Model Features Summary ................................. 2 - 3
Installation ........................................................ 4 - 6
OW NER’S M ANUAL
Dear Whistler Detector Owner,
If you have questions concerning the operation of
this Whistler product please call:
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Mounting Guidelines
Windshield Mounting
Power Connection and Fuse Replacement
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Operation ....................................................... 7 - 14
Cu 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
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Power On Self Test & Volume
Dim/ Dark Mode
Setting Saver
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Quiet/ Auto Quiet Mode
Audio Level Adjustment
City/ City 1/ City 2 Mode
Highway Mode
Teach/ Tutorial Mode
Alert Periscopes
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XTR-4 30
w w w.w h is t le r g ro u p .com
LASER-RAD AR
DETECTOR
Please keep the receipt in a safe place. You may
For warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated
store receipt must 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.
VG-2 Mode
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Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
Option Select Mode
Stay Alert Feature
Safety Warning System™ ..................................... 14
POP™ Mode Alerts .............................................. 15
Laser/Radar Alerts .............................................. 15
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Speed Radar Audio/ Visual Alerts
Laser Audio/ Visual Alerts
Pulse Protection®
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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.
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
3604 NW Frontage Rd. • Bentonville, AR 72712
Tel 479.273.6012 • Fax 479.273.2927
VG-2 Alerts ......................................................... 16
Alert Priority 16
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Reset Features .................................................... 16
Troubleshooting Guide ....................................... 17
Care and Maintenance ........................................ 18
Are Detectors Legal? .......................................... 18
FCC Information .................................................. 19
Speed Monitoring ......................................... 19 - 22
Customer Return Center
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your
Whistler Detector and to better understand the
differences between detecting radar, laser and safety
radar signals, we recommend reading this entire
manual or visiting our FAQ page on our website
551 N 13th St. • Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel 800.531.0004
www.w histlergroup.com
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Radar Facts
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POP™ Mode
P/ N 260025,
©
2010 The Whistler Group, Inc.
Laser Facts/ Tips
Other Speed Detection Systems
Radar Detector Detectors
Enjoy your Whistler Detector and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
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Warranty Information .................................... 22 - 25
Specifications ......................................................25
Accessories ......................................................... 26
The Whistler Group, Inc.
INSTALLATION
OP ERATION
INSTALLATION
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 vehicle’s owner’s manual or
ask your dealer. We recommend that you do not
leave the suction cup bracket on the windshield in
direct sunlight. If the detector is removed, this may
cause blistering of the dash in some vehicles.
Power On Self Test
Power Cord Connection
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on,
an automatic self-test sequence confirms that
the speaker and displays is functional.
• Text Display shows in order:
1. WHISTLER 2. X-band 3. K-band 4. Ka-band
5. LASER 6. SR OFF 7. VG2 OFF 8. POP ON
9. B SVR ON 10. HIGHWAY
•
Plug the small end of the power cord into the
unit’s power jack.
•
Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
socket.
Note: Cord fits tightly into detector. When
installing the cord, expect some resistance.
Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket plug is equipped with
a
Dim/Dark Mode
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Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into
place. (Image B)
replaceable 2 amp, 3AG fuse located behind the
silver tip. To replace the fuse, carefully unscrew the
tip of the plug.
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the
display
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.
• Press and release the Dark button to reduce
illumination to a dim setting.
• Press and release the Dark button a second
time to engage Dark Mode. The display
illumination is further reduced.
(Image B)
Rub b e r Bump e r
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 20 seconds after,
then the display returns to the dimmer setting.
•
If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the
windshield bracket. Press the bracket release button
and remove the detector before bending.
• Press and release the Dark button a third time
to restore the display to full illumination.
Setting Saver
Setting Saver saves your personalized settings
so that when the detector is turned off and then
on again, you do not have to re-enter them.
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed, one beep confirms
feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
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OP ERATION
OP ERATION
OP ERATION
Quiet Mode
City/City 1/City 2 Mode
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Quiet mode cancels audio during an alert and any new
alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, 2 beeps are
provided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.
Press Quiet button to cancel the audio.
Press Quiet button a second time during an alert to
restore the standard audio alert pattern; or turn the
unit off, then on.
Whistler’s Three Stage City Mode is designed to
reduce the annoyance of automatic door
openers, intrusion alarms and other devices which
share frequencies with police radar. Generally, X
band is used for these devices.
Press City button to cancel Highway Mode
and engage City Mode.
Press City button again to enter City 1 Mode
Press City button again to enter City 2 Mode
Press City button a fourth time to cancel City 2
Mode and return the unit to Highway Mode.
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press City and Quiet buttons simultaneously
• Display Shows:
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• Press Dark button to exit..
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Low Profile Alert Periscopes
Whistler’s Low Profile Alert Periscopes provide an
added attention getting visual alert. The two extra
LED’s flash on and off when the unit alarms to
provide a unique visual alert. This alert can be
programmed through the Option Select Mode to
be: ON, OFF, or FLASHING during alerts..
Auto Quiet Mode
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Auto Quiet mode reduces the selected audio level to
level (1) approximately 5 seconds after a radar or safety
radar signal is detected. The alert for any new signal
within 20 seconds will resume at level (1). Auto Quiet
mode does not affect laser alerts.
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. City 1 and City 2
Modes operate the same as Highway Mode, but
in City 1 Mode, X band requires a stronger
signal to alert. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not
detected.
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Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage
Auto Quiet mode.
Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to
cancel Auto Quiet mode.
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Audio Level Adjustment
To Change the audio level:
•
Rotate Power/Volume button back to increase audio
level.
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Rotate Power/Volume button forward to decrease
audio level.
Caution: Some towns/small cities may still be
using X band radar. City Modes do not change
the audio alert for laser or VG-2.
Highway Mode
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.
For more information on City and Highway modes,
please visit our F.A.Q. page on our website:
www.whistlergroup.com
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OP ERATION
OP ERATION
OP ERATION
VG-2 Mode
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
Option Select Mode
See Option Select Mode to turn this feature
on/off. When a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2
alert is sounded and the display flashes “VG-2”.
After 3 seconds the audio is canceled and the
display no longer flashes. This cycle is repeated
if the VG-2 signal is detected again.
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts
off the detector after 3 hrs. The timer is reset if the
detector is turned off, unplugged or any button is
pressed before the timer has expired. The detector
will alert you with an audible and visual warning
before it shuts off. During this warning, you can
momentarily reset the timer by pressing any button.
If the unit has automatically turned off, press any
button to turn the unit back on.
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Abbreviated Power Up
Sequence, and VG-2 Mode. Press the Menu button to
enter Option Select Mode. When selecting options, the
Dark or Quiet buttons must be pressed within 20
seconds or Option Select Mode will automatically be
exited.
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. (See
page 16 for more information)
Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions
for deactivating battery saver mode feature.
Press and hold Menu button to exit Option Select Mode.
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OP ERATION
P OP ™ M ODE ALERTS
VG-2 ALERTS
™
Stay Alert Feature
POP Mode Alerts
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Because POP™ Mode radar utilizes the same
K or Ka band frequencies, POP™ Mode Alerts will be
displayed as regular radar alerts.
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s
alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming) :
Press and hold the City button for approximately 2
seconds. Release the button during or immediately after
the alert is given. Display shows:
Within 30-60 seconds, an alert is sounded; to show
alertness, the driver must press either the City, Menu, or
Quiet buttons within 3-5 seconds. If a button is pressed
within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is repeated.
Note: You must turn this feature on 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 a VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band
signals cannot be received (see pg. 11).
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LASER/RADAR 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 pattern like a geiger
counter. The faster the beep, the closer or
stronger the radar source.
If a button is not pressed within 3-5 seconds, an alarm
sounds and the display shows:
Press the Dark button to exit the Stay Alert feature.
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same
time, the alert priority is:
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1. Laser 2. VG-2 3. Speed Radar 4. Safety Radar
Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will
override the X band alert.
WARNING!!! Stay Alert is NOT intended as a substitute
for adequate rest. You should NOT operate a vehicle if you
are drowsy. During extended periods of vehicle operation,
you should take frequent breaks. Improper reliance on the
Stay Alert feature may result in vehicle damage, personal
injury or death. NEVER OPERATE A VEHICLE IF YOU
ARE DROWSY.
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the audio alert is
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
• The Display Shows:
RESET FEATURES
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
• Unplug the Power Cord from the unit.
• Press and hold the Quiet button.
• Plug the Power Cord into the unit.
• Wait for 2 beeps.
®
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.
Sa fe t y Wa r n in g Sys t e m ™
In communities where transmitters are located,
the Safety Warning System™ displays over 60 text
messages. When Safety Radar is detected, a unique
audio alert sounds.
• Release the Quiet button.
Unit is now reset to the following features and settings.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, your
Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
audio warning and the display shows:
Default factory settings are:
1. HIGHWAY Mode
2. Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display
3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF
4. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF
5. Safety Radar OFF
Safety Warning System Text Example: Poor - Road - Surface.
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™ transmitters.
6. Vehicle Battery Saver ON
7. Full Power Up sequence
8. Default TONE 3
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert
pattern 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.
9. POP ON
10. LED Periscopes to BLINK
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TROUBLESHOOTING
CARE AND M AINTENANCE
FCC INFORM ATION
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.
FCC ID : HSXWH10
Care And Maintenance
FCC ID : HSXWH21
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Important: FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) requirements state that changes or
modifications not expressly approved by
Whistler could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
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 unit’s exterior.
PROBLEM: No display or audio.
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Check the fuse in the plug; replace if
necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type.
Check the fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary.
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
have local regulations restricting the use of
radar receivers in any vehicle.
Make sure the lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
bumps.
Check for a loose lighter socket; tighten and
clean.
Check the connections at both ends of the
power cord. Substitute another cord to
determine if the cord is defective. Return the
defective cord to the factory.
SP EED M ONITORING
Radar Facts
•
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio
waves at certain frequencies which reflect off
objects and are 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 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).
•
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
passed a nationwide regulation, effective
January 1994, which prohibited radar and laser
detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud
enough.
Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
Check audio level setting. (see page 8)
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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.
Note: A radar detector will only alarm if an
officer is transmitting on any one of the above
radar bands.
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SP EED M ONITORING
SP EED M ONITORING
SP EED M ONITORING
Note: Having a radar detector capable of
detecting the VG-2 may alert you to the
presence of a speed trap. The newest tool
Police have to detect radar detectors is
called Spectre. Spectre can detect the
majority of undetectable (VG-2) laser/radar
detectors on the market.
POP™ Mode
Laser Tips
POP™ Mode is a feature on some radar guns
operating on K and Ka bands. When the gun is in
POP™ Mode and activated, a brief burst of energy,
less that 1/15 of a second, is transmitted and the
vehicle’s speed is quickly acquired. A detector
without POP™ Mode detection capability cannot
respond to this brief transmission.
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!
It is the responsibility of the radar detector user to
Laser Facts
kknnooww aanndd uunnddeerrssttaanndd tthhee llaawwss iinn yyoouurr aarreeaa
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 gun’s transmission can
cover more than a four-lane highway at a distance
of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser gun’s
transmission which covers about 3 feet at the
same distance. For best protection, keep these
points in mind:
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
Other Speed Detection Systems
W ARRANTY INFORM ATION
Consumer Warranty
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:
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, or if the housing
and/or serial numbers have been removed.
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.
•
P
matches your driving speed.
•
Vascar/Aircraft - The police measure the time it
takes your vehicle to travel a known distance.
Radar Detector Detectors: VG-2,
Spectre
•
Because the vehicle’s license plate or
headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets,
mounting the Whistler detector on the
dashboard can improve laser detection at
short range.
• Do not follow closely behind any vehicle. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances
are your detector won’t either.
The Interceptor VG-2 or simply VG-2, is one type of
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, these devices are known as a
“radar detector detector” (RDD).
An RDD is the primary tool used by the police to
identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught
in a state or country where detectors are illegal (see
page 18), drivers risk losing their radar detector and
receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on radar is
almost always used in combination with an RDD,
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receive
two tickets - one potential for speeding, and the
other for possession of a detector.
•
The receiving range of laser signals will
not be the same as radar signals. 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
+/- 10nm.
•Pro Laser™ I II III
•LT1 20-20
•Ultra Lyte
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W ARRANTY INFORM ATION
W ARRANTY INFORM ATION
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______________.
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 a 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.
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
warranty verification purposes, a copy of
your dated store receipt must accompany any
unit sent in for warranty work.
When returning a unit for service, please follow
these instructions:
Service Out of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty”
service rates when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• A 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.
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a
suitable sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with
return receipt requested to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
551 N. 13th St.
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!
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
2. Include with your unit the following
information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for
shipping via UPS), a daytime telephone
number and an email address, if applicable.
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,
“Unit performs self-test but does not respond
Express; 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 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.
`
to radar”).
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of
sale.
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W ARRANTY INFORM ATION
ACCESSORIES
Important: When returning your unit for service,
be certain to include a daytime telephone
number and an email address (if applicable).
These and other accessories can be
ordered directly from Whistler by calling
1-800-531-0004 or visiting our online store
at www.whistlergroup.com
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:
Order # Description
Price
$9.95
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.
500501
202151
206552
206553
206880
Zippered Travel Case
Windshield Bracket Kit
Straight Power Cord (5’)
Coiled Power Cord (7’)
$9.95
$14.95
$15.95
$9.95
SP ECI FICATIO NS
Laser Wavelength:
Hardwire Kit (10' )
(for wiring to fuse box)
905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)
206666
Modular* Cord Package
$17.95
(includes coiled and straight
cords, and power adapter)
Radar Frequencies:
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
159032
402081
Package of 8 Suction Cups
Non Skid Dash Pad
$2.95
$6.95
* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00 . Prices
are subject to change without notice.
Operating Temperature Range:-10 C to +70 C
(14 F to +158 F)
Power Requirements:
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
#5,666,120, #7,215,276
POP™ Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
SWS™ is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
Specifications are subject to change
without notice.
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