Whistler Radar Detector 1710A User Manual

OW NERS M ANUAL  
If you have questions concerning the  
operation of this Whistler product  
please call:  
C
u STO m e r  
Se RVICE  
1-8 0 0 -531-0 0 0 4  
Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT  
or visit our website  
w w w.w h is t le r g ro u p .com  
1710 A/1730 A  
Please keep the receipt in a safe place.  
You may register your product online  
at www.whistlergroup.com. For warranty  
verification purposes, a copy of your  
dated store receipt must still accompany  
any unit sent in for warranty work. If  
the unit is returned without a dated  
store receipt an out of warranty service  
charge applies. Note: Your warranty  
period begins at the time of purchase.  
The warranty is validated only by the  
dated store receipt! Now is the time to  
record the serial number of the unit in  
the space provided in the warranty  
section of the manual.  
1733/1734  
LASER-RAD AR  
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  
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004  
P/ N 1710A/ 1730A/ 1733/ REV2,  
©
Whistler 2003  
INTRODUCTION  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Dear Whistler Owner,  
Topic  
Page  
Model Features Summary  
3 - 8  
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.  
Installation  
9 - 10  
Mounting Guidelines  
Windshield Mounting  
Power Connection And Fuse Replacement  
Operation  
11 - 12  
Power On And Self-Test  
Self-Test Mute  
Feature Engaged Confirmation  
Audio Level Adjustment  
Auto Quiet/ Quiet Modes  
City Modes  
Your new Whistler laser/ radar detector detects all radar,  
laser and safety radar systems.  
Dim/ Dark Modes  
Engaging/ Disengaging VG-2 Detection  
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode  
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your  
Whistler and to better understand the differences between  
detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we recom-  
mend reading this entire manual or visit our FAQ page on  
our website www.whistlergroup.com  
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts  
12 - 16  
Radar Alerts  
Pulse Protection®  
Safety Radar Audio/ Visual Alerts  
Laser Audio/ Visual Alerts  
VG-2 Audio/ Visual Alerts  
Alert Priority  
Enjoy your Whistler and please drive safely.  
Sincerely,  
Reset Features  
Care Maintenance  
Troubleshooting Guide  
Are Detectors Legal?  
Speed Monitoring  
17  
18  
19 - 21  
The Whistler Group, Inc.  
Radar Facts  
* Please note: This unit is a 1710A/1730A even  
though “A” is not indicated on the unit.  
Laser Facts  
Other Speed Detection Systems  
Warranty Information  
Specifications  
22 - 24  
25  
26  
Accessories  
 
INSTALLATION  
Mounting Guidelines  
Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the  
windshield.  
Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments,  
mirrored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have  
metal surfaces which can affect radar and laser signals  
and reduce critical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does  
not affect reception.)  
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.  
Some 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.  
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.  
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.  
Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when  
replacing the 2 amp fuse.  
If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the  
windshield bracket. Press the bracket release button  
and remove the detector before bending.  
7
8
OP ERATION  
Feature Engaged Confirmation  
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature  
“on”, two beeps confirm feature off.  
LASER/RADAR ALERTS  
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 but-  
ton to turn the unit back on.  
Quiet Mode  
City Mode  
The QUIET Button accesses one of two muting options.  
Note: 1734 will go to volume level 1 instead of  
clicking.  
Whistlers City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance  
of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and other  
devices which share frequencies with police radar.  
Press City to engage City.  
Auto Quiet Mode  
Press City a second time cancels City Mode.  
Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected provides  
an alternate alert pattern, consisting of four beeps  
(indicating X, K, Ka or Safety Radar) followed by clicking.  
The clicking will continue for as long as the detected  
signal is present or any new signal is detected within  
20 seconds, becoming more rapid as the strength of the  
signal increases.  
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an  
initial alarm of two beeps, and then the unit remains quiet  
unless the signal strength increases, two additional beeps  
are provided.  
Note: 1734 has 3 city modes  
City/City 1/City 2 Mode  
Whistlers Three Stage City Mode is designed to  
reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers,  
intrusion alarms and other devices which share fre-  
quencies with police radar.  
If Auto Quiet is engaged, pressing QUIET while the unit  
is alarming will cancel the beeps or clicking.  
Pressing QUIET a second time when the unit is not  
alarming will cancel Auto Quiet mode and restore the  
continuous audio alert pattern.  
Press City to cancel Highway mode and engage  
City. Display will switch from “H” to “C”.  
Pressing City a second time engages City 1.  
Pressing City a third time engages City 2.  
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode  
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off  
your detector after 6 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 time has expired. The  
detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning  
before it shuts off.  
Note: After 3 seconds, l or ll City Mode indicator  
turns off.  
Pressing City a fourth time returns to Highway  
mode.  
9
10  
 
LASER/RADAR ALERTS  
LASER/RADAR ALERTS  
City Mode (cont.)  
Highway Mode  
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give  
an initial alarm of two beeps, and then the unit  
remains quiet unless the signal becomes very  
strong. When the signal strength increases, two  
additional beeps are provided. In City 1 Mode, only  
the X band sensitivity is lowered. In City 2 Mode, X-  
band is not detected.  
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any  
time  
radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Radar) or laser signals are  
detected, and is recommended for open road  
driving.  
Radar Audio Alerts  
When your Whistler detector encounters traffic  
radar, it  
provides a distinctive audio tone for the specific  
radar band detected: X, K, or Ka.  
CAUTION: Some towns/small cities may still be  
using X band radar. If Auto Quiet is engaged in  
City 1 or City 2 modes and the unit receives a  
strong radar signal, the unit performs the Auto  
Quiet feature. City Modes do not change the audio  
alert for laser or VG-2.  
The audio alerts are continuous, but have  
a
Geiger counter-like pattern to help you deter-  
mine your distance from the radar source; the  
faster the beeping, the stronger the signal  
strength will be.  
Dim/Dark Mode  
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the  
display.  
Press and hold Power for 2 seconds to reduce  
illumination to a Dim setting.  
Pressing and holding the power button for 2  
seconds a second time engages Dark Mode.  
®
Pulse Protection  
Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to  
detect than  
The display illumination is further reduced.  
conventional radar because it remains “off” until  
activated to measure the speed of a targeted  
vehicle.  
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.  
When a pulse type transmission is detected, your  
Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second  
audio warning and flashes the Alert strength indi-  
cators at their fastest rate. After the 3-second  
pulse alert, the standard alert pattern continues  
for as long as the signal is present.  
Pressing and holding the power button a third  
time restores full illumination to the display.  
11  
12  
LASER/RADAR ALERTS  
It is important to respond promptly to a pulse alert,  
since warning time may be minimal.  
VG-2 ALERTS  
VG-2 Detection Mode  
The VG-2, also known as a “radar detector  
detector,” is a special receiver used by police to  
detect signals radiated by a radar detector. See  
page 21 for more information on VG2.  
1710A: Does not have VG-2 cloaking.  
1730A: Press the VG-2 button once, unit beeps  
once  
Audio Level Adjustment  
The audio levels can be adjusted high to low, or  
low to high, in seven steps:  
Press Volume  
Press Volume  
up to increase audio level.  
1733: Press and hold the quiet button, unit  
beeps once.  
down to decrease audio level.  
1734:  
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and  
the display indicates volume level. The more  
“bars” illuminated, the higher the volume.  
When a VG-2 signal is detected the VG-2 alert is  
sounded. After 3 seconds the audio is cancelled  
and the VG-2 indicator flashes at a slower rate.  
This cycle is repeated if the  
When your detector detects a laser signal, the laser  
audio alert is sounded and the Laser indicator will  
illuminate for as long as the signal is present, or for  
a minimum of three seconds.  
When the laser signal is no longer detected, the  
audio warning ends, but the indicator continues to  
flash slowly for three seconds, indicating a laser  
encounter has just occurred.  
VG-2 signal is again detected.  
During the period a VG-2 signal is detected, a radar signal  
cannot be detected. However, because the VG-2 alert has  
confirmed that a patrol car is nearby, you are already aware  
of the potential for speed monitoring and can adjust your  
speed accordingly. Laser detection is not affected while a  
VG-2 signal is detected.  
Laser Tips  
Note: VG-2 must be turned on each time the unit is turned  
on to receive VG-2 Alerts.  
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 gener-  
ally no time to safely adjust your speed. However, if  
you are traveling near or behind the targeted vehi-  
cle and receive an alert, response time should be  
sufficient. Any laser alert, regardless of duation,  
requires immediat action!  
13  
14  
 
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS  
CARE & M AINTENANCE  
Care And Maintenance  
Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts  
Your Whistler detector detects the Safety Warning System™  
.
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 exte-  
rior.  
In communities where transmitters are located,  
this provides advanced warning of various road hazards  
including accident sites, highway construction, emergency  
vehicles, etc. and enables you to respond more appropriate-  
ly to potentially dangerous conditions.  
NOTE: You will not be able to receive SWS alerts if transmit-  
ters are not located in your area. For a current list of transmit-  
15  
16  
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?  
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.  
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  
regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any  
vehicle. Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal  
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.  
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.  
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, direction-  
als, horn, etc.).  
FCC ID HSXWH01 - 1710A/1730A/1733  
FCC ID HSXWH10 - 1710A/1730A/1733  
FCC ID HSXWH14 - 1734  
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.  
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)  
This device many not cause harmful interference, and (2)  
this device must accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.  
Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.  
Check audio level setting (see page ?? & ??).  
PROBLEM: Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.  
Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with high quality cap.  
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  
ing your unit for service.  
IMPORTANT  
FCC requirements state that changes or modifications not  
expressly approved by Whistler could void the users  
authority to operate the equipment.  
17  
18  
 
SP EED M ONITORING  
SP EED M ONITORING  
Because you 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.  
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).  
Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an officer is not  
transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.  
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.  
Whistler Laser/Radar detectors receive all current laser guns  
which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 +/- 10mm.  
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  
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 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 transmis-  
sion which covers about 3 feet at the same distance. For  
best protection, keep these points in mind:  
Pro LaserI II III  
LT1 20-20  
Ultra Lyte  
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.  
19  
20  
SP EED M ONITORING  
W ARRANTY INFORM ATION  
Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2)  
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is  
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. 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 one year.  
Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use,  
misuse, or operation of this product.  
a
microwave  
receiver 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 primary tool used by the police to  
identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught, in a  
state where detectors are illegal, (see page ??), 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:  
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:  
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.  
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  
21  
22  
 
W ARRANTY INFORM ATION  
W ARRANTY INFORM ATION  
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!  
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.  
2. Include with your unit the following information,  
clearly printed:  
The unit has been returned without its serial number.  
The unit has been abused, modified, installed  
Your name and street address (for shipping via  
UPS), a daytime telephone number and email  
address, if applicable.  
improperly, or had its  
housing removed.  
A detailed description of the problem  
(e.g., “Unit performs self-test but does not respond  
to radar”).  
The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler  
detector is $35.00 (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 $35.00. Payment may also be made by  
MasterCard, VISA or American Express; personal checks are  
not accepted. In the event repairs cannot be covered by the  
minimum $35.00 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.  
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 war-  
ranty.  
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  
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be cer-  
tain to include a daytime telephone number, and email  
address (if applicable).  
ty verification purposes,  
a
copy of your dated store  
receipt must accompany any unit sent in for warranty  
work.  
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).  
23  
24  
SP ECIFICATIONS  
ACCESSORIES  
The following accessories can be ordered directly from  
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visit our online  
store at www.whistlergroup.com  
1710A Dimensions: 1.2"H x 2.72"W x 3.9"L  
Weight: 5.5 oz.  
1730A Dimensions: 1.3"H x 2.9"W x 3.9"L  
Weight: 5.5 oz.  
Order  
Code  
Description  
Price  
1733 Dimensions: 1.3"H x 2.9"W x 3.9"L  
Weight: 5.5 oz.  
1734 Dimensions: 1.3"H x 2.9"W x 3.9"L  
Weight: 5.5 oz.  
202138  
202140  
206552  
206553  
206880  
Visor Bracket  
$
$
6.95  
9.95  
Windshield Bracket Kit  
Straight Power Cord (5)  
Coiled Power Cord (7)  
Laser Wavelength:  
905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)  
$ 14.95  
$ 15.95  
$
Hardwire Kit (10' )  
9.95  
Radar Frequencies:  
(for wiring to fuse box)  
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)  
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )  
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)  
206666  
Modular Cord Package  
(includes coiled and straight cords,  
and power adapter)  
$ 17.95  
159032  
402081  
206660  
Package of 8 Suction Cups  
Dash Pad  
Straight Modular Cord and  
Socket Multiplier  
Coiled Modular Cord and  
Socket Multiplier  
$
$
2.95  
6.95  
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.  
$ 11.95  
$ 12.95  
206661  
*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug. Shipping and  
handling (per order) $5.00 Prices are subject to change without  
notice.  
One or more U.S. may patents apply:  
#4,315,261  
#5,146,227  
#5,379,456  
#5,666,120  
#5,990,821  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
25  
26  
 

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