Beltronics Express 925 User manual

BELTRONICS
5442 West Chester Road
West Chester OH
45069 USA
USA 800-341-2288
Canada 800-268-3994
www.beltronics.com
©2004 Beltronics
Designed and Manufactured In Canada
Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
Model E925

RADAR•LASER•
SAFETY DETECTOR
Owner’s Manual

Thank you for purchasing an EXPRESS 925 Radar/Laser/Safety
detector. Your new unit offers the most advanced technology
available for detecting all Radar and Laser speed monitoring
devices. In addition, EXPRESS 925 features Digital Voice
Messages for Radar/Laser and sws™.
To ensure maximum benefit from your unit, please read
all instructions before operation.
Remember, owning a Radar detector does not give you a
license to speed. Alerts from a Radar detector serve as an
effective reminder to check your speed. Laws vary
throughout North America governing the use of a Radar
detector. It is your responsibility to follow these laws.
Safety Warning System®(sws™)
EXPRESS 925 detect encoded signals from sws™transmitters and
provide distinct alerts for: Highway Construction/Maintenance,
Highway Hazard Zones, Weather Related Hazards, Travel
Information/Convenience and Emergency/Slow Moving Vehicles.
EXPRESS 925 also provides 60 sws™Digital Voice Messages.
For a complete description of sws™audio and visual alerts,
see page 18.
VG-2 Guard®Alert
EXPRESS 925 feature VG-2 Guard®which alerts to the presence of
the Interceptor VG-2 (Radar Detector Detector).
For a complete description of the VG-2 Guard®audio/visual
alert, see page 17.
Safety Warning System®with Digital Voice Messages
Choose between Digital Voice Messages with a unique sws™
tone or sws™tone only (see page 8).
Digital Voice Prompts for Radar/Laser/VG-2 Guard®
Choose between Radar/Laser/VG-2 Guard®Digital Voice
prompts followed by “beeps” or “beeps” only (see page 9).
INTRODUCTION
SELECTABLE FEATURES
2

Profile of Features ➤page 4
Description of Features ➤page 5
Power Up Test Sequence ➤page 5
Tutorial Mode ➤page 5
Memory Retention of Feature Selections ➤page 5
Adjusting the Audio Level ➤page 6
DARK (Bright/Dim/Dark) Button ➤page 6
AUDIO (Audio Mute) Button ➤page 6
CITY (City/Highway) Button ➤page 7
Reset to Factory Settings ➤page 8
Selectable Features ➤page 8
Entering Selectable Features Mode ➤page 10
Installation ➤page 10
General Guidelines ➤page 10
Understanding Radar, Laser and sws™➤page 13
Interpretation of Alerts ➤page 14
Radar Alerts ➤page 14
Instant-On/Pulsed Radar Alert ➤page 16
Typical False Alert (Radar) ➤page 16
Laser Alerts ➤page 17
VG-2 Guard®Alert ➤page 17
Safety Warning System®(sws™) Alerts ➤page 18
Performance Verification ➤page 19
Conditions That Affect Radar Alerts ➤page 19
Conditions That Affect Laser Alerts ➤page 19
Troubleshooting ➤page 20
Consumer Warranty ➤page 21
Service ➤page 22
Warranty Service ➤page 22
Post-Warranty Service ➤page 22
Specifications ➤page 23
Accessories ➤page 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3

1. PWR/VOL (Power/Volume) Button: pressing PWR/VOL briefly will
turn the unit ON. Pressing PWR/VOL a second time will bypass the
power up test sequence. Holding the PWR/VOL and holding will
change the audio level.
2. sws™Indicator: illumination of the green Safety Warning System®
LED confirms potential road hazards ahead.
3. Digital Display:communicates all mode selections, Radar
Signal Strength (1-9), presence of Laser (L) and sws™category
(1-5). Display also indicates volume level selection.
4. Ka/X/K Band Indicators: the Radar band received is confirmed
by the illumination of the appropriate letter.
5. DARK (Bright/Dim/Dark) Button: provides dim or dark settings of
the display for discreet night travel. Audio alerts are not
affected.
6. AUDIO (Audio Mute) Button: provides automatic and manual
muting of X, K, Super Wideband Ka Radar and manual muting
of sws™alerts.
7. CITY (City/Highway) Button: minimizes unwanted X band
alerts without reducing sensitivity. Note: EXPRESS 925 includes
City X/K/Ka for additional selectivity.
PROFILE OF FEATURES
5
98
10
7
6
4
3
11
2
1
4

8. Antenna Opening: Radar and sws™signals are received by a
patented diecast antenna with integrated transition to
microstrip mixer.
9. Laser Optical Sensors: collect Laser signals from in front and
behind.
10. Audio Alert Speaker: all audible alerts and Digital Voice
Messages are emitted from this location.
11. Power Jack: EXPRESS 925 operate in any vehicle with a
12 volt DC negative ground system.
Power-Up Test Sequence
Each time your unit is turned ON, alerts for Laser, Ka, K, X and
Safety Warning System®are presented. After this test sequence,
illumination of digits 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 indicate if Selectable Features
are engaged (see page 8). To bypass the power-up test sequence,
press the P/Vbutton again. If your unit presents an illumination pat-
tern other than this standard power-up test sequence, return it to
BELTRONICS for servicing.
Tutorial Mode
The Tutorial mode allows you to become more familiar with all
audible and visual alerts. To engage this mode, press and hold
CITY, then press AUDIO when the unit is OFF. The unit will cycle
continuously through audio/visual alerts for Laser, Ka, K, X and
VG-2 Guard®Alert as well as sample sws™messages or sws™
categories. To exit tutorial mode, press the P/Vbutton and your
unit will be ON and ready to receive signals.
Memory Retention of Feature Selections
Any time your unit is turned OFF or unplugged from the
cigarette lighter socket, all feature settings are retained in the
unit's memory. Memory retention eliminates the need to reset
your preferred feature settings each time your unit is turned
OFF and then back ON.
DESCRIPTION OF FEATURES
5

Adjusting the Audio Level
Once your unit has completed the power-up test sequence, the
audio level can be adjusted by holding the PWR/VOL button down.
As you hear the audio level change, the digits 1-9 in the Digital
Display provide a visual reference of the audio level.
To reverse the direction in which the audio level increases/
decreases, briefly release, then hold down the PWR/VOL button again.
DARK (Bright/Dim/Dark) Button
The DARK button allows selection of a dim or dark setting for all LEDS
and the Digital Display. To engage dim mode, press the DARK button
once. A single “beep” confirms your selection. To completely cancel
the illumination of all LEDS, press DARK a second time. You'll notice a
horizontal bar segment remains dim to indicate your unit is receiving
power. To return to a full bright setting, press the DARK button a third
time; two “beeps” confirm this selection. Use of the DARK button does
not affect audio alerts.
Important—if you press the the DARK button and do not receive
audible confirmation, the audio level has been set too low.
AUDIO (Audio Mute) Button
Continuous Audio Alert Pattern
Your unit has been preset at the factory to provide an X, K, Ka
or Laser Digital Voice announcement of the signal detected. Digital
Voice prompts are provided once after the initial audio alert. This
standard setting is often preferred when background noise in a
vehicle is loud.
Automatic Mute Audio Alert Pattern (Radar)
To engage automatic muting, press the AUD button once when
the unit is not alarming. A single “beep” and a decimal point in
the upper left corner of the Digital Display confirm automatic
mute mode has been engaged. The alert pattern when this mode
is activated consists of a short X, K or Super Wideband Ka
audio alert followed by the Digital Voice announcement of the
signal detected (if feature is engaged). After the Digital Voice
announcement, a “clicking” tone keeps you quietly informed
for as long as the signal is present. This “clicking” becomes
more rapid as the strength of the Radar signal increases. With
6

this mode engaged, the automatic mute mode enables you to
conveniently monitor extended encounters without having to
manually mute or adjust the volume setting. To return to the
continuous audio alert pattern, press the AUDIO button a second
time while the unit is not alarming. Two “beeps” and no
decimal point in the upper left corner of the Digital Display
confirm you have cancelled automatic mute mode.
Manual Muting of Audio Alerts (Radar & sws™)
Regardless of the AUDIO mode selected (continuous or
automatic mute) the X, K, Super Wideband Ka and sws™
audio alerts can be completely muted by pressing the AUD
button during an alert. Once the alert has passed, the unit will
revert to the previous AUDIO setting (continuous or automatic mute).
Note—because Laser alerts are not lengthy or sustained, muting
is not required (see page 17).
CITY (City X/Highway) Button
The city X mode has been designed to effectively reduce
unwanted audio alerts caused by intrusion alarms, door
openers, and other devices which share X band with police
Radar—without reducing sensitivity. Signals from non-police
Radar sources are frequently encountered in urban and
suburban areas, making use of this mode ideal in these areas.
Pressing the CITY button once engages the city X mode
which is confirmed by a “C” in the Digital Display and a
single audio “beep”. Pressing the CITY button twice returns you
to highway mode; a double “beep” and illumination of “H” in
the display will confirm this selection. With CITY engaged,
weak X band signals encountered will produce no audible
alert until the signal strength reaches a preset level. However,
visual alerts are processed the instant an X band signal is
detected, keeping you quietly informed. Since most “false” X
band signals are weak, the use of the city mode allows you to
drive out of their range before they reach the preset level and
trigger a full audio alert. In contrast, signals from X band
traffic Radar are generally stronger and will exceed the preset
level, causing a full X band audio alert.
7

Activating the City X Mode will not change Super
Wideband Ka, K or instant-on X band Radar alert patterns.
Note—the CITY mode does not change the presentation of alerts
for Laser sws™or VG-2 signals.
City ALL (X/K/Ka)
City ALL provides an alternated approach for improving X,
K and Ka band selectivity and is ideal for use in areas with a
high level of microwave transmissions which can cause falsing
on all three bands. To engage City X/K/Ka mode, press CITY
until the Display shows a capital “A”. Once engaged, weak X, K
or Super Wideband Ka signals encountered will provide no
audible alerts until the signal strength reaches a preset level.
Visual alerts are processed the instant an X, K or Super
Wideband Ka signal is detected, keeping you quietly informed.
Reset to Factory Settings
You can reset your unit to factory settings for volume, DARK,
AUDIO, CITY and Selectable Features. With the unit OFF, press
and hold CITY button then press the AUD and PWR/VOL buttons
simultaneously. Two “beeps” and “F” in the digital display,
confirm that the unit is reset to the original factory settings.
your unit is now ON and ready for operation.
Safety Warning System®, VG-2 Guard®Alert, sws™Digital
Voice Messages and Digital Voice prompts for Radar/Laser/
VG-2 Guard®are all features which may be selected ON or OFF,
depending upon your preference.These Selectable Features are
referenced by the digits #1, #2, #3 and #4 respectively.
Safety Warning System®(sws™)—DIGIT #1
When ON, EXPRESS 925 will provide an sws™warning when sws™
transmitters are detected. Factory setting is ON.
SELECTABLE FEATURES
8

Digit #1 solid—sws™is ON
Digit #1 flashing—sws™is OFF
VG-2 Guard®Alert—DIGIT #2
When ON, EXPRESS 925 will detect signals from Interceptor VG-2
transmitters. Factory setting is OFF. Use of VG-2 Guard®is
recommended only in areas known to use the Interceptor VG-2.
Digit #2 solid—VG-2 Guard®is ON
Digit #2 flashing—VG-2 Guard®is OFF
Safety Warning System®with Digital Voice Messages—DIGIT #3
When ON, unit will provide Digital Voice announcement when
sws™transmitters are detected. Factory setting is ON. When
OFF, Digital Voice is replaced by sws™“tone/clicking” only.
Digit #3 solid—sws™Digital Voice is ON
Digit #3 flashing—sws™Digital Voice is OFF (SWS™ tone only)
Digital Voice Prompts for Radar/Laser/VG-2 Guard® Alert —DIGIT #4
When ON, unit will provide Digital Voice prompts followed by
“beeps” when X/K/Ka, Laser and VG-2 Guard®signals are
detected. Factory setting is ON. When “OFF”, Digital Voice prompts
are replaced by “beeps” only. Digit #4 solid—Digital Voice prompts
ON Digit #4 flashing—Digital Voice prompts OFF (“beeps” only)
9

Entering Selectable Features Mode
1. With the unit OFF, press and hold the CITY button then press
the PWR/VOL button. The amber X LED will illuminate and a short
“beep” will sound.
2. Immediately after the “beep”, digit #1 will appear and indicate
the status of the sws™Selectable Feature. To select digit #2 (VG-2
Guard®), press the CITY button again. To select digit #3 (sws™
Voice), press the CITY button a third time and to select digit #4
(Digital Voice prompts for Radar/Laser/VG-2 Guard®) press the
CITY button once again. Use the CITY button to select one of the
four digits.
3. If the selected digit is solid, feature is ON, but may be canceled
by pressing the AUDIO button. Two “beeps” and the flashing digit
will confirm feature is OFF.
4. If the selected digit is flashing, the feature is OFF, but may be
activated by pressing the AUDIO button. A single “beep” and
solid illumination will confirm the feature is ON.
5. Press the PWR/VOL button to retain your new settings for Selectable
Features. Two “beeps” will confirm that you have exited from
Selectable Features Mode and your unit will be ON.
General Guidelines
Do not mount your unit directly behind windshield wipers or
mirrored sunscreens which block Radar and Laser signals
and substantially reduce warning range. Unlike “after market”
mirrored sun-screens, regular tinted glass does not affect
Radar reception.
Radar signals are also reflected by the “heated windshields”
known as lnstaclear®and ElectriClear®available as an option on
some vehicles. This type of windshield makes any dash, visor or
windshield mounted detector ineffective. (If in doubt, check with
an appropriate dealership to see if this applies to your vehicle.)
Instaclear is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.
ElectriClear is a registered Trademark of Libbey, Owens, Ford, and Delco-Remy.
INSTALLATION
10

To achieve optimum performance, regardless of which
mounting position you choose, follow these basic steps:
1. Consider occupant safety when selecting a mounting
location.Choose a location where the unit will not be
hazardous in case of an accident.
2. For optimum detection, position your unit with a clear,
unobstructed view of the road from the front and rear.
3. Do not allow the unit to make contact with the windshield.
This will eliminate unnecessary vibration.
4. Avoid placing your unit in direct sunlight. During
the summer, the interior of an enclosed vehicle can
sometimes reach temperatures that will cause premature
aging of the unit.
5. Your detector is not waterproof; exposure to water may
cause damage.
Dash Mounting
1. Select an area that is relatively level, clean and dry. Adhere the
soft portion of the enclosed hook and loop fastener to this area
and the corresponding hard portion to the bottom of your unit.
2. Fasten unit to dash by placing hook and loop pieces together.
Windshield Mounting
1. Remove the mounting bracket cover on top of the unit by pressing
on the raised dots and pushing outward. Store the cover in a safe
place.
2. Clean the selected windshield area, position the suction-cup mount
on the windshield, and press firmly on each suction-cup to secure
it in place.
3. Use a screw driver or a small coin to adjust the angle of the
suction-cup mount until the base plate is level.
11

4. Slide detector onto base plate unit, it snaps into place.
Note: Some vehicles have a plastic coating on the inside of the windshield
designed to protect occupants in case of an accident. Use of the
windshield bracket on this type of windshield can permanently
mark the surface. Check with your dealer if you are unsure
whether your vehicle is equipped with this type of windshield.
Visor Mounting
1. Remove the mounting bracket cover by pressing on the raised
dots and pushing outward. Store the cover in a safe place.
2. Slide the visor clip onto the top of the detector until it snaps into
place. Clip the detector to the edge of the sun visor nearest the
windshield.
12

Fuse Replacement
If the fuse has blown, remove the tip from the lighter plug
followed by the old fuse. Replace the fuse with a 1-amp, 3AG
fuse. Defeating the fuse protection can damage your unit or
your vehicle’s electrical system and will void your warranty.
Note—the tip is in two pieces; be careful not to lose either piece
or the spring inside the holder.(See diagram).
Three Radar Frequencies
Three microwave frequencies have been allocated by the FCC
(Federal Communications Commission) and are used for traffic
Radar: X, K and Super Wideband Ka. EXPRESS 925 detect all
three bands.
Total Tracking Laser™(TTL™)
Unlike Radar signals, which are highly reflective, Laser signals
have very poor reflective characteristics. Many of today's Laser
detectors do not have the high sensitivity necessary to detect Laser
within a large “field of view” EXPRESS 925 incorporates BEL’S
number one rated Laser detection. Twin Laser ports detect energy
far outside the main Laser beam— including off-axis signals—
provide the largest achievable 360°“field-of-view”. The alerts
received by your unit are the same whether they are received from
the front or rear.
UNDERSTANDING RADAR, LASER AND SWS™
13

Safety Warning System®(sws™)—What is it?
The Radio Association Defending Airwave Rights, Inc.
(R.A.D.A.R.) conceived and developed the Safety Warning
System®. The concept behind this system is to warn motorists of
potential road hazards by employing Safety Warning System®
transmitting devices in areas such as construction zones,
accident sites and detours. These sws™transmitters operate
within the 24 GHz portion of the K band frequency and
broadcast uniquely, coded signals which are detected by your
EXPRESS 925.
Radar Alerts
The alerts provided by your unit are affected both by the type
of transmission (continuous wave or instant-on) and the
position of the Radar source. Generally, when you drive closer
to a Radar source, the intensity of the received signal increases,
resulting in a higher number appearing in the Digital Display
and a corresponding increase in the audio alert rate. Described
below are five common types of Radar encounters and the
alerts you will typically receive.
1. Stationary or moving Radar,straight ahead aimed in your
direction.
Since Radar signals travel in a straight line, this Radar
encounter potentially offers maximum warning range. Once
the signal is received, the initial warning consists of the X, K
INTERPRETATION OF ALERTS
14

or Super Wideband Ka audio and visual alerts and the simul-
taneous illumination of a signal strength digit. The actual
digit displayed will depend upon the strength of the signal
received. As the strength of the Radar signal increases, the
audio alert becomes more rapid and the signal strength digit
will progressively increase. Assuming the Radar signal
remains uninterrupted, the audible and visual alerts will
clearly indicate a “weak” signal becoming stronger as you
drive closer to the Radar source. Remember, when the police
Radar source is moving toward you, the Radar signal strength
will increase much more rapidly than if you are approaching a
stationary source.
2. Stationary Radar aimed around a corner
Under this circumstance, reaction time is considerably
reduced. Since the Radar signals are transmitted across your
line of travel, there is generally no signal available to receive
until you are relatively close to the source. Once an alert is
received, expect the strength of the signal to increase very
quickly. Advanced warning in this situation may be reduced.
3. Stationary Radar concealed by the crest of a hill aimed in your
direction.
15

Radar signals travel in a straight line and do not pass through
earth. Consequently, police Radar aimed at the crest of a steep
hill cannot be received until you are at or near the top.
Warning time may be minimal (as in situation #2) since a
strong signal is not present until you are near the crest of the
hill. At this point, you may be nearly in the police officer's line
of sight. When cresting a hill, a weak initial alert followed very
quickly by a full alert is typical. This alert pattern requires
prompt attention.
4.Moving Radar behind you, traveling in the same direction.
Police Radar signals transmitted from behind your vehicle can
be received when reflected by objects in front of you such as
large signs, bridges and trucks. As you drive, the size and con-
figuration of these objects are constantly changing causing the
strength of any reflected Radar signal received to vary. A strong,
uninterrupted alert indicates the patrol car is close behind.
Instant-On/Pulsed Radar
This type of signal appears suddenly when a Radar unit is
“triggered”. The instant-on alert consists of an intense, three
second X, K or Super Wide band Ka audio “burst”, coupled
with the illumination of the digit “9” and the corresponding
band indicator.
Typical False Alert (Radar)
Ideally, a Radar detector should only alert in the presence of
police Radar. However, because other devices share X band
with police Radar, false alerts sometimes occur. Generally, a
false signal produces only a short audio and visual alert. Since
they are most often weak, it is possible to drive out of the
16

signal's range very quickly and receive only a brief alert.
Although many times the probable source of the false signal
can be identified (supermarket, bank, commercial building,
etc.), caution is advised until the source can be confirmed.
The X band alert pattern caused by a non-police source can
look like the initial alert produced by actual police Radar. For
this reason appropriate action is required any time an alert is
received.
Laser Alerts
When Laser is detected, a flashing “L” will appear in the
Digital Display.
If a vehicle is a long distance from the source of Laser pulses,
fewer pulses will generally be received. The closer the vehicle
is to the source of Laser pulses, the greater the likelihood of
receiving a steady stream of Laser pulses. The reason for this
is the aiming stability of the Laser gun and the fact that it is
impossible to hold the gun absolutely still. Any movement of
the gun results in motion of the beam at the target. The further
the target, the greater the displacement of the beam and the
shorter the dwell time of the beam at the target point. There-
fore, there is the possibility of receiving only a few Laser pulses.
Due to these characteristics, all Laser alerts received from
your unit should be taken seriously.
VG-2 Guard®Alert
Whenever your EXPRESS unit detects signals from the
Interceptor VG-2 (Radar Detector Detector), the VG-2 Guard®
feature engages, alerting you to the presence of the Interceptor
VG-2. (VG-2 Guard®must be selected ON—see page 8 for more
information on Selectable Features). A distinct, 2-second
audio warning coupled with the Digital Voice announcement of
“VG-2 Alert” and the flashing of the “H”, or “A” in the Digital
Display confirms activation of the VG-2 Guard®feature.
This flashing continues for as long as VG-2 Guard®
is activated. During the VG-2 alert your unit does not detect
Radar or sws™signals. However, the presence of the
Interceptor VG-2 indicates that traffic is being monitored and
speed measurements may be taken. When the “H” or “C” stops
17

flashing, the VG-2 alert is over and your unit resumes
scanning for Radar and sws™signals.
Note—activation of VG-2 Guard®does not affect detection of
Laser signals.
Safety Warning System®(sws™) Alerts
With the Safety Warning System™feature ON and an sws™
transmitter in use, your detector will alert with a unique,
2-second sws™audio tone coupled with the illumination of the
sws™LED and the sws™message category digit (1-5). (If sws™
Digital Voice is ON the appropriate message is heard twice, imme-
diately after the 2-second tone.) After the Digital Voice Message, a
“clicking” pattern is provided for as long as the signal is present.
To select sws™ON or OFF, see Selectable Features, page 9.
Safety Warning System®(sws™) Categories
DIGIT #1 — Highway Construction/Maintenance
(messages 1-11)
DIGIT #2 — Highway Hazard Zone Advisory
(messages 13-31)
DIGIT #3 — Weather Related Hazards
(messages 33-41)
DIGIT #4 — Travel Information/Convenience
(messages 43-59)
DIGIT #5 — Emergency/Slow Moving Vehicles
(messages 61-64)
a “O”in the display indicates an incomplete or unknown message
Note—for a complete listing of the five Safety Warning System®
categories and messages, please refer to the Safety Warning
System®Alert Cardenclosed with your manual.
18

Conditions that Affect Radar Alerts
If you feel your unit is not alerting properly, keep in mind that
there are many conditions that influence the intensity or
duration of an alert:
1. The police are using instant-on/pulsed Radar, in which case
no signal is transmitted until visual contact has been made
with your vehicle. For detection of this signal, you must rely
on reflected signals from Radar directed at traffic traveling
ahead of you.
2. The police Radar unit is positioned perpendicular to the road,
around a curve, or just over the crest of a hill, thus, significantly
reducing the reception range.
3. The highway traffic between your vehicle and the police Radar
source is heavy. This blocks/reflects transmitted signals. The
presence of several large trucks between you and the police
Radar unit could also significantly reduce reception.
4. Rain or humid weather conditions can absorb transmitted
signals before they reach your vehicle, again reducing detection
range.
5. The police Radar unit is not properly tuned and is transmitting
outside the FCC allocated X, K or Super Wideband Ka frequency
ranges.
Conditions that Affect Laser Alerts
If you feel your unit is not properly alerting to the presence of
Laser signals, keep in mind that rain, fog, high humidity and
traffic conditions can affect the range that the Laser beam can
be detected.
PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION
19