PNI RX5000 User manual

DIGITALCompass &Radar/LaserDetector
Operation Manual
RX5000

IDENTIFYING THE PARTS OF THE RX5000...................1
INSTALLING THE RX5000 ............................................2-3
Mounting Guidelines.....................................................2
Windshield Mounting ....................................................2
Dashboard Mounting ....................................................3
OPERATING THE RX5000 ...............................................4
Power On......................................................................4
Modes and Operation ...................................................4
Mode Selection.............................................................4
COMPASS OPERATION................................................5-6
When to Calibrate..........................................................5
Calibrating the RX5000 .................................................5
Compass Display...........................................................6
RADAR OPERATION...................................................7-11
Functions and Modes ................................................7-8
Tutorial Mode................................................................9
Detection Alerts .....................................................10-11
CARE AND MAINTENANCE...........................................12
Fuse Replacement .....................................................12
Hard-Wire Kit ..............................................................12
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................13-14
FACTS ABOUT RADAR AND LASER.............................15
DRIVING TIPS.................................................................16
SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................17
SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT ....................................18
WARRANTY INFORMATION..........................................19
TABLE OF CONTENTS

You have acquired the RX5000 from PNI Corporation, the rst
radar/laser detector with a built-in digital compass. The RX5000
incorporates the same compass technology used in built-in com-
passes for GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles, to provide highly
accurate and reliable compass readings in a radar/laser detector.
FEATURES
• Patented digital compass -- displays direction information with
numeric digits (345°, 350°, etc.) and eight cardinal points (N,
NE, E, etc.).
• Protection against all radar bands: X, K and Superwide Ka.
• 360° laser coverage -- protects you against laser guns in all
directions.
• VG-2 -- protects you by detecting the presence of radar detector
detectors.
• Safety Warning System  -- alerts you to hazard and safety infor-
mation including road construction, emergency vehicles, and
travel information.
• City modes -- 3 separate city modes in addition to highway mode
virtually eliminate false radar alerts.
• User selectable -- brightness, mute and volume control.
• Text display -- 8-digit text display shows safety warnings, radar
alerts, VG-2 alerts, laser alerts and compass heading.
• Easy mounting -- mounts easily to any windshield or dash.
• Power connection-- plugs into your 12-volt lighter socket, power
cord included.
CONGRATULATIONS!

Your RX5000 package includes the following components:
• The RX5000 -- digital compass and radar/laser detector.
• Mounting Bracket with Suction Cups -- for windshield
installation.
• Hook and Loop Fastener Strips-- for dashboard installa-
tion.
• Coiled 12V DC Power Cord.
• Operation Manual.
Some packages may also include the following components:
• 2-Amp Fuse Replacement -- ts inside the lighter socket
adapter of the coiled 12V DC power cord.
• Carrying Pouch -- for protection of your RX5000 during
storage or travel.
• Hard-Wire Kit -- for a more permanent installation of
your RX5000 to your vehicle’s fuse panel (please seek
professional assistance for hard-wire installation).
• Retainer Clips -- with adhesive backing, used to secure
hard-wire cord to dashboard or windshield if “hard-
wiring” the RX5000. Retainer clips are not necessary
for dashboard or windshield installation using the coiled
power cord.
PACKAGE CONTENTS

Radar detectors are considered “radio receivers”, as dened by the
Federal Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Radar detectors
are legal in every state when used in automobiles or light trucks
under 10,000 lbs. - with the exception of Virginia, Washington D.C.,
and U.S. military bases. The use of any radar detection device is
prohibited in commercial vehicles in all states by federal directive
of February 1995. Outside of the United States, please check with
local authorities regarding the use of the RX5000 before operating it.
IDENTIFYING THE PARTS OF THE RX5000
ADVISORY
1
Power
Cord
Input
Jack
On/Off
Volume
Control
Thumb
Wheel
Dim Button
LED Display MUTE Button
CITY Button
Speaker
Top Laser
Receiver
Front Laser ReceiverRadar Receiver

The RX5000 can be mounted on your windshield using the
bracket provided, or on the dashboard using the hook and
loop fastener strips.
Mounting guidelines
• Mount on the windshield or dashboard in a centered loca-
tion that will not obstruct the view of the driver and is
within reach so the buttons can be easily accessed.
• Do not mount behind windshield wipers, metal surfaces,
ornaments, or mirrored sunscreen glass, as these affect
radar/laser signals. Tinted glass does not affect radar/laser
signal reception.
• Do not mount close to strong stereo speakers, as this
affects compass accuracy.
Note: Heated windshields (such as Electriclear™ by Ford,
or Instaclear™ by GM) will act as a barrier to radar and
laser signals. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see
if your vehicle is equipped with a heated windshield.
Tip: Conceal the RX5000 when you leave your vehicle
to prevent theft and to minimize the unit’s exposure to
extreme temperatures, which can temporarily impair per-
formance.
Windshield mounting
1. Install the suction cups onto the windshield mounting
bracket by sliding them into their holes (if not pre-
installed).
2. Press the bracket base rmly against the windshield, until
the suction cups securely take hold.
2
INSTALLING THE RX5000

3. Slide the detector into its slot, located on the top back of
the detector.
4. Bend the angle of
the windshield mount-
ing bracket, if neces-
sary, to adjust for best
viewing and detection
angle.
5. Plug the small con-
nector of the power cord into the DC12V power input jack,
located on the side of the detector.
6. Plug the lighter adapter into the lighter socket.
Dashboard mounting
1. Clean the area on the dashboard you have selected. If
necessary, use isopropyl alcohol to remove waxes, such as
ArmorAll®.
2. Peel off the adhesive strip coverings from each side of the
hook and loop fastener strips.
3. Attach one hook and loop fastener strip to the bottom of
the detector, the other strip to the dashboard. Do not cover
the serial number of detector.
4. Plug the small connector of the power cord into the DC12V
power input jack, located on the side of the detector.
5. Plug the lighter adapter into the lighter socket.
DC12V
INSTALLING THE RX5000
3

Power On the RX5000
Turn the VOLUME/OFF thumb wheel control on. The
RX5000 goes through a self-test pattern sequence and dis-
plays the last mode previously set in memory.
Modes and Operation
The RX5000 has 3 operational modes:
1. Compass Mode - the unit works as a compass only.
2. Radar Mode - the unit works as a radar detector only.
3. Dual Mode - the unit works as a compass, when a
signal does not exist, and as a radar/laser detector, when
a signal is engaged. The unit is preset in this mode
(default mode).
Mode Selection
The RX5000 automatically remembers its last mode setting.
To select a mode...
1. Press and hold the DIM button for 3 seconds, then
release. The display reads the previously set mode.
2. Press the DIM button repeatedly to scroll through the
various modes (i.e. DUAL MODE, RADAR,
COMPASS).
3. Press and hold the DIM button for 3 seconds then release
to select the desired mode.
4
OPERATING THE RX5000

The RX5000 must be calibrated for accurate heading infor-
mation. Calibration allows the unit to separate the earth’s
eld from the magnetic elds generated by your vehicle.
Before beginning calibration, the RX5000 must be installed
in your vehicle in the location you wish to use it.
When to Calibrate
• When the unit is used for the rst time in a vehicle.
• When the unit is mounted in a different location than
where previously calibrated.
• When the magnetic D I S TO RT . message (Distor-
tion) is continuously displayed.
Calibrating the RX5000
1. Press the CITY button for approximately 3 seconds, then
release immediately when you hear the unit beep. The
display will read CAL for 1 second than will ash
TURN TWICE consecutively.
2. Turn your vehicle in two circles (see Note page 6).
3. Press and release the CITY button. The display will read
COMPLETE for 1 second before returning to its
previous mode setting.
Calibration is now complete!
Note: In step 1, above, holding the CITY button for
longer than 3 seconds will display COMPLETE
instead of TURN TWICE. If so, repeat from
step 1, making sure you release the button when you hear
the unit beep (approximately 3 seconds later).
5
COMPASS OPERATION

Note: Calibration should be performed on a level sur-
face. The size of the circles or the direction your vehicle
is pointing when beginning or ending the circles does not
matter. The circles do not need to be perfect circles,
but must be completed in the same direction. It is also
important that each circle takes a minimum of 20 seconds
but less than 1 minute to complete.
Compass Display
The compass displays eight cardinal points (N, NE,
E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) and the corre-
sponding numeric heading in 5-degree increments (340°,
345°, etc.).
The RX5000 also detects when outside magnetic interfer-
ence is compromising compass accuracy by ashing the
D I S TO RT . message. This may occur when driving
over a bridge, under an overpass, over railroad tracks or
within close proximity to something with strong magnetic
eld. Once the vehicle has moved away from the source of
interference, the RX5000 will be accurate again.
However, if the D I S TO RT . message is continuously
displayed, it is usually a sign that there has been a signicant
change in magnetic elds and recalibration is necessary.
6
COMPASS OPERATION

Functions and Modes
VOLUME/OFF
Use the VOLUME/OFF thumb wheel located on the side
of the RX5000 to turn the unit on or off, or to adjust
volume level.
DIM Mode
Press the DIM button repeatedly less than 2 seconds each
time to toggle between the four levels of brightness
modes.
Note: DIM mode reduces the brightness of the display.
When a signal is detected, alerts are displayed with
full brightness regardless of DIM mode, then the display
returns to the previously selected dimmer setting.
MUTE Mode
Press the MUTE button repeatedly less that 2 seconds
each time to toggle between MUTE ON and
MUTE OFF.
You may also adjust the audio level by using the
VOLUME/OFF thumb wheel.
MUTE ON will silence the audio alarm for the
duration of the existing signal and any new alert received
within 30 seconds of the last signal. Then, the unit
automatically resets itself to MUTE OFF so the
next signal threat can be received. MUTE OFF
will manually restore the audio alert of radar signals.
RADAR OPERATION
7

VG-2 Mode
Press the MUTE button longer than 2 seconds to toggle
between VG2 ON and VG2 OFF.
VG-2, also called the radar detector detector, is an inter-
ceptor used by ofcers to identify vehicles equipped with
radar detectors in instances and locations where they are
not legal (such as in vehicles over 10,000 lbs. or in Vir-
ginia and Washington D.C.).
The VG-2 interceptor works by detecting emissions gener-
ated by a radar detector. When the RX5000 detects a
VG-2 signal, it temporarily hides its own emissions and
becomes invisible to the VG-2 interceptor.
CITY Mode
Press the CITY button repeatedly less than 2 seconds each
time to toggle through signal sensitivity modes HIGH-
WAY, CITY1, CITY2, and CITY3.
The bands occupied by police radar (X, K, Ka) are also
shared for other uses, such as automatic door openers (ex.
automatic doors used at supermarkets), burglar alarms,
terrestrial microwave emission, RF braking systems, and
other devices. In addition, other radar detectors in close
proximity may falsely alert your detector. To reduce
false alerts, the RX5000 has three city ltering settings.
CITY3 will give you the highest rejection of false
alarms but will also reduce police radar reception by
approximately 50%. For best protection, always drive in
H I G H WAY mode.
RADAR OPERATION
8

RADAR OPERATION
Tutorial Mode
The RX5000 has a Tutorial Mode intended to familiarize
you with the various visual displays and distinct audible
alerts the unit performs.
To Begin the Tutorial Mode...
1. Turn the unit off with the VOLUME/OFF thumb wheel.
2. Press and hold both the DIM and CITY buttons while
simultaneously turning the unit on with the VOLUME/OFF
thumb wheel.
The RX5000 enters the Tutorial Mode after four beeps
and displays TUTORIAL and MODE.
3. Press the DIM button repeatedly and the unit will briey
demonstrate the various audio and visual detecting oper-
ations listed below:
X Band Detected Operation: X >>>>9
K Band Detected Operation: K >>>>9
Ka Band Detected Operation: KA>>>>9
Laser Detected Operation: LASER
VG-2 Detected Operation: VG-2
SWS Detected Operation: ROADWORK
(5 Messages) ZONEADVISORY
WEATHERHAZARD
TRAVEL INFO
VEHICLEWARNING
4. Press the CITY button to exit the Tutorial Mode.
9

RADAR OPERATION
Detection Alerts
The RX5000 noties you of the type of signal it receives (X,
K, Ka, LASER, etc.) by using different audio and visual alerts
for each signal.
X, K, or Ka band Alerts
When an X, K, or Ka band radar signal is detected, the
radar band type is displayed, the signal strength is dis-
played, and the radar type audio alert is activated continu-
ously for the duration of the signal. Four indicators illumi-
nate sequentially on the display to indicate signal strength.
Numeric digits, ranging from 1 to 9, also indicate signal
strength (1 is weakest, 9 is strongest). Example:
KA>>>>9
Laser Alert
When a laser signal is detected, the laser audio alert is
activated for about three seconds and the display shows:
LASER
VG-2 Alert
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 audio alert is
activated for about three seconds and the display shows:
VG-2
Although the RX5000 warns you of a VG-2 signal, the
detector is totally undetectable by VG-2. The VG-2 inter-
ceptor works by detecting emissions generated by radar
detectors within a certain frequency range. The RX5000
operates on a frequency outside of this range.
10

Instant-On Alert
When an Instant-On monitoring signal is detected the
Instant-On audio alert is activated for about three seconds
and the display shows:
I N S T- O N
Note: An “Instant-On” alert signal is not another radar
band, but is a means by which an ofcer triggers the radar
gun on and off in usually less than 2 seconds. Instant-On
radar signals are often used by ofcers in combination
with VG-2 signals.
Safety Warning Systems (SWS™)
When a safety radar signal is detected the safety audio
alert is activated for about three seconds and the display
shows any of the following ve different safety warnings:
ROADWORK
ZONE ADVISORY
WEATHE R HAZARD
TRAVEL INFO
VEHICLE WARNING
Safety Warning Systems are transmitters used by emer-
gency services and work crews to alert drivers to many
different emergency or hazardous conditions in the area.
Presently, there are a few safety radar transmitters in use,
and these alerts should be infrequent. As SWS™ trans-
mitters increase by governmental agencies, expect more
frequent safety alerts from your RX5000.
RADAR OPERATION
11

Tips to help you care for your RX5000
• To deter theft, remove your RX5000 from your wind-
shield or dashboard when you leave your vehicle.
• Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight. Remove
your RX5000 from your windshield or dashboard when
your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time.
On hot days, the temperature inside your vehicle can
reach levels that could damage your RX5000.
• Do not expose the RX5000 to rain, moisture, spray clean-
ers, or liquids that could damage the internal circuitry of
the detector.
Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket adapter of the power cord has a
replaceable 2-amp SAG fuse located below the silver
tip. To check or replace the fuse, SLOWLY and CARE-
FULLY unscrew the tip of the plug, making sure the
spring and silver tip located inside the plug do not y
out when you remove the cap. Check fuse and replace
if necessary.
Hard-Wire Kit (not included in all packages)
Should you prefer a more permanent installation of the
RX5000, a “hard-wire kit” may be included in your
package. Please seek the assistance of a car accessory
installer for proper installation depending on your spe-
cic vehicle.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
12

Your RX5000 is designed for reliable service. However, if
you encounter a problem, refer to the section below before
making a service call.
The RX5000 will not power up...
• Make sure the VOLUME/OFF thumb wheel is turned on.
• Check all power cord connections.
• Check fuse in lighter socket adapter and replace if neces-
sary.
• Check lighter socket. Clean if dirty.
• Check your vehicle’s fuse panel (refer to your vehicle’s
manual).
When calibrating the compass, The RX5000 displays
COMPLETE instead of TURN TWICE ...
• You are holding the CITY button for longer than 3 sec-
onds in step 1 of calibration (see Calibrating the RX5000,
page 5). Make sure you release the CITY button immedi-
ately when you hear the unit beep.
The RX5000 shows DISTORT . (Distortion) on the
display...
• A magnetic interference is compromising compass accu-
racy. The RX5000 will be accurate once the vehicle
has moved away from the source of interference. If the
DISTORT . message is continuously displayed, it is
usually a sign that there has been a signicant change in
magnetic elds, and recalibration is necessary.
TROUBLESHOOTING
13

The RX5000 did not alert when you passed an ofcer...
• Not all police cars have radar/laser or it may not be in
use at that time.
• Make sure that you are in Dual Mode or Radar Mode
(see page 4).
The RX5000 signal is weak...
• Set the unit to HIGHWAY mode.
• Make sure the unit is level to the road.
• Make sure the radar window or Top Laser Receiver is not
obstructed. Move the RX5000 if necessary.
The RX5000 beeps over bumps or when using vehicle’s
equipment or electrical accessories, such as brakes, wind-
shield wipers, power windows, etc...
• Check power cord for loose connections.
• Vehicle has electrical noise. Install a lter capacitor (470
mfd.; 35 volts, or larger capacitance value) on the back of
the lighter socket, across the power connection.
TROUBLESHOOTING
14

Radar guns for speed enforcement have been used since the
1950’s when X band was introduced. Radar was developed in
World War II and the word “RADAR” stands for RA dio D etec-
tion A nd R anging. K band followed and Ka band was developed
in the 1980’s. There are more than 220,000 radar guns in use
in North America.
Radar guns transmit radio waves at certain frequencies. The
signal reects from the target vehicle and returns to the radar.
The radar converts the change in the return frequency and com-
putes a speed-reading, in miles per hour. Two types of radar can
be found -- stationary and moving.
Radar guns have a very wide beam spread, up to 157 feet for X
band at 500 feet. Laser emissions do not “scatter” like radar and,
therefore, are more difcult to detect.
Laser is a development of the 1990’s. The word “LASER”
stands for L ight A mplication S timulated by E missions of R adi-
ation. Laser speed guns transmit short bursts of invisible light,
which bounce off a target vehicle and return to the laser gun.
By timing the outgoing and return trips of the light bursts, it can
compute the target’s speed. There are more than 15,000 laser
guns in use in North America.
Unlike radar, laser guns have a very narrow beam, of only 18
inches at 500 feet. Thus, Laser can pinpoint one vehicle in a
group, while Radar cannot. Unlike some radar guns, laser guns
must be used from a stationary position and are most effective at
short range, usually targeting trafc at 1000 feet or less. Laser
beams are typically aimed at front license plates.
Both Radar and Laser work at the speed of light - or 186,000
miles per second.
FACTS ABOUT RADAR AND LASER
15

Radar and laser guns make mistakes!
Approximately 20% of all Radar and Laser nes are issued
in error, as radar and laser guns have limitations.
For example, Radar looks for the most reective target. You
are obeying the speed limit but a larger vehicle close to you
is speeding. The radar gun might report the speed of the
larger vehicle, not yours.
Similarly, laser guns are susceptible to slight movements of
the hand. For example, an ofcer could inaccurately aim the
laser gun at another car, instead of yours.
Safe driving tips to help you avoid the errors made by
radar and laser guns.
• Always observe the speed limit.
• Never drive in the outside lane (hammer lane) for a long
period of time.
• Always have a car in front of you (a “bird dog”) approxi-
mately one quarter of a mile away. On the other hand,
do not follow closely behind a vehicle. If you cannot
see beyond the vehicle in front of you, chances are your
detector will not either. Watch for grouping of vehicles
while driving on the road, as the grouping may contain
an ofcer.
• When outside the city, use the HIGHWAY setting.
DRIVING TIPS
16