Cobra Electronics SPX5500 RADAR DETECTOR User Manual SPX5500 MANL indd
Cobra Electronics Corporation RADAR DETECTOR SPX5500 MANL indd
USERS MANUAL
Important Information and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
A1 English
Important Information •
Federal 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 officials until and unless
they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.
Safety Alert
Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that motorists or
passengers will not be involved in traffic accidents. It is only intended to alert
the motorist that an emergency vehicle equipped with a Cobra Safety Alert
transmitter is within range as defined by that product. Please call local fire
and police departments to learn if coverage exists in your area.
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 traffic laws.
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.
Customer Assistance •
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after reading this
manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time
Mon. through Fri. (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked
Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
©2012 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
Customer Assistance
SPX 5500
14 BAND™
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH XTREME RANGE
SUPERHETERODYNE® TECHNOLOGY
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® English
Operating Instructions
Printed in China
Part No. 480-839-P
Version A
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® English
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
The Cobra line of quality products includes:
CB Radios
microTALK® Radios
Radar/Laser Detectors
Safety Alert® Traffic Warning Systems
Truck-Specific Navigation Systems
HighGear® Accessories
CobraMarine VHF Radios
Power Inverters
LED Lights
Jumpstarters
Accessories
SPX5500_MANL.indd 1-1 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Important Information and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
Accessories Order Info and
Trademark Acknowledgement
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®25
Customer Assistance
Display and Product Features
Introduction
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®A3
Xtreme Range
Superheterodyne® Technology
With super-fast sweep circuitry,
XRS provides extra detection range
and the best possible advance warning
to even the fastest radar guns
Detection and Separate Alerts For:
Radar signals (X, K,Ka and Ku bands,
with signal strength indicated),
Laser signals, Safety Alert signals,
Spectre I & IV+ signals, VG-2 signals
LaserEye®
For 360° detection of laser signals
Instant-On Ready
Detects radar guns with “instant-on”
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities
Pop Detection
Detects the latest super-fast instant-on
single pulse radar guns
Tone Alert or Voice Alert®
With adjustable volume
City or Highway
Modes to reduce false alerts
DigiView® Data Display
With easy-to-read alpha/numeric dot
matrix text readout
Alert Programming
Easy setting of radar bands to be monitored
Safety Alert®
Traffic warning system distinguishes
important safety alerts from other
K band signals
Manual Mute or Auto Mute
A mute function of audio alerts
IntelliMute®
A mute function which automatically
reduces false audio alerts by sensing
engine RPMs
IntelliMute® Pro
Prevents detection by radar detector
detectors (RDDs) when traveling at
slower speeds
Mounting
Mounts easily on windshield
or dashboard
Product Features •
Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a high
performance radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of
the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:
Display •
This 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.
Alpha/Numeric Dot Matrix Text Display
See pages 6 – 18 for more information about
display features.
Controls, Indicators
and Connections
Introduction
A2 English
Controls, Indicators and Connections •
* Press and hold for four seconds to
access these functions.
WARNING
Modifications or parts substitutions not approved
by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate
FCC Rules and void your authority to operate
this equipment.
Ordering From U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.
For Credit Card Orders
Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday.
Make Check or Money Order Payable To
Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
To Order Online
Please visit our website: www.cobra.com
Trademark Acknowledgement •
Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®, IntelliMute® Pro,
IntelliShield®, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System,
Strobe Alert®, 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™, Extreme Bright DataGrafix™,
IntelliLink™, Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, Spectre Alert™, Super-Xtreme Range
Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, UltraBright™, 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. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar® is a
registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.
12V DC
Power Jack
On-Off/Volume Control
Allows you to adjust the
volume of the tone alerts.
Dim Button
Allows you to adjust the UltraBright
Data Display brightness for easy
reading. (Also turns VG-2 and
Spectre I & IV+ alerts On and Off.*)
LaserEye
For 360° detection
of laser signals.
Windshield Bracket
Release Button
IntelliMute Button
Engine RPM sensing mute function
which reduces false alerts. Button
turns IntelliMute On and Off. (Also
enters IntelliMute setting mode.*)
Mute Button
For manual mute or auto
mute of audio alerts. (Also
turns Voice Alert On and Off.*)
Speaker
City Button
For City or Highway
modes to reduce false
alerts. (Also turns Ku
alerts On and Off.*)
Audio Jack
Windshield
Bracket
Mount
Item# Description
420-030-N-001 Straight 12V Power Cord
420-026-N-001 Coiled 12V Power Cord
545-159-N-001 Windshield Mounting Bracket
CLP-2B Dual Port Power Adapter
SPX5500_MANL.indd 2-25 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®1
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Important Information ............................................................................... A1
Customer Assistance ................................................................................. A1
Controls, Indicators and Connections ........................................................ A2
Display ....................................................................................................... A3
Product Features ........................................................................................ A3
Your Detector
Installation .................................................................................................... 2
Getting Started .............................................................................................. 5
Auxiliary Audio Jack .................................................................................. 5
Settings ......................................................................................................... 6
Highway/City Mode .................................................................................... 6
DigiView Data Display Brightness .............................................................. 7
Muting an Alert .......................................................................................... 8
Auto Mute Mode ........................................................................................ 8
IntelliMute .................................................................................................. 9
IntelliMute Pro ........................................................................................ 12
Voice/Tone Setting .................................................................................. 13
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alert Settings ................................................ 14
Radar Alert Settings..................................................................................14
Pop Alert ...................................................................................................15
Detection ..................................................................................................... 16
Signals Detected ...................................................................................... 16
Audio Alerts ............................................................................................. 16
Visual Display .......................................................................................... 16
Instant-On Detection ................................................................................ 19
Responding to Alerts ............................................................................... 19
Understanding Radar and Laser ................................................................. 20
Maintenance ................................................................................................ 21
Specifications .............................................................................................. 22
Warranty
Limited 1-Year Warranty ............................................................................. 22
Customer Assistance
Product Service .......................................................................................... 23
Optional Accessories .................................................................................. 24
Accessories Order Info ............................................................................... 25
Trademark Acknowledgement ..................................................................... 25
SPX5500_MANL.indd 1 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Installation
Your Detector
3
Installation
Your Detector
2English
Installation •
Where to Mount Your Unit
You 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. Make sure the unit is level with the road. 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 360° detection.
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials
and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
g Windshield wiper blades
g Mirrored sun screens
g Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
g 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 firmly
onto the windshield.
4. Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check the
angle of the unit.
5. To adjust the angle if
necessary, 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
cigarette lighter.
8. You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you
wish by pressing the bracket release button and sliding
it off the bracket.
Windshield Mounting
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Windshield Mounting Dashboard Mounting
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Getting Started •
Getting Started and
Auxiliary Audio Jack
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®5
Installation
Your Detector
4English
1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location
where the unit has a clear, level view of the road.
The angle can NOT be adjusted after mounting.
2. 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
System Ready
Power On
Testing
To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume
Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control
clockwise (away
from you).
Tone Voice Visual Display
Three beeps Testing, then
three beeps
System Ready
The display will
cycle through and
show the user
modes
Start-up is complete when the display continuously
shows the letters indicating the current user settings
(c = City mode, h = Highway mode, i = IntelliMute On)
Start-Up Complete
h
Auxiliary Audio Jack •
The Auxiliary Audio Jack can be used to connect external speakers in
environments with high ambient noise levels. The internal speaker will
be disconnected. (This uses a mini stereo audio connector.)
NOTE
In 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.
On-Off/
Volume Control
Rotate clockwise
(away from you)
Auxiliary
Audio Jack
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Settings
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®7
Settings
Your Detector
6English
Highway/City Mode
Setting your detector to City mode delays all X band audio alerts until the
signal strength reaches Level 3. (A single beep will sound when the signal is
first detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are driving in, or near,
urban areas where there are many sources for conflicting 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 (either in Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode) as you
complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.
City Mode
To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode
Press and release
the City button.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep City City blinks, then c appears
in the display
To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode
Press and release
the City button again.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Highway Highway blinks, then h
appears in the display
Highway Mode
h
c
DigiView Data Display Brightness
You can choose from four (4) settings for Brightness of the display. You can
cycle through the settings by repeatedly pushing the Dim button. The factory
setting is Bright.
To Change the Brightness to Dim
Press and release
the Dim button
once.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Dim Dim blinks, then
display dims
To Change the Brightness to Dimmer
Press and release
the Dim button
again.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Dimmer Dimmer blinks, then display
dims further
To Change the Brightness to Dark
Press and release
the Dim button
a third time.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Dark Dark blinks, then display
goes dark (no visual alerts
will be seen)
To Change the Brightness to Bright
Press and release
the Dim button a
fourth time.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Bright Bright blinks, then display
returns to full brightness
Dark Indicator
.
City Button
Press and
release
Settings •
When changing the Settings on your detector, please keep in mind:
g Buttons can have multiple functions.
g Depending on your choice of Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode, you will
hear either voice messages or tones confirming changes in settings.
g All settings will be stored in memory when the power is
turned Off and recalled when the power is turned back On.
Dim Button
Press and
release
Press and
release
Dim button
Bright
Dark Dim
Dimmer
SPX5500_MANL.indd 6-7 12/5/12 3:15 PM
To Turn IntelliMute On
Press and release
the IntelliMute
button.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps IntelliMute
On
IntelliMute On blinks, then
i appears in the display
To Turn IntelliMute Off
Press and release
the IntelliMute
button again.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep IntelliMute
Off
None, after
IntelliMute Off blinks
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®9
Settings
Your Detector
8English
Muting an Alert
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 Mode
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 is Auto Mute On.
IntelliMute
IntelliMute is a unique feature that allows you to avoid alerts you don’t
need to hear because you are stopped or moving slowly. By sensing the
“revs”(RPMs) of your engine, IntelliMute knows when you are at low
speed and automatically mutes alerts.
Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your
engine’s revs (see page 10). Whenever the revs are below that point,
IntelliMute will begin muting. The activation point will be stored in
memory and recalled each time the power is turned On. The factory
setting is IntelliMute Off.
NOTE
IntelliMute may not work with some vehicles because it cannot sense the
engine’s revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts by
using Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate.
To Turn Auto Mute Off
Press and release
the Mute button
while no alert
is occurring.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Auto Mute
Off
None, after
Auto Mute Off blinks
To Turn Auto Mute On
Press and release
the Mute button
again while no
alert is occurring.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Auto Mute
On
None, after
Auto Mute On blinks
IntelliMute On
i h
Mute Button
Press and release
IntelliMute Button
Press and release
SPX5500_MANL.indd 8-9 12/5/12 3:15 PM
To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point
Press and hold
the IntelliMute
button for two
seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps Set Engine Revs Press IntelliMute
button again at
desired RPMs
Rev your engine to
the level you wish
to set (recommend
slightly above idle)
and hold revs steady
for two seconds.
None None None
At the desired
rev level, press
and release the
IntelliMute button.
Three beeps IntelliMute Set IntelliMute Set!
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®11
Settings
Your Detector
10 English
What to Remember While Using IntelliMute
IntelliMute works with both City and Auto Mute modes.
Whenever engine revs are below the activation point, an arrow
pointing down will appear in the display. Above the activation point,
an arrow pointing up will appear.
If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine’s revs,
IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn Off.
The rev point you set will be stored in the unit’s memory when
power is turned Off and recalled each time the power is turned On.
NOTE
The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.
NOTE
When initially choosing your IntelliMute activation point, a setting
of approximately 300 to 600 RPMs above idle is recommended.
You can reset the activation point at any time to fit your individual
preferences and driving style.
Setting the IntelliMute Activation Point
Your detector must be installed in your vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving.
Your vehicle should be parked and idling.
IntelliMute must be turned On before setting the activation point. Depending
on whether the unit is in Tone Alert or Voice Alert mode, you will hear a series
of beeps or voice messages as you follow the steps on the next page.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Four beeps IntelliMute Not
Set, Please Try
Again followed by
IntelliMute not set
Please try again
One beep IntelliMute Off IntelliMute Off
NOTE
If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses within three
seconds or if you do not set a rev point within 20 seconds
of beginning these steps, IntelliMute will indicate an error
and automatically turn Off.
Below Activation Point
i h
Above Activation Point
i h
Press Int...
button ag...
desired RPMs
Hold IntelliMute Button
Intelli
Mute
Set!
Rev Level Set
IntelliMu...
Please tr...
IntelliMute
Not Set
Intelli
Mute
Off
IntelliMute Off
IntelliMute Button
Press and hold for
two seconds
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Settings
Your Detector
Settings
Your Detector
IntelliMute Pro
IntelliMute Pro prevents detection by radar detector detectors (RDDs) such
as VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+ when traveling at slower speeds. It is
intended for use by experienced users only.
When IntelliMute Pro is turned On, and engine RPMs are below the IntelliMute
activation point, your detector’s radar detection circuits are turned Off to
prevent detection by RDDs.
Before IntelliMute Pro can be turned On, you must have turned On and Set
the IntelliMute activation point. (See pages 9 through 11.)
To Turn IntelliMute Pro On
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the IntelliMute and
City buttons for four
seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Two beeps IntelliMute Pro On i blinks continuously
in the display after
IntelliMute Pro On
blinks
To Turn IntelliMute Pro Off
Press and hold both
the IntelliMute and
City buttons for four
seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep IntelliMute Pro Off None, after
IntelliMute Pro Off
blinks
CAUTION
When IntelliMute Pro is On, NO radar signals will be detected and
NO alerts will be given at RPMs below the IntelliMute activation point.
NOTE
The arrow up or down will continue
to show that engine RPMs are
above or below the user-set value.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®1312 English
Voice/Tone Setting
You can set your detector to sound alerts with either a Voice or a Tone.
You can change settings by using the Mute button.
In Voice Alert mode, you will first hear several tones, then a voice message
announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert
mode, you will hear the tones only. The factory setting is Voice Alert mode.
Mute Button
Press and hold for
two seconds
To Change From Voice Alert to Tone Alert
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold
the Mute button
for two seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
One beep Tone Alert None, after
Tone blinks in
the display
To Change From Tone Alert Back to Voice Alert
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold
the Mute button
for two seconds
again.
Tone Voice Visual Display
None Voice Alert None, after
Voice blinks in
the display
IntelliMute Pro On
i h
IntelliMute Button
City Button
Press and hold both
buttons simultaneously
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Radar Alert Settings (continued)
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®15
Settings
Your Detector
14 English
Dim Button
Press and hold for four seconds
Spectre I & IV+
and VG-2 On
Spectre
& VG2
On
Spectre I & IV+
and VG-2 Off
Spectre
& VG2
Off
To Turn VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alerts On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold the
Dim button for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
On = Two Beeps Spectre VG-2
On
Spectre & VG2 On blinks
in the display
Spectre VG-2
Off
Spectre & VG2 Off blinks
in the display
Off = One Beep
To Turn K Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Mute and City
buttons for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
K On = Two beeps
K On K On blinks in the display
To Turn Ku Band* On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold the
City button for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Ku On = Two beeps Ku On Ku On blinks in the display
K Off blinks in the display
K Off = One beep K Off
Ku Off Ku Off blinks in the displayKu Off = One beep
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alert Settings
Police use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors.
Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+
RDDs and can provide alerts when any of these or similar devices are in use
near your vehicle.
Your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs, but is invisible to VG-2 and
Spectre I RDDs. You can choose whether you want to be alerted to VG-2 and
Spectre I & IV+ RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+
alerts is Off.
Pop Alert
The Pop Mode Radar Gun is a single-pulse Doppler radar that is a feature
of a K and Ka (Bee III Ka radar gun) band Instant-On radar gun. It uses
a single, short-time pulse to measure the target vehicle’s speed.
The Pop mode receiver senses Pop singles beyond the effective range of
Pop radar guns. As the Pop mode receiver is so sensitive, you should limit
the use of Pop Detect mode to highway and rural driving.
Pop Alert will alert you to Pop radar signals. During the alert, the unit
continues to detect other signals. The factory setting is Pop Detect Off.
To Turn Pop Alert On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Dim and City
buttons for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
Pop On = Two beeps Pop On Pop On blinks in the display
Pop Off Pop Off blinks in the display
Pop Off = One beep
Radar Alert Settings
The detector allows you to choose whether it will show alerts on the X, K,
and Ku Bands. The factory settings are: X Band and K Band On; Ku Band Off.
To Turn X Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Dim and Mute
buttons for
four seconds.
Tone Voice Visual Display
X On = Two beeps X On X On blinks in the display
X Off X Off blinks in the display
X Off = One beep
SPX5500_MANL.indd 14-15 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Detection
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®17
Detection
Your Detector
16 English
Radar Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
X Band Radar X Alert X and Signal Strength
K Band Radar K Alert K and Signal Strength
Ka Band Radar Ka Alert Ka and Signal Strength
Ku Band Radar Ku Alert Ku and Signal Strength
Pop Radar Pop Alert POP NOTE
Beep rate changes with different laser alerts.
Detection •
Signals Detected
The tables on the following pages show you the types of Signals your detector
will detect, as well as the voice and visual alerts it provides for each of them.
Audio Alerts
In Voice Alert mode you will first hear several tones, then a voice message
announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert
mode, you will hear the tones only.
In both Voice Alert and Tone Alert modes, a distinctly different alert tone is
used for each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser
signal). For X, K, Ka and Ku 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 19.)
Visual Display
An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the DigiView Data
Display. During X, K, Ka and Ku alerts, you will also see from 1 to 5 vertical
bars, indicating the strength of the signal detected.
LTI 20-20
Laser
20/20
LTI Laser
LTI
Laser
Kustom Signals
Laser 340
Kustom
Laser 340
Kustom Signals Laser
Kustom
Laser
Stalker LIDAR
Stalker
Lidar
Laser Atlanta – Speedlaser
Kustom Signals-ProLaser II
Speedlaser
ProLaser II
Pop Signal Detected
POP
Signal
Strength
Chart
Signal Strength = 1
(Weakest Signal) Signal Strength = 2 Signal Strength = 3
Signal Strength = 4 Signal Strength = 5 (Strongest Signal)
– – –
– – – –
– –
–
– – – – –
– – – –
– – –
– –
–
– – – –
– – –
– –
–
X Signal Detected K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected Ku Signal Detected
K 3
– – –
– –
–
X 2
– –
– K a 5
– – – – –
– – – –
– – –
– –
– K u 4
– – – –
– – –
– –
–
Laser Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
LTI 20-20* Laser LTI 20-20
LTI Laser* Laser LTI Laser
Kustom Signals Laser 340* Laser Kustom Laser 340
Kustom Signals Laser* Laser Kustom Laser
Stalker LIDAR* Laser Stalker Lidar
Laser Atlanta SpeedLaser/Kustom Signals-ProLaser II* Laser SpeedLaser...ProLaser II
* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.
SPX5500_MANL.indd 16-17 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Description Interpretation Recommended
Response
Tone repeats slowly at
first, then speeds up
rapidly.
Probably police radar. FULL ALERT
Tone sounds one
time only.
Probably a false alarm,
but possibly pulsed radar,
Spectre I or IV+ or VG-2
nearby.
Exercise caution
Tone instantly begins
repeating rapidly.
Radar, Spectre I or IV+
or VG-2 nearby has been
activated suddenly.
FULL ALERT
Tone 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 ALERT
Tone repeats slowly
for a short period.
Probably a false alarm. Exercise caution
Any type of laser alert. Laser alerts are
never false alarms.
FULL ALERT
Any Safety Alert. You are nearing an
emergency vehicle, railroad
crossing
or road hazard
(construction,
accident, etc.).
Exercise caution
Detection and Responding to Alerts
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®19
Detection
Your Detector
18 English
Instant-On Detection
Your detector is designed to detect Instant-On speed monitoring signals,
which can suddenly appear at full strength.
NOTE
You should take appropriate action
immediately whenever an instant-on alert is given.
Responding to Alerts
Safety Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
Emergency Vehicles Emergency Vehicle Approaching Emergency Vehicle
Road Hazards Road Hazard Ahead Road Hazard
Trains Train Approaching Train
* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of this signal.
NOTE
There are different tones for each
for each radar detector detector alert.
VG-2 Alert Signal, Voice and Visual Display
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
Interceptor VG-2 VG-2 Alert VG-2
VG-2 Alert Signal
Detected
VG-2
Spectre I & IV+ Alert Signal, Voice and Visual Display
Type of Signal Voice Visual Display
Spectre I Spectre Alert Spectre1
Spectre IV+ Spectre Alert Spectre4
Spectre I Alert Signal
Detected
Spectre1
Spectre IV+ Alert Signal
Detected
Spectre4
Road Hazard Alert
Signal Detected
Road
Hazard
Train Alert Signal
Detected
Train
Emergency Alert
Signal Detected
Emergency...
NOTE
There are different tones
for each Safety Alert.
SPX5500_MANL.indd 18-19 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Understanding Radar and Laser
and Maintenance
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®21
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
20 English
Understanding Radar and Laser •
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three 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 GHz
Your 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 and Spectre I & IV+
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ are radar detector detectors (RDDs) that work by
detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector
does not emit signals that can be spotted by VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs.
However, your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs. Your unit
detects signals from these or similar devices and will alert you when such
a device is in use near your vehicle.
Safety Alert Traffic Warning System
FCC-approved Safety Alert transmitters emit microwave radar signals that
indicate the presence of a safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency
of the signal emitted, it can indicate a speeding emergency vehicle or train,
or a stationary road hazard.
Because these microwave signals are within the K band frequency, most
conventional radar detectors will detect Safety Alert signals as standard
K band radar. Your detector, however, is designed to differentiate between
standard K band and Safety Alert signals, and give separate alerts for each.
Safety Alert technology is relatively new. Safety Alert transmitters can
be found in limited numbers in all 50 states, but the number is growing.
Depending on your location, you may not receive these alerts regularly
and may often encounter emergency vehicles, trains and road hazards
without being alerted. As the number of transmitters increases,
these alerts will become more common.
When you receive such an alert, please watch for emergency vehicles ahead
of you, on cross streets and behind you. If you see an emergency vehicle
approaching, please pull over to the right side of the road and allow it to pass.
LIDAR (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:
g 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.
g 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.
g 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.
g Is LIDAR legal to use?
Yes. It is legal in all 50 states.
Maintenance •
Maintenance of Your Radar Detector
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:
g Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
g Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and
free of corrosion.
g Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated
in your cigarette lighter.
g Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of the cigarette
lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required, replace it with a 2-amp
fuse only.)
SPX5500_MANL.indd 20-21 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Warranty and Product Service
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®23
Specifications and Warranty
22 English
WarrantyYour Detector
Warranty (continued)
Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, de fec tive
Radar/Laser Detectors, products or com po nent parts upon de liv ery to the
Cobra Factory Service Department, ac com pa nied by proof of the date of first
consumer pur chase, such as a du pli cat ed copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for
warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the
product is repaired or replaced under warranty.
This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply:
1. To any product dam aged by accident.
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result
of un au tho rized alterations or repairs.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced or re moved.
4. If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including war ran ties of mer chant abil i ty and fitness for
a par tic u lar purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, con se quen tial or oth er dam ag es;
including, without lim i ta tion, damages re sult ing from loss of use or cost of
in stal la tion.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
and/or do not allow the ex clu sion or limitation of incidental or con se quen tial
dam ag es, so the above lim itations may not apply to you.
Limited 1-Year Warranty •
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra Radar/Laser
Detectors, and the com po nent parts thereof, will be free of defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of first
consumer purchase. This war ran ty may be enforced by the first consumer
pur chas er, pro vid ed that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.
Product Service •
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, or if
parts are missing…PLEASE CALL COBRA FIRST…do not return this
product to the store. See customer assistance on page A1.
If this product should require factory service, please call Cobra first at
773-889-3087 BEFORE sending the product. This will ensure the fastest
turnaround time on any repair.
continued on page 24
Specifications
Band and Frequencies
Band Frequencies
X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz
K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz
Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz
Ku Band 13.435 ± 0.035 GHz
VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHz
Laser 910 ± 50nm 100 PPS
910 ± 50nm 125 PPS
910 ± 50nm 130 PPS
910 ± 50nm 200 PPS
910 ± 50nm 238 PPS
910 ± 50nm 340 PPS
Spectre I 13.300 ± 0.200 GHz
Spectre IV/IV+ Not Disclosed
Safety Alert 24.070 ± 0.010 GHz
Traffic Warning 24.110 ± 0.010 GHz
System 24.190 ± 0.010 GHz
24.230 ± 0.010 GHz
This radar detector is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents:
5,497,148; 5,594,432; 5,612,685; 6,078,279; 6,094,148. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product or pending.
SPX5500_MANL.indd 22-23 12/5/12 3:15 PM
Product Service and
Optional Accessories
24 English
Customer Assistance
Product Service (continued)
If Cobra asks that the product be sent to its factory, the following must be
furnished to have the product serviced and returned:
1. Send the complete unit, including power cord. (It is not necessary
to include the mounting bracket.)
2. For warranty repair, enclose some form of proof-of-purchase, such as
a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the original
receipt, it cannot be returned.
3. Enclose a typed or clearly written description of the problem you are having
with your unit, plus the name and address where you want the unit returned.
4. Pack the unit securely to prevent damage during transit. If possible,
use the original packing materials.
5. Ship prepaid and insured using a traceable carrier such as United
Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express or Insured Priority mail with
delivery confirmation. Ship to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics
Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
6. Please allow three to four weeks before contacting us about the status
of your service. Call 773-889-3087 for assistance. If your unit is under
warranty, it will either be repaired or replaced upon receipt, depending
on the model. If your unit is out of warranty, you will receive a letter
informing you of the repair or replacement charge.
Optional Accessories •
You can find quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra
dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra. See ordering
info on page 25.
Windshield
Mounting Bracket
Includes suction cups
Item # 545-159-N-001
Straight 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug
and fuse
Item # 420-030-N-001
Coiled 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug
and fuse
Item # 420-026-N-001
Dual Port
Power Adapter
Includes adjustable
plug (up to 90˚)
and fuse
Item # CLP-2B
SPX5500_MANL.indd 24 12/5/12 3:15 PM