode, X-band sensitivity is significantly reduced, to reduce annoyance from X-band intrusion alarms and motion sensors. (factory default)
(Low X band sensitivity)
In this setting, when you put your V8 in the City mode, X-band sensitivity is reduced more than the standard setting. This will reduce X-band alarms from other sources even further, but also significantly reduces range to X-band traffic radar.
(No X-band sensitivity)
In this setting, when you put your V8 in the City mode, V8 will not respond to any X-band signals.

Only choose this setting if you are absolutely certain that there are no X-band traffic radar units where you drive.
NOTE: These settings only apply when the V8 is operated in City mode. X-band sensitivity is not affected when used in "AutoScan" or "Highway" modes.

Bands

In this setting, all North American radar and laser frequencies are monitored. This is the factory setting and it is recommended that you use your V8 in this mode.

In this setting, your V8 will warn you with an audible alert, and associated text message stating which band has changed from the original factory setting (i.e. "SWS ON"). This warning is displayed during the start up sequence (standard or fast).

Technical Details

Features and Specifications
Operating Bands

• X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
• K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
• Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz
• Laser 904nm, 33 MHz bandwidth

Radar Receiver / Detector Type

• Superheterodyne, VTO
• Scanning Frequency Discriminator
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Laser Detection

• Quantum Limited Video Receiver
• Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes

Display Type

• 280 LED Alphanumeric
• Bar Graph
• 3 Levels of Brightness, plus Dark Mode

Interpreting Alerts
Although the V8 has a comprehensive warning system and this handbook is as complete as we can make it, only experience will teach you what to expect from your V8 and how to interpret what it tells you. The specific type of radar being used, the type of transmission (continuous or instant-on) and the location of the radar source affect the radar alerts you receive. The following examples will give you an introduction to understanding the your V8's warning system for radar, laser and safety alerts.

Alert	Explanation
The V8 begins to sound slowly, then the rate of alert increases. The Signal Meter ramps accordingly.	You are approaching a continuous radar source aimed in your direction.
The V8 emits short alerts for a few seconds and then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall silent again.	An instant-on radar source is being used ahead of you and out of your view.
The V8 suddenly sounds a continuous tone for the appropriate band received. All segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.	An instant-on radar source or laser source is being used nearby. This kind of alert requires immediate attention!
A brief laser alert.	Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is inherently difficult to detect, any laser alert may indicate a source very close by.
The V8 receives weak signals. These signals may be a little stronger as you pass large, roadside objects. The signals increase in frequency.	A moving patrol car with continuous radar is overtaking you from behind. Because these signals are reflected (reflections are increased by large objects),they may or may not eventually melt into a solid point even when the patrol car is directly behind you.
The V8 alerts slowly for a while and then abruptly jumps to a strong alert.	You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a hill or an obstructed curve.
The V8 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of alerts may be inconsistent or vary wildly.	A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a radar source aimed forward. Because signals are sometimes reflected off of large objects and sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent.
The V8 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of signal increases with each alert.	A patrol car is approaching from the other direction, sampling traffic with instant-on radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.
The V8 gives an X-band, or K-band alert intermittently.	You are driving through an area populated with radar motion sensors (door openers, burglar alarms, etc.).Since these transmitters are usually contained inside buildings or aimed toward OR away from you, they are typically not as strong or lasting as a real radar encounter.
	Since the characteristics of these alerts may be similar to some of the preceding examples, overconfidence in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a commonly traveled area is suddenly stronger or on a different band than usual, speed radar may be set up nearby.

How Radar Works
Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves, travels in straight lines and is easily reflected by objects such as cars, trucks, even guardrails and overpasses. Radar works by directing its microwave beam down the road. As your vehicle travels into range, the microwave beam bounces off your car, and the radar antenna looks for the reflections. Using the Doppler Principle, the radar equipment then calculates your speed by comparing the frequency of the reflection of your car to the original frequency of the beam sent out. Traffic radar has limitations, the most significant of these being that it typically can monitor only one target at a time. If there is more than one vehicle within range, it is up to the radar operator to decide which target is producing the strongest reflection. Since the strength of the reflection is affected by both the size of the vehicle and its proximity to the antenna, it is difficult for the radar operator to determine if the signal is from a sports car nearby or a semi-truck several hundred feet away.
Radar range also depends on the power of the radar equipment itself. The strength of the radar unit's beam diminishes with distance. The farther the radar has to travel, the less energy it has for speed detection.
Because intrusion alarms and motion sensors often operate on the same frequency as radar, your V8 will occasionally receive non-police radar signals. Since these transmitters are usually contained inside of a building, or aimed toward the ground, they will generally produce much weaker readings than will a true radar encounter. As you become familiar with the sources of these pseudo alarms in your daily driving, they will serve as confirmation that your V8's radar detection abilities are fully operational.

How "POP" Works
"POP" mode is a relatively new feature for radar gun manufacturers. It works by transmitting an extremely short burst, within the allocated band, to identify speeding vehicles in traffic. Once the target is identified, or "POPPED," the gun is then turned to its normal operating mode to provide a vehicle tracking history, (required by law).

How Laser (Lidar) Works
Laser speed detection is actually LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). LIDAR guns project a beam of invisible infrared light. The signal is a series of very short infrared light energy pulses, which move, in a straight line, reflecting off your car and returning to the gun. LIDAR uses these light pulses to measure the distance to a vehicle. Speed is then calculated by measuring how quickly these pulses are reflected given the known speed of light.
LIDAR (or laser) is a newer technology and is not as widespread as conventional radar, therefore, you may not encounter laser on a daily basis. And unlike radar detection, laser detection is not prone to false alarms. Because LIDAR transmits a much narrower beam than does radar, it is much more accurate in its ability to distinguish between targets and is also more difficult to detect. AS A RESULT, EVEN THE BRIEFEST LASER ALERT SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
There are limitations to LIDAR equipment. LIDAR is much more sensitive to weather conditions than RADAR, and a LIDAR gun's range will be decreased by anything affecting visibility such as rain, fog, or smoke. A LIDAR gun cannot operate through glass and it must be stationary in order to get an accurate reading. Because LIDAR must have a clear line of sight and is subject to cosine error (an inaccuracy, which increases as the angle between the gun and the vehicle, increases) police typically use LIDAR equipment parallel to the road or from an overpass. LIDAR can be used day or night.

TSR Signal Ranking Software
Your radar detector includes a new optional boost in anti-falsing soft ware to eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous X and K-band sources. One example of this is traffic flow monitoring systems. These systems, which are becoming more widely used in several countries, generate K-band signals to measure the flow of traffic on a given road. Unfortunately most detectors see this as a real threat and will alert you to it unnecessarily. Our new proprietary software (TSR), intelligently sorts, ranks and rejects this type of false alarm automatically. The result is ultimate protection without excessive false alarms. The TSR software is set up as an option and can be activated through the Programming section. We suggest you turn TSR on if you are experiencing extreme false alerts in your area. If not, your detector is ready to start protecting you right out of the box.
If you have any questions about this new feature, please give us a call or visit our website for more details.

How Safety Radar Works
Safety Warning System, or SWS, uses a modified K-band radar signal. The SWS safety radar system has 64 possible messages (60 currently allocated). The SWS messages your V8 can display are listed on the facing page.
From the factory, your V8 is programmed with SWS decoding OFF. If SWS is used in your area, your V8 will display the safety messages associated with the signal. If you wish to detect this system, use the Programming feature to turn the V8's SWS decoding ON. NOTE: Some of the safety messages have been condensed, so that each message can be displayed on one or two screens on the V8's eight-character display. Since Safety radar technology is relatively new, and the number of transmitters in operation is not yet widespread, you will not receive Safety signals on a daily basis. Do not be surprised if you encounter emergency vehicles, road hazards and railroad crossings that are unequipped with these transmitters. As Safety transmitters become more prevalent (the number of operating transmitters is growing every day), these Safety radar signals will become more common.

SWS Text Messages

Highway Construction or Maintenance

Highway Hazard Zone Advisory

Weather Related Hazards

Travel Information/Convenience

Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles

Troubleshooting

Explanation of Displays

	Sensitivity control is in AutoScan mode, display is in Dark mode
	Sensitivity control is in Highway mode, display is in Dark mode
	Sensitivity control is in City mode, display is in Dark mode
No display	The V8 is in the Dark mode
	One of the many programming messages
	One of the many Safety Radar messages
	The V8 has detected a Safety Radar Signal, but the signal isn't yet strong enough to decode the specific safety message
	The V8 is running a self-calibration test
	The V8 has failed the calibration test. Contact Beltronics for repair

Service

Service Procedure
If your V8 ever needs service, please follow these simple steps:

1. Check the troubleshooting section of this manual. It may have a solution to your problem.
2. Call us at 1-800-341-2288. We may be able to solve your problem over the phone. If the problem requires that you send your V8 to the factory for repair, we will provide you with a Service Order Number, which must be included on the outside of your shipping box.

Enclose the following information with your V8:

• Your Service Order Number
• Your name and return address
• Your daytime telephone number
• A description of the problem you are experiencing
• Copy of original purchase receipt

Beltronics Extended Service Plan
Beltronics offers an optional extended service plan. Call Beltronics for details at 1-800-341-2288

Accessories

The following accessories and replacement parts are available for Beltronics V8.
Coiled SmartPlug $29.95
Direct-wire SmartPlug $29.95
Standard Coiled Power Cord $14.95
Direct-wire Power Cord $14.95
Detector Accessory Kit $14.95
Windshield Suction Cups Mount $9.95
Single Cup Windshield Mount $19.95
Features, specifications and prices are subject to change without notice.