INTRODUCTION
OWNER’S MANUAL
Note: Your warranty period begins at
the time of purchase. The warranty
is validated only by the dated store
receipt! Please record the serial num-
ber of the unit in the space provided in
the warranty section of the manual.
To fully acquaint yourself with the
operation of your Whistler detector
and to better understand the differ-
ences between detecting radar, laser
and safety radar signals, we recom-
mend reading this entire manual or
visiting our FAQ page on our website
www.whistlergroup.com
Dear Whistler Owner,
If you have questions concerning the oper-
ation of this Whistler product please
call:
XTR-500/550
Total Band Protection™
LASER-RADAR
CuSTOmer SeRVICE
1-800-531-0004
Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
or visit our website
DETECTOR
www.whistlergroup.com
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.
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712
Tel 479.273.6012 • Fax 479.273.2927
Enjoy your Whistler detector and
please drive safely.
Customer Return Center
551 N. 13th St. • Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel 800.531.0004
Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.
www.whistlergroup.com
P/N 260012, REV2
©
2007 The Whistler Group, Inc.
OPERATION
FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
INSTALLATION CONT.
13. Dual Alert LED Periscope - provides added
Dim/Dark Mode
Windshield Mounting
visual alerts of threats ahead.
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the
display.
• 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.
•
Press the Dark button to reduce illumination
to a Dim setting.
INSTALLATION
Mounting Guidelines
•
Pressing the Dark button a second time
engages Dark Mode. The display illumination
is further reduced.
Important: Some newer cars have a plastic safety
coating on the inside of the windshield. The wind-
shield bracket may leave permanent marks on this
type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this
type of windshield, check the owner’s manual or ask
your dealer. We recommend that you do not leave
the suction cup bracket on the window in direct sun-
light. 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.
• Mount the unit as low as possible near the
center of the windshield.
• Do not mount the 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).
Dim or Dark Mode 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.
• Some windshields have an Instaclear™ or
Electriclear™ type coating, which affect radar
signals. Consult your dealer or the owner’s
manual supplied with your vehicle to determine
if your windshield has this coating.
• Avoid placing the unit in direct contact with the
windshield.
•
Pressing the Dark button a third time restores
full illumination to the display.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the
windshield bracket. Press the bracket release button
and remove the detector before bending.
Power On Self Test & Volume
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on,
an automatic self-test sequence confirms that
the speaker and visual displays are functional.
To increase volume, continue turning the
volume knob.
Power Cord Connection
• Plug the small end of the power cord into the
unit’s power jack.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your
unit when not in use.
• Display shows in order:
• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
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
Note: Cord fits tightly into detector. When
installing the cord, expect some resistance.
Windshield
Mounting
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.
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.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the unit is level
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.
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed, one beep confirms
feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
Rubber Bumper
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5
OPERATION
When selected, Real Voice® will be used to articu-
late the following:
OPERATION
OPERATION
®
Integrated Real Voice
City/City 1/City 2 Mode
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Whistler’s Three Stage City Mode is designed to
reduce the annoyance of automatic door open-
ers, intrusion alarms and other devices which share fre-
quencies with police radar. Generally, X band is
used for these devices.
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press City and Quiet buttons simultaneously
• Display Shows:
1. Band Identification
2. Safety Warning System messages
3. Feature Selection
• Press Dark button to exit.
Dual LED Alert Periscope
Note: In certain cases the voice message does not
• 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
• Pressing City button a fourth time cancels City 2
Mode and returns the unit to Highway Mode.
Whistler’s new Dual LED Alert Periscope provides
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:
1. flash for all alarms, 2. remain on, or 3. turn LEDs
off completely.
replicate the text message.
Auto Quiet 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
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, only the X band sensitivity is low-
ered. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not detected.
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to
engage 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.
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.
Quiet Mode
Highway Mode
Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new
alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, approxi-
mately 2 beeps are provided on any new alert and
unit then remains quiet.
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any
time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Radar) or laser sig-
nals are detected, and is recommended for open
road driving.
• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.
• Press Quiet a second time during an alert to
restore the standard audio alert pattern; or turn the
unit off, then on.
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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10
OPERATION
OPERATION
OPERATION
VG-2 Mode
Option Select Mode
Stay Alert Feature
See Option Select Mode to turn this feature
on/off. When a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2
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 again detected.
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. To enter:
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 approximate-
ly 2 seconds. Release the button during or imme-
diately after the alert is given. Display shows:
Within 30-60 seconds, two beeps are 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.
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 15 for more information)
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.
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
WARNING!!! Stay Alert is NOT intended as a
substitute for adequate rest. You should NOT oper-
ate a vehicle if you are drowsy. During extended
periods of vehicle operation, you should take fre-
quent 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.
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically
shuts off your detector after 3 hours. 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 itself off, press any button
to turn the unit back on.
Press and hold Menu button to exit Option Select Mode.
SWS
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.
Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions
for deactivating battery saver mode feature.
Safety Warning System Text
Example: Poor - Road - Surface.
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™
transmitters.
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POP MODE ALERTS
Because POP™ Mode radar utilizes the same
K or Ka band frequencies, POP™ Mode Alerts will be
displayed as regular radar alerts.
VG-2 ALERTS
RESET FEATURES
™
POP Mode Alerts
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Note: You must turn this feature on before it will
detect VG-2.
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.
•Release the Quiet button.
Unit is now reset to the following features
and settings.
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 (Reference page 21 for VG-2 information).
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 geiger counter-like
pattern. The faster the beep, the closer or
stronger the radar source.
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.
6. Vehicle Battery Saver ON.
7. Full Power Up sequence.
8. Default TONE 3.
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the audio alert is
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the
same time, the alert priority is:
1. Laser
• The Displays Shows:
2. VG-2
®
Pulse Protection
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
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.
9. POP ON.
10. Voice ON.
11. LED Periscope to BLINK
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will
override the X band alert.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, your
Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
audio warning and the display shows:
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.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
FCC INFORMATION
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
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.
FCC ID : HSXWH21
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: No display or audio.
• Check fuse in plug; replace if necessary with a
2 amp 3AG type.
• Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary.
• Make sure lighter socket is clean.
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
Important: FCC requirements state that
changes or modifications not expressly approved
by Whistler could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
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.).
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.
SPEED MONITORING
Radar Facts
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a
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 (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).
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.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud
enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting (see page 8 ).
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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SPEED MONITORING
SPEED MONITORING
SPEED MONITORING
POP™ Mode
Note: Having a radar detector capable of
detecting the VG-2 may alert you to the pres-
ence 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.
Laser Tips
POP™ Mode is a feature on some newer 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 situa-
tion, 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 individual radar detector
owner to know and understand the laws in your area
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
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 gun’s transmission can
cover more than a four-lane highway at a distance
of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser gun’s trans-
mission which covers about 3 feet at the same dis-
tance. For best protection, keep these points in
mind:
Other Speed Detection Systems
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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:
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, 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 war-
ranty. 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.
• 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: 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 you
cannot see through. If you can’t see past a
vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector
can’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.
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.
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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WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
ACCESSORIES
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______________.
Important: When returning your unit for service,
be certain to include a daytime telephone
number and an email address (if applicable).
Service Under Warranty
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
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.
Customer Service
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
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:
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
Order # Description
Price
$ 9.95
$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
Zipped Travel Case
warranty verification purposes, a copy of
your dated store receipt must accompany any
unit sent in for warranty work.
Windshield Bracket Kit
Straight Power Cord (5’)
Coiled Power Cord (7’)
$14.95
$15.95
$9.95
When returning a unit for service, please follow
these instructions:
Service Out of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” serv-
ice 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Radar Frequencies:
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
Hardwire Kit (10' )
(for wiring to fuse box)
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a
suitable sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with
return receipt requested to:
206666
Modular* Cord Package
(includes coiled and straight
cords, and power adapter)
$17.95
Whistler Repair Dept.
551 N. 13th St.
Rogers, AR. 72756
159032
402081
206660
Package of 8 Suction Cups
Non Skid Dash Pad
$2.95
$6.95
Operating Temperature Range:-20˚ C to +80˚ C
(-4˚ F to +176˚ F)
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
Straight Modular Cord &
Socket Multiplier
Important: Whistler will not assume responsi-
bility for loss or damage incurred in shipping.
Therefore, please ship your unit insured with
return receipt requested. CODs will not be
accepted!
Power Requirements:
$11.95
$12.95
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
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
206661
Coiled Modular Cord &
Socket Multiplier
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
#5,146,227, #5,379,456, #5,666,120, #5,990,821,
#7,215,276
POP™ Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
SWS™ is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
2. Include with your unit the following
information, clearly printed:
* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00 . Prices
are subject to change without notice.
• 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 min-
imum $55.00 service fee, you will be contacted by
a Whistler technical service specialist who will out-
line 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.
Specifications are subject to change without
notice.
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