Whistler GT-438G Owner's Manual

Whistler GT-438G Owner's Manual

Laser/radar detector with gps

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THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
3604 NW Frontage Rd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL: 479.273.6012 FX: 479.273.2927
©2013 The Whistler Group, Inc.
www.whistlergroup.com

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Summary of Contents for Whistler GT-438G

  • Page 1 THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 3604 NW Frontage Rd. Bentonville, AR 72712 TEL: 479.273.6012 FX: 479.273.2927 ©2013 The Whistler Group, Inc. www.whistlergroup.com...
  • Page 2 OWNER’S MANUAL GT - 438G LASER/RADAR DETECTOR with GPS...
  • Page 3 If you have questions concerning the operation of this Whistler product please call: uSTOmer eRVICE 479-273-6012 Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT USA or visit our website www.whistlergroup.com Please keep the receipt in a safe place.
  • Page 4 Whistler has added new features made specifically for the International market. This model not only packs features common with Whistler’s high end models such as LSID but also includes the following new features not found in USA models; - Redlight, Speed and Traffic Camera Alerts...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Model Features Summary ..........4 - 5 Installation ................6 - 9 • Mounting Guidelines • Windshield Mounting • Power Cord Connection • Fuse Replacement Operation ..............10 - 25 • Power On and Self-Test • Memory/Beep Confirmation • Audio Level Adjustment • Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes • City/City 1/City 2 Modes...
  • Page 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Radar/Laser Alerts ..............26 Radar Alerts Laser Audio/Visual Alerts Pulse Protection ® Reset Features ................27 Care and Maintenance ............28 Troubleshooting Guide ..........28 - 29 Speed Monitoring Technologies ....... 30 - 33 Are Detectors Legal? Mode ™ Laser Facts Laser Tips Radar Facts...
  • Page 7: Model Features Summary

    FEATURES Feature Listings - GT-438G...
  • Page 8 FEATURES Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a new level of operating convenience. Special features include: 1. Bracket Release Button – provides quick and easy release of the mounting bracket. 2. Speaker – provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka band radar and laser.
  • Page 9: Installation

    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.
  • Page 10 INSTALLATION Windshield Mounting • Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the bracket by fitting them into their holes. • Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the location you have chosen. Rubber Bumper Important: Some newer cars have a plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield.
  • Page 11: Power Cord Connection

    INSTALLATION Power Cord Connection • Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s power jack. • Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. Note: Cord fits tightly into detector. When installing the cord, expect some resistance.
  • Page 12: Fuse Replacement

    INSTALLATION 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. Important: Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out when disassembling.
  • Page 13: Operation

    OPERATION Power On and Self-Test Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker, visual displays are functional along with many of the saved settings. To increase the volume, continue turning the volume knob.
  • Page 14: Auto Quiet Mode

    OPERATION Auto Quiet Mode Auto Quiet mode reduces the selected audio level approximately 5 seconds after a radar signal is detected followed by a reduced tone. The reduced tone will continue for as long as the detected signal is present and for any new signal within 20 seconds.
  • Page 15: City/City 1/City 2 Modes

    OPERATION City/City 1/City 2 Modes Whistler’s City Modes are 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. • Press City to cancel Highway Mode and engage City Mode.
  • Page 16: Highway Mode

    OPERATION Highway Mode Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K and Ka) 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 Understanding the Display The unit’s display can be set up to indicate Mode of Operation (Highway and City modes) and Clock or Speed.
  • Page 17: Alert Periscopes

    1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal Alert Periscopes Whistler’s 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.
  • Page 18: Red Light/Speed Camera Detection

    OPERATION Red Light/Speed Camera Detection This unit is capable of alerting to these locations with the updatable database. Getting a Satellite Lock Powering up, the unit will begin its search for satellites. During this time, the unit will flash the satellite icon on the display. Please allow several minutes for the unit to lock onto the satellites.
  • Page 19: Manual Entry

    OPERATION Manual Entry (Waypoint) The unit will save a special location (i.e., a new red light camera or even a “trap”) if you enter it manually. The unit will store 1000 user locations. NOTE: Manual entries must be approximately 100 meters apart to prevent overlapping locations.
  • Page 20: Updating The Database

    OPERATION Updating the Database Follow the steps below to update the Laser-Radar Detector. Step 1: Remove the Laser-Radar Detector from the vehicle and bring it to your PC. Note: You do not need to power the Laser-Radar Detector to update it. Step 2: Download the update program and install it on your PC Note: Program is not MAC compatible Step 3: Download and save the .msc file downloaded to your...
  • Page 21: Dim/Dark Modes

    OPERATION Dim/Dark Modes Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display. • Briefly press and release the Dark button to reduce illumination to a Dim setting. • Briefly press and release the Dark button a second time engages Dark Mode. 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 dim setting.
  • Page 22: Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

    OPERATION Vehicle Battery Saver Mode The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off the detector after 3 hours if the unit has constant power. The timer is reset: 1. Each time the detector is turned off 2. The power cord is disconnected or power is removed to the unit.
  • Page 23: Filter Modes

    OPERATION Filter Modes There are times when a radar detector in another vehicle, can emit a frequency which can cause your detector to falsely alert. The Filter Modes allow you to select the level needed for your area to minimize the occurrences of these false alerts. Filter Mode is the factory default setting and should provide adequate filtering for most conditions.
  • Page 24: Laser Signature Id (Lsid)

    OPERATION Laser Signature ID (LSID) Identify the Laser gun’s pulse rate or PPS (Pulses per Second) that is transmitted by the speed laser gun. LSID may also be used to identify other forms of laser sources such as LACC (Laser Assisted Cruise Control) systems found in some high end vehicles.
  • Page 25 OPERATION Segmented Selectable Laser Receiver If these alerts are bothersome, you may wish to turn on the LSID feature and make note of the PPS rate for these occurrences. The laser validation windows are separated into segments allowing for customization in your country. Segment Pulse Rate LASER 1...
  • Page 26: Alert Priority

    OPERATION Alert Priority When two or more signals are received at the same time, the alert priority is: 1. Laser 2. VG-2 3. Speed Radar Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a laser signal is detected, the laser warning will override the X band alert. Option Select Mode Press the Menu button to enter Option Select Mode.
  • Page 27 OPERATION Display To Change: Feature Option Shows D=Dark Q=Quiet Tone 1, 2, 3 CHANGE TONES TONE 3 D or Q to select (3 Different Tone Patterns) D = YES YES = X, K, Ka Laser Audio Tones SELF TEST TEST YES Q = NO OFF = One Beep During Power Up D or Q to select...
  • Page 28: Stay Alert

    OPERATION Stay Alert Feature The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming): • Press and hold the City button for approximately 2 seconds. Release the button during or immediately after the alert is given. 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.
  • Page 29: Radar/Laser Alerts

    “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.
  • Page 30: Reset Features

    RESET FEATURES Reset Features All user features can be reset to factory settings. • Remove Power from the unit. • Press and hold the Quiet button. • Restore Power to the unit. (power switch turned on) • Wait for 2 beeps. • Release the Quiet button. Unit is now reset to the following features and settings. City/Highway to Highway Mode Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display Auto Quiet OFF Vehicle Battery Saver OFF Full Power Up sequence...
  • Page 31: Care And Maintenance

    Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners on the unit’s exterior. 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.
  • Page 32: Troubleshooting Guide

    X/K Filter setting. If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Customer Service at 1-479-273-6012 or visit our FAQ page at www.whistlergroup.com, before returning your unit for service.
  • Page 33: Speed Monitoring Technologies

    SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES ARE DETECTORS LEGAL? Check with your country’s laws reguarding radar detector ownership and use. It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector user to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors. POP™...
  • Page 34: Laser Tips

    • 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. Whistler Laser-Radar detectors receive all current laser guns which operate at a laser wavelength of 800-1000nm. Laser Tips...
  • Page 35: Other Speed Detection Systems

    SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Radar Facts - Continued This laser/radar detector receives signals from 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: Your radar detector is designed to alarm if an officer is transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.
  • Page 36: Fcc Information

    (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Important: FCC requirements state that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Whistler could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
  • Page 37: Warranty Information

    All express or implied warranties for this product are limited to the above time. Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this product. Note: This warranty does not include installation or reinstallation charges.
  • Page 38 WARRANTY INFORMATION Please allow 3 weeks turn around 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 clearly printed information: • Your name and street address (for shipping via USPS), a...
  • Page 39 • 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 $75.00 (U.S.Funds). If you require out of warranty service, please return your unit as outlined in the section “Service Under Warranty”...
  • Page 40: Specifications

    WARRANTY/SPECIFICATIONS Customer Service Representatives are available to answer your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT - USA) at: 1-479-273-6012 via email at: info@whistlergroup.com or visit the FAQ’s at www.whistlergroup.com. SPECIFICATIONS Radar Frequencies: 10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band) 24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band) 33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband) Laser Wavelength: 800-1000 Nanometers (nm)
  • Page 41: Accessories

    ACCESSORIES The following accessories can be ordered from Whistler by calling 1-479-273-6012. Order # Description Price 202151 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95 206552 Power Cord (5’) $14.95 206880 Hardwire Kit (10’ ) $ 9.95 (for wiring to fuse box) 206666 Modular Cord Package $17.95...

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