Uniden DFR8 Operating and maintenance manual

LONG RANGE Radar/Laser Detector
Detailed User’s Manual
DFR8
Issue 1, July 2018
Printed in Korea
© 2018 Uniden America Corporation
Irving, Texas

CUSTOMER CARE
At Uniden®, we care about you!
If you need assistance, please do NOT return this product to your place of purchase.
Save your receipt/proof of purchase for warranty.
Quickly find answers to your questions by:
1. Reading your owner’s manual.
2. Visiting our customer support website at www.uniden.com.
Images in this manual may differ slightly from your actual product.
DISCLAIMER: Radar detectors are illegal in some states. Some states prohibit mounting any object on your
windshield. Check applicable law in your state and any state in which you use the product to verify that using
and mounting a radar detector is legal. Uniden radar detectors are not manufactured and/or sold with the
intent to be used for illegal purposes. Drive safely and exercise caution while using this product. Do not change
settings of the product while driving. Uniden expects consumer’s use of these products to be in compliance with
all local, state, and federal law. Uniden expressly disclaims any liability arising out of or related to your use of this
product.

CONTENTS
CUSTOMER CARE.......................................................................................................................................2
FEATURES ......................................................................................................5
INSTALL AND TURN ON DFR8......................................................................5
INSTALL..........................................................................................................................................................5
Windshield ...............................................................................................................................................5
Dashboard................................................................................................................................................5
TURN ON .......................................................................................................................................................5
WHAT’S IN THE BOX ......................................................................................5
PARTS OF THE DFR8......................................................................................6
NON-KEY ELEMENTS................................................................................................................................ 6
POWER CONNECTOR ...............................................................................................................................7
MENU SYSTEM...............................................................................................7
BASIC OPERATIONS ....................................................................................10
FEATURE DETAILS .......................................................................................10
HIGHWAY VS CITY VS ADVANCED MODE ......................................................................................10
POP MODE..................................................................................................................................................11
SCAN/MODE DISPLAY............................................................................................................................11
Mode Display .......................................................................................................................................11
Scan Display .........................................................................................................................................11
THREAT.........................................................................................................................................................11
ALARMS.......................................................................................................................................................11
Auto Mute ..............................................................................................................................................12
Adjust OLED Alarm Display Brightness .......................................................................................12
AUTOMATIC OLED BRIGHTNESS .......................................................................................................12
MAINTENANCE............................................................................................12
MAINTAINING THE EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................12
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE..................................................................................................................12
TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................................................13
SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................13
FCC INFORMATION .....................................................................................13
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ...............................................................14

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UNIDEN
LONG RANGE RADAR/LASER DETECTOR
DETAILED USER’S MANUAL
DFR8
FEATURES
• Super Long Range Laser Radar Detection
• Voice Notifications
• Radar band frequency displays
• Easy to read OLED display
• Advanced K and Ka band filters
• Displays Signal Strength and Vehicle Battery Voltage
INSTALL AND TURN ON DFR8
You can mount the DFR8 on the windshield (bracket included) or on the dashboard (hook and loop tape
included).
INSTALL
Windshield
When you mount the DFR8 on the windshield, mount it in the middle of the windshield between the driver and
passenger. Be sure there are no obstructions and that there is a clear view through the back window.
1. Attach the rubber suction cups to the bracket and push the cups firmly onto the windshield.
2. Slide the unit onto the bracket until it clicks into place.
Release the DFR8from the bracket by pressing the Eject key on top of the detector.
Dashboard
The same types of mounting requirements for the windshield apply for mounting the unit on the dashboard.
Attach the unit to the dashboard using the hook and loop fastener tape.
Pull the DFR8 from the dashboard, separating the hook and loop tape.
TURN ON
1. Inert the power cord’s RJ45 connector into the DFR8s power jack.
2. Insert the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter port.
3. Turn on the vehicle. The DFR8 automatically turns on and runs through a systems check.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
DFR8 Radar Detector 12V DC Power Cord with RJ11 Connection

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Not Shown:
Hook and Loop Fastener Tape
Windshield Mounting Bracket
PARTS OF THE DFR8
Audio
Jack
Power
Jack
POWER
VOL +
MENU
VOL −USB Eject
Eagle
Eye
Latch
Slot
MUTE/DIM
CITY
KEY PRESS TO... PRESS AND HOLD TO...
POWER Turn DFR8 on and off. NA
VOL + • Turn volume up (7 levels: 0 - 6).
• In Menus, go to next item.
NA
VOL – • Turn volume down (7 levels: 0 - 6).
• In Menus, go to previous item.
MENU • Access the Menu system.
• In the Menu system, press to cycle through
options for the current menu item.
Exit the Menu system.
MUTE/DIM MUTE
• MUTE on - Press MUTE/DIM to mute an alarm.
Returns to normal operation 10 seconds after the
alert ends or if a different band is detected during
Mute mode. Mute On displays for a few seconds.
• MUTE off - Press MUTE/DIM to restore audible
alarms before the 10 second automatic mute
time-out.
DIM - Changes the OLED and Key Backlight:
• Auto
• Bright
• Dim
• Dimmer
• Dark
• Off
CITY Press to change modes between Highway, City, and
Advanced
NA
NON-KEY ELEMENTS
ELEMENT WHAT IT DOES
Eagle Eye Provides a 360° monitoring radius.
Latch Slot Insert the bracket latch into this slot.
Micro USB Provides PC connection for data updates.

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ELEMENT WHAT IT DOES
Audio Jack Plug in headset.
Eject Press to release the bracket latch.
Power Jack Plug the 12V Power Cord here.
Signal Strength Displays how strong the signal received is (5 levels).
POWER CONNECTOR
USB port
MUTE
button
LED
ELEMENT WHAT IT DOES
MUTE key The power cord’s MUTE key operates the same as the MUTE/DIM key on the
DFR8 unit itself.
Press the MUTE key to mute an alarm. It returns to normal operation 10
seconds after the alert ends or if a different band is detected during Mute mode.
Mute On displays on the DFR8 for a few seconds.
Press and hold the MUTE key to adjust the OLED brightness during alarms.
• Auto [Allows OLED alarm automatic bright and dim levels when an alarm
displays to be set in the Auto Dim Setting menu (see page 9).]
• Bright (Default)
• Dim
• Dimmer
• Dark (Dark is off unless there is an alert.)
• Off (Off regardless of whether or not there is an alert.)
LED (Red) Off: Power is off.
Steady on: Power is on.
Flashing: Receiving an alert. The faster it flashes, the stronger the signal.
USB Port Use this USB port to charge mobile devices.
MENU SYSTEM
Menus let you set up the system to your own requirements. You can turn different bands on and off and set
specific items such as auto mute.
Press MENU to access the Menu system. The screen displays the selection’s current status. For example, if you
press MENU and the screen displays Voice: ON, you have the option of turning Voice to OFF.
Use the following keys to navigate the menus:
x MENU : Change a menu item setting (press and hold to exit the Menu system).
x VOL + : Go to the next Menu item.
x VOL – :Go to the previous Menu item.

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MENU ITEM WHAT IT DOES SETTINGS
Mode Change mode between Highway, City, and Advanced.
If MODE = Advanced, then X, K, and Ka Band Attenuation menu items
display next. If not, then Voice menu item displays.
Highway (Default)
City
Advanced
X Band
Attenuation
(Advanced
Mode only)
Set the X Band attenuation (detection sensitivity) level that the DFR8
will recognize in 20% decrements from 100% to 40%. (See page 10 for
details).
100% (Default)
80%
60%
40%
K Band
Attenuation
(Advanced
Mode only)
Set the K Band attenuation (detection sensitivity) level that the DFR8
will recognize in 20% decrements from 100% to 40%. (See page 10 for
details).
100% (Default)
80%
60%
40%
Ka Band
Attenuation
(Advanced
Mode only)
Set the Ka Band attenuation (detection sensitivity) level that the DFR8
will recognize in 20% decrements from 100% to 40%. (See page 10 for
details).
100% (Default)
80%
60%
40%
Voice Turns voice alert on or off under the following conditions:
• Type of radar/laser
• Band alarms
On (Default)
Off
Ka Freq Voice Turn Voice on or off for Ka Frequencies. On
Off (Default)
X Band Turn X band on or off. On
Off (Default)
K Band Turn K band on or off. On (Default)
Off
Ka Band Turn Ka band on or off. On (Default)
Off
Laser Turn off to have the detector ignore lasers. On (Default)
Off
Ka POP Mode Detects Ka POP transmissions (very brief transmissions, too fast for
some detectors to hear).
On
Off (Default)
K Band Filter Filters noise from the K band to prevent false detections. On (Default)
Off
Ka Band Filter Filters noise from the Ka band to prevent false positive readings. On
Off (Default)
TSF Traffic Sensor Filter. Prevents false alarms caused by traffic monitoring
radar systems.
On
Off (Default)
K Narrow/
Wide
K Narrow scans for K radar guns used in the US only and reduces false
alarms.
K Narrow
K Wide (Default)
Ka Narrow/
Wide
Ka Narrow scans for Ka radar guns used in the US only and reduces false
alarms. Ka Wide scans Super Wide Ka band.
Ka Narrow (Default)
Ka Wide
Signal Priority/
KA Priority
Select a priority to be active (see page 11). Signal Priority
Ka Priority (Default)
All Threats
Display
Up to 4 threats can display on the OLED. Select whether or not all
threats will display (see page 11).
All Threat On
All Threat Off
(Default)

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MENU ITEM WHAT IT DOES SETTINGS
Color Select a background color. Amber (Default)
Green
Pink
Gray
Red
White
Purple
Blue
Display Select either Scan or Mode display to view on OLED. Scan
Mode (Default)
X Band Tone Select a tone to indicate X band (1 - 12). 1 - 12 (Default = 1)
K Band Tone Select a tone to indicate K band (1 - 12). 1 - 12 (Default = 2)
Ka Band Tone Select a tone to indicate Ka band (1 - 12). 1 - 12 (Default = 3)
Laser Tone Select a tone to indicate Laser (1 - 12). 1 - 12 (Default = 4)
Auto Mute Turning on Auto Mute changes the alarm level to the level set in Auto
Mute Volume menu (0 - 5) If the same alarm sounds within the 10
second period, Auto Mute remains at the level set in Auto Mute Volume
menu (0 - 5). The unit returns to normal operation (Auto Mute = OFF) if
a different band is detected during Auto Mute = ON mode.
On (Default)
Off
Auto Mute
Volume
Set Auto Mute’s volume level when Auto Mute is on. 0 - 5 (Default = 2)
Dark Mode Press MENU to set the screen’s alert brightness levels through the Dark
Level Set submenu.
Dimmer (Default)
Bright
Dim
Auto Dim
Setting
This menu item sets the OLED brightness level. This menu item only
displays if DIM mode = Auto (set by pressing and holding the MUTE/
DIM key on the detector or the MUTE key on the power adapter). See
page 12.
Two submenus display:
• Bright Level Set
• Dim Level Set
Bright (Default)
Dim
Dimmer
Dim (Default)
Dimmer
Dark (off until alert)
Off (off all the time)
Backlight Turns the front key backlight on and off. On (Default)
Off
BAT Warning Issues a warning if the vehicle battery power drops below 11V. On
Off (Default)
Self Test Runs a self diagnostic test on the unit to check for faults. On (Default)
Off
Factory Reset Resets all settings to the factory defaults.
There is no confirmation request for reset.
NA
Firmware
Version
Displays the latest firmware version. NA
EXIT Closes the Menu system. NA

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BASIC OPERATIONS
HOW DO I ...? TRY THIS...
Turn on the DFR8 Press POWER . The unit turns on and runs through an initial self-check. It
displays the different bands and their settings.
The DFR8 turns on automatically when you start the vehicle.
Adjust the volume • Press VOL + to increase volume. The unit beeps and displays a number
increase.
• Press VOL – to decrease volume. The unit beeps and displays a number
decrease.
Mute alarm volume during the
alert
Press MUTE/DIM on the detector or MUTE on the power connector during
an audio alarm to mute it. (This is especially useful in situations where the
alert may be prolonged, such as at red lights.)
Change the screen’s brightness Press and hold MUTE/DIM on the detector or MUTE on the power
connector. The DFR8 announces the brightness level (Auto, Bright, Dim,
Dimmer, Dark, or Off) as it changes to that level. Press the key again to cycle
between the brightness levels.
Change the screen’s brightness
during alarms
The Dark Mode menu lets you adjust the OLED brightness when an alarm is
detected.
1. Press MENU , then press VOL+ until Dark Mode displays.
2. Press MENU to cycle through options for alarm display brightness.
3. Press VOL+ to return to the menus.
Turn bands on and off Press MENU and cycle through the menu options until the band you want to
turn off displays. Press MENU again to change that band’s status.
Change Highway to City or
Advanced and back
Press CITY for at least 1 second to change Highway to City setting. Press CITY
to change to Advanced. Press CITY again to change back to Highway.
Update the firmware Refer to http://unidensupport.com for details.
FEATURE DETAILS
HIGHWAY VS CITY VS ADVANCED MODE
Radar detectors operate with various sensitivity levels. These levels determine the types of signals and signal
ranges (bands) detected. Highway mode is the most sensitive level while City mode is the least sensitive. In
Advanced mode, you can set the detection sensitivity level in 20% decrements from 100% to 40%.)
Adjusting the sensitivity level does not shorten the range that the radar detector will detect signals. It limits
the bandwidth strength that the radar detector will recognize. In other words, weaker signals will not be
detected.
MODE SENSITIVITY LEVELS
Highway 100% (Full Sensitivity)
City Ka same as Highway
X and K: Reduced
Advanced User-defined sensitivity levels in
20% decrements.
• 100% = Full sensitivity
• 80% = 3.5db attenuation
• 60% = 7db attenuation
• 40% = 10.5db attenuation
If the X band is left on in City mode, a radar detector can pick up many X band signals (such as garage door
openers) that generate false alerts. The DFR8 reduces X band sensitivity in City mode. When you are on the

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highway, there is less chance of picking up X band false alerts, so the DFR8 keeps the X band sensitivity on in
Highway mode.
Press CITY to alternate between Highway, and City, and Advanced modes.
POP MODE
In POP mode, the DFR8 can detect short burst from radars that are too fast for many other detectors to catch.
You can turn POP mode on and off.
SCAN/MODE DISPLAY
You can select either Scan or Mode to display on the DFR8 OLED through the menus.
Mode Display
Select a specific mode to display through the Mode menu, and then select Mode in the Display Mode menu.
1. Press MENU , then press VOL+; the next setting displays.
2. Press MENU to cycle between Mode and Scan display. Select Mode.
Volt
12.8
Highway
Scan Display
In Scan mode, the OLED displays a curved line to indicate scanning is in progress. A heart icon indicates the end
of one scan cycle and the beginning of another. Select Scan display through the Display Mode menu.
1. Press MENU , then press VOL+ ; the current mode setting displays.
2. Press MENU to cycle between Mode and Scan. Select Scan.
Volt
12.3
Adv
Displays to indicate
end of a scan cycle.

THREAT
The DFR8 detects up to 4 radar band signals (threats) at a single time. The strongest rader signal is designated as
the Priority threat, and its frequency displays on the OLED. The other three threats (signals) are indicated in the
left side of the display. In the following example, 2 K band, 1 X band, and 1 Ka band threats are detected.
X K Ka
K 24.12 GHz
The Priority menu setting determines whether Ka band signals have priority over other signals. If Priority is set to
Signal priority, the strongest signal displays on the OLED. If Priority is set to Ka Priority, the Ka band radar signal
displays on the OLED.
ALARMS
When the DFR8 detects an X, K, Ka, or Laser signal, the DFR announces the alarm and the OLED displays it. You
can immediately adjust the alarm volume through the VOL+ and VOL- keys. Adjust the OLED’s brightness levels
through the menu.
Alarms display according to the following priorities:
1. Laser signal
2. X, K, Ka Band signal

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3. Vehicle Low Battery Voltage Warning
Auto Mute
When the DFR8 detects a signal, it sounds an alarm at the current volume level. To make the alarm quieter,
turn on Auto Mute. This will reduce the volume to the level set (0 - 5) in the Auto Mute Volume menu whenever
those signal types are detected.
If the current volume level is 0, the DFR8 will not change the volume to the Auto Mute Volume level; it will
keep the volume level at 0.
Auto Mute ends 10 seconds after the alarm ends unless:
xThe same signal is detected within that 10 second period; then, Auto Mute stays on.
xA different band signal is detected during that 10 second period; then, Auto Mute turns off and then back on
at the current volume level.
Adjust OLED Alarm Display Brightness
The Dark Mode menu lets you adjust the OLED brightness when an alarm is detected.
1. Press MENU , then press VOL+ until Dark Mode displays.
2. Press MENU to cycle through options for alarm display brightness.
3. Press VOL+ to return to the menus.
AUTOMATIC OLED BRIGHTNESS
The DFR8 has a light sensor to determine when the detector should use the Bright settings (daylight) and when
it should use the Dim settings (nighttime). The Auto Dim Setting menu lets you select an OLED intensity level for
both Bright and Dim settings.
The Dim setting must be set to Auto from either the detector or the power adapter to display the Auto Dim
Setting menu.
1. Press and hold MUTE/DIM key on detector or MUTE key on power connector. The next DIM setting
displays.
2. Press MUTE/DIM (or MUTE ) key to cycle through setting options until Auto displays. (This DIM setting must
to be set to Auto to display the Auto Dim Settingsmenu option.)
3. Press MENU , then press VOL+ until Auto Dim Setting displays.
4. Press MENU to display Bright settings. Press MENU to cycle through the Bright setting options. Select a
setting.
5. Press VOL+ to display Dim settings. Press MENU to cycle through the Dim setting options. Select a setting.
6. Press VOL+ again to return to the menu system and display Backlight menu item. Press and hold MENU to
exit the MENU system.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTAINING THE EQUIPMENT
The DFR8 requires very little physical maintenance. Wipe it with a soft cloth to keep dust from accumulating.
Check the power cord connections to keep them clean and free of corrosion.
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE
Uniden recommends that you update your DFR8’s firmware periodically. Go to www.uniden.com to check if
you have the latest firmware. If you need to update your firmware, refer to Firmware Update Guide on www.
uniden.com for details.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
IF... TRY THIS...
The unit won’t turn on Check the connections. Be sure they are all secure.
No display or audio. xIf no display, check the connections. Be sure they are all
secure.
xIf no audio, check if Voice is turned off.
The unit alarms when the vehicle hits bumps. Check the connections. Be sure they are all secure.
The unit alarms briefly in the same location but
no radar source was in view.
There may be a motion sensor or house alarm in use
within range.
The DFR8 did not alert when a police car was in
view.
• The officer may not have radar/laser units turned on.
• Check that the band is turned on. Press MENU and cycle
through the options to get to the bands. If the band is
turned off, the OLED will show OFF. Turn the band on.
The vehicle starts but the DFR8 does not turn
on.
Verify that the power cord is securely connected to the
unit and inserted into the cigarette lighter jack.
SPECIFICATIONS
Receiver Type: Antenna Type:
Radar Double Conversion Superheterodyne
Self-Contained Antenna
Radar Linear Polarized E-vector
Vertical
Laser Pulsed Laser Signal Receiver Laser
Front
Convex Condenser Lens
Frequency: Laser
Back
Concave Condenser Lens
X 10.525 GHz Dimensions 4.9 in (D) x 3.1 in (W) x 1.4 in
(H)
[126 mm (D) x 79.00 mm (W) x
36 mm (H)]
K 24.150 GHz Weight 6 oz (170g)
Ka 33.400 - 36.000 GHz Operating Temp. -4° to +185° F (Radar/Laser)
-20° to +85° C (Radar/Laser)
Laser 800 nm - 1100 nm Storage Temp. -22° to +203° F (Radar/Laser)
-30° to +95° C (Radar/Laser)
Detector Type: Operating Power Source DC 11.0 to 16.0 V
Radar Scanning Frequency Discriminator USB Interface USB Specification 2.0/1.1
Laser Pulse Width Discriminator USB Jack Output Power
Rating
5VDC, 2.0 Amps
Alarm
Type
Voice and Beep (Detected Band and
Signal strength)
FCC INFORMATION
FCC: AMWUA1801
FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operaon is subjected to the following two condions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operaon.
Changes or modicaons not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate
the equipment.
Avis de conformité à la FCC : Ce disposif a été testé et s’avère conforme à l’arcle 15 des règlements de la Commission fédérale
des communicaons (FCC). Ce disposif est soumis aux condions suivantes: 1) Ce disposif ne doit pas causer d’interférences
nuisibles et; 2) Il doit pouvoir supporter les parasites qu’il reçoit, incluant les parasites pouvant nuire à son fonconnement.

- 14 -
Tout changement ou modicaon non approuvé expressément par la pare responsable pourrait annuler le droit à l’ulisateur de
faire fonconner cet équipement.
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Keep your receipt! Proof of purchase is required for warranty service.
WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORP. (“Uniden”)
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from
defects in materials and crasmanship with only the limitaons or exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further eect 12 months aer the date
of original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B)
modied, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any conguraons not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly
installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfuncon covered
by this warranty, (E) used in any conjuncon with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F)
installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the Operang Guide for this product.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any me while this war-ranty is in ef-
fect, warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and
handling) incurred by warrantor or its representaves in connecon with the performance of this warranty. THE LIMITED WAR-
RANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitaon of incidental or consequenal damages so the above limitaon or
exclusion may not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, aer following the instrucons in this Operang Guide, you are
certain that the Product is defecve, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). Include evidence of original
purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by
traceable means, or delivered, to warrantor at:
Uniden America Corporaon
C/O Saddle Creek
743 Henriea Creek Rd., Suite 100
Roanoke, TX 76262
POP Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
VG2 is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD.