Cobra 12 BAND XRS 9940 User manual

12 BAND™
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH SUPER-XTREME
RANGE SUPERHETERODYNE™
TECHNOLOGY
XRS9940
Printed in China
Part No. 4SQ-422-P
Version B

~ortant Information
Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors
It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radarl
laser detector. The Communications Act of 1924 guarantees your right to receive
radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene this Act, while
illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless
they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.
Safety Alert
Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that motorists or
passengers will not be involved in traffic accidents. It is only intended to alert
the motorist that an emergency vehicle equipped with a Cobra Safety Alert
transmitter is within range as defined by that product. Please call local fire
and police departments to learn if coverage exists in your area.
Safe Driving
Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to
exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable traffic laws.
Security of Your Vehicle
Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector
in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.
•
Customer Assistance
•
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner's manual. If you require further assistance after reading this
manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time
Mon. through Fri. (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked
Questions). English and Spanish. product [email protected] (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
©2008 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra ~

Controls, Indicators, Connections and Dis~ __
...... <!> Auxiliary Audio Jack
<!>
City ~ Button
Changes between Highway and
City modes and scrolls through
options while programming.
................ -<!> LaserEye
For 360
0
detection of
laser and strobe signals .
Windshield (!} ....
Bracket
Mounting Slot
@
Mute ... Button
For manual mute of audio
alerts and to select/adjust
options while programming.
Windshield Bracket <!>
Release Button ~
Dim ~ Button <!i
Adjusts the display brightness
and scrolls through options
while programming.
..,
.. ,
."
<!> ...•..
On-OffNolume Control
Allows user to adjust the volume
of the tone and voice alerts.
Menu/Save Button @)"'.
Press once to enter
Program mode. Press
again to save settings.
12V DC <!>
Power Jack
ExtremeBright DataGrafix
Tlol
Display <!> .
Full color and sunlight-readable, the extremely
bright display provides intuitive graphical
interaction and alert screens.
13.8vru
~NW
~ English

WARNING
ModiflCatkms or parts substitutions not approved by
Cobra Electronics Corporation may VIolate FCC Rules
and void your authonty to operate this eqUipment
Product Features
Congratulations! You've made asmart choice by purchasing an ultra high
performance digital radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at
some of
the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:
Super-Xtreme Range Safety Alert
Superheterodyne Technology Traffic warning system distinguishes
With super-fast sweep circuitry, S-XRS important safety alerts from other
provides maximum detection range K band signals
and the best possible advance warning Strobe Alert
to even the fastest radar guns Emergency vehicle warning system
Maximum Performance Manual Mute or Auto Mute
Provides advanced warning A mute function of audio alerts
with maximum detection range
for total protection IntelliMute
Detection and Separate Alerts A mute function which automatically reduces
For radar signals (X, K, Ka and Ku bands, false alerts by sensing engine RPMs
with signal strength indicated). laser SmartPower
signals, Safety Alert signals, Strobe Alert A timed power saving function that
signals VG-2 signals, Spectre 1 signals saves your car's battery
8-Point Compass EasySet Programming
Displays direction of travel User-friendly mode selection and
LaserEye setting with visual guidance
For 360
0
detection of laser and Car Battery Voltage Display
strobe signals Car battery voltage can be shown
Instant-On Ready continuously on the display
Detects radar guns with "instant-on" Car Battery Low Voltage Warning
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities Provides an alert when the car battery
Pop Detection voltage drops below 11.9 volts
Detects the latest super-fast radar guns of Customizable Display Colors
the instant-on or single-pulse type Customize the display colors to match
Voice or Tone Alert your dash illumination
With adjustable volume Auxiliary Audio Jack
ExtremeBright DataGrafix™ Display For external speaker connection
With easy-to-read graphical user interface Mounting
Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard
IntelliShield False Signal Rejection
Reduces falsing in urban areas with
Highway mode and three levels
of City mode settings
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra ~

Introduction
Important Information A1
Customer Assistance A1
Controls, Indicators,
Connections and Display A2
Product Features A3
Overview 2
Your Detector
Installation 3
Getting Started 6
Power On/Off 6
Standby Screen Icons 7
Display Brightness Control 7
Display Timeout 8
IntelliShield Highway / City Modes 8
Muting an Alert 9
Auxiliary Audio Jack 9
EasySet Programming 10
Program Flow Diagrams 12
Settings 14
User Settings 14
City Mode Default 14
IntelliMute Mode 14
Set IntelliMute 15
Auto Mute Mode 16
Voice or Tone Mode 16
Compass Mode 16
Set Compass 17
SmartPower Mode 18
Customizable Display Colors .. 18
Dim Mode Default 18
Car Battery Voltage
Display Mode 19
Car Battery Low
Voltage Warning 19
Restore Factory Settings 19
Settings (Continued)
Alert Settings 20
Pop Alert 20
X Band Alert 20
K Band Alert 20
Ku Band Alert 20
VG-2 Alert 20
VG-2 Audio Mode 20
Spectre 1 Alert 20
Spectre 1 Audio Mode 21
Safety Alert 21
Detection 21
Signals Detected 21
Audio Alerts 21
Visual Display 21
Instant-On Detection 25
Pop Detection 25
Responding to Alerts 25
Understanding Radar and Laser .. 26
Maintenance 28
Specifications 29
Warranty
Limited 1-Year Warranty 30
Customer Assistance
Product Service 31
Trademark Acknowledgement 32
Optional Accessories 33
Accessories Order Info 37
Appendix - Menu Guides
User Programming 34
Alert Programming 36
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® Gj

This manual describes the simple steps for mounting, setting up and using your
detector. It also provides helpful information about how radar and laser guns are
used and how you can interpret the alerts you receive.
Before you begin your installation, please read the Important Information section
on page A1 and use the descriptions and feature lists on pages A2 and A3 to
become familiar with your new detector.
About Your Detector
•
Display
This detector's innovative new display provides more, easier-to-use information
than any technology to date. Using an OLEO (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
screen, the display offers large graphical alerts to signals as they are detected.
Do not be alarmed by the nearly blank display you see when you first turn the
unit on. The detector will function and alerts will appear as signals are detected.
You can also elect to turn on the built-in Compass, IntelliMute and Car Voltage,
so that they appear during normal operation. The initial and startup screens are
shown on page 6.
Programming
EasySet Programming lets you conveniently customize the operation of your
detector by changing the settings. You may want to start using the detector
with the factory settings and then make changes after you are more familiar
with the unit.
About This Manual
•
Please take a moment to learn about some special features of this manual.
Modular Descriptions
Once the detector is in use, this manual can be used as a ready reference to
individual topics as needed. Each topic is completely covered in its section and
cross-references to related topics are included where appropriate.
Appendix
The appendix pages 34-36 provide quick reference charts on the programming
features of your detector.
~ English

Installation •
Where to Mount Your Unit
You will get optimum performance from your detector if you mount it at a
point approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the
front windshield without obstructing the unit's view of the road either to
the front or rear. You can also mount it directly on the dashboard.
The unit's lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view
out the back window to allow 360
0
detection.
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials
and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
• Windshield wiper blades
• Mirrored sun screens
• Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
• Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM). Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 0

Windshield Mounting
1. Attach the rubber
cups to the bracket.
6. Plug the power cord
into the detector.
7. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle's
cigarette lighter.
; 2. Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.
: 3. Push the bracket firmly
,
onto the windshield.
, 4. Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check that
the unit is parallel to
the road's surface.
----------
: 5. To adjust the angle if
necessary, gently push or
pull on the bracket to bend
it. DO NOT use the detector
to bend the bracket.
; 8. You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you
wish by depressing the bracket release button and sliding
it off the bracket.
o English

Dashboard Mounting
, 1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location
where the unit has a clear view of the road and is parallel
to the road's surface. The angle CANNOT be adjusted
after mounting.
I 2. Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hook-
and-loop fastener.
I 3. Attach the pad to the
I dashboard at your chosen
location and remove the
other paper backing.
: 5. Plug the power cord
I into the detector.
r---- ---------
! 6. Plug the cigarette lighter
! adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle's
cigarette lighter.
!
-_._------~- ---,---~
!
I
Nothing Comes Close to aCobrcf' 0

Power On/Off
On-OffNolume Control (!) .
Rotate clockwise (away from you) ~
- -- ._-------. -"_._-.-- ._-------------_._. ---_ ..... _-.----------_._._-._----_ •.. -.----- ----------_.-_._-----
To Turn on the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume
Tone Visual Display Voice
------------------_. __ ._ .. _._-_._----
Display changes to Display - None
Timeout after 30 seconds
(factory default).
None
Testing, then
three beeps
System Ready
, Voice Alert
----- .. ----- ._-- .. _----_ .. -
---------
Testing, then
three beeps
None
Rotate the On-OffNolume
control clockwise (away
from you).
Unit will cycle through
Power On / Self Test and
display the Standby screen
when complete. Standby
screen will show City or
Highway icon. Car Battery
Voltage, Compass, and
IntelliMute will also show if
turned on (see note).
~NOTE
When the system is first turned on from new, only the City or Highway icon will show on
the screen because the Show Compass and IntelliMute functions are set to off at the
factory. See pages 14 and 16 to turn these functions on.
~NOTE
In some vehicles, power is supplied to the cigarette lighter even while the ignition is off. If
this is the case with your vehicle and you have turned the SmartPower off, you should
turn off or unplug your detector when parking for lengthy periods. Cobra recommends
leaving SmartPower at the factory setting, which is on. See page 18.
oEnglish

Standby Screen Icons
Your detector uses the following icons to indicate modes and functions when set:
•
City Mode Highway Mode Compass Battery Voltage
--
+ -
I•
lUll .11
II • • I. •
.. '..
· ... ...
·. ...
•• II' • •
....... II ••••• -.-
I I
~t~NW
•••••
- -
IntelliMute Above
Activation Point IntelliMute Below
Activation Point
User and Alert Settings Sample Screen
<Ii> NOTE
For example, the sample screen indicates that IntelliMute is active,
the Compass is calibrated, your system is set to Highway mode and
your vehicle's battery voltage is charged to 13.8 volts.
•
~ Brightness Control
Your detector has a Bright display mode (for daytime driving)
and three levels of the Dim display mode: I2l\
• Dim for dusk driving. 'SrI NOTE
• Dimmer for night driving. A! the da.rk setting the
display Will show a small
• Dark to prevent all visual alerts from displaying. dot moving back and forth
. .. . toward the bottom of the
The factory s~ttlng IS DIm. ThiS level can be changed screen to indicate the unit
In programming mode (see page 10.) is turned on.
You can toggle between Bright and Dim modes
by pressing the Dim ~ button.
Dim ~ Button
Press and release (!) .....
<Ii> NOTE
When you change to Dim mode, the unit will enter
whichever dim default mode is set at the time.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 0

Dis~ Timeout Mode
Your detector has a Display Timeout mode to prolong
the life of your screen. Touch any button to exit Display
Timeout and recall the Standby screen.
The factory default is for Display Timeout to engage
from the Standby screen after 30 seconds. You can
change the time interval or deactivate Display Timeout
in programming mode (see page 10).
@NOTE
In Display Timeout mode, the display will show a small dot
moving slowly back and forth to indicate the unit is turned on.
•
IntelliShield Highway/City_M_o_d_e_s •
Your detector is equipped with IntelliShield false signal rejection technology
which consists of a Highway mode and three different levels of City modes:
City X, City X Beep Off and City X+K.
Highway mode provides full response to all signals detected. The City modes
reduce false alerts while you are driving in or near urban areas where there
are many sources for conflicting X or K band signals such as microwave
towers and automatic door openers. The factory setting is Highway. The
factory City mode default setting is City X; it can be changed in programming
mode (see page 11).
You can toggle between Highway and City modes by pressing the City ~ button .
............. (!) City ~ Button
Press and release
@NOTE
When you change to City mode, the unit will enter
whichever city default mode is set at the time.
oEnglish

Muting an Alert
Your detector allows you to quickly turn off an Audio Alert by momentarily
pressing the Mute ... button. If you press the Mute ... button a second time
during the alert, the Audio Alert will be turned back on. After the current alert
is gone, the next alert will be heard.
Mute Button (!) .
Press and release
Two other features are incorporated in your detector to automatically mute
or reduce the volume of alerts. See pages 14 and 16 for Intellimute and Auto
Mute modes.
Auxiliary Audio Jack
The Auxiliary Audio Jack can be used to connect external speakers in
environments with high ambient noise levels. The internal speaker will
be disconnected. (This uses a mini stereo audio connector.)
.........................(!)Auxiliary
Audio Jack
•
•
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 0

EasySet Programming .
EasySet Programming gives you quick and easy access to all the settings on your
detector. It is used to program both:
• User Settings (see pages 14 and 15)
User Programming Menu Guide (see pages 34 and 35) .
•
Alert Settings (see page 20)
Alert Programming Menu Guide (see page 36).
Refer also to the Program Flow Diagrams for User Settings and Alert Settings
programming to easily navigate to the setting you want to change (see pages 12
and 13). All settings are stored in memory when the power is turned off and will be
recalled when the power is turned back on.
<4J) NOTE
You cannot enter Program mode during an alert. The unit will not detect
signals while in Program mode. During programming, if no buttons are
pressed for 15 seconds, the unit will automatically exit Program mode
and save the most recent settings.
EasySet Programming Buttons:
.............(!) City ~ Button
Press to move to
desired setting.
<!>
Mute'" Button
Press to choose an
option within the setting.
. .....
<fi .
Dim ~ Button
Press to move to
desired setting.
.....
....
(!) .
Menu/Save Button
Press to reach the
opening program screen.
~ English

To use EasySet program mode:
1. Press the MenulSave button to reach the opening program screen.
2. Choose whether you want to change:
a. User Settings - press the Dim ~ button to enter the User Setting loop
(see page 12)
b. Alert Settings - press the City ~ button to enter the Alert Setting loop
(see page 13)
3. Press the City ~ or Dim ~ buttons to step forward or backward through
the chosen settings loop until the desired option is reached.
<ft) NOTE
Press and release the button to move one option.
4. Press the Mute .... button to toggle the option on or off or to step
through its multiple choices.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to move to and set the next desired option(s).
6. Press the Menu/Save button when finished to save the settings
and exit EasySet program mode. Or, simply wait 15 seconds without
pressing any buttons.
<ft) NOTE
If power is turned off while in Program mode, option settings are saved to those
in effect before Program mode was entered.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® ~

User Settings Programming •
User Programming allows you to adjust the unit's display and sounds to
your preferences. The User Settings can be selected using the Dim ~ and
City ~ buttons by scrolling through the settings as shown in the program
flow diagram below. The User Programming Menu Guide on page 34 is a
handy reference showing the tone, visual display and voice prompts that
accompany each setting. After selecting a setting, use the Mute ..... button
to choose an option within the setting.
@NOTE
When you choose User Settings (page 11, step 2a), the system displays whichever
setting was last changed.
Setting Selection Buttons:
<!> .........•....•••....•
Dim ~ Button
Press to move to
desired setting
..
.. <!>
............. City ~ Button
Press to move to
desired setting.
.....•. <!>
Mute .... Button
Press to choose an
option within the setting.
~ .. ~ .. ~
-'~ ~ ~~
.. t ~
•Not shown •
, if Intellimute Set ,
~ ;, OFF IntelliMute 4f8
. ,. ·. Sho"wotC~~;;,: r-:~~. ',..
i, OFF. ~~ ~'"'" ,
~
~ .. ~ .. ~-'
~ English

Alert Settings Programming .
Alert Programming allows you to selectively turn on or off detection of some
signals. The Alert Settings can be selected using the Dim ~ and City ~ buttons
by scrolling through the settings as shown in the program flow diagram below.
The Alert Programming Menu Guide on page 36 is a handy reference showing
the tone, visual display and voice prompts that accompany each setting. After
selecting a setting, use the Mute ... button to choose an option within the setting.
<It) NOTE
When you choose Alert Settings (page 11, Step 2b), the system displays whichever
setting was last changed.
"
Not shown "
if Spectre 1 ~
is OFF. ~
~~.~ ...
C~0
Not shown "'-.
setting if VG 2 ~
~ Spectre 1 is OFF. ~... •
~ Audio ~
This detector allows you to customize its operation by changing settings in
the User Programming and the Alert Programming modes. (See page 11 for
entering the EasySet Programming mode.) Also, refer to the Appendix (pages
34-36) while programming. These show the lists of User and Alert settings.
Features of the programmable settings are described on the following pages.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® ~

User Setting~s •
IntelliShield City Mode Default
City Mode Default makes three levels of Audio Alert suppression available
when you toggle from Highway to City mode (see page 8). The factory setting
is City X.
City X sounds a single beep when an x band signal is first detected.
The alert then sounds when signal strength reaches level 3.
City X+K combines the City X mode with prevention of K band audio
alerts until the signal strength reaches level 2.
City X Beep Off blocks all X band audio alerts until the signal strength
reaches level 3.
IntelliMute Mode·
IntelliMute is a unique feature that allows you to avoid alerts you don't need to
hear because you are stopped or moving slowly. By sensing the "revs" (RPMs)
of your engine, IntelliMute knows when you are at low speed and automatically
mutes alerts (except for strobe signals from emergency vehicles). It works with
all City and Auto Mute modes.
Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine's
revs (see page 15). Whenever the revs are below that point, IntelliMute will
begin muting. The activation point will be stored in memory and recalled each
time the power is turned on. The factory setting is IntelliMute off.
An IntelliMute icon will appear in the display when IntelliMute is on and activation
is set. Whenever engine revs are below the activation point, the arrow points
down. When revs are above the activation point the arrow points up.
Above
Activation Point Below
Activation Point
If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine's revs, IntelliMute will
indicate an error and automatically turn off.
~ English

~ NOTES
IntelliMute may not work with some vehicles because it cannot sense the
engine's revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts by using
Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate.
~ NOTES
The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.
~ ~~~~~nitiallY choosing your IntelliMute activation point, a setting of approximately
300 to 600 RPMs above idle is recommended. You can reset the activation point
at any time to fit your individual preferences and driving style.
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' •. ,91'ld,idJingtQaVQid)a,colfisi(,m,,<hlringtgeJtQc-es§; "'. "" .. ,,' ..... ',)" ... ' >;(' ,'" /'"
;, "::':' -:: ;',,':,,:. ::'<' ;- ., .. 'c' " ,:',,',',,' ,,'. . ".:. ':.".:' '.•. ",: ,>.' ": ':':':.:',c- ;' ': "":. "',,,'!:, .. ::> :::..: .•.. , : ."":"" ':' ':":': .. :..: :: ;:',::.;: : ; ,. ': ' ',i, ,: ::.:.; .. : .. :.: .. : .. : <:.:_,;"-' :,:. ::: ~:,.::'- ~ ~: ," :,/;::::,y;,>:~:,/,
Set IntelliMute
After the detector is installed in your vehicle and the unit is turned on,
advance through the User Settings Programming to the Set IntelliMute
setup screen where the activation point can be set.
Setting the activation point progresses from the setup screen shown
on the User Programming Menu Guide (see page 34). From that screen:
1. Press the Mute .... button to begin the setting process.
2. Press and hold the vehicle accelerator at the desired engine RPMs.
3. Press the Mute .... button to complete the setting process.
The system will store the engine RPM setting and provide a completion
message on the display as well as a tone or voice message.
~ NOTE
If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses within three seconds or if you do not
set a rev point within 30 seconds of beginning the setup, IntelliMute will indicate
an error. If you do not try again within five seconds, it will automatically turn off.
The unit will provide corresponding messages for these conditions.
Once an activation point has been set, you can easily change it by going
directly to Set IntelliMute in User Settings Programming and repeating the
three-step setup process.
Nothing Comes Close to a CobrctJ ~

Auto Mute Mode
When Auto Mute is on, it automatically reduces the audio volume of all alerts
after they have sounded for four seconds. The signals will remain muted for
as long as the signal is detected. When Auto Mute is off, the alerts will sound
at full volume for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting for
Auto Mute is on.
Voice or Tone Mode
You can set your detector to sound alerts and confirm program settings with
either a Voice or a Tone Alert. Voice Alert provides voice messages in addition
to tones. Tone Alert provides tones only. The factory setting is Voice Alert.
Compass Mode
Your detector includes an internal 8-point Compass that
can continuously display your current direction of travel: N
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW. NW .........•......... NE
Before the Compass will work, it must be .... •
calibrated (see page 17). Calibration allows /8-Point .
the Compass electronics to measure and W • Compass ~ E
store information about the magnetic fields
generated by your vehicle so direction •. ..'
indications will be accurate. The factory SW ........•........ SE
setting is Compass off. 5
A
Compass icon and directional heading will appear in the display when
the Compass is on and calibrated.
The Compass will remain accurately calibrated as long as your detector is
mounted in the same place in your vehicle. If you change the location where
the unit is mounted or move it to another vehicle, you must recalibrate the
Compass. You should also recalibrate the Compass if you suspect it is
providing inaccurate directions.
The Compass temporarily may not provide accurate readings if you are
inside a building or enclosure, or are close to a large metal tractor/trailer,
truck, or train. Once you are away from such a location, the Compass will
work correctly again.
~ English