Cobra Electronics 2016A Radar Detector User Manual

Cobra Electronics Corporation Radar Detector

User Manual

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®A1The Cobra line of quality products includes:For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website:www.cobra.com©2015 Cobra Electronics Corporation6500 West Cortland StreetChicago, Illinois 60707 USAwww.cobra.comEnglishNothing Comes Close to a Cobra®Important InformationCustomer AssistanceFederal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar/ laser detector. The Communications Act of 1924 guarantees your right to receive radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene this Act, while illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement ofcials until and unless they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.Safe Driving Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable trafc laws. Do not attempt to change settings of the unit while in motion.Security of Your Vehicle Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.IntroductionPrinted in the PhilippinesPart No. 480-1065-PVersion BOperating Instructions RADAR/LASER PROTECTIONRAD250Important Information and Customer Assistance CB RadiosDash CamsRadar DetectorsMarine VHF RadiosPower InvertersAccessoriesRAD250_MANL.indd 1-1 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®EnglishA2 A3 20Display and Product Features Trademark AcknowledgementControls Indicators and ConnectionsTrademark Acknowledgement •Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®, IntelliMute® Pro, IntelliShield®, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, VG-2 Alert®, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 14 Band™, 15 Band™, AURA™, IntelliLink™, IntelliScope™, IntelliView™, Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, and Voice Alert™ are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear® for Ford is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear® for GM is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. LTI Laser™ and LTI 20-20™ are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. Kustom Laser™, Kustom Laser 340™ and ProLaser II™ are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. SpeedLaser™ is a trademark of Laser Atlanta. Bee III™ and Pop™ are a trademarks of MPH Industries. Stalker™ LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts, Inc. Spectre I™ and Spectre IV™ are trademarks of Stealth Micro Systems Pty. Ltd. SpeedLaser™ is a trademark of Laser Atlanta, LLC. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar® is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:Detection And Separate Alerts For: Radar signals (X, K and Ka bands, with signal strength indicated), laser and VG-2 signals.LaserEye For detection of laser signals.Instant-On Ready Detects radar guns with “instant-on” (very fast) speed monitoring capabilities.Tone Alerts With adjustable volume.Easy-to-Read Display Easy viewing in any light.City or Highway Modes to reduce false alerts.Dim Press to cycle through different brightness settings.Manual Mute Or Auto Mute A mute function of audio alerts.Mounting Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard.Just What You Want to Hear: A suite of several Cobra technologies help to further eliminate unwanted and false alerts. These include: Auto Mute Mode, and CAS Immunity.Anti-Falsing Circuitry Automatically reduces false alerts from erroneous sources including blind spot systems and trafc ow monitoring devices.Controls, Indicators and Connections •Easy-to-Read Display •Product Features •12V DC Power JackDim ButtonFor adjusting the display brightness. Mute ButtonFor manual mute or auto mute of audio alerts.On-Off/Volume ControlAllows you to adjust thevolume of the alerts.Introduction Introduction Customer AssistanceIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsLaserEyeFor detection oflaser signals.SpeakerRadar IndicatorsLaser IndicatorVG-2 IndicatorCity/HighwayMode IndicatorLevel 2 & 3 IndicatorLevel 1 Indicator and Power IndicatorLevel 4 & 5 IndicatorThis booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector. It also provides helpful information about how radar and laser guns are used and how you can interpret the alerts you receive.SEN ButtonAdjust sensitivity to City or Highway modes to reduce false alerts.FCC NOTICE This device complies with part 15 of 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.Intro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsNOTE: In This ManualWhen steady, the display will be shown:When ashing, the display will be shown:X/KKaLV/SlzzzzzzzzX/KKaLV/SlzzzzzzzzWindshield Bracket MountAVIS FCC Cet appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC: Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) Ce dispositif ne peut causer des interférences nuisibles, et (2) Cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence reçue, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement.RAD250_MANL.indd 2-21 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®1ContentsIntroductionImportant Information ................................. A1Controls, Indicators and Connections ..................... A2Display ............................................. A3Product Features .................................... A3Your DetectorInstallation ........................................... 2Getting Started ....................................... 5Settings ............................................. 6 Highway/City Mode .................................. 6 Muting an Alert ..................................... 7 Auto Mute Mode .................................... 7 Display Brightness .................................. 8 Tone Setting ....................................... 8 VG-2 Alert Settings .................................. 9 Radar Alert Settings ................................ 10Detection ........................................... 11 Signals Detected ................................... 11 Audio Alerts ....................................... 11 Visual Display ..................................... 11 Instant-On Detection ................................ 13 Responding to Alerts ................................ 14Understanding Radar and Laser ......................... 15Understanding LIDAR .................................. 16Customer InformationMaintenance ........................................ 16Specications ...................................... 17Limited 1-Year Warranty ............................... 18Product Service & Optional Accessories .................. 19Trademark Acknowledgement ............................20IntroductionIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsRAD250_MANL.indd 1 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English2 3InstallationYour Detector InstallationIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsInstallation •Where to Mount Your UnitYou will get optimum performance from your detector if you Mount it at a point approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the front windshield without obstructing the unit’s view of the road either to the front or rear. You can also mount it directly on the dashboard. The unit’s lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view out the back window to allow maximum detection. Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include: n Windshield wiper blades n Mirrored sun screens n Dark tinting at the top of the windshield n Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles (Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM). Consult your dealer to see if you have this option.1. Attach the rubber cups to the bracket.2. Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.3. Push the bracket rmly onto the windshield.4. Attach the detector to the bracket. Check that the unit is parallel to the road’s surface.5. To adjust the angle if neces-sary, gently push or pull on the bracket to bend it. DO NOT use the detector to bend the bracket.6. Plug the power cord into the detector.7. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle’s ciga-rette lighter.Windshield Mounting Dashboard MountingThe LaserEye Should Have a Clear ViewWindshield MountingRAD250_MANL.indd 2-3 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®5Getting StartedYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsEnglish4InstallationYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary Icons1. Place the detector on the dashboard to nd a location where the unit has a clear, level view of the road and is parallel to the road’s surface. The angle CANNOT be adjusted after mounting2. Remove the paper backing from one side of the hook-and-loop fastener.3. Attach the pad to the dashboard at your chosen location and remove the other paper backing.4. Attach the detector to the hook-and-loop fastener. You can remove and reattach the unit as often as you like.5. Plug the power cord into the detector.6. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.Dashboard Mounting Getting Started •To Turn On The Unit And Adjust The Audio VolumeRotate the On-Off/Volume controlclockwise (awayfrom you).Audible Tone Visual DisplayThree beeps The LED in the lower left corner of the screen will light to indicate that the power is On. NOTEIn some vehicles, power is supplied to the cigarette lighter even while the ignition is Off. If this is the case with your vehicle, you should turn Off or unplug your detector when parking for lengthy periods.Power Indicator ScreenX/KKaLV/SlzzzzzzzzRAD250_MANL.indd 4-5 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English6 7Settings SettingsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsSettings •When changing the Settings on your detector, please keep in mind: n Each time the unit is turned On the factory settings of Highway and Auto Mute-On will be set. They can be changed while the unit is in use as described in the following sections.Highway/City ModeSetting your detector to City mode sensitivity delays all X band audio alerts at lower signal strength levels. (A single beep will sound when the signal is rst detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are driving in, or near, urban areas where there are many sources for conicting X band signals such as microwave towers and automatic door openers.To change settings, follow the procedure listed below, which indicates what you will see and hear as you complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.Manual Mute Your detector allows you to quickly turn Off an audio Alert by momentarily pressing the Mute button. If you press the Mute button a second time during the Alert, the audio Alert will be turned back On.Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after four seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting for Auto Mute is On.City ModeHighway ModeTo Change From Highway Mode To City ModePress and releasethe SEN button.Audible Tone Visual DisplayOne beep C LED LightsTo Turn Auto Mute OffPress and releasethe Mute buttonwhile no alertis occurring.Audible Tone Visual DisplayOne beep Audio OnlyTo Change From City Mode To Highway ModePress and releasethe SEN button again.Audible Tone Visual DisplayTwo beeps C LED Turns OffTo Turn Auto Mute OnPress and releasethe Mute buttonagain while noalert is occurring.Audible Tone Visual DisplayTwo beeps Audio OnlyX/K Ka L V/SlzzzzzzzzCX/KKaLV/SlzzzzzzzzSEN ButtonPress and releaseMute ButtonPress and releaseRAD250_MANL.indd 6-7 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English8 9Settings SettingsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsDisplay BrightnessYou can choose from three settings for Brightness of the display. Repeatedly push the Dim button to cycle through the settings. The factory setting is Bright.VG-2 Alert SettingsPolice use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors. Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2 RDDs and can provide alerts when any of these or similar devices are in use near your vehicle.Your detector is invisible to VG-2 RDDs. You can choose whether you want to be alerted to VG-2 RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 alert is Off.Dim Button Press and hold for four secondsTo Turn VG-2 Alerts On and OffWhile no signalis being detected,press and hold theDim button for four seconds.Audible Tone Visual DisplayOn = One beep V LED Flashes OnceOff = Two beeps V LED Flashes TwicePress and release Dim Button BrightDimDarkDim ButtonRAD250_MANL.indd 8-9 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®11DetectionYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsEnglish10SettingsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsRadar Alert SettingsThe detector allows you to choose whether it will show alerts on the X, K and Ka Bands. The factory settings are: X, K, and Ka On.Signals DetectedThe tables on the following pages show you the types of Signals your detector will detect, as well as the visual alerts it provides for each of them.Audio AlertsA distinctly different Alert tone is used for each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser signal). For X, K and Ka band radar signals, the tones will repeat faster as you approach the signal source. The repeat rate of the tones gives you useful information about the signal detected. (See responding to alerts on page 14.)Visual DisplayAn indication of the type of signal detected and, for radar signals, the signal strength will appear in the Easy-to-Read Display. Radar signal strength will be indicated by steady, ashing, or a combination of steady and ashing LEDs as shown in the signal strength chart below.To Turn X Band On and OffWhile no signalis being detected,press and hold both the Dim and Mute buttons forfour seconds.Audible Tone Visual DisplayX On = Two beeps X/K LED Flashes Twice X Off = One beep X/K LED Flashes Once To Turn K Band On and OffWhile no signalis being detected,press and hold boththe Mute and SENbuttons forfour seconds.Audible Tone Visual DisplayK On = Two beeps X/K LED Flashes Twice K Off = One beep X/K LED Flashes Once To Turn Ka Band On and OffWhile no signalis being detected,press and hold the Dim and SEN buttons forfour seconds.Audible Tone Visual DisplayKa On = Two beeps Ka LED Flashes Twice Ka Off = One beep Ka LED Flashes Once Signal Strength ChartSignal Strength = 1 (Weakest Signal)Signal Strength = 5 (Strongest Signal)X/KKaLV/SlllllllllCX/KKaLV/SlllllllllCX/KKaLV/SlllllllllCX/KKaLV/SlllllllllCX/K Ka L V/SlllllllllCNOTE: In This ManualWhen steady, the display will be shown:When ashing, the display will be shown:X/KKaLV/SlzzzzzzzzX/KKaLV/SlzzzzzzzzSignal Strength = 4Signal Strength = 2 Signal Strength = 3RAD250_MANL.indd 10-11 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English12 13Detection DetectionYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsVisual Display (continued)X/KKaLV/SlllllllllCLaser Signal DetectedX/K Ka L V/SlllllllllCX/K Ka L V/SlllllllllCX Signal Detected Signal Strength = 1K Signal Detected Signal Strength = 3Ka Signal Detected Signal Strength = 5X/K Ka L V/SlllllllllCRadar Signals and Visual DisplaysType of Signal Visual DisplayX Band Radar X/K is Steady & lower LEDs show signal strengthK Band Radar K is Steady & lower LEDs show signal strengthKa Band Radar Ka is Steady & lower LEDs show signal strengthLaser Signals and Visual DisplaysType of Signal Visual DisplayLTI 20-20* L is SteadyLTI Laser* L is SteadyKustom Signals Laser 340* L is SteadyKustom Signals Laser* L is SteadyStalker LIDAR* L is SteadyLaser Atlanta SpeedLaser/Kustom Signals-ProLaser II* L is Steady* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.VG-2 Visual DisplayType of Signal Visual DisplayVG-2 RDD V is SteadyX/KKaLVlllllllllCVG-2 RDD DetectedInstant-On DetectionYour detector is designed to detect Instant-On speed monitoring signals, which can suddenly appear at full strength.NOTEYou should take appropriate action immediately whenever an Instant-On alert is given.Intro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsRAD250_MANL.indd 12-13 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®15Understanding Radar and LaserYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsEnglish14DetectionYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary Icons Description InterpretationRecommended ResponseTone repeats slowly at rst, then speeds up rapidly.Probably police radar. FULL ALERTTone sounds one time only. Probably a false alarm, but possibly pulsed radar or VG-2 nearby.Exercise cautionTone instantly begins repeating rapidly.Radar or VG-2 nearby has been activated suddenly.FULL ALERTTone repeats slowly as you approach a hill or bridge, then speeds up sharply as you reach it.Probably police radar beyond the hill or bridge.FULL ALERTTone repeats slowly for a short period.Probably a false alarm. Exercise cautionAny type of laser alert. Laser alerts are never false alarms.FULL ALERTResponding to Alerts Understanding Radar and Laser •Radar Speed Monitoring SystemsThree band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment: X band 10.525 GHz K band 24.150 GHz Ka band 33.400 – 36.00 GHzYour detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435 GHz), which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.VG-2 VG-2 is a “detector detector” that works by detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals that can be detected by VG-2, but does detect VG-2 signals and will alert you when a device is in use near your vehicle.RAD250_MANL.indd 14-15 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®17SpecicationsYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsEnglish16Your DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsLIDAR (Laser)The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as laser is actually LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though not as widely. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear line of sight to its target vehicle throughout the entire measurement interval. Obstructions such as sign posts, utility poles, tree branches, etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.Some common questions about LIDAR include: n Does weather have any affect on LIDAR? Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog or airborne dust particles will reduce the effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation. n Can LIDAR operate through glass? Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass. However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to trigger an alarm by your detector. n Can LIDAR operate while in motion? No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot drive the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time. n Is it legal for police to use LIDAR? Yes, LIDAR is allowed to be used in all 50 States by police. Your detector detects LIDAR (laser).Maintenance •Your detector is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance without the need for service. No routine Maintenance is required.If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these troubleshooting steps:n Make sure the power cord is properly connected.n Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and free of corrosion.n Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is rmly seated in your cigarette lighter.n Connect a USB device to the type A USB port on your power cord. If it does not provide a charge/power to your phone/device then the internal fuse is likely blown. Contact Cobra for support or spare parts.Understanding LIDAR &MaintenanceU.S. Patent Number: 6,078,279 Specications •Band and FrequenciesWARNING Modications or parts substitutions not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your authority to operate this equipment.Band FrequenciesX Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHzK Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHzKa Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHzLaser 910 ± 50 nm 100 PPS VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHzRAD250_MANL.indd 16-17 1/8/16 11:26 AM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English18 19WarrantyYour DetectorIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsLimited 1-Year Warranty •Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that this product and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of rst consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the rst consumer purchaser. If the product is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged depending on the model as determined at Cobra’s sole discretion. Such remedy shall be your sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty. The procedure for obtaining service and support, and the applicability of this warranty, will vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the details on obtaining product service, support and warranty please visit www.cobra.com/supportProvided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.- Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective products, products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of rst consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt. You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges, to an address in the U.S.A., will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state and country to country. Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply: 1) To any product damaged by accident; 2) In the event of misuse, ordinary wear, failure tofollow directions, or improper maintenance of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs; 3) If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed; 4) If the product was purchased or is utilized in a jurisdiction not covered by the limited warranty.All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and tness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.Some states and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state and country to country.Product Service and Support •For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT COBRA FIRST…do not return this product to the retail store. The contact information for Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/supportFor products purchased in the U.S.A. you may also call 1-773-889-3087.For Products Purchased in the U.S.A., if your product should require factory service, please go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions for returning your product to the Cobra Factory Service Department for service.Optional Accessories •You can nd quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra at www.cobra.comStraight 12V DC Power CordIncludes plug and fuseItem #420-030-N-001Windshield Mounting BracketIncludes suction cupsItem #545-159-N-001Product Service & Support and Optional AccessoriesCustomer InformationIntro Operation CustomerAssistanceWarrantyNoticeMain IconsSecondary IconsCoiled 12V DC Power CordIncludes plug and fuseItem # 420-026-N-001Dual Port Power AdapterIncludes adjustable plug (up to 90˚) and fuse Item # CLP-2BStraight Combination Radar USB CordIncludes plug and USB OutputItem # PWR USB-01Hardwire Cord for Radar Includes fuse Item # RA-PSCBInstall Mount Includes 3M Dual Lock Item # 545-002RAD250_MANL.indd 18-19 1/8/16 11:26 AM

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