Cobra XRS 9840 User manual

XRS9840
12 BAND
ULTRA PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH XTREME
RANGE SUPERHETERODYNE®
TECHNOLOGY
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English
Operating Instructions
Printed in China
Part No. 480-421-P
Version D
1212
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
The Cobra line of quality products includes:
Important Information and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®A1
Important 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 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 Cortlan Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
Customer Assistance
CB Rad os
m croTALK®Rad os
Radar/Laser Detectors
Safety Alert®Traff c Warn ng Systems
Mob le GPS Nav gat on Systems
H ghGear®Accessor es
CobraMar ne®VHF Rad os
Mar ne Chartplotters
Power Inverters
Accessor es

Introduction
A2 English
Controls, Indicators,
Connections and Display
Introduction
Controls, Indicators, Connections and Display •
12V DC
Power ack
On-Off/Volume Control
Allows user to adjust the volume
of the tone and voice alerts.
MuteButton
For manual mute of audio
alerts and to select/adjust
options while programming.
Menu/Save Button
Press once to enter
Program mode. Press
again to save settings.
LaserEye
For 360° detection of
laser and strobe signals.
Windshield Bracket
Release Button
Speaker
Auxiliary Audio
ack
DimButton
Adjusts the display brightness
and scrolls through option
settings while programming. CityButton
For changing between Highway and
City modes and to move forward
through options while programming.
Windshield Bracket
Mounting Slot
ExtremeBright DataGrafixTM Display
Blue sunlight-readable, extremely
bright display provides intuitive graphical
interaction and alert screens.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®37
Product Features
Introduction
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®A3
Introduction
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, V -2 signals, Spectre 1 signals
8-Point Compass
Displays direction of travel
LaserEye
For 360° 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 radar guns
of the instant-on or single-pulse type
Voice or Tone Alert
With adjustable volume
ExtremeBright DataGrafixT Display
With easy-to-read graphical user interface
IntelliShield Highway/City odes
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
anual ute or Auto ute
A mute function of audio alerts
Intelli ute
A mute function which automatically reduces
false alerts by sensing engine RPMs
SmartPower
A timed power saving function that
saves your car’s battery
EasySet Programming
User-friendly mode selection and
setting with visual guidance
Car Battery Voltage Display
Car battery voltage can be shown
continuously on the display
Car Battery Low Voltage Warning
Provides an alert when the car battery
voltage drops below 11.9 volts
Auxiliary Audio Jack
For external speaker connection
ounting
Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard
Product Features •
Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing an ultra high
performance digital radar/laser detector from Cobra. ust look at some of the
sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:
WARNING
Mo ifications or parts substitutions not approve by
Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules
an voi your authority to operate this equipment.
Accessories Order Info
Customer Assistance
Ordering From U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.
For Credit Card Orders
Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday.
ake Check or oney Order Payable To
Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
To Order Online
Please visit our website: www.cobra.com
Item # Description
420-030-N-001 Straight 12V P wer C rd
420-026-N-001 C iled 12V P wer C rd
545-159-N-001 Windshield M unting Bracket
CLP-2B Dual P rt P wer Adapter
13.2V

Contents
Introduction
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®1
Introduction
Important Information . . . . . . . . . . A1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . A1
Controls, Indicators,
Connections and Display . . . . . . A2
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Overview .....................2
Your Detector
Installation....................3
etting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PowerOn/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
PopAlert ................20
X Band Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
K Band Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ku Band Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
V -2Alert ...............20
V -2 Audio Mode . . . . . . . . . 20
Spectre 1 Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Spectre 1 Audio Mode . . . . . . 21
Safety Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Detection ....................21
Signals Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
AudioAlerts ................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

Overview
Introduction
2English
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 OLED (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.
Installation
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®3
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° detection.
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 M). Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Windshield ounting Dashboard ounting

Installation
Your Detector
4English
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 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.
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 depressing the bracket release button and sliding
it off the bracket.
Windshield Mounting
Installation
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®5
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.
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-loop 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.
Dashboard Mounting

Getting Started
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®7
Standby Screen Icons •
13.2
V
City Mode Highway Mode Compass
IntelliMute Above
Activation Point
IntelliMute Below
Activation Point User and Alert Settings
Battery Voltage
Your detector uses the following icons to indicate modes and functions when set:
Sample Screen
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 13.2 volts.
Display Bri htness Control •
Your detector has a Bright display mode (for daytime driving)
and three levels of the Dim display mode:
■Dim for dusk driving.
■Dimmer for night driving.
■Dark to prevent all visual alerts from displaying.
The factory setting is Dim. This level can be changed
in programming mode (see page 10.)
You can toggle between Bright and Dim modes
by pressing the Dimbutton.
NOTE
When you change to Dim mode, the unit will enter
whichever dim default mode is set at the time.
DimButton
Press an release
NOTE
At the dark setting the
display will show a small dot
moving back and forth
toward the bottom of the
screen to indicate the unit
is turned on.
13.2V
To Turn on the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume
Rotate the On-Off/Volume
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).
Display changes to Display
Timeout after 30 seconds
(factory default).
Tone Visual Display Voice
Testing, then
three beeps
Testing, then
three beeps
System Ready
None
13.2V
Voice Alert
None None
Getting Started
Your Detector
6English
Power On/Off •
On-Off/Volume Control
Rotate clockwise (away from you)
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.
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.

Mutin an Alert •
Your detector allows you to quickly turn off an Audio Alert by momentarily
pressing the Mutebutton. If you press the ute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.
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.)
Getting Started
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®9
MuteButton
Press an release
Auxiliary
Audio ack
Getting Started
Your Detector
8English
IntelliShield Hi hway/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.
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 10).
You can toggle between Highway and City modes by pressing the Citybutton.
NOTE
When you change to City mode, the unit will enter
whichever city default mode is set at the time.
CityButton
Press an release
Display 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.

EasySet Programming
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®11
To use EasySet program mode:
1. Press the enu/Save 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.
NOTE
Press and release the button to move one option.
4. Press the ute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 enu/Save button when finished to save the settings
and exit EasySet program mode. Or, simply wait 15 seconds without
pressing any buttons.
NOTE
If power is turned off while in Program mode, option settings are saved to those
in effect before Program mode was entered.
EasySet Programming
Your Detector
10 English
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 uide (see pages 34 and 35).
■Alert Settings (see page 20)
Alert Programming Menu uide (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.
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:
EasySet Pro rammin •
MuteButton
Press to choose an
option within the setting.
DimButton
Press to move to
esire setting.
CityButton
Press to move to
esire setting.
Menu/Save Button
Press to reach the
opening program screen.

Program Flow Diagrams
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®13
Alert Settin s Pro rammin •
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 uide 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 utebutton to choose an option within the setting.
NOTE
When you choose Alert Settings (page 11, Step 2b), the system displays whichever
setting was last changed.
Not shown
setting if VG 2
is OFF.
Not shown
if Spectre 1
is OFF.
Pop Detection
X Band
Detection Ku Band
Detection
VG-2
Detection
Spectre 1
Detection
Safety Alert
Spectre 1
Audio
VG-2
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.
K Band
Detection
Program Flow Diagrams
Your Detector
12 English
User Settin s Pro rammin •
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 uide 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 ute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.
Car Voltage
Display
(Brightness)
SmartPower Show
Compass
Set
Compass
Set
IntelliMute
Auto Mute
Alert Type
(Voice/Tone)
Not shown
if Intellimute
is OFF.
Not shown if
Show Compass
is OFF.
Setting Selection Buttons:
MuteButton
Press to choose an
option within the setting.
DimButton
Press to move to
esire setting.
CityButton
Press to move to
esire setting.
Restore Factory
Settings
City Mode
(Default) IntelliMute
Display
Timeout
Warn Low
Car Voltage

Settings
Your Detector
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®15
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.
NOTE
The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.
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.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving. Your vehicle should be parked
and idling to avoid a collision during the process.
Set Intelli ute
After the detector is installed in your vehicle and the unit is turned on,
advance through the User Settings Programming to the Set Intelli ute
setup screen where the activation point can be set.
Setting the activation point progresses from the setup screen shown
on the User Programming Menu uide (see page 34). From that screen:
1. Press the utebutton to begin the setting process.
2. Press and hold the vehicle accelerator at the desired engine RPMs.
3. Press the ute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.
Settings
Your Detector
14 English
User Settin s •
IntelliShield City Mode Default
City ode 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
Intelli ute 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.
If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine’s revs, IntelliMute will
indicate an error and automatically turn off.
Above
Activation Point
Below
Activation Point