The Whistler Group WH09 Radar Detector User Manual 1655 manual

The Whistler Group Radar Detector 1655 manual

Users Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL1655LASER/RADAR DETECTORTHE WHISTLER GROUPCORPORATE HEADQUARTERS13016 N. Walton Blvd.Bentonville, AR 72712TEL (501) 273-6012 FX (501) 273-2927www.whistlergroup.comCUSTOMER RETURN CENTER1201 N. Dixieland Rd.Rogers, AR 72756Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004email: info@whistlergroup.comP/N 203151/3, © WHISTLER 2002
1If 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 the Warranty Validation card.Now is the time to record the serialnumber of the unit in the space provided in the warranty section ofthe manual.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 1655 laser/radar detector detects all radar,laser and safety radar systems, plus offers Whistler’s exclusiveReal Voice™ technology . To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler1655 and to better understand the differences betweendetecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we recom-mend reading this entire manual.Enjoy the Whistler 1655 and please drive safely.Sincerely,THE WHISTLER GROUP
WHISTLER FEATURESWhistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides anew level of operating convenience. Special featuresinclude:1. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easyrelease of the mounting bracket.2. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.3. Speaker – Provides distinct audio and Real Voice™warnings for X, K, Ka band radar, safety radar, laser and theVG-2.4. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjustsaudio level.5. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confir-mation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicatesengaged modes of operation.3Topic PageModel Features Summary....................................................3 - 5Installation .............................................................................6 - 8• Mounting Guidelines• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting• Power Connection And Fuse ReplacementOperation ............................................................................9 - 12• Power On And Self-Test• Feature Engaged Confirmation• Integrated Real Voice™• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes• City Mode• Highway Mode• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection• Vehicle Battery Saver ModeRadar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................13 - 16• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts• Pulse Protection®• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts • VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts• Alert Priority• Care and MaintenanceTroubleshooting Guide............................................................17Are Detectors Legal? ...............................................................18Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................19 - 20• Radar Facts• Laser Facts• Other Speed Detection Systems• Radar Detector DetectorsWarranty Information........................................................21 - 23Specifications............................................................................24Accessories ...............................................................................25Accessory Order Form.............................................................26TABLE OF CONTENTS2Whistler 1655984673251
WHISTLER FEATURESAccessoriesAccessories included are highly functional and easy to use.Power Cord - Connects to the unit’s power jack and yourvehicle’s lighter socket.Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on yourvehicle’s windshield.Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit ona level dashboard.5WHISTLER FEATURES6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alertstypically encountered in urban driving areas.7. VG-2 Button – Press and hold (for two seconds) toengage or disengage VG-2.8. QUIET/Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIET before asignal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode. PressingQUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audioalerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.9. Laser Antenna (Rear) – An integrated optical wave-guide provides superior detection of laser signals trans-mitted from behind.10. Laser Antenna (Front) – High gain optical lens arrayprovides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection.11. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antennareceives radar signals.12. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mountingbracket firmly.4111210
INSTALLATIONshield bracket. Press the bracket release button and removethe detector before bending.Dash Mounting•Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropylalcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes.•Separate the fastener strips. Peel the paper backing offeach strip and adhere one piece to the dash and the otherpiece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to coverthe serial number.Be careful not to place the fastener strip over the unit’s serial number. If thefastener strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Unitswithout serial numbers are not covered under warranty. 7INSTALLATIONMounting Guidelines•Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of thewindshield.•Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments, mir-rored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal sur-faces which can affect radar and laser signals and reduce crit-ical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect recep-tion.)•Some newer windshields have an Instaclear™orElectriclear™ type coating, which affect radar signals.Consult your dealer or the owner’s manual supplied withyour vehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating.•Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.•To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your unit whennot in use.Windshield Mounting•Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto thebracket by fitting them into their holes.•Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the locationyou have chosen. IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have aplastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. Thewindshield bracket may leave permanent marks on thistype of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type ofwindshield, check the owner’s manual or ask your dealer.We recommend that you do not leave the suction cupbracket on the window in direct sunlight. If the detectoris removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in somevehicles.•Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-6
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.• Turn Power/Volume control clockwise. Display shows:Feature Engaged ConfirmationEach time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.Integrated Real Voice™Real Voice™is used along with audio tones to articulateband identification and Safety Warning System™ messages. 9INSTALLATIONVisor Mounting (optional accessory)• Slide the visor bracket into the bracket mounting slot.• Clip the visor bracket onto the visor making sure it is relatively level and has a clear view of the road.Power Connection• Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s powerjack.• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.Fuse ReplacementThe lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2amp 3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replace thefuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (IMPORTANT:Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly outwhen disassembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring andscrew on the tip. With use, screw cap on plug may loosen.Retighten occasionally.Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2 ampfuse.8KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend thissection of bracket.Slide on viewX BandK BandKa BandLaserSafety Radar
OPERATIONCity ModeWhistler’s City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance ofautomatic door openers, intrusion alarms and other deviceswhich share frequencies with police radar. • Press City to engage City. Display shows:• Pressing City a second time cancels City. Display shows: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.Highway ModeHighway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X,K, Ka, Safety) or laser signals are detected, and is recommended for open road driving. Highway mode is auto-matically engaged after the unit is turned on and completesthe self-test.11OPERATIONAuto Quiet ModeAuto Quiet shortens the tone for the selected audioapproximately 3 seconds after a radar or safety radar sig-nal is detected. The shorter tone will resume for any newsignal within 20 seconds. Auto Quiet does not affect VG-2or laser alerts. • Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage AutoQuiet. (Unit will beep once.)• 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. (Unit will beep twice.)Quiet ModeQuiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert with-in 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, 2 beeps are provided onany new alert and the unit then remains quiet.• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.• Press Quiet a second time while unit is alarming to restore the standard audio alert pattern.10KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2
RADAR/LASER ALERTSSpeed 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 Alert LED = weak signal, 4 Alert LED’s = strong signalPulse Protection®When a pulse type signal (instant on strong signal) isdetected an urgent 3 second audio warning is soundedand the display shows:After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.13OPERATIONEngaging VG-2To engage or disengage VG-2 Detection:• Press and hold the VG-2 button. Display shows:• Pressing VG-2 a second time disengages VG2. Important: Check to make sure that the VG-2 feature isturned on every time the unit is used.Vehicle Battery Saver ModeThe Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off yourdetector after 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer isreset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button ispressed before this timer has expired. The detector will alertyou with an audible and visual warning before it shuts off.Display shows:During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit bypressing any button. This will reset the timer.If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any buttonto turn the unit back on. You can manually engage theVehicle Battery Saver Mode by pressing and holding the Citybutton until one beep is heard. The auto shutoff function willinitiate after several seconds.12KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2All Alert LED’s FlashIn Highway Mode In City Mode
LASER ALERTS / VG-2 ALERTSVG-2 Audio/Visual AlertsWhen a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its ownradiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.In Highway ModeIn City Mode — VG-2 LED flashesEvery 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.Note: VG-2 must be turned on to receive VG-2 alerts.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.15SAFETY RADAR ALERTSIn communities where transmitters are located, the SafetyWarning System displays over 60 voice messages. WhenSafety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counter-like.Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System transmitters. Visitwww.safetyradar.com for Safety Warning Systems transmitter loca-tions. Laser Audio/Visual AlertsWhen a laser signal is detected the alert LED’s illuminatefrom right to left in a rolling pattern. The audio alert is con-tinuous for a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:14KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2KaXKPWR Alert CityVG-2Alert LED1 and LED4 flash
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDEYour Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designedto exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable,trouble-free operation. If your unit has been correctly installedfollowing the guidelines in this manual, but is not operatingoptimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.PROBLEM: No display or audio.•Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary with a 2 amp 3AG type.•Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.•Make sure lighter socket is clean.PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.•Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.•Check connections at both ends of power cord. Substitute another cord to determine if cord is defective. Return defective cord to the factory. PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment,electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows, directionals, horn, etc.), or when accelerating.•Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and alternator, may have electrical noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or larger capacitance value) on the back of the lighter socket.PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.•Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.PROBLEM: Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.•Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with factory quality cap.If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information inthis Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler ConsumerRelations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit forservice. 17CARE & MAINTENANCECare And MaintenanceDuring the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure todirect sunlight by removing your unit from the dash whenyour vehicle is parked for an extended period of time.Do 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.16
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIESRadar 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:• Because your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the dashboard can improve laser detection at short range.• 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.19ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?In Most States YES!Laser detectors are completely legal in every state whenused in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radardetectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions areVirginia and Washington, D.C., which have local regula-tions restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal HighwayAdministration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effectiveJanuary, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser detector usein these types of vehicles nationally.Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state ofNew York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucksover 18,000 lbs. and in the state of Illinois in trucks over26,000 lbs.FCC ID HSXWH09This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation issubject to the following two conditions: (1) This device many notcause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any inter-ference received, including interference that may cause undesiredoperation.IMPORTANTFCC requirements state that changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by Whistler could void the user’s authority to operate theequipment.18
WARRANTY INFORMATIONConsumer WarrantyThe 1655 Whistler detector is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of one year 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 one year. 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 prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the address below.Units returned without dated proof of purchase will be handled as described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing aradar/laser receiver, there are no authorized service stations forWhistler brand 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. 7275621SPEED 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 DetectorsThe Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave receiv-er used by police to detect signals radiated by the localoscillator of a radar detector. Because its purpose is to iden-tify persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is knownas 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 pg. 18), drivers risk losing theirradar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-onradar is almost always used in combination with a VG-2,leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receiving twotickets — one potentially for speeding, the other for pos-session of a detector.Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 mayalert you to the presence of a speed trap.20
WARRANTY INFORMATIONService 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). 23WARRANTY 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: 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.22
SPECIFICATIONS• Dimensions: 1.6"H x 2.9"W x 4.5"L• Weight: 7.5 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, 250mA nominalVehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.One or more U.S. patents apply: #4,315,261; #5,146,227;#5,379,456; #5,666,120. Other patents pending.Specifications are subject to change without notice.24ACCESSORIESThe following accessories can be ordered directly fromWhistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.Order Description PriceCode202138 Visor Bracket $ 6.95202140 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95206294 *Modular Lighter Plug $ 7.95(Requires 206550 or206551)206550 *Modular Straight $ 6.95Power Cord (5')(Requires 206294)206551 *Modular Coiled $ 7.95Power Cord (7')(Requires 206294)206552 Straight Power Cord (5’) $ 14.95206553 Coiled Power Cord (7’) $ 15.95206879 Hook & Loop $ 1.95206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95(for wiring to fuse box)*Modular: interconnecting pieces cord and plug.Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00Prices are subject to change without notice.25
2726ACCESSORY ORDER FORMPLEASE SHIP TO:Name______________________________________________Street______________________________________________City________________________State_______Zip_________Telephone Number (______) __________________________Order Code/Description Quantity Total Price$SubtotalSales Tax (if Applicable) Shipping and Handling* $ 5.00Total Enclosed $SEND ORDER FORM WITH CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO: Whistler CTSPO Box 1844Bentonville, AR 72712IF PAYING BY MASTERCARD OR VISA PLEASE PROVIDE:Type of Card ___MasterCard ___Visa ___American ExpressName on Card______________________________________Card Number_______________________________________Expiration Date_____________________________________Cardholder Signature________________________________*For expedited shipping costs, contact Whistler Customer Service, 1-800-531-0004NOTES___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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