Whistler Radar Detector 1650 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL  
1650 Series  
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR  
TM  
 
INTRODUCTION  
Dear Whistler Owner,  
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It  
can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment  
center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler  
products are designed to make the time you spend in your  
vehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simply  
more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve  
your driving experience.  
Your new Whistler 1650 Series laser/radar detector detects all  
radar, laser and safety radar systems. The comprehensive  
safety system detects all safety radar including the Safety  
Warning System™ keeping you informed of road hazards  
and adverse weather. Whistlers 1650 Series also offers a dig-  
ital display with safety messages to keep you informed while  
you drive.  
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler  
1650 Series and to better understand the differences  
between detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we  
recommend reading this entire manual.  
Enjoy the Whistler 1650 Series and please drive safely.  
Sincerely,  
THE WHISTLER GROUP  
1
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Topic  
Page  
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 5  
Installation .............................................................................6 - 8  
• Mounting Guidelines  
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting  
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement  
Operation ............................................................................9 - 12  
• Power On And Self-Test  
• Feature Engaged Confirmation  
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes  
• Highway Mode  
• City Mode  
• Dim/Dark Mode  
• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection  
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode  
Radar, 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 Maintenance  
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................17  
Are Detectors Legal? ...............................................................18  
Speed Monitoring Technologies .....................................19 - 20  
• Radar Facts  
Laser Facts  
Other Speed Detection Systems  
• Radar Detector Detectors  
Warranty Information........................................................21 - 23  
Specifications............................................................................24  
Accessories ...............................................................................25  
2
 
WHISTLER FEATURES  
Whistler 1650 Series  
2
8
6
1
5
7
3
4
Whistlers ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a  
new level of operating convenience. Special features  
include:  
1. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy  
release of the mounting bracket.  
2. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.  
3. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts  
audio level.  
4. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confir-  
mation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates  
engaged modes of operation.  
5. QUIET/Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIET before a  
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode. Pressing  
QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio  
alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.  
3
 
WHISTLER FEATURES  
6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts  
typically encountered in urban driving areas.  
7. DARK/VG-2 Button – Reduces illumination of display  
to “dim” or “dark” settings. Press and hold (for two sec-  
onds) to engage or disengage VG-2.  
8. Laser Antenna (Rear) An integrated optical wave-  
guide provides superior detection of laser signals trans-  
mitted from behind.  
12  
11  
10  
9. Laser Antenna (Front) High gain optical lens array  
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-  
edge laser detection.  
10. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna  
receives radar signals.  
11. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting  
bracket firmly.  
4
 
WHISTLER FEATURES  
Accessories  
Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.  
Power Cord - Connects to the units power jack and your  
vehicles lighter socket.  
Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your  
vehicles windshield.  
Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on  
a level dashboard.  
Certain 1650 Series radar detectors include additional  
accessories.  
5
 
INSTALLATION  
Mounting Guidelines  
Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the  
windshield.  
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 Instaclearor  
Electriclear™ type coating, which affect radar signals.  
Consult your dealer or the owners manual supplied with  
your 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 when  
not in use.  
Windshield Mounting  
Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the  
bracket by fitting them into their holes.  
Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the location  
you have chosen. IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have a  
plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The  
windshield bracket may leave permanent marks on this  
type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of  
windshield, check the owners manual or ask your dealer.  
We recommend that you do not leave the suction cup  
bracket on the window in direct sunlight. If the detector  
is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some  
vehicles.  
Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.  
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-  
6
 
INSTALLATION  
shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove  
the detector before bending.  
Dash Mounting  
Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is  
relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl  
alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes.  
Separate the fastener strips. Peel the paper backing off  
each strip and adhere one piece to the dash and the other  
piece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to cover  
the serial number.  
Be careful not to place the fastener strip over the units serial number. If the  
fastener strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Units  
without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.  
7
 
INSTALLATION  
Visor 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.  
Slide on view  
Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this  
section of bracket.  
Power Connection  
• Plug the small end of the power cord into the units power  
jack.  
• Plug the large end into the vehicles cigarette lighter.  
Fuse Replacement  
The lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2  
amp 3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replace the  
fuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (IMPORTANT:  
Unscrew slowly. The tip contains a spring which may fly out  
when disassembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring and  
screw 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 amp  
fuse.  
8
 
OPERATION  
Power On And Self-Test  
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an auto-  
matic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and  
visual displays are functional.  
Turn Power/Volume control clockwise. Display reads:  
WHISTLER  
X
9
9
9
K
Ka  
SAFETY  
LASER  
HIGHWAY  
Feature Engaged Confirmation  
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature  
on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.  
9
 
OPERATION  
Auto Quiet Mode  
Auto Quiet shortens the tone for the selected audio  
approximately 3 seconds after a radar or safety radar sig-  
nal is detected. The shorter tone will resume for any new  
signal within 20 seconds. Auto Quiet does not affect VG-2  
or laser alerts.  
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage Auto  
Quiet. Display reads:  
AUTO  
QUIET  
Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel  
the audio alarm by pressing Quiet.  
• Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel  
Auto Quiet mode.  
Quiet Mode  
Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert with-  
in 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, 2 beeps are provided on  
any 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; or turn the unit  
off, then on.  
10  
 
OPERATION  
City Mode  
Whistlers City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance of auto-  
matic door openers, intrusion alarms and other devices which  
share frequencies with police radar.  
• Press City to engage City. Display reads:  
CITY  
• Pressing City a second time cancels City. Display reads:  
HIGHWAY  
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial alarm  
of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signal becomes  
very strong. When the signal strength increases, two additional  
beeps are provided.  
Highway Mode  
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka,  
Safety) signals are detected, and is recommended for open road  
driving. Highway mode is automatically engaged after the unit is  
turned on and completes the self-test.  
Dim/Dark Mode  
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.  
• Press Dark once to reduce illumination to a Dim setting.  
Display reads:  
DIM  
• Pressing Dark  
Display reads:  
a
second time engages Dark Mode.  
DARK  
Dim or dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode, the  
display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detected and for  
20 seconds after, then the display returns to the dimmer setting.  
• Pressing Dark a third time restores full illumination to the display.  
11  
 
OPERATION  
Engaging VG-2  
The Option Select Mode allows you to engage or disengage  
VG-2 Detection.  
• Press and hold Dark for two seconds. Display reads:  
VG2 ON  
• Pressing Dark a second time disengages VG2. Display  
reads:  
VG2 OFF  
VG-2 must be engaged each time your detector is turned  
on.  
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode  
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your  
detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer  
is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button  
is pressed before the 3 hours have expired. The detector will  
alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts  
off. Display reads:  
PWR OFF  
During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit by  
pressing any button. This will reset the timer.  
If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any button  
to turn the unit back on. You can manually engage the  
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode by pressing and holding the City  
button until one beep is heard. The auto shutoff function will  
initiate after several seconds.  
12  
 
RADAR/LASER ALERTS  
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. Example:  
Ka Band  
Detected  
Display  
Digits  
ramp  
1-9  
K 9  
1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal  
Pulse Protection®  
When a pulse type signal (instant on strong signal) is  
detected an urgent 3 second audio warning is sounded  
and the display reads:  
PULSE  
After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.  
13  
 
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS  
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:  
CAUTION  
POOR  
ROAD  
SURFACE  
Not all areas have Safety Warning System transmitters.  
14  
 
LASER ALERTS / VG-2 ALERTS  
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts  
When a laser signal is detected the word Laser” and sig-  
nal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous for  
a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:  
LASER  
The more “ “ the closer the laser source.  
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts  
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its own  
radiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.  
VG2 VG2  
Text message confirms detection of 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.  
Note: VG-2 must be turned on to receive VG-2 alerts.  
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.  
15  
 
CARE & MAINTENANCE  
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.  
16  
 
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
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 equipment,  
electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows,  
directionals, horn, etc.), or when accelerating.  
Vehicles 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 in  
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer  
Relations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for  
service.  
17  
 
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?  
In Most States YES!  
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when  
used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).  
Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar  
detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are  
Virginia 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 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 the state of Illinois in trucks over  
26,000 lbs.  
18  
 
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES  
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 guns 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 vehicles 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 Facts  
Its 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 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 guns 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 6 feet at the same distance.  
For best protection, keep these points in mind:  
Because your vehicles license plate or headlights are the laser guns  
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  
cant see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector wont  
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.  
19  
 
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES  
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.  
Radar Detector Detectors  
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave receiv-  
er used by police to detect signals radiated by the local  
oscillator of a radar detector. Because its purpose is to iden-  
tify persons 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 identify  
radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught in a state where  
detectors are illegal (see pg. 18), 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 pos-  
session of a detector.  
Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 may  
alert you to the presence of a speed trap.  
20  
 
WARRANTY INFORMATION  
Consumer Warranty  
The 1650 Series Whistler 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.  
This limited warranty is void if the unit is abused, modi-  
fied, 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 one year. 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 or  
replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistlers  
option, 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 a  
radar/laser receiver, there are no authorized service stations for  
Whistler 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 sturdy  
equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, and  
shipping charges prepaid to:  
Whistler Repair Dept.  
1201 North Dixieland Rd.  
Rogers, AR. 72756  
21  
 
WARRANTY INFORMATION  
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or  
damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit  
insured 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 per  
forms 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 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 proof of  
purchase and return the Warranty Validation card.  
22  
 
WARRANTY INFORMATION  
Service Out Of Warranty  
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates  
when:  
• The units 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 Whistler  
detector 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 or  
money order for $55.00. Payment may also be made by  
MasterCard or VISA; personal checks are not accepted. 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 avail-  
able to you. If you elect not to have your unit  
repaired/replaced, it will be returned to you along with  
your certified check or money order.  
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be cer-  
tain to include a daytime telephone number.  
Consumer Relations  
If you have questions concerning the operation of your  
Whistler detector, or require service during or after the  
warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at  
1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answer  
your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  
(CST).  
23  
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
• Dimensions: 1.1"H x 2.9"W x 4.5"L  
• Weight: 6.5 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 nominal  
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.  
One or more U.S. patents apply: #4,315,261; #5,146,227;  
#5,379,456. Other patents pending.  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
24  
 
ACCESSORIES  
The following accessories can be ordered directly from  
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.  
Order  
Code  
Description  
Price  
202138  
202140  
206294  
Visor Bracket  
$ 6.95  
$ 9.95  
$ 7.95  
Windshield Bracket Kit  
*Modular Lighter Plug  
(Requires 206550 or  
206551)  
206550  
206551  
*Modular Straight  
Power Cord (5')  
(Requires 206294)  
*Modular Coiled  
$ 6.95  
$ 7.95  
Power Cord (7')  
(Requires 206294)  
Straight Power Cord (5)  
Coiled Power Cord (7)  
Hook & Loop  
Hardwire Kit (10' )  
(for wiring to fuse box)  
206552  
206553  
206879  
206880  
$ 14.95  
$ 15.95  
$ 1.95  
$ 9.95  
*Modular: interconnecting pieces cord and plug.  
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00  
Prices are subject to change without notice.  
25  
 
THE WHISTLER GROUP  
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS  
13016 N. Walton Blvd.  
Bentonville, AR 72712  
TEL (501) 273-6012 FX (501) 273-2927  
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER  
25 Industrial Ave.  
Chelmsford, MA 01824  
TEL (978) 244-1400 FX (978) 244-1492  
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER  
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.  
Rogers, AR 72756  
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004  
P/N 203142, © WHISTLER 2000  
 

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