OW NER’S 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
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 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 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 unit’s
power jack.
•
Plug the large end into the vehicle’s 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
owner’s 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.
Whistler’s 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
Whistler’s 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
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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
•
Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and alternator, may have
electrical noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or larger
capacitance value) on the back of the lighter socket.
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 user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
17
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SP EED M ONITORING
SP EED M ONITORING
•
Because you vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the
laser gun’s primary targets, mounting your Whistler
detector on the dashboard can improve laser detection at
short range.
Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain
frequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up
by the radar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beam
reflects off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift
occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour
to determine your vehicle’s speed. Currently, the FCC
(Federal Communications Commission) permits operation of
traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 - 10.550 GHz), K Band
(24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band (33.400 - 36.000 GHz).
Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an officer is not
transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.
•
Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see
through. If you can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you,
chances are your detector won’t either.
•
The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the
same as a radar detector. Laser guns are most often used
at short range.
Whistler Laser/Radar detectors receive all current laser guns
which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 +/- 10mm.
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliably
provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in
a group of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a
specific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its
speed. The advantage of laser over radar in terms of target
identification is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A
radar transmission can cover more than a four-lane highway
at a distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmis-
sion which covers about 3 feet at the same distance. For
best protection, keep these points in mind:
•
•
•
Pro Laser™ I 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
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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
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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.
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