Cobra XRS 9690 User manual

lS BAND'"
ULTRA PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH XTREME
RANGE SUPERHETERODYN
TECHNOLOGY
XRS9690
Pnnt.., " CIl""
Part No 480-511l-P
VefSlOf1 A
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® English

~ortant Information
Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors
It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar!
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/Strobe 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.
3M or strobe 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.
il!tl!.j"!Jmtmll~
•
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. [email protected] (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
[At] English
,':')2009 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago. illinOIS 60107
USA
www.cobra.com

Controls, Indicators, Connections and Dis~_----4
-
@
Set/City Button
For City or Highway
modes to reduce false
alerts (and to change
user mode settings
while programming).
.............. @LaserEye
For 360· detection of
laser and strobe signals .
.........@Auxiliary Audio
Jack
........·@Speaker
Windshield
@.
Bracket
Mount
..'
.'
Windshield Bracket @
Release Button i
.'
i 12VDC
@PowerJack
Program/Mute Button (!)'
For manual mute of
audio alerts (and to enter G>
programming mode). Select/Dim Button
Adjusts the display brightness for easy
reading (and to scroll through user mode
settings while programming).
On-OffNolume Control @ .
Allows user to adjust the
volume of the tone alerts.
AfphalNumeric Dot Mabix Text Display·@ ,. -::. ~.~ .. ~~ ..".."- 1Il...
Shows user mode settings, programming instructions, System Rea dy
signal strength indication, CitylHighway mode indicators,
radar, VG-2, Spectre I& IV+ and safety/strobe indicators .
•
See pages 5- 28 for more information
about display features.
~ English
WARNING
Maddieabona or parts substrtutions not approved
by Cobra EIectronocs Cotpooa!K>n may VK>Iat.
FCC Rules and \IOd your authonty to operate
this 8qlAplTl8l'1t

IntelliShield Highway/City Modes
Reduces falsing in urban areas with
Highway mode and three levels
of City mode settings
Safety Alert
Traffic warning system distinguishes
important safety alerts from other
K band signals
Strobe Alert
Emergency vehicle warning system
Manual Mute or Auto Mute
A mute function of audio alerts
IntelliMute
A mute function reduces false audio
alerts by sensing engine RPMs
IntelliMute Pro
Prevents detection by radar detector detectors
(RODs) when traveling at slower speeds
Smart Power
A timed power saving function that
saves your car's battery
EasySet Programming
User-friendly mode selection and
setting with visual guidance
Auxiliary Audio Jack
For external speaker connection
Mounting
Mounts easily on windshield
or dasllboard
Product Features
•
Congratulations! You've made asmart choice by purchasing an ultra high
perlormance digital radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of
the sophisticated features and capabilities your
new unit includes:
Xtreme Range
Superheterodyne Technology
With super-fast sweep circuitry.
XRS provides extra detection range
and the best possible advance warning
to even the fastest radar guns
Ultra Performance
Provides advanced warning with
extra detection range
Detection and Separate Alerts
For radar signals (X. K, Ka and Ku bands,
with signal strength indicated), Laser signals,
Safety Alert signals, Strobe Alert signals,
VG-2 signals. Spectre I & IV+ signals
8-Point Compass
Displays direction of travel
laserEye
For 360
0
detection of laser and
strobe signals
Instant-On Ready
Detects radar guns with "instant-on"
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities
Pop Detection
Detects the latest super-fast instant-on
single pulse radar guns
Tone Alert
With adjustable volume
DigiView Data Display
With easy-to-read alpha/numeric
dot matrix text readout
This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector.
It also provides helpful information about how radar and laser guns are used and
how you can interpret the alerts you receive.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra~ [A3J

Introduction
Important Information A1
Customer Assistance A1
Controls. Indicators, Connections and Display A2
Prod uct Featu res , , A3
Your Detector
Installation ,................. 2
Getting Started 5
EasySet Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Settings , 10
I ntelliShleld Highway/City Modes ' , , , , 10
Muting an Alert, , , , , 12
Auto M ute Mode 12
Auxiliary Audio Jack 12
IntelliMute 13
IntelliMute Pro 16
Compass 17
Pop Alert 19
K. Ku and X Band Detection 19
VG-2 Alert , 20
Spectre I& IV+ Alerts 21
SmartPower 22
DigiView Data Display Brightness , 23
Detection , , 25
Signals Detected 25
Audio Alerts 25
Visual Display , , 25
I nstant-On Detection 29
Pop Detection 29
Responding to Alerts 29
Understanding Radar and Laser .. 30
Maintenance 32
Specifications , , , 33
Warranty
Limited 1- Year Warranty 34
Customer Assistance
Prod uct Service 35
Optional Accessories 36
Accessories Order Info 37
Trademark Acknowledgement 37
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra" GJ

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 tile
front windshield wiHlout 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 Hle back window to allow 360
0
detection.
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not tllrough 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 wi nds~lield
• Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(I nstaclear for Ford. Electriclear for G M). Consu It you r dealer
to see if you have tillS option.
L~ English

a .
•
Your Detector ,.
Windshield Mounting
1. Attach the rubber
cups to the bracket.
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 the
angle of the unit.
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.
6. Plug the power cord
into the detector.
7. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle's
cigarette lighter.
8. You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you
wish by pressing the bracket release button and sliding
it off the bracket.
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- 0
,

Dashboard Mounting
1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location
where the unit has a clear, level view of the road.
The angle can NOT be adjusted after mounting.
2. Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hook-
and-loop fastener.
3. Attach the pad to the
dashboard at your chosen
location and remove the
other paper backing.
4. Attach the detector to the
hook-and-Ioop fastener.
You can remove and
reattach the unit as
often as you like.
5. Plug the power cord
into the detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle's
cigarette lighter.
oEnglish

Getting Started
On-Off!
Volume Control
Rotate clockwise
(away from you)
Three beeps Testing
System Ready
The display will then cycle
through the user mode settings
(city or highway, Intellimute
and SmartPower status).
•
Power On
Start-up is complete when the display shows - - h.
Important: Once the compass is calibrated, the dashes will
change to one of the cardinal compass directions (N, NE, E,
SE, S, SW, W, NW). See page 17 to calibrate the compass.
Start-Up Complete
G ~O::me 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.
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- 0

EasySet Programmina _
All user mode settings on your detector can be changed by using
Program mode. When changing the settings. please keep in mind:
• Buttons can have multiple functions .
•
All settings will be stored in memory when the power is
turned Off and recalled when the power is turned back On.
The procedure for using Program mode is shown on page 7.
(0) 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 pushed for ten seconds. the unit will automatically exit
Program mode and save the last settings.
--
Programming User Modes
The tables on pages 8 through 9 show you hovv to program all user modes
and the settings you can choose from.
(0) ~~i~e follOWing pages. you will find more detailed explanations
of each setting.
See page 14 for instructions on setting the IntelliMute activation point
See page 17 for instructions on calibrating the compass.
See page 22 for instructions on using SmartPower.
[] English

Three beeps
To Use Program Mode
Press and hold the
Program/Mute button
for two seconds.
..........$set/City Button
Press and release
..$selectlDim Button
Press and release
......... (!) ProgramIMute Button
Press and hold/Press and release
Program will appear.
PROGRAM
Then brief programming
instructions will scroll through
the display three times.
While the programming
instructions are
scrolling, press and
release the Select/Dim
button to cycle through
the user modes.
With the user mode you
wish to change displayed,
press and release the
SetICity button to
change the setting.
To move to the next
selection, press the
Select/Dim button again.
One beep with
each button press
One or two beeps,
depending on your
selection
As each mode is displayed,
the current setting for that
mode will be shown.
The setting you select will
be shown.
When you exit Program
mode, the new setting will
automatically be saved and
EXIT PROGRAM and Settings
Saved! will appear in the display.
When you have finished
programming any or
all of the user modes,
press and release the
Program/Mute button
to exit Program mode.
Or simply wait ten
seconds without
pushing any buttons.
One beep
EXIT
PROGRAM
Settings
Saved I
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- 0

This EasySet Programming menu lists all of the modes and settings you can
choose from after you have entered Program mode as described on page 7.
(see page 14 rev pomt while usmg IntelllMute.
to set activation Note: Only shown if IntelliMute is Off.
IntellJMute
RPMs
Mode Tone Visual Setting
Result
Set Two beeps
City XA single beep sounds when the
IntelliShield
I signal is first detected.
City mode
One beep City X Audio for all X band alerts are blocked
default·
beep Off
until signal strength reaches Level 3.
One beep
City X+K
Combines the City X mode with
prevention of K band audio alerts
until signal strength reaches Level 2.
IntelliMute Two beeps IntelliMute On
All alerts (except for strobe signals
mode
from emergency vehicles) are
automatically muted below the
engine rev point you set.
One beep IntelliMute Off Normal operation.
set
One beep Set IntelliMute
Allows you to set the engine
point) I
IntelliMute Two beeps
IntelliMute Pro
All radar, VG-2 and Spectre detection is
Pro mode On tumed Off below the engine rev set point.
One beep
IntelliMute Pro Normal operation.
I Off I
AutoMute
Two beeps
AutoMute On
The audio volume of all alerts will be
mode
automatically muted after four seconds for
I
as long as the signal is detected.
One beep AutoMute Off
All alerts will sound at full volume
for as long as the signal is detected.
Set One beep Set Compass Allows you to calibrate the compass.
compass
(see page 17 to calibrate compass)
Pop Detect Two beeps Pop Detect On
Unit will detect Pop signals.
mode
One beep
Pop Detect Off Unit will not detect Pop signals.
~ English

,
Mode
Tone Visual Setting
Result
VG-2 Detect
Two beeps VG-2 Detect On Unit will detect VG-2 signals.
mode
One beep VG-2 Detect Off Unit will not detect VG-2 signals.
VG-2 Audio Two beeps
VG-2 Audio On With VG-2 Detect On, the unit will give
mode (not audible alerts for VG-2 signals.
shown if VG-2
One beep
VG·2 Audio Off
With VG-2 Detect Off, the unit will give
detect is Off)
only visual alerts for VG-2 signals.
Spectre Two beeps Spectre Unit will detect Spectre I&IVt signals.
Detect mode Detect On
One beep Spectre Unit will not detect Spectre I&IVt
Detect Off signals.
Spectre Two beeps Spectre Audio With Spectre Audio On, unit will give
Audio mode On
audible alerts for Spectre signals.
(not shown if
One beep Spectre Audio
With Spectre Audio Off, unit will give only
Spectre
detect is Off)
Off
visual alerts for Spectre signals.
SmartPower
Two beeps
SmartPower On
SmartPower is On.
mode
One beep SmartPower Off SmartPower is Off.
X Band Two beeps X Band On Unit will detect X Band signals.
Detect mode
One beep X Band Off Unit will not detect X Band signals.
K or Ku Band
Two beeps K or Ku Band On Unit will detect K or Ku Band signals.
Detect mode
One beep K or Ku Band Off Unit will not detect K or Ku Band signals.
Set display Two beeps
Display Dim Partially dimmed for dusk or night driving.
Dim mode
One beep Display More dimmed for dusk or night driving.
default·
Dimmer
One beep Display Dark Display is Off.
Restore factory One beep Restore Factory Resets user modes and settings to
settings Settings factory default.
Exit program One beep EXIT PROGRAM Allows you to exit Program mode.
• The settings for these user modes can also be changed
with the one button method. See description of each
user mode (pages 10 and 24) for details.
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- 0

Setting=s -----..
IntelliShield Highway/City Modes
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. City X mode sounds a single beep when
the signal is first detected. City X Beep Off mode prevents all X band audio
alerts until the signal strength reaches Level 3. City X+K mode combines the
City X mode with prevention of K band audio alerts until the signal strength
reads Level 2. This will 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.
To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode
Press and release the
Set/City button.
.............@ Set/City Button
Press and release
City Mode
<D NOTE
When you change to City mode, the unit will enter
whichever city default mode is set at the time.
To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode
Press and release the
Set/City button again.
Highway Mode
(§] English

a .
•
Your Detector ,.
Cycles - see chart above One beep each time the
display cycles
To Set the City Mode Default Directly Using the Set/City Button
Press and hold the
Set/City button.
Setting City Default
You can set the default level for City mode (City X, City X Beep Off and
City X+K) either in Program mode or directly using the Set/City button.
@ set/City Button .... City X~
i Press and hold' .
J..' Press and .... \
C.hold the :
Ity set/City J
X+~ button CitYX
··· ~Beep Off
Release the SetlCity
button to select the
current display as
default.
None
City X Beep Off,
City X+K or City X
Tone Visual Display
City X Beep Off
One beep
To Set the City Mode Default Using Program Mode
(See Page 7 For Instructions on Using Program Mode)
In Program mode,
go to City.
One beep City X+K
Two beeps
City X
City XBeep Off City X+K City X
City X
Beep Off
City X+K
City X
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- ~

-.
•
Your Detector ".
Muting an Alert
Your detector allows you to quickly turn Off an Audio Alert by momentarily
pressing the Program/Mute button. If you press the Program/Mute button
a second time during the Alert, the Audio Alert will be turned back On.
Program/Mute Button (!} ....
Press and release
None None
Auto Mute Mode
Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after four (4)
seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting for Auto Mute is On.
Tone ' Visual Display
Auto Mute On
Two beeps
To Turn Auto Mute On or Off Using Program Mode
(See Page 7 For Instructions on Using Program Mode)
In Program mode,
go to Auto Mute.
One beep
Auto Mute on
Auto Mute On Auto Mute Off
Auxiliary Audio Jack
The Auxiliary Audio Jack can be
used to connect an external speaker
in environments with high ambient
noise levels. The internal speaker
will be disconnected.
~ English
Auxiliary
.......... @Audio Jack

a .
•
Your Detector ."
IntelliMute
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 audio alerts (except for strobe signals from emergency vehicles).
Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine's
revs (see page 14). 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. An i will appear in the display when
IntelliMute is On. The factory setting is IntelliMute Off.
<i NOTE
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.
Tone Visual Display
IntelliMute On,
then i appears in the display
Two beeps
To Turn IntelliMute On or Off Using Program Mode
(See Page 7 For Instructions on Using Program Mode)
In Program mode,
go to IntelliMute.
One beep IntelliMute on
IntelliMute On IntelliMute Off
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- ~

-.
•
Your Detector ,.,
What to Remember While Using IntelliMute
IntelliMute works with all City and Auto Mute modes.
Whenever engine revs are below the activation point, an arrow
pointing down will appear in the display. Above the activation point,
an arrow pointing up will appear.
Below Activation Point Above Activation Point
NW . .1.. ih NW ':1:' ih
If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine's revs,
IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn Off.
The rev point you set will be stored in the unit's memory when
power is turned Off and recalled each time the power is turned On.
G NOTE
The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.
G NOTE
When initially 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.
Setting the IntelliMute Activation Point
Your detector must be installed in your vehicle.
A CAUTION
00 Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving.
Your vehicle should be parked and idling.
IntelliMute must be turned On before setting the activation point.
~ English

-.
•
Your Detector "
Select/Dim Button @- ....•
Program/Mute Button @- .
.......(!) Set/City
Button
To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point Using Program Mode
(See Page 7For Instructions on Using Program Mode)
In Program mode, go to Set
It II'M t
Tone
Visual Display
ne Iu e.
None Set IntelliMute
Press and release the Set/City button
Two beeps Press SET at
to begin setting IntelliMute RPMs.
desired RPMs ...
Rev your engine to the level you wish to
None None
set. Rev the engine slightly above idle and
hold revs steady for two seconds.
At the desired rev level, press and Three beeps IntelliMute Set!
release the Set/City button.
Press and release either the
None
None
Select/Oim button to proceed to the
next user mode or the Program/Mute
button to exit the Program mode.
Setting IntelliMute RPMs
(0) NOTE
If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses
within three seconds or if you do not set a
rev point within 20 seconds of beginning
these steps, IntelliMute will indicate an
error and automatically turn Off.
Set Intel. ..
Press SET...
One beep
One beep
IntelliMute not set
Please try again
IntelliMute Off
IntelliMute
Not Set
IntelliMu .
Please tr .
IntelliMute Off
Intelli
Mute
all
Nothing Comes Close to aCobra- ~

IntelliMute Pro
IntelliMute Pro prevents detection by radar detector detectors (RODs) such
as VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+ when traveling at slower speeds. It is
intended for use by experienced users only.
When IntelliMute Pro is turned On, and engine RPMs are below the IntelliMute
activation point, your detector's radar detection circuits are turned Off to
prevent detection by RODs.
Before IntelliMute Pro can be turned On, you must have turned On and Set
the IntelliMute activation point. (See pages 13 through 15.)
A CAUTION
00 When IntelliMute Pro is On, NO radar signals will be detected and
NO alerts will be given at RPMs below the IntelliMute activation point.
Tone Visual Display
IntelliMute Pro On,
then i blinks in the display
Two beeps
To Turn IntelliMute Pro On or Off Using Program Mode
(See Page 7For Instructions on Using Program Mode)
In Program mode,
go to IntelliMute Pro.
One beep IntelliMute Pro Off,
then i is steady in the display
IntelliMute Pro On IntelliMute Pro Off
@English