Whistler 1505 User manual

6. CITY Button - Reduces the annoyance of
falsealertstypicallyencounteredinurban
driving areas.
7. Speaker - Provides distinct audio warn-
ings for X, K, Ka band, instant-on (pulse)
radar, safety radar and laser.
8. Power Jack - Providesconnectionforthe
power cord.
9. Radar Antenna - Compact, high-effi-
ciency antenna receives radar signals.
10. Laser Antenna - Provides long range la-
ser detection. Both antennas must have
an unobstructed view of the road.
11. Mounting Bracket Location - Slot holds
mounting bracket firmly.
Accessoriesincludedarehighlyfunctionaland
easy to use.
Power Cord - Connects to the unit’s power
jack and your vehicle’s lighter socket.
Visor Bracket - For installing the unit on your
vehicle’s sun visor.
Velcro®Fasteners - Designed to secure the
unit on a level dashboard.
Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design
providesanewlevelofoperatingconvenience.
Special features include:
1. RearLaserAntenna (1520/1525/1530)- An
integratedoptical waveguide provides su-
perior detection of laser signals transmit-
ted from behind.
2. Bracket Release Button - Provides quick
andeasyrelease of the mounting bracket.
3. Power/Volume Control (PWR/VOL) - A
singlecontrol turns the unit on/off and ad-
justs audio level.
4. QUIET Button - Pressing QUIET before a
signal is detected replaces the continuous
audio alert with an auto-mute audio pat-
tern (1520/1525/1530 only). Pressing
QUIET during a radar/laser encounter si-
lences audio alerts, while allowing visual
alerts to keep you informed.
5. VG-2 Button (1520/1525/1530 only) -
Engages or disengages VG-2 Cloaking
Technology™for nondetectibility.
9
11
10
Model 1520/1525/1530
XK P Alert VG-2 C
Ka
Model 1505/1510/1515
PCAlert
Model 1520/1525/1530
Model 1505/1510/1515
X Band
LED K Band
LED Power On LED Radar Visual Alert VG-2 On LED City On LED
Both=Ka Laser
Visual Alert
Power On
LED City On LED
Radar
Visual Alert
Laser
Visual Alert
45
8
7
6
3
1
LED Display
2
TM
INTRODUCTION
1
Dear Whistler Owner,
Congratulations on your purchase of a Whis-
tler radar•laser detector.
Reflecting our continued commitment of pro-
viding innovative detection products, your
Whistler detector integrates radar and laser
detection in a high quality design. In addition
to providing complete coverage of all radar
and laser speed monitoring guns, your Whis-
tler includes many preferred features. It also
detectsthenewSafetyWarningSystem™. This
provides advanced warning of various high-
way hazards, enabling you to respond more
appropriately to potentially dangerous condi-
tions. The Whistler 1520/1525/1530 also of-
fersthe benefit of nondetectibility by alerting
you to the presence of the VG-2 (a “radar de-
tector detector”).
Tofullyacquaintyourselfwiththe operationof your
unit and to better understand the differences be-
tween detecting radar and laser signals, we rec-
ommend reading this entire manual.
Enjoy your Whistler detector and please drive
safely.
Sincerely,
WHISTLER CORPORATION
MODEL FEATURES
2
MODEL FEATURES
3
LED DISPLAYS
4
OPERATION
5
Power On And Self-Test - Each time your
Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic
self-test sequence confirms that the speaker
and visual displays are functional.
DuringPower Up, all the LEDs illuminate, while
the X, K, and Ka alerts are sounded in se-
quence.Immediatelyafterthe radar alerts, the
red LEDs are momentarily cancelled, then il-
luminate from right to left while the laser alert
is sounded.
Afterthe laser alertthe1st and 4th(3rd on1505/
1510/1515) alert LEDs flash and the Safety Ra-
dar alert is sounded. At the end of the self-test
sequence the unit is in highway mode.
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Your Whistler detector provides audible
confirmation each time a feature is engaged
or canceled. When a button is pressed, one
beep confirms feature “on”, two beeps con-
firm feature “off”. With Feature Engaged
Confirmation, you receive immediate feed-
back concerning the status of your unit.
Quiet Mode The QUIET Button accesses one of
two muting options.
1. ManualQuiet Whenan audioalertissounded,
youcan silence the alarm by pressing QUIET. The
onlytimeyoucanengageManualQuietisduring
an audio alert.
OPERATION
6
2. Pre-set Audio Quiet (1520/1525/1530 only)
Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected
provides an alternate alert pattern, consisting of
fourbeeps (indicating X, K, Ka or Safety radar) fol-
lowed by clicking. The clicking will continue for as
long as the detected signal is present or any new
signal is detected within 20 seconds, becoming
morerapid as the strength of the signal increases.
IfPre-setAudio Quietis engaged,pressingQUIET
while the unit is alarming will cancel the beeps or
clicking.
Pressing QUIET a second time when the unit is
notalarming willcancel Pre-setAudioQuiet mode
and restore the continuous audio alert pattern.
City Mode Automatic door openers, intrusion
alarms, and other devices which share frequen-
cies with police radar can be the source of mis-
leadingalerts, especially inurbanand suburban
areas. Driving in City mode will reduce these un-
wanted audio alerts while keeping you quietly in-
formed of signal activity with visual alerts.
Pressing the CITY Button engages City mode.
Pressing the CITY Button a second time cancels
City mode.
In City mode, the unit responds to X, K, Ka, or
Safety radar signals by alerting you with an initial
alarm (2 beeps), and then remains quiet unless
the strength of the detected signal becomes
very strong. Two additional beeps are provided
when a weak signal becomes strong.
RADAR ALERTS
7
Highway Mode Highway mode provides full au-
dio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety) or
laser signals are detected, and is recommended
foropenroaddriving.Highwaymodeisautomati-
callyengaged after theunit is turned onandcom-
pletes the self-test.
VG-2 Detection Mode (1520/1525/1530 only)
The VG-2, also known as a “radar detector de-
tector,” is a special receiver used by police to
detect signals radiated by a radar detector.
Because of your Whistler detector’s superior
sensitivity and low radiated signal level, you
willbeable to detect the VG-2 beforetheVG-
2 is able to detect you.
Press the VG-2 button once to engage, and the
VG-2LEDilluminates.Pressinga secondtime can-
cels VG-2 detection mode and the VG-2 LED is
extinguished.
RadarAudio And Visual Alerts When yourWhis-
tler detector encounters traffic radar, it provides a
distinctive audio tone for the specific radar band
detected:X, K, or Ka. At the same time, LEDs illu-
minate sequentially from left to right. The green
and amber LEDs are cancelled during an alert.
The audio alerts are continuous, but have a Gei-
gercounter-likepatterntohelpyoudetermine your
distancefromtheradar source;thefasterthebeep-
ing, the closer you are to the transmitting source.
RADAR LASER ALERTS
8
At the same time, illumination of multiple LEDs
indicates relative signal strength.
Radar Band Identification (1520/1525/1530)
When the Whistler 1520/1525/1530 encounters
trafficradar,the RadarBand Indicatorsconfirmthe
band detected by illuminating one or both of the
LEDs as follows:
X Band — Amber LED Only
K Band — Red LED Only
Ka Band — Amber And Red LEDs Illuminate
Pulse Protection®Pulse (or instant-on) radar is
moredifficult to detectthanconventional radar
becauseit remains “off” until activatedtomea-
sure the speed of a targeted vehicle.
When a pulse type transmission is detected,
your Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-sec-
ond audio warning and flashes the red LEDs at
theirfastest rate. After the 3-secondpulsealert,
the standard alert pattern continues for as long
as the signal is present.
Itisimportanttorespondpromptlytoa pulsealert,
since warning time may be minimal.
Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
Your Whistler detector detects the new Safety
Warning System™. This provides advanced
warning of various road hazards including acci-
dent sites, highway construction, emergency
RADAR • LASER ALERTS
10
The Safety radar alert is displayed for as long
as the signal is present and the audio alert is
continuous, but has a Geiger counter like pat-
tern to help you determine your distance from
theSafetyradar source;the faster thebeeping,
the closer you are to the source.
Laser Audio And Visual Alerts
Ifyou arethe targetedvehicle, a laser gun can
often determine your speed within a few sec-
onds after you receive an alert. In this situa-
tion there is generally no time to safely adjust
your speed.
However, if you are traveling near or behind
the targeted vehicle and receive an alert, re-
sponse time should be sufficient. Any laser
alert, regardless of duration, requires imme-
diate action! When your Whistler detects a la-
sersignal,thelaseraudioalertissounded and
the four red LEDs (three red LEDs on 1505/
1510/1515) illuminate from right to left for as
long as the signal is present, or for a minimum
of three seconds.
When the laser signal is no longer detected,
the audio warning ends, but the LEDs con-
tinue to flash slowly for three seconds, indi-
cating a laser encounter has just occurred.
INSTALLATION
12
VG-2 Audio Visual Alert (1520/1525/1530)
When a VG-2 signal is detected the VG-2 LED
flashesrapidly for 3 seconds and the VG-2 alert
is sounded. After the 3 seconds the audio is
canceled and the VG-2 alert LED flashes at a
slower rate. This cycle is repeated if the VG-2
signal is again detected.
Duringthe period a VG-2 signal is detected, a
radarsignalcannot be detected. However,be-
cause the VG-2 alert has confirmed that a pa-
trol car is nearby, you are already aware of the
potential for speed monitoring and can ad-
just your speed accordingly. Laser detection
isnotaffectedwhile a VG-2 signal is detected.
vehicles,etc. and enables you to respondmore
appropriately to potentially dangerous condi-
tions. When your Whistler detector detects a
safety radar signal, it provides a distinctive au-
dio tone and illuminates the first LED and the
last LED in the signal strength display.
The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to
indicate detection of a Safety radar signal.
The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to
indicate detection of a Safety radar signal.
RADAR LASER ALERTS
9
VG-2 ALERTS
11
Mounting Guidelines
For effective detection of radar and laser sig-
nals, it is important to mount your unit prop-
erly. Performance will be best if you position
the detector with a level, through-the-wind-
shield view of the road ahead. (Remember,
yourunit’s“eyes”areattheendoppositefrom
the LED’s and controls.)
Here are some additional points to keep in mind.
• Do not mount your detector behind wipers,
ornaments, mirrored sunscreens, etc. These
obstructions have metal surfaces which can
blockradar and laser signals and reduce critical
warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not
affect reception.)
•SomenewerwindshieldshaveanInstaclear™
or Electriclear™ type coating, which block
radar and laser signals. Consult your dealer or
the owner’s manual supplied with your vehicle
todetermineifyourwindshieldhas thiscoating.
• Avoid placing the unit in direct contact with
the windshield.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal
your unit when not in use.
Model Specifications
• Dimensions: 1.25"H x 2.7" W x 3.9" L
• Weight: 5.5 ozs.
• Laser Frequencies:
905±50 nanometers (nm)
• Radar Frequencies (1520/1525/1530):
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K band)
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Superwideband Ka)
• Radar Frequencies (1505/1510/1515):
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X band)
24.050 -24.250 GHz (K band)
33.340 - 33.880 GHz (Ka)
34.110 - 34.560 GHz (Ka)
34.770 - 35.220 GHz (Ka)
35.450 - 35.900 GHz (Ka)
• Operating Temperature Range:
-20˚C to +80˚C (-4˚F to +176˚F)
• Power Requirements:
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC,
200 mA nominal
Specifications are subject to change
without notice.
Whistler P/N 202900
16 Elizabeth Drive Whistler 1998
Chelmsford, MA 01824 Patents Pending
Customer Service: [phone]
Printed on recycled paper.
RADAR • LASER DETECTORS
1505/1510/1515
1520/1525/1530
OWNER’S MANUAL
If You Have Questions Concerning
The Operation Of Your Detector Please
Call Customer Technical Service:
1-800-531-0004
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST

When visor mounting, make sure your unit is relatively
level and has a clear view of the road ahead.
Power Connection
Plug the small end of the power cord into the
unit’spower jack,then plugthe largeendofthe
cord into your vehicle’s lighter socket. Make
suretheplugfitssnugly,and besuretokeepthe
socket and contacts free of ashes and dirt.
Windshield Mounting (optional accessory)
With the windshield mounting kit your Whis-
tlerdetector can bemounted to yourvehicle’s
windshield. Although not included it is avail-
ablethrough many Whistler retailersorcan be
ordered directly from Whistler. (See pg.26 for
availableaccessoriesandpricing.)First,install
thetwo suction cups and rubber bumper onto
the bracket by fitting them into their holes.
Now, press the suction cups onto the wind-
shield glass at the location you have chosen.
Slide the detector onto the bracket until it
locks into place. If necessary, you may adjust
thebracket to the proper angle by bending it.
To remove the bracket, pull the tab on each
suction cup.
Tomaketheunitlevel,youcaneasilyadjusttheangleofthe
windshield bracket by bending it.
Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket plug is equipped with a
replaceable 2 amp 3AG fuse located be-
hind the silver tip. To replace the fuse,
carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (Im-
portant note: Unscrew slowly. The tip con-
tains a spring which may fly out when disas-
sembling.) Insert the new fuse with spring
andscrew the tip on. With use, screwcapon
plug may loosen. Retighten occasionally.
Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when
replacing the 2 amp fuse.
Thefollowingaccessoriesareavailablethrough
Whistler retailers or can be ordered directly
from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.
Order Description Price
202138 Visor Bracket $6.95
202139 Windshield Bracket $9.95
206552 Straight Power Cord (5') $14.95
206553 Coiled Power Cord (7') $15.95
206879 Velcro $ 1.95
206880 Hardwire Kit (10') $ 9.95
Shipping and Handling (Per Order) $ 3.00
Massachusetts residents please add applicable sales tax.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
INSTALLATION
13
INSTALLATION
14
INSTALLATION
15
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
16
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
17
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
18
Radar Facts
Verysimply, a radar gun operates by transmit-
ting radio waves at certain frequencies which
reflect off objects and are then picked up by
the radar gun’s receiving section.
Whenaradar beamreflects offamovingtarget,
such as your vehicle, a measurable frequency
shiftoccurs.Theradarunitconvertsthisshiftinto
milesperhourtodetermineyourvehicle’sspeed.
Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission)permits operationof traffic radar
guns at these frequencies:
X band (10.500 GHz - 10.550 GHz)
K band (24.050 GHz - 24.250 GHz)
Ka band (33.400 GHz - 36.000 GHz)
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns
cannot reliably provide the speed of a tar-
geted vehicle that is traveling in a group of
vehicles. In contrast, a laser guncan target a
specific vehicle out of a line of traffic and
determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of
target identification is the result of the laser
gun’s narrow beam. A radar transmission can
cover more than a four-lane highway at a
distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser
transmission which covers about 6 feet at the
same distance. This is one reason why laser is
more difficult to detect than radar.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
20
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
21
Are Detectors Legal?
Laser detectors are completely legal in every
statewhen used in automobiles or light trucks
(under 10,000 lbs.). Similarly, when used in
automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors
are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are
Virginia and Washington D.C., which have
local regulations restricting the use of radar
receivers in any vehicle.
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Fed-
eral Highway Administration (FHwA) issued a
regulation,effectiveJanuary,1994whichpro-
hibits radar and laser detector use in these
types of vehicles nationally.
Because of legal and legislative efforts under-
way to repeal the regulation, and because en-
forcementvaries from state to state, we recom-
mend contacting the Radio Association De-
fendingAirwaveRights(R.A.D.A.R.)forthemost
current information concerning the status and
enforcement of the FHwA regulation in areas
where you travel. RADAR can be reached at:
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in
the state of New York restricting the use of
radar detectors in trucks over 18,000 lbs. and
in Illinois in trucks over 26,000 lbs.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
22
Consumer Warranty
YourWhistler detectoris warrantedto theorigi-
nal purchaser for a period of one year from the
date of original purchase against all defects in
materials and workmanship. This limited war-
ranty is void if the unit is abused, modified,
installed improperly, if the housing has been
removed, or if the serial number is missing.
There are no express warranties covering this
product other than those set forth in this war-
ranty. All express or implied warranties for this
product are limited to one year. Whistler is not
liable for damages of any type arising from the
use, misuse, or operation of this product.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will
be repaired or replaced (with the same or a
comparable model), at Whistler’s option, with-
out charge to the purchaser when returned
prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the
addressonpg.23.Unitsreturnedwithoutdated
proof of purchase will be handled as described
in the section “Service Out Of Warranty.” Due
tothespecializedequipmentnecessaryfortest-
ing a radar/laser receiver, there are no autho-
rized service stations for Whistler brand detec-
tors other than the factory.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
23
When returning a unit for service under war-
ranty, please follow these instructions:
1.Shiptheunitinoriginalcartonorinasuitable
sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return
receipt requested, and shipping charges
prepaid to: Whistler CTS
16 Elizabeth Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsi-
bility for loss or damage incurred in shipping.
Therefore, please ship your unit insured with
return receipt requested.
2.Includewith yourunit thefollowing informa-
tion, clearly printed:
Your name and street address (for shipping
via UPS), and a daytime telephone number.
(No P.O. Box please.)
A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,
“Unitperformsself-testbutdoesnotrespond
to radar”).
A copy of your dated proof of purchase or
bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial
number.Forreference,werecommendkeep-
ingarecordofyourunit’sserialnumber.Units
withoutserialnumbersarenotcoveredunder
warranty.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
24
IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is
within the warranty period, make sure you
keep a copy of your dated proof of purchase.
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty”
service rates when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• Dated proof of purchase is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial
number.
• Theunit hasbeenabused, modified,installed
improperly, or had its housing removed.
The minimum out of warranty service fee for
your Whistler detector is $45.00 (U.S.). If you
require out of warranty service, please return
your unit as outlined in the section “Service
Under Warranty” along with a certified check
ormoney order for$45.00.(Payment may also
be made by MasterCard or Visa; personal
checks are not accepted.) In the event repairs
cannot be covered by the minimum $45.00
servicefee,you willbe contactedbyaWhistler
technical service specialist who will outline
options available to you. If you elect not to
have your unit repaired/replaced, it will be
returned to you and your money refunded.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for
service, be certain to include a daytime tele-
phone number.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
25
Code
Dash Mounting
Make sure the mounting location you have
chosen is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl
alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or
polishes.
Separate the Velcro®fastener strips. Peel the
backingoffeach strip, adhere one piece to the
dash and the other piece to the bottom of the
unit,taking care not to cover theserialnumber.
Be careful not to place the Velcro over the unit’s serial
number. If the Velcro is removed, the serial number may
be pulled off the unit. Units without serial numbers are
not covered under warranty.
When joined, the two strips provide a secure
mount, yet the unit can be easily removed for
safekeepingwhennotinuse.Oncemounted,your
unit is ready to be connected to the power cord.
Visor Mounting
Placethebracketintothebracketmountingslot
of the detector. To install your detector on the
visor, slide bracket clip over the rear edge of the
visor as shown in the illustration.
Forbestprotection keeptheseadditional sug-
gestions in mind:
• Becauseyour vehicle’slicenseplateor head-
lights are the laser gun’s primary targets,
mountingyourWhistlerdetectoronthedash
can improve laser detection at short range.
• Do notfollow closelybehind anyvehicleyou
cannot see through. If you can’t see past a
vehicle ahead of you, chances are your de-
tector won’t either.
• Thereceiving rangeof yourlaser detectorwill
not be the same as a radar detector. Laser
guns are most often used at short range.
Other Speed Detection Systems
Severaltechniques other than radar or laserare
used to measure vehicle speeds. When these
methods are being used, no detector can pro-
vide a warning. These techniques include:
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and
matches your driving speed.
• Vascar/Aircraft- Thetimeit takesavehicle to
travel a known distance is measured.
Radar Detector Detectors
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a
microwave receiver used by police to detect
signals radiated by the local oscillator of a
radardetector. Because its purposeisto iden-
tify persons driving with radar detectors, the
VG-2is known as a “radar detector detector”.
The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the
police to identify radar detector equipped
vehicles. If caught, drivers risk losing their
radar detector and receiving a fine. In addi-
tion, instant-on radar is almost always used
in combination with the VG-2, leaving un-
suspecting motorists vulnerable to receiv-
ing two tickets - one potentially for speed-
ing, the other for possession of a detector.
Having a radar detector capable of detecting
theVG-2 alertsyouto the presenceof a speed
trapand preserves your radar detector invest-
ment.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
19
ACCESSORIES
26
Ifyourunithas been correctly installed follow-
ing the guidelines in this manual, but is not
operating optimally, please refer to this chart:
Problem Action
No display or
audio. • Check fuse in Whistler
plug; replace if
necessary.
• Check fuse for lighter
socket; replace if
necessary.
• Make sure lighter
socket is clean and
fully operational.
• Check for loose lighter
socket; tighten and
clean socket.
• Check connections at
both ends of power
cord.Substitute another
cordtodetermine ifcord
is defective. Return de-
fective cord to factory.
Unit alarms when
vehicle hits
bumps.
Problem Action
• Check vehicle's
electrical system,
including battery and
alternator.
• Install a filter capacitor
(470µfd. 25 volt or
larger capacitance
value) on the back of
the lighter socket.
Unit alarms when
using vehicle
equipment or
electrical accesso-
ries (brakes, power
mirrors/windows,
directionals, horn,
etc.).
• Cancel Pre-set Audio-
Quiet. (see pg. 6).
• Check PWR/VOL
control setting.
Audio alerts are
not loud enough.
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered
anddesignedto exacting quality standards to
provide you with reliable, trouble-free opera-
tion. If difficulties occur which cannot be
solvedbyinformationprovidedinthisTrouble-
shootingGuide,pleasecallWhistlerCustomer
Technical Service at 1-800-531-0004 before
returning your unit for service.
Customer Service
If you have questions concerning the opera-
tion of your Whistler detector, or service dur-
ing or after the warranty period, please call
CustomerTechnicalServiceat1-800-531-0004.
Representatives are available to answer your
questions Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. (EST).
Serial Number
Slide on visor
Insert into bracket
mounting slot