Whistler 1540 User manual

If you have questions concerning the op-
erationofthisWhistlerproductpleasecall
customer technical service:
1-800-531-0004
Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST

Dear Whistler Owner,
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It
can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment
center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler
Corporation recognizes this and has created a selection of
products we call “Enhanced Driving Tools”. These products
are designed to make the time you spend in your vehicle
more productive, more fullfilling, safer, or just simply more
fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve your
driving experience though keeping you...
IN TOUCH • IN COMFORT • IN CONTROL
Your new Whistler 1540/1545 laser/radar detector detects all ra-
dar,laserandsafetyradarsystems,plusoffersWhistler’sexclusive
SafeDrivingSystem™. This comprehensive safety system detects
Safety Warning System™, keeping you informed of road hazards
andadverseweather.Whistler’s1540/1545alsooffersadigitaldis-
play to keep you informed while you drive.
To fullyacquaintyourself withthe operationofthe Whistler1540/
1545 and to better understand the differences between detect-
ing radar, laser and safety radar signals, we recommend reading
this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1540/1545 and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
WHISTLER CORPORATION
INTRODUCTION
1

Topic Page
Model Features Summary 3 - 4
Installation 5 - 7
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
Operation 8 - 11
• Power On And Self-Test
• Feature Engaged Confirmation
• Audio Level Adjustment
• Auto Quiet/Mute Modes
• City Mode
• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection
• Teach/Tutorial Mode
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts 12 - 14
• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
• Alert Priority
• Reset Features/Care Maintenance
Troubleshooting Guide 15
Are Detectors Legal? 16
Speed Monitoring Technologies 17 - 18
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information 19 - 21
Specifications 22
Accessories 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

Whistler 1540/1545
Whistler’sergonomicanduser-friendlydesignprovidesanew
level of operating convenience. Special features include:
1. Bracket Release Button - Provides quick and easy re-
lease of the mounting bracket.
2. Power Jack - Provides connection for the power cord.
3. Speaker - Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka band
radar, safety radar, laser and VG-2.
4. Power/Volume Button - Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.
5. Digital Display -Providesdistinctvisualconfirmationofsig-
nals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged modes of
operation.
6. Band Identifying LEDs - Identifies type of radar detected.
7. MUTE Button -PressingMUTEbeforeasignalisdetected
engages Auto Quiet Mode which automatically reduces the au-
diolevelaftertheinitialwarningtoalowaudiolevelsetting.Press-
ing MUTE during a radar/laser encounter silences audio alerts,
WHISTLER FEATURES
3
1540
PWR CITY
MUTE
1
2
3
54
6
8
7
9

WHISTLER FEATURES
while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
8. CITY Button - Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
typically encountered in urban driving areas.
9. Laser Antenna (Rear) - An integrated optical waveguide
providessuperiordetectionoflasersignalstransmittedfrom
behind.
10. Laser Antenna (Front) - High gain optical lens array
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-
edge laser detection.
11. Radar Antenna - Compact, high-efficiency antenna re-
ceives radar signals.
12. Mounting Bracket Location - Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.
Accessories
Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.
Coiled Power Cord - Connects to the unit’s power jack and
your vehicle’s lighter socket.
Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your
vehicle’s windshield.
Velcro®Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on a level
dashboard. 4
11 12
13
12
11
10

Mounting Guidelines
• Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the
windshield.
• Donotmountyourunitbehindwipers,ornaments,mirrored
sunscreens,etc.Theseobstructionshavemetalsurfaceswhich
can affect radar and laser signals and reduce critical warning
time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.)
• Some newer windshields have an Instaclear™or
Electriclear™type coating, which affect radar signals. Con-
sult your dealer or the owner’s manual supplied with your
vehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating.
• Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your unit when
not in use.
Windshield Mounting
• Installthetwosuctioncupsandrubberbumperontothebracket
by fitting them into their holes.
• Press the suction cups onto the windshield at the location you
have chosen.
• Slidethedetectorontothebracketuntilitlocksintoplace.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-
shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove
the detector before bending.
INSTALLATION
5

IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have a plastic safety coat-
ingon theinside ofthewindshield. Thewindshieldbracket
may leave permanent marks on this type of surface. To
find out if your vehicle has this type of windshield, check
the owner’s manual or ask your dealer. We recommend
that you do not leave the suction cup bracket on the win-
dowin directsunlight. If the detector is removed, thismay
cause blistering of the dash in some vehicles.
Dash Mounting
• Makesurethemountinglocationyouhavechosenisrelatively
level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl alcohol if neces-
sary to remove any waxes or polishes.
• SeparatetheVelcro®fastener strips. Peel the paper back-
ing off each strip and adhere one piece to the dash and the
other piece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to
cover the serial number.
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 num-
bers are not covered under warranty.
INSTALLATION
6

Visor Mounting (optional accessory)
• Slide the visor bracket into the bracket mounting slot.
• Clip the visor bracket onto the visor making sure it is rela-
tively level and has a clear view of the road.
Power Connection
• Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s power
jack.
• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
Fuse Replacement
The lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable 2 amp
3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replace the fuse,
carefully unscrew the tip of the plug. (IMPORTANT: Unscrew
slowly.Thetipcontainsa springwhichmayflyoutwhendisas-
sembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring and screw on
thetip.With use, screw cap on plug may loosen. Retighten
occasionally.
Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2
amp fuse.
INSTALLATION
7
Slide on visor
Insert into bracket
mounting slot

Power On And Self-Test
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic
self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and visual dis-
plays are functional and displays the engaged features.
• Press (Power/Volume) or apply Power. Display reads:
Memory/Beep Confirmation
Allfeaturesselected(exceptStayAlert)areretainedinmemory.
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature “on”,
two beeps confirm feature “off”.
OPERATION
8
8
X
8
8
5.
L
K
H
K
X
XK
XK

Audio Level Adjustment
The audio levels can be adjusted high to low, or low to high,
in four steps: (1) is the lowest audio level, (4) the highest.
• Press and hold (Power/Volume)(for more than 1.5 seconds).
• Release when desired level is reached.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the dis-
play indicates volume level. Example:
Lowest Audio Level
Highest Audio Level
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet reduces the selected audio level to a level (1)
approximately 5 seconds after a radar or safety radar signal
isdetected. The audio alert for any newsignalwithin20 sec-
onds will resume at level (1). Auto Quiet does not affect VG-
2 or laser alerts.
• Press (Mute) (before a signal is detected) to engage
Auto Quiet. Display reads:
An “A” is displayed for 1 second.
• Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel
the audio alarm by pressing .
• Press (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel Auto
Quiet mode.
OPERATION
9
1
4
A

Mute Mode
Mute cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within
20seconds.After20seconds,approximately2beepsarepro-
vided on any new alert and then unit remains quiet.
• Press to cancel the audio.
• Press a second time during an alert to restore the stan-
dard audio alert pattern or by turning the unit off then on.
City Mode
City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance of auto-
maticdooropeners,intrusionalarmsandotherdeviceswhich
share frequencies with police radar.
• Press (City) to engage City. Display reads:
• Pressing (City) a second time cancels City. Display
reads:
InCityMode,weakspeed/safetyradarsignalsgiveaninitialalarm
oftwobeeps, and then remainsquiet unless the signal becomes
very strong. When the signal strength increases, two additional
beeps are provided. City Mode does not change the audio alert
for laser or VG-2.
OPERATION
10
C
H

Engaging VG-2
The Option Select Mode allows you to engage or disen-
gage VG-2 Detection. (Your detector is shipped from the
factory with the VG-2 detection mode (VG2) disengaged).
• Press and hold (Mute) for 2 seconds and release.
• Press (City) to engage or cancel VG-2. Feature is dis-
played when engaged.
The “-” on the display confirms the VG-2 Detection mode is engaged.
•Press (Power/Volume) to exit.
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press (City) and (Mute) simultaneously and release.
Dim,Dark,CityandMutemodescanalsobeaccessedwhile
Teach/Tutorial mode is engaged.
• Press to exit.
OPERATION
11
-
XK

Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
WhenX,KorKaisdetectedthebandIDandsignalstrengthis
displayed. The audio alert is continuous and has a geiger
counter-like pattern. The faster the beep the closer the radar
source. Example:
Display confirms a Ka band signal is detected.
Pulse Protection®
When a pulse type signal (instant on strong signal) is
detected an urgent 3 second audio warning is sounded
and the display reads:
After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.
Safety Radar
When Safety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger
counter-like.
Flashing “S.” confirms detection of Safety Radar.
RADAR/SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
12
PX
Indicates K Band
Detected
K
S.
9K
X

Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected an “L” is displayed, the au-
dioalertiscontinuousforaminimumof3seconds.Example:
Reception of laser signal is confirmed by “L” on the display.
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector “hides” its own
radiated signal and becomes undetectable by the VG-2.
“-” confirms detection of a VG-2 signal.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal. If a
VG-2 signal is detected, the unit continues to hide and re-
peats the VG-2 alert. If no signal is detected, two beeps are
provided,indicatingan“allclear”condition.DuringVG-2Alert
X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be received.
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same time,
the alert priority is:
1. Laser
2. VG-2
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
Example:
If X band is alerting, then suddenly VG-2 is detected, the VG-
2 warning will override the X band alert.
LASER/VG-2 ALERTS
13
L
-

RESET FEATURES/CARE & MAINTENANCE
Reset Features
All user features can be reset to factory set positions.
• Remove Power from unit.
• Press and hold (Power/Volume) and (Mute).
• Apply power to the unit.
• Wait for 2 beeps.
• Release and . Unit is now reset.
1. Audio to level (4).
2. Display reads H.
3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.
4. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.
5. Unit ON or OFF.
Care And Maintenance
During the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure to
direct sunlight by removing your unit from the dash when
your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time.
Do not spray water, cleaners or polishes directly onto the
unit. The spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners on
the unit’s exterior.
14

Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed
to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable,
trouble-freeoperation.Ifyourunithasbeencorrectlyinstalled
following the guidelines in this manual, but is not operating
optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.
PROBLEM: No display or audio.
• Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary with a 2 amp
3AG type.
• Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.
• Make sure lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM:Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.
• Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.
• Check connections at both ends of power cord. Substitute an-
other cord to determine if cord is defective. Return defective
cord to the factory.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment or
electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows,
directionals, horn, etc.).
• Vehicle’selectricalsystem,includingbatteryandalternator,may
have electrical noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or
larger capacitance value) on the back of the lighter socket.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting (see page 9).
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Customer
TechnicalServiceat1-800-531-0004beforereturningyourunit
for service.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
15

In Most States YES!
Laserdetectorsarecompletelylegalineverystatewhenused
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 Federal Highway
Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation,effective January,
1994whichprohibitsradarandlaserdetectoruseinthesetypes
of vehicles nationally.
Because of legal and legislative efforts underway to repeal
the regulation, and because enforcement varies from state
to state, we recommend contacting the Radio Association
Defending Airwave Rights (R.A.D.A.R.) for the most current
information concerning the status and enforcement of the
FHwA regulation in areas where you travel.RADARcan
be reached at:
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of
NewYorkrestrictingtheuseofradardetectorsintrucksover
18,000 lbs. and in Illinois in trucks over 26,000 lbs.
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
16

Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain
frequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up
by the radar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beam
reflects off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift
occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour
to determine your vehicle’s speed.
Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
permits operation of traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 -
10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band
(33.400 - 36.000 GHz).
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliably
provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in a
group of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a spe-
cific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of target identifi-
cation 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.
For best protection, keep these points in mind:
• Because your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the
laser gun’s primary targets, mounting your Whistler detector
onthe dashboardcanimprovelaserdetectionat shortrange.
• Donotfollowcloselybehindanyvehicleyoucannotseethrough.
If you can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your
detector won’t either.
• The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same
asaradardetector.Lasergunsaremostoftenusedatshortrange.
17
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

18
Other Speed Detection Systems
Several techniques other than radar or laser are used to mea-
surevehiclespeeds.Whenthesemethodsarebeingused,no
detector can provide a warning. These techniques include:
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and matches your
driving speed.
•Vascar/Aircraft-Thetimeittakesavehicletotravelaknown
distance is measured.
Radar Detector Detectors
TheInterceptorVG-2,orsimplyVG-2,isamicrowavereceiver
used by police to detect signals radiated by the local oscil-
lator of a radar detector. Because its purpose is to identify
persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is 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 los-
ing their radar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, in-
stant-on radar is almost always used in combination with a
VG-2, leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receiv-
ingtwo tickets—one potentiallyfor speeding, theother for
possession of a detector.
HavingaradardetectorcapableofdetectingtheVG-2alerts
you to the presence of a speed trap and preserves your ra-
dar detector investment.
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES

WARRANTY INFORMATION
19
Consumer Warranty
Your Whistler detector is warranted to the original purchaser
for a period of one year for the 1540 (two years for the 1545)
from thedateof original purchaseagainstall defects in mate-
rials and workmanship. This limited warranty is void if the unit
is abused, modified, installed improperly, if the housing has
beenremoved,oriftheserialnumberismissing.Thereareno
express warranties covering this product other than those set
forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for this
product are limited to one year for the 1540 and two years for
the1545.Whistlerisnotliablefordamagesofanytypearising
from the use, misuse, or operation of this product.
Service Under Warranty
Duringthewarranty period,defectiveunitswillberepairedor
replaced(withthesameoracomparablemodel),atWhistler’s
option, without charge to the purchaser when returned pre-
paid,withdatedproofofpurchasetotheaddressbelow.Units
returned without dated proof of purchase will be handled as
described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.” Due to the
specialized equipment necessary for testing a radar/laser re-
ceiver, there are no authorized service stations for Whistler
brand detectors other than the factory.
When returning a unit for service under warranty, please fol-
low these instructions:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy
equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, and
shipping charges prepaid to:
Whistler CTS
16 Elizabeth Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824