Beltronics Vector 945 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 V945

945
945945
DIGITAL RADAR LASER SAFETY DETECTOR
Owner’s Manual

If you’ve used a radar detector
before, the Quick Overview on pages 4
and 5, and the Programming information
on pages 12 and 13 will briefly explain all
features.
If this is your first detector, please
read the manual in detail to get the most
out of your V945’s outstanding
performance and innovative features.
Remember, a radar detector in not a
license to speed. Please drive safely.
BEL V945 is an advanced radar/laser/safety
detector from BELTRONICS - the
technology leader. V945 includes X, K
and Super Wideband Ka radar detection,
front and rear laser detection and alerts to
the Safety Warning System. In addition,
V945 includes:
• 9 Digital Voice Messages (X, K, Ka,
Laser and 5 SWSTM Category Messages)
• Customization of features depending
upon your area of travel.
• AutoScanTM mode intelligently reduces
unwanted false alarms, plus Highway
and two City settings.
• Ultra-bright text display for easy to read
information from any angle
Congratulations
FCC Note:
Modifications not expressly approved
by the manufacturer could void the
user’s FCC granted authority to
operate the equipment.

Programming Details E
VECTOR 945 Quick Reference Card
HRemove card along perforations H
HRemove card along perforations H
Out-of-the-box, V945 will operate as follows. However,
these features can be customized to your driving
preference (see reverse side for programming
instructions).
Operating VECTOR 945 using factory settings:
Operating Mode: Normal – V945 will engage a lengthy
power up test sequence when turned on and identify all
alerts with Text Message and Digital Voice.
Auto Mute: OFF – V945 will track the signal with a
continuous, full audio and visual alert.
Radar/Laser/SWSTM Digital Voice: ON – V945 will
present Digital Voice announcements of detected signals.
Safety Warning System®: ON – V945 will alert to
SWS™ signals if transmitters are operating.
Audio/Visual Scroll Rate: SLOW – all information in the
display will scroll slowly in the display for your
convenience.
Inverted Display Option: OFF – V945 will display all
information “right reading” in the display.
Selectivity Mode: AutoScan™ - Reduces false signals.
Suitable for ALL driving environments.
Detachable Quick Reference Card

2
Detachable Quick Reference Card
VECTOR 945 Quick Reference Card
HRemove card along perforations H
H
HRemove car
Remove card along per
d along perforations
forations H
H
Note: To re-set V945 to factory default, press and hold CITY
button until display shows: RESET
Operating Mode/Press and hold PWR button when unit is ON.
NORMAL *Standard, displays all information plus lengthy
power up test sequence.
MODS *Full power-up test sequence followed by Features
changed from factory pre-settings
Q-START *No power up test sequence when turned on. Unit
displays only travel mode selected: AutoScan,
H i ghway, City X or City ALL.
To access Programmable Features, with the unit OFF, press and
hold the PWR and CITY button simultaneously.
Press the AUDIO button to select feature;
Press CITY button to move forward in the list;
Press DARK to move backward in the list;
Press PWR to save your selections.
AutoMute *When ON, unit will sound an alert only two or
three times before engaging a clicking tone to
quietly monitor the signal. When OFF, unit will
sound continuous X/K/Ka alerts.
Radar/Laser/SWSTM
Digital Voice *When ON, unit will sound Digital Voice alerts;
when OFF, unit will sound unique audio tones
only.
SWS™ *When ON, unit will alert to SWS™ signals.
providing SWS™ transmitting devices are in use.
Audio/Visual *Choose FAST or SLOW Scroll Rate.
Inverted *When ON, display can be read if unit is
Display mounted upside down.

Table of Contents
Quick Overview 4-5
Installation 6-7
• Power Connection 6
• Mounting Location 6
• Windshield /Visor Mounting 7
Controls and Features 8-11
• Power up Test Sequence/
Operating Mode 8
• Tutorial Mode 9
• Set and Forget Memory 9
• Reset to Factory Settings 9
• Dark Button 9
• Audio Button 10
• AutoScanTM/Highway/City X/
City X/K/Ka 10-11
Programming 12-16
• Which Selectable Features
Can I Program? 12
• How to Program 12
• Selectable Features 13-14
Technical Details 15-21
• Specifications 15-16
• Interpreting Alerts 16-17
• How Radar Works 18
• How Laser Works 19
• How Safety Radar Works 20-21
Service 22-29
• Troubleshooting 22-24
• Service 26
• Registration 27
• Warranty and Accessories 29
3

Quick Overview
To begin using your
VECTOR 945,
just follow these simple steps
1Plug the angled end of the power
cord into the side jack of the
detector. Plug the opposite end into
the cigarette barrel; plug this portion
into your vehicles lighter socket.
2Mount V945 on the windshield
using the supplied windshield
mount.
3Press the PWR button, located top
left, to turn V945 on.
4Press and hold the PWR button to
adjust the volume.
Please read the manual to fully understand
operations and features.
WINDSHIELD/VISOR MOUNT
Remove cover on top of the detector to i
POWER JACK
Plug the Cord into this connector. Page 6
PWR BUTTON
Press the PWR button to turn
V945 on or off. Press and hold to select
operating mode. Page 8
DARK BUTTON
Press to adjust text display from full
bright to dim, plus Dark Mode.
In the Dark Mode, the power-on
indication will be changed to a dim “AD,”
“HD,” or “CD” (indicating AutoScanTM,
Dark, Highway Dark, or City Dark). In the
Dark Mode, V945’s meter will not
display during an alert, only the audio
will alert you. Page 9
4

Quick Overview
REAR LASER PORT
Receives laser signals from behind the
vehicle.
WINDSHIELD/VISOR MOUNT
Remove cover on top of the detector to
insert windshield or visor mount into this
slot. Page 7
AUTO MUTE/VOLUME CONTROL
Press and hold to adjust the volume level.
Briefly press this button (above the
display) to silence the audio for a specific
alert. Page 10
CITY BUTTON
Switches between AutoScanTM/Highway
City X, City X/K/Ka settings. In general,
we recommend AutoScanTM. Page 10
5
RADAR ANTENNA AND LASER LENS
The rear lens of your V945 should have
a clear view of the road ahead. For best
performance, do not mount the V945
directly behind windshield wipers or
tinted areas. Page 6
ALPHANUMERIC TEXT DISPLAY
V945’s display will show Highway,
AutoScanTM, City X or City All as its
power-on indication.
During an alert, the display will
indicate radar band, and a precise bar
graph of signal strength. Page 24
Note: In the Dark Mode the display
will not light during an alert. Page 9
The display will also show Safety
Radar Category messages. Page 24

POWER CONNECTION
To power V945, plug the elbow shaped
jack into the receptacle on the side of the
detector; the opposite end of the cord
connects to the cigarette barrel. Plug the
cigarette barrel into your vehicle’s
cigarette plug.
V945 operates on 12 volts DC negative
ground only. The lighter plug provided is
a standard size and will work in most
vehicles. Of course, your lighter socket
must be clean and properly connected
for proper operation.
Note: depending on your vehicle, the
lighter socket power may either be
continuously on, or it may be switched
on and off with your ignition switch.
In case your vehicle has continues power,
remember to remove power cord from
lighter socket when unit is not in use.
MOUNTING LOCATION
WARNING: BELTRONICS cannot
anticipate the many ways V945 can be
mounted.
It is important that you mount V945
where it will not impair your view nor
present a hazard in case of an accident.
Where to mount VECTOR 945
For optimum detection performance, we
recommend the following:
• Using the Windshield Mount, mount
your V945 level, and high enough on
your front windshield to provide a clear
view of the road from the front and
rear.
• Mount V945 away from windshield
wipers, other solid objects, and heavily
tinted areas that might obstruct the
radar antenna or laser lens.
6
Installation

Installation
WINDSHIELD MOUNTING
1Remove 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.
2Clean the selected windshield area,
position the suction-cup mount on the
windshield, and press firmly on each
suction cup to secure it in place.
3Use a screw driver or a small coin to
adjust the angle of the suction-cup mount
until the base plate is level.
4Slide detector onto base plate unit, it
snaps into place.
Note: Some vehicles (including some
Porsches) 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
1Remove the mounting bracket cover
by pressing on the raised dots and
pushing outward. Store the cover in a
safe place.
2Slide the visor clip onto the top of
the detector until is snaps into place.
Clip the detector to the edge of the sun
visor nearest the windshield.
7

Controls and Features
POWER-UP TEST SEQUENCE/
START-UP MODE
Press the PWR button to turn the unit ON.
Depending upon the Operating Mode
selected, the power up test sequence and
confirmation of Radar/Laser/SWS™alerts
will be relayed to you as follows:
NORMAL (Factory Pre-Set Mode)
A lengthy, power up test sequence that
displays audio and text messages for
laser, Ka, K, X and Safety Warning
System®(SWS™) followed by the status
of the General Selectable Features each
time the unit is turned on. When
complete, unit is ready for operation
and will display Radar, Laser and SWS™
messages when signals are detected.
Normal Mode is recommended when
first using your V945.
MODS (Modifications Mode)
Presents audio and text messages for
Laser, Ka, K, X and Safety Warning
System®(SWS™), followed by ONLY
those Selectable Features which have
been modified by the user from their
Factory pre-set state each time unit is
turned on. Unit is ready for operation
and will display Radar, Laser and SWS™
messages when signals are detected.
Q-START (Quick-Start Mode)
Unit will bypass the power up test
sequence and will display the last
selected traveling mode:“
Au t o S c a n ™ ”
(factory default) “ H i g h w a y ”, “ City
X ” or “ Cit y ALL”. Q-Start is
recommended when you are
comfortable with the detector and do
not require a rundown of sample
messages. Unit is ready for operation
and will display Radar, Laser and SWS™
messages when signals are detected.
8
Whichever Operating mode you select,
V945 will be in standby mode and
ready to detect traffic Radar, Laser and
SWS™ signals. The display will show
“
Au t o S c a n ”(factory pre-set which is
suitable for ALL driving conditions, unless
you change this to “ Hig h w a y ”, “ City X ”or
“ Ci t y ALL”(see page 12).

Controls and Features
TUTORIAL MODE
The Tutorial Mode allows you to become
more familiar with all audible and visual
alerts. The message
“ TUTORIAL ” appears in
the display followed by the audio and
corresponding Text Message for “ LASER ” ,
“ Ka AUDIO ” , “ K AUDIO ” , “ X AUDIO ” , sample
Radar alert and “ SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM
SAMPLE ALERTS ” . Three sample SWS™
messages are then presented in the display
along with the corresponding Digital Voice
Messages.
You can access all five SWS™category
messages by pressing the AUDIO button.
“MSG 1” will appear in the display once
AUDIO is pressed. To move forward in the
list, press the CITY button; to move
backward in the list, press the DARK
button. Continue the steps above to play all
5 SWS™category messages.
To exit Tutorial Mode, press the PWR
button and your unit will be on and ready
to receive signals.
Set and Forget Memory
Any time your unit is turned off or
unplugged from the cigarette lighter socket,
all feature settings you have selected are
retained in the unit’s memory. Set and
Forget Memory eliminates the need to reset
your preferred feature settings each time
your unit is turned off and then back on.
Reset to Factory Settings
You can reset your unit to factory settings
for Start-Up mode, volume, DARK, AUDIO,
CITY and Selectable Features. To reset,
press and hold the CITY button until the
display shows “RESET“. Two “beeps“ will
sound and your unit will cycle through the
NORMAL Start-Up Mode.
DARK (Bright/Dim/Dark) Button
The DARK button allows selection of a
bright, fully adjustable dim or dark mode.
Your unit is factory preset to full bright
display. To engage dim mode, press and
hold the DARK button. The display will
cycle through various levels of dim
illumination. Release the button at your
chosen level. To engage dark mode, press
the DARK button a second time. A single
“beep” coupled with the brief illumination
of
“ DARK ” on the display confirms your
selection.
9

10
You’ll notice an
“ As ” (AutoScanTM), “ H ”
(Highway mode), “ Cx ” (City mode) or “ CA ”
(City ALL) remains dim to confirm 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 (Auto-Mute/Volume Control) Button
Manual Muting of Audio Alerts
(Radar and SWSTM )
Whether Auto-Mute is selected on or off in
Selectable Features, the audio alerts can be
completely muted by pressing the AUDIO
button during an alert. The display will
briefly show
“ QUIET ” . No audible alert will
be heard as long as the signal is present.
The unit will remain in manual mute mode
for approximately 12 seconds from the last
received alert.
Note—because Laser alerts are not
lengthy or sustained, muting is not
required (see page 21)
Volume Control
Press and hold the AUDIO button to
engage the volume control; the volume will
cycle high to low.
Release the AUDIO button when you
have reached your desired audio setting.
CITY (City/Highway) Button
The CITY button has four functions:
1. AutoScanTM Mode
2. Highway Mode
3. City X Filtration Mode
4. City X/K/Ka Filtration Mode
AutoScanTM Mode
V945 is factory shipped with AutoScanTM
engaged. AutoscanTM is designed to
automatically adjust sensitivity to X and K
Band Radar whatever your driving
environment. Whether driving in densely
populated urban areas or “wide open” rural
areas, AutoScanTM will automatically reject
virtually all false signals which are shared
with traffic Radar on X and K Bands such as
door openers and security systems.
AutoScanTM is a “no-fuss” means of
achieving optimum signal selectivity.
Controls and Features

11
Highway
Select Highway mode when traveling in
rural or highway environments for
maximum X, K, Super Wideband Ka
sensitivity.
City X Mode
Select City X mode when traveling in
moderate city conditions of travel, and
some level of X band filtration is required.
Once engaged, weak X band signals
encountered will produce no audible alert
until the signal strength reaches a preset
level. However, visual alerts will be
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.
City All Mode (X, K, Super Wideband Ka)
This mode is ideal for use in areas where a
high level of microwave transmissions can
cause falsing on all three Radar bands. In
City All mode, your unit will provide an
initial short alert coupled with visual
confirmation of the band detected and
signal strength in the display. No further
audible alert is provided until the signal
strength reaches a preset level. When no
audio alert is provided, the visual alert
keeps you quietly informed.
Controls and Features

12
How to program
1With the unit OFF, press and hold the
PWR and CITY buttons simultaneously.
The word “FEATURES” will appear in the
display, followed by the status of the first
Selectable Feature.
2Press the AUDIO button to make your
selection.
3Press the CITY button to move to the
next Selectable Feature. To move backward
in the list, press the DARK button.
4Press the PWR button to exit
Selectable Features mode. To confirm your
unit is ready for operation, and what mode
of travel your unit is operating, the display
will read: “AutoScan”, “H i ghway”,
“Cit y X ” or “Ci ty ALL”.
WHICH SELECTABLE FEATURES
CAN I PROGRAM?
The following features may be changed
depending upon your driving environment
and preference.
1. AutoMute ON or OFF
2. Radar/Laser/ SWS™ Digital Voice or Tone
3. Safety Warning System®ON/OFF
4. Audio/Visual Scroll Rate FAST or SLOW
5. Inverted Display Option ON/OFF
*Display references Radar and Laser only,
but does include SWS™voice as well.
Programming

13
Programming
Feature 1 – AutoMute On or Off
With “Am u t e o n ”, your unit will
provide several X, K or Super
Wideband Ka audio alerts followed by
the Digital Voice announcement of the
signal detected. 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. “Am u t e o n ” enables
you to conveniently monitor extended
encounters without having to manually
mute or adjust the volume setting.
With “Amut e o f f ”, your unit will
provide a continuous series of X, K,
Super Wideband Ka audio alerts and
Digital Voice announcements 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. Factory setting is
“Am u t e of f ”.
Note: because of its urgency, Laser alerts
are not affected by this mode.
Feature 2 – Radar/Laser/SWS™ Digital
Voice Prompts
With “Vo i c e o n”, unit will provide
Digital Voice prompts followed by
“beeps” when X/K/Ka and Laser
signals are detected. With “Vo i c e o f f”,
unit will sound unique audio tones
only. Factory setting is “Vo i c e o n”.
Feature 3 – Safety Warning System®
(SWS™)
With “SWSo n ”, unit will provide a
message when signals from SWS™
transmitters are detected. Factory
setting is “SWSo n ”.
Feature 4 – Audio/Visual Scroll Rate
When “SCRs l o w ” is selected, unit will
provide a slow cycling of audio/visual
messages. When “SCR fa s t ” is
selected, unit will provide a fast cycling
of audio/visual messages. Factory
setting is “
SCRs l o w ”.

Programming
14
Feature 5 – Inverted Display Feature
When selected, your unit can be
mounted to the visor using the hook &
loop fastener upside down and the
display will remain right reading.
“Upside down” mounting may allow
for easier access to the unit’s functions.
Note: Inverted display is ON when the
check mark symbol is FLASHING; inverted
display is OFF when the underscore line is
flashing.

15
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Bands
• X-band 10.525 GHz ±25 MHz
• K-band 24.150 GHz ±100 MHz
• Ka-band 34.700 GHz ±1300 MHz
• Laser 904nm
Radar Receiver/Detector Type
• Superheterodyne, GaAs FET VCO
• Scanning Frequency Discriminator
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Laser Detection
• Quantum Limited Video Receiver
• Multiple Laser Sensing Diodes
Power Requirement
• 12VDC, Negative Ground
Sensitivity Control
• Highway, AutoScanTM, City X and
City X/K/Ka
Auto Calibration Circuitry
Shadow Technology®II for
undetectability to Technosonic VG-2.
Dimensions (Inches)
• 1.8” H x 3.1” W x 5.3” L
Patented Technology
V945 is covered by one or more of the
following US patents.
6,587,068 6,400,305 6,249,218 6,069,580
5,668,554 5,600,132 5,587,916 5,559,508
5,365,055 5,347,120 5,446,923 5,402,087
5,305,007 5,206,500 5,164,729 5,134,406
5,111,207 5,079,553 5,049,885 5,049,884
4,961,074 4,954,828 4,952,937 4,952,936
4,939,521 4,896,855 4,887,753 4,862,175
4,750,215 4,686,499 4,631,542 4,630,054
4,625,210 4,613,989 4,604,529 4,583,057
4,581,769 4,571,593 4,313,216 D314,178
D313,365 D310,167 D308,837 D296,771
D288,418 D253,752
V945 is also covered by one or more of
the following Canadian patents:
1,295,715 1,295,714 1,187,602 1,187,586
Other patents pending. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product.
Technical Details

16
Technical Details
INTERPRETING ALERTS
Although the V945 is a comprehensive
warning system and this handbook is as
complete as we can make it, only
experience will teach you what to expect
from your V945 and how to interpret
what it tells you. The specific type of radar
being used, the type of transmission
(continuous or instant-on) and the location
of the radar source affect the radar alerts
you receive.
The following examples will give you
an introduction to understanding the
V945’s warning system for radar, laser and
safety alerts.
EXPLANATION
You are approaching a continuous radar
source aimed in your direction.
An instant-on radar source is being used
ahead of you and out of your view.
An instant-on radar source or laser source is
being used nearby. This kind of alert
requires immediate attention!
Laser is being used in the area. Because laser
is inherently difficult to detect, any laser
alert may indicate a source very close by.
ALERT
The V945 begins to sound slowly, then
the rate of alert increases until the alert
becomes a solid tone. The Signal Meter
ramps accordingly.
V945 emits short alerts for a few seconds
and then falls silent only to briefly alert and
fall silent again.
V945 suddenly sounds a continuous tone
for the appropriate band received. All
segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.
A brief laser alert.

17
Technical Details
EXPLANATION
A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
overtaking you from behind. Because these
signals are reflected (reflections are
increased by large objects), they may or may
not eventually melt into a solid point even
when the patrol car is directly behind you.
You are approaching a radar unit concealed
by a hill or an obstructed curve.
A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a
radar source aimed forward. Because signals
are sometimes reflected off of large objects
and sometimes not, the alerts may seem
inconsistent.
A patrol car is approaching from the other
direction, sampling traffic with instant-on
radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.
You are driving through an area populated
with radar motion sensors (door openers,
burglar alarms, etc.). Since these transmitters
are usually contained inside buildings or
aimed toward OR away from you, they are
typically not as strong or lasting as a real
radar encounter.
ALERT
V945 receives weak signals. These signals
may be a little stronger as you pass large,
roadside objects. The signals increase in
frequency.
V945 alerts slowly for awhile and then
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.
V945 alerts intermittently. Rate and
strength of alerts may be consistent or vary
wildly.
V945 alerts intermittently. Rate and
strength of signal increases with each alert.
V945 gives an X-band, or K-band alert
intermittently.
CAUTION: Since the characteristics of these alerts may be similar to some of the preceding examples,
overconfidence in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a commonly traveled
area is suddenly stronger or on a different band than usual, speed radar may be set up nearby.