Whistler 1793 SE Radar Detector User Manual


 
TROUBLESHOOTING
OPERATION
OPERATION
VG-2 ALERTS
LASER/RADAR ALERTS
FCC INFORMATION
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
OWNER’S MANUAL
SPEED MONITORING SPEED MONITORING
WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION
ACCESSORIES
WARRANTY INFORMATION
14
15
SWS
Memo Mode (1793 SE only)
Record up to nine distinct message tracks for a total of
90 seconds, one 90 second message or any combination
in between.
IMPORTANT: Unit does not detect radar or laser signals
during recording or while playing a memo.
WARNING!!! Memo mode is not intended to be
used while you are driving. You should not use any
device in a vehicle that may distract you from observ-
ing the road ahead.
To record or play a message (Memo mode):
• Press both volume buttons for less than 2 seconds
and release. The unit will beep once; this enters
Memo mode. Display reads:
• Press and release the Quiet/Record button to
begin a recording. Note: Recording starts as
soon as the button is released. Display reads:
REC = record, 1 = track #, 8 = time remaining
If the recording time expires for a track, the unit will
automatically switch to the next track. Press and release
Quiet/Record again to stop recording. The unit will
automatically stop recording once track 9 is completed.
To play a message:
• Enter Memo mode and press Power/Play to listen
to recorded messages.
• To play a selected track, press Volume Up or
Volume Down button until selected track appears
on the display. Display reads:
PLY = play, 1 = track #, 8 = time remaining
• Press the Power/Play button.
Messages are kept in memory and are not affected by
resetting the factory features. See “Reset Features”
section of the manual.
PLAY
REC
MEMO
REC1 8
PLY1 8
Memo Mode Continued
To delete a message:
• Enter Memo mode and press Volume Up or Volume
Down button until selected track appears on the display.
• Press the Quiet/Record button twice.
To exit Memo mode:
• Press both volume buttons and release. The unit
will beep twice.
NOTE: Memo mode automatically exits within 20
seconds if a button is not pressed.
Safety Warning System
In communities where transmitters are located,
the Safety Warning System
displays over 60 text
messages. When Safety Radar is detected the audio
alert is geiger counter-like.
Safety Warning System Text
Example: Poor - Road - Surface.
NOTE:
Not all areas have Safety Warning System
transmitters.
POPMode Alerts
Because POP
Mode travels on regular radar bandwith,
there is no particular alert for POP
Mode transmissions.
POP
Mode alerts will be displayed as a regular radar alert.
17
16
Speed Radar Audio / Visual Alerts
When X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signal
strength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous
and has a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the
beep the closer or stronger the radar source.
Laser Audio / Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the word “Laser” and
signal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous
for a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:
The more “|||” the closer the laser source.
Pulse Protection
®
Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect
than conventional radar because it remains “off” until
activated to measure the speed of a targeted vehicle.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, your Whistler
detector sounds an urgent 3-second audio warning
and the display shows PULSE (like the picture above.
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert pat-
tern continues for as long as the signal is present.
It is important to respond promptly to a pulse alert,
since warning time may be minimal.
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
NOTE: You must turn this feature on in option select
mode before it will detect VG-2.
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its own
radiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal.
If a VG-2 signal is still present, the unit continues to
hide and repeats the VG-2 alert. If no signal is detected,
two beeps are provided, indicating an “all clear” condition.
During VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot
be received (Reference page 19 & 20 for VG-2 information).
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same
time, the alert priority is:
1. Laser
2. VG-2
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly VG-2 is detected,
the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.
Reset Features
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
•Unplug Power Cord from unit.
•Press and hold Power and Quiet.
•Plug Power Cord into unit.
•Wait for 2 beeps.
•Release Power and Quiet buttons.
Unit is now reset.
Default factory settings are:
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. Combo ON.
7. Safety ON.
8. Vehicle Battery Saver ON.
9. Full Power Up sequence.
10. Default TONE 3.
11. All Band ON
12. POP ON
13. Unit ON or OFF.
NOTE: Must calibrate compass after resetting features.
VG-2 ALERTS
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and
designed to exacting quality standards to provide
you with reliable, trouble-free operation. If your unit
has been correctly installed following the guidelines
in this manual, but is not operating optimally, please
refer to the troubleshooting guide below.
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 electrical
accessories
(brakes, power mirrors/windows,
turn signals, horn, etc.).
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: Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.
Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with
high quality cap.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
Check audio level setting
(see page 8 & 9).
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information
in this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler
Customer Service at 1-800-531-0004 or visit our FAQ
page at www.
whistlergroup.com/faq-detectors.asp,
before returning your unit for service.
18
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
19
In Most States YES!
Laser/radar detectors are legal in every state (with
the exception of Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
have local regulations restricting the use of radar
receivers in any vehicle) when used in automobiles or
light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a regulation,
effective January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser
detector use in these types of vehicles nationally. Prior
to the FHWA regulation, laws existed in the state of
New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks
over 18,000 lbs. and in Illinois in trucks over 26,000 lbs.
Care And Maintenance
During the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure
to direct sunlight by removing your unit from the dash
when your vehicle is parked for an extended period of
time. Do not spray water, cleaners, or polishes directly
onto the unit. The spray may penetrate through the
openings and damage the unit. Also, do not use any
abrasive cleaners on the units exterior.
20
Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2)
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave
r
eceiver used by police to detect signals radiated by
the local oscillator of a radar detector. Because its
purpose is to identify persons driving with radar detectors,
the VG-2 is known as a “radar detector detector”.
The VG-2 is the primar
y tool used by the police to
identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught,
in a state where detectors are illegal, (see page 19),
drivers risk losing their radar detector and receiving a
fine. In addition, instant-on radar is almost always used
in combination with a VG-2, leaving unsuspecting motorists
vulnerable to receiving two tickets - one potentially
for speeding, the other for possession of a detector.
Having a radar detector capable of detecting the
VG-2 may alert you to the presence of a speed trap. For
more information on speed monitoring technologies,
please visit our FAQ page on our website:
www.
whistlergroup.com
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar
detector owner to know and understand the laws in your
area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
SPEED MONITORING
FCC ID HSXWH11 - 1783, 1793 SE
This device complies with par
t 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device many not cause har
mful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter
ference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT
FCC requirements state that changes or modifica-
tions not expr
essly approved by Whistler could void
the user
’s authority to operate the equipment.
21 22
Consumer Warranty
This Whistler Laser/Radar detector is warranted to the
original purchaser for a period of one year from the date
of original purchase against all defects in materials and
workmanship (3 years for the 1793 SE). This limited
warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified, installed
improperly, if the housing has been removed, or if the serial
number is missing. There are no express warranties covering
this product other than those set forth in this warranty.
All express or implied warranties for this product are limited
to the above time. Whistler is not liable for damages
arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this product.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be
repaired without charge to the purchaser when returned
with a dated store receipt to the address below. Units
returned without dated store receipt will be handled
as described in section
“Service Out Of Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing
a laser/radar receiver, there are no authorized service
stations for Whistler brand detectors other than Whistler.
When returning a unit for service under warranty,
please follow these instructions:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable
sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return
receipt requested to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1201 North Dixieland Rd
Rogers, AR. 72756
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
IMPORTANT:
Whistler will not assume responsibility
for loss or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore,
please ship your unit insured with return receipt
requested.
CODs will not be accepted!
23
Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at
certain frequencies which reflect off objects and are
then picked up by the radar gun’s receiving section.
When a radar beam reflects off a moving target, a
measurable frequency shift occurs. The radar unit converts
this shift into miles per hour to 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).
Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an officer is
not transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.
POP™ Mode
POP
Mode is a feature on some newer radar guns
operating on K or Ka bands. When the gun is in POP
Mode and activated, a brief burst of energy, less that
1/10 of a second, is transmitted and the vehicles’s
speed is quickly acquired. A detector without POP
Mode detection capability cannot respond to this
brief transmission. This detector has the power to
report this new gun where other detectors cannot!
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot
reliably provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that
is traveling in a group of vehicles. In contrast, a laser
gun can target a specific vehicle out of a line of traffic
and determine its speed. The advantage of laser
over radar in terms of target identification is the result
of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radar transmission
can cover more than a four-lane highway at a distance
of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmission
which covers about 3 feet at the same distance. For
best protection, keep these points in mind:
Because you 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 radar detector. Laser guns are
most often used at short range.
Whistler Laser/Radar detectors receive all current laser
guns which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 +/- 10mm.
•Pro Laser
I II III •LT1 20-20 •Ultra Lyte
Laser Tips
If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can often
determine your speed within a few seconds after you
receive an alert. In this situation there is generally no
time to safely adjust your speed. However, if you are
traveling near or behind the targeted vehicle and
receive an alert, response time should be sufficient.
Any laser alert, regardless of duration, requires
immediate action!
Other Speed Detection Systems
Several techniques other than radar or laser are used
to measure vehicle speeds. When these methods
are being used, no detector can provide a warning.
These techniques include:
• 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.
2. Include with your unit the following information,
clearly printed:
• Your name and street address
(for shipping via
UPS)
, a daytime telephone number and email
address, if applicable.
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g., “Unit
performs self-test but does not respond to radar”).
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number.
For reference, please write your units 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 store receipt. You may register
your warranty online at www.whistlergroup.com,
however, for warranty verification purposes, a
copy of your dated store receipt must accompany
any unit sent in for warranty work.
Service Out of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service
rates when:
• The units original warranty has expired.
• Dated store receipt is not supplied.
The unit has been returned without its serial number.
• The unit has been abused, modified, installed
improperly, or had its housing removed.
The minimum out of warranty service fee for your
Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you require out
of warranty service, please return your unit as outlined
in the section “Service Under Warranty” along with a
certified check or money order for $55.00. Payment
may also be made by MasterCard, VISA or American
Express;
personal checks are not accepted.
24 25
SPECIFICATIONS
1783 Dimensions: 4.65” L x 2.95” W x 1.45” H Weight: 6.8 oz.
1793 SE Dimensions: 4.65” L x 2.95” W x 1.45” H Weight: 6.8 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 nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
#5,146,227, #5,379,456, #5,666,120, #5,990,821
POP™ Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum
$55.00 service fee, you will be contacted by a Whistler
technical service specialist who will outline options
available to you. If you elect not to have your unit
repaired, it will be returned to you along with your
certified check or money order.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service,
be certain to include a daytime telephone number,
and email address (if applicable).
Customer Service
If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler detector, or require service during or after
the warranty period, please call Customer Service at:
1-800-531-0004
Representatives are available to answer your questions
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT) or
visit the FAQ’s at www.
whistlergroup.com
1783/1793
SE
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712
Tel (479) 273-6012 • Fax (479) 273-2927
Customer Return Center
1201 N. Dixieland Rd. • Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel (800) 531-0004
www.whistlergroup.com
P/N 203336, REV 1
©
2003 The Whistler Group, Inc.
These and other accessories can be ordered directly
from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visit our
online store at www.whistlergroup.com
Order Description Price
Code
202151 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95
206552 Straight Power Cord (5’) $ 14.95
206553 Coiled Power Cord (7’) $ 15.95
206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95
(for wiring to fuse box)
206666 Modular Cord Package $ 17.95
(includes coiled and straight cords,
and power adapter)
159032 Package of 8 Suction Cups $ 2.95
402081 Non-Skid Dash Pad $ 6.95
206660 Straight Modular Cord and
Socket Multiplier $ 11.95
206661 Coiled Modular Cord and
Socket Multiplier $ 12.95
*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug. Shipping and
handling (per order) $5.00 Prices are subject to change without notice.
26
RESET FEATURES
POP
MODE ALERTS