The Whistler Group WH06 Radar Detector User Manual 3300

The Whistler Group Radar Detector 3300

Users Manual

If you have questions concerning theoperation of this Whistler productplease call consumer relations:1-800-531-0004Hours:Monday - Friday8:00 am - 5:00 pm CSTPlease keep the receipt in a safeplace. If the unit is returned without adated proof of purchase an out ofwarranty service charge applies.Note: Your warranty period begins atthe time of purchase. The warranty isvalidated only by return of theWarranty Validation card.Now is the time to record the serialnumber of the unit in the space pro-vided in the warranty section of themanual.INTRODUCTIONDear Whistler Owner,For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. Itcan be a mobile office, communications or entertainmentcenter, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistlerproducts are designed to make the time you spend in yourvehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simplymore fun. Our mission is to provide products that improveyour driving experience.Your new Whistler 3300 laser/radar detector detects all radar,laser and safety radar systems, plus offers Whistler’s exclusiveSafe Driving System™ and optional Real Voice™ technology.The comprehensive safety system detects all safety radarincluding the Safety Warning System™ keeping youinformed of road hazards and adverse weather. Plus,Whistler’s unique Stay Alert™ feature tests driver’s alertnesson long solo trips. Whistler’s 3300 also offers a digital displaywith safety messages to keep you informed while you drive.To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler3300 and to better understand the differences betweendetecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we recom-mend reading this entire manual.Enjoy the Whistler 3300 and please drive safely.Sincerely,THE WHISTLER GROUP3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 3
WHISTLER FEATURESWhistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides anew level of operating convenience. Special featuresinclude:1. Power/Volume Button (P/V) - Turns unit on/off andadjusts volume up or down (press and hold for 2 seconds).2. Dark Button - Engages Dim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage.3. CITY/CITY 1/CITY 2 Button - Reduces the annoyanceof false alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.4. Quiet/Menu Button - Pressing QUIET before a signal isdetected engages Auto Quiet Mode which automaticallyreduces the audio level after the initial warning to a lowaudio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laserencounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alertsto keep you informed. Pressing and holding for 2 secondsallows you to enter Option Select Mode and changemenus. 3Topic PageModel Features Summary....................................................3 - 4Operation ............................................................................5 - 14• Power On And Self-Test• Memory/Beep Confirmation• Auto Level Adjustment• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes• Temperature/Voltage Mode• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2• City Modes• Dim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage Modes• Stay Alert• Integrated Real Voice Option• Option Select Mode• Teach/Tutorial Mode• Voice Modual Port• Rear Antenna PortRadar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................15 - 19• Radar Alerts• Pulse Protection®• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts • VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts• Alert Priority• Reset Features• Care and MaintenanceTroubleshooting Guide............................................................20Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................21Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................22 - 23• Radar Facts• Laser Facts• Other Speed Detection Systems• Radar Detector DetectorsWarranty Information........................................................24 - 26Specifications............................................................................27Accessories ...............................................................................28TABLE OF CONTENTSWhistler 33006152343300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 5
OPERATIONPower On And Self-TestEach time your Whistler detector is turned on, an auto-matic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker andvisual displays are functional.• Press P/V or apply Power. Display reads:5KKaXLASER999SR ONVG2 OFFHIGHWAYWHISTLERWHISTLER FEATURES5. Speaker - Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Kaband radar, safety radar, laser, VG-2 and Stay Alert.6. High Visibility LED Display - Provides distinct visualconfirmation of signals detected, signal strength, and indi-cates engaged modes of operation.43300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 7
OPERATION7OPERATIONMemory/Beep ConfirmationAll features selected (except Stay Alert and Quiet) areretained in memory. Each time a button is pressed onebeep confirms feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature“off”.Audio Level AdjustmentThe audio levels can be adjusted high to low, or low tohigh, in four steps: (1) is no audio level, (4) the highest.• Press and hold P/V to increase audio level.• Press and hold P/V to decrease audio level.As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the dis-play indicates volume level. Example:6Auto Quiet ModeAuto Quiet reduces the selected audio level to level (1)approximately 5 seconds after a radar or safety radar sig-nal is detected. The alert for any new signal within 20 sec-onds will resume at level (1). Auto Quiet does not affectVG-2 or laser alerts. • Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage AutoQuiet. Display reads:• Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancelthe audio alarm by pressing Quiet.• Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel Auto Quiet mode.Note: When Auto Quiet engages, it cancels the audio tothe optional Voice Module.Quiet ModeQuiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert with-in 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, approximately 2 beepsare provided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.• Press Quiet a second time during an alert to restore the standard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit off, then on.AUTOQUIETVOL 1VOLLowest Level 1 Highest Level 443300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 9
Temperature/Voltage ModeThe unit can be programmed to display either the outsidetemperature or battery voltage along with Highway/Citymodes. See Option Select Mode. Display reads:• Ice Warning Mode: When temperature drops to 32˚Fdisplay reads:Unit then gives a unique warning tone. This will only hap-pen once after the unit is first turned on. When either Hi Tor Lo T is displayed the limits of the temperature sensorhave been reached.Note: Temperature may rise while vehicle is stopped andidling, this is normal.Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 See option select mode to turn this feature on.OPERATION9OPERATION8City/City 1/City 2 ModeWhistler’s Three Stage City Mode is designed to reduce theannoyance of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms andother devices which share frequencies with police radar. • Press City to engage City. Display reads:• Pressing City a second time engages City 1. Display reads:• Pressing City a third time engages City 2. Display reads:• Pressing City a fourth time cancels City, City 1, and City 2.Display reads:In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initialalarm of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signalbecomes very strong. When the signal strength increases,two additional beeps are provided. In City 1 Mode, only theX band sensitivity is lowered. In City 2 Mode, X-band is notdetected. CAUTION: When selecting this mode, sometowns/small cities may still be using X band radar.If Auto Quiet is engaged in City 1 or City 2 modes and theunit receives a strong radar signal, the unit performs the AutoQuiet feature. City Modes do not change the audio alert forlaser or VG-2.CITYNormalCTemperature/VoltageC1C2HCITY 1CITY 2HIGHWAYFREEZINGTEMPH73O FTemperature with HighwayH 12.8VBattery with Highwayorororor3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 11
OPERATIONOPERATION10 11Stay Alert FeatureThe Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s alert-ness. To engage (when unit is not alarming):• Press and hold City for 2 seconds. Display reads:Within 30-60 seconds two beeps are sounded; to show alert-ness, the driver must press either the Dark, City or Quiet but-ton within 3-5 seconds. If the button is pressed within 3-5 sec-onds, the cycle is repeated.If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds alarm soundsand the display reads:• Press P/V to exit.WARNING!!! Stay Alert is NOT intended as a substitute foradequate rest. You should NOT operate a vehicle if you aredrowsy. During extended periods of vehicle operation, youshould take frequent breaks. Improper reliance on the StayAlert feature may result in vehicle damage, personal injury ordeath. NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF YOU ARE DROWSY.Integrated Real VoiceWhen selected and Optional Voice Module is connected,Real Voice will be used to articulate the following:1. Band Identification2. Safety Warning System™ messagesNOTE: In certain cases the voice message does not replicate the text message.3. Feature SelectionGET RESTRU ALERTDim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage ModesDim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.• Press Dark to reduce illumination to a Dim setting. Displayreads:• Pressing Dark a second time engages Dark Mode. Displayreads:Dim or dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode,the display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detect-ed and for 20 seconds after, then the display returns to thedimmer setting.• Pressing Dark a third time restores full illumination to thedisplay.The Dark Button will allow the display to momentarily switchto the outside temperature reading.• Press and hold Dark for 2 seconds until unit beeps oncethen release. Display switches:If Temperature or Battery Voltage is programmed (seeOption Select Mode), pressing and holding Dark for 2 sec-onds will momentarily switch to the other reading. Example:DIMDARKH73O FHIGHWAYtoH 12.8VH73O Fto3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 13
OPERATIONOPERATION12 13Option Select ModeEntering Option Select Mode allows you to customizeoptions such as Tone Select, Real Voice, AbbreviatedPower Up Sequence test and VG-2 Mode. When selectingoptions, Dark (D)=yes, City (C)=no, Quite (Q)=next selec-tion. Any one of these must be pressed within 20 secondsor options mode will automatically be exited. To enter:Press Q: *Display To Change, Option:Reads: Reads:For 2 Seconds CUSTOM Dor CCustom ModeNight ModeTruck Mode2nd time TEMP ˚F D = ˚F Changes TempC= ˚C Reading3rd time TONE 3 Dor CTone 1, 2, or 3(3 different X, K, Kapatterns)4th time TEST YES D= YES X, K, Ka Audio tonesC= NO 1 beep duringPower Up5th time VG2 OFF D= ON Turns VG-2 OnC= OFF Turns VG-2 Off6th time SAFETY D= ON Turns Safety Radar OnON C= OFF Turns Safety Radar Off7th time VOICE D= ON Real Voice OnOFF C= OFF Real Voice Off8th time TEMP D= YES Temp OnNO C= NO Temp Off9th time BATT D= YES Battery VoltageNO OnC= NO Battery VoltageOff*Factory settings.Press P/V anytime to exit.When Custom is displayed, pressing the Quiet buttonagain instead of the P/V button allows changing of otherfeatures. If either Dark or City button is pressed it selectsone of two preprogrammed selections, night or truck.Once night or truck is selected you cannot change otherfeatures in option select mode.Night = 1. Volume Level 42. Auto Quiet On3. Dark Mode4. Highway Mode5. SR On6. VG2 Off7. Test Off8. Voice OffTruck = 1. Volume level 42. VG2 On3. Test Off4. Highway Mode5. SR On6. Voice Off3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 15
OPERATIONSpeed Radar Audio/Visual AlertsWhen X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signalstrength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous andhas a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the beep thecloser or stronger the radar source. Example:1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signalAn asterisk is displayed when the optional rear antennareceives a signal. Example:Pulse Protection®When a pulse type signal (instant on strong signal) isdetected an urgent 3 second audio warning is soundedand the display reads:After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.14KaDisplayKa BandDetectedDigitsramp1-99Ka* 9PULSERADAR ALERTS15Teach/Tutorial ModeProvides simulated alerts for each type of signal.• Press City and Quiet simultaneously and release. Displayreads:Quiet mode can also be accessed while Teach/Tutorialmode is engaged.• Press P/V to exit.Voice Module PortAllows you to use a Whister Voice Module, P/N 202971 (Seeaccessory page for ordering, option mode for program-ming). Any other device may damage the unit and voidyour warranty. When mute or auto quiet modes areengaged, the audio will be cancelled to the voice port. Rear Antenna PortAllows you to use only a Whister SWRA-3300 rear antenna,P/N 202964. Any other device may damage the unit andvoid your warranty.• Remove power from console.• Plug rear antenna into Radar 2 Port.• Reapply power to console, after self-test display shows:• Press Dark to accept or City to cancel.TEACHR2 ON? 3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 17
In communities where transmitters are located, the SafetyWarning System displays over 60 text messages. WhenSafety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counter-like.Safety Warning System TextExample: Poor Road Surface:Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System transmitters. VisitSafety Warning Systems web page at www.safetyradar.com forSWS locations.CAUTIONSURFACEPOORROADLASER/VG-2 ALERTSSAFETY RADAR ALERTSLaser Audio/Visual AlertsWhen a laser signal is detected the word “Laser” and sig-nal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous fora minimum of 3 seconds. Example:The more “|||” the closer the laser source.VG-2 Audio/Visual AlertsNote: You must turn this feature on in option select mode beforeit will detect VG-2.When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its ownradiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.Text message confirms detection of VG-2.Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal. Ifa VG-2 signal is still present, the unit continues to hide andrepeats the VG-2 alert. If no signal is detected, two beepsare provided, indicating an “all clear” condition. DuringVG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be received.(Reference page 23 for VG-2 information.)Alert PriorityWhen two or more signals are received at the same time,the alert priority is:1. Laser2. VG-23. Speed Radar4. Safety RadarExample:If X band is alerting, then suddenly VG-2 is detected, theVG-2 warning will override the X band alert.LASERVG2 VG216 173300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 19
CARE & MAINTENANCEIf a R1 error occurs:• Press P/V to turn unit off.• Check connection in back of control panel (straight ended cable)• Perform “reset features.”• See dealer/installer.If an R2 error occurs:• To temporarily cancel error message, momentarily presseither Dark/City/Mute button. Next time unit performs self test it will repeat error message.• To permanently cancel error message, until fixed, press and hold either Dark/City/Mute button.• If no rear antenna is installed, perform “reset features.”• Press P/V to turn off unit.• Check connections in back of control panel.• See dealer/installer.If a T error occurs:• Press P/V to turn off unit.• Check connection in back of control panel.• See dealer/installer.NOTE: This T error occurs only at Power Up.FYI-Laser receiver’s cable has a right angled connector.Care And MaintenanceDo not spray water, cleaners or polishes directly onto theunit. The spray may penetrate through the openings anddamage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners onthe unit’s exterior.19RESET FEATURES18Reset FeaturesAll user features can be reset to factory settings.• Remove Power from unit.• Press and hold P/V and Quiet.• Apply power to the unit.• Wait for 2 beeps.• Release P/V and Quiet. Unit is now reset.1. Audio to level (4).2. Display reads Highway.3. Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display.4. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.5. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.6. Voice OFF.7. Night Mode OFF.8. Truck Mode OFF.9. Safety ON.10. Full Power Up sequence.11. Default TONE 3.12. BATT OFF.13. TEMP OFF.14. Rear antenna OFF.15. Unit ON or OFF.Communication BreakdownIf a problem arises between the inside control panel and theoutside antennas, the unit will give a unique audio tone. Thedisplay reads:Trouble w/ Front AntennaR1 ERRORTrouble w/ Rear AntennaR2 ERRORTrouble w/Temp ProbeT ERROR3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 21
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIESOther Speed Detection SystemsSeveral techniques other than radar or laser are used tomeasure vehicle speeds. When these methods are beingused, no detector can provide a warning. These techniquesinclude:• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and matches your driving speed.• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to travel a known distance is measured.Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2)The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave receiv-er used by police to detect signals radiated by the local oscil-lator of a radar detector. Because its purpose is to identifypersons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is known as a“radar detector detector”.The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the police to identifyradar detector equipped vehicles. If caught, in a state wheredetectors are illegal, (see page 21), drivers risk losing theirradar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-onradar is almost always used in combination with a VG-2, leav-ing unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receiving two tick-ets — one potentially for speeding, the other for possessionof a detector.Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 mayalert you to the presence of a speed trap.23SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES22Radar FactsA radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certainfrequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked upby the radar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beamreflects off a moving target, a measurable frequency shiftoccurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hourto determine your vehicle’s speed.Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)permits operation of traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 -10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band(33.400 - 36.000 GHz).Laser FactsIt’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliablyprovide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in agroup of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a spe-cific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.The advantage of laser over radar in terms of target identifi-cation is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radartransmission can cover more than a four-lane highway at adistance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmissionwhich covers about 6 feet at the same distance.For best protection, keep these points in mind:• Your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets. • Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see through. If you can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector won’t either.• The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same as a radardetector. Laser guns are most often used at short range.3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 25
WARRANTY INFORMATIONIMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss ordamage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unitinsured with return receipt requested.2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), and a daytime telephone number. (No P.O. Box please.)• A detailed description of the problem (e.g., “Unit performs self-test but does not respond to radar”).• A copy of your dated proof of purchase or bill of sale.3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. For reference, please write your unit’s serial number in the following space: Antenna s/n ________________________________________Control Panel s/n ____________________________________Laser Receiver s/n____________________________________.Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of purchase and return the Warranty Validation card.Note: This warranty does not include installation or reinstallation charges.25WARRANTY INFORMATIONConsumer WarrantyThe 3300 Whistler detector is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of five years from the date of originalpurchase against all defects in materials and workmanship.This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modi-fied, installed improperly, if the housing has beenremoved, or if the serial number is missing. There are noexpress warranties covering this product other than those setforth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for thisproduct are limited to five years. Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of thisproduct.Service Under WarrantyDuring the warranty period, defective units will be repaired orreplaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistler’soption, without charge to the purchaser when returned pre-paid, with dated proof of purchase to the address below. Unitsreturned without dated proof of purchase will be handled asdescribed in section “Service Out Of Warranty.” Due to thespecialized equipment necessary for testing a radar/laserreceiver, there are no authorized service stations for Whistlerbrand detectors other than the factory.When returning a unit for service under warranty, please follow these instructions:1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdyequivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, andshipping charges prepaid to:Whistler Repair Dept.1201 North Dixieland Rd.Rogers, AR. 72756243300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 27
• Dimensions: Antenna: 1.4"H x 3.2"W x 4.2"LControl Panel: .8”H x 2.8”W x 2.4”LLaser: 1.9”H x .9”W x .6”L• Weight: Antenna: 7.5 oz.Control Panel: 2 oz.• Laser Wavelength:905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)• Radar Frequencies:10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)• Operating Temperature Range:-20˚ C to +80˚ C (-4˚ F to +176˚ F)• Power Requirements:Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 200mA nominalOne or more U.S. patents apply: #4,315,261; #5,146,227;#5,379,456; #5,666,120, and #5,990,821.Specifications are subject to change without notice.SPECIFICATIONS27WARRANTY INFORMATION26Service Out Of WarrantyUnits will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rateswhen:• The unit’s original warranty has expired.• Dated proof of purchase is not supplied.• The unit has been returned without its serial number.• The unit has been abused, modified, installed improper-ly, or had its housing removed.The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistlerdetector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty serv-ice, please return your unit as outlined in the section“Service Under Warranty” along with a certified check ormoney order for $55.00. Payment may also be made byMasterCard or VISA; personal checks are not accepted. Inthe event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum$55.00 service fee, you will be contacted by a Whistlertechnical service specialist who will outline options avail-able to you. If you elect not to have your unitrepaired/replaced, it will be returned to you along withyour certified check or money order.IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be cer-tain to include a daytime telephone number.Consumer RelationsIf you have questions concerning the operation of yourWhistler detector, or require service during or after the warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at 1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answeryour questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(CST).3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 29
NOTES29ACCESSORIES28The following accessories can be ordered directly fromWhistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.Order Description PriceCode202971 Voice Module $99.95202964 Rear Radar Antenna $179.95SWRA-33206879 Hook & Loop Fastener $1.95206880 Hardwire Kit (10’) $9.95Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00Prices are subject to change without notice.3300 10/4/00 9:43 AM Page 31

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