Whistler 1580 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,
Formanyofus,avehicleismorethanjusttransportation.Itcanbe
amobileoffice,communicationsorentertainmentcenter,orsim-
plyanexpressionof our personality. Whistler Corporation recog-
nizes this and has created a selection of products we call “En-
hancedDrivingTools”.Theseproductsaredesignedtomakethe
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 1580/1585 laser/radar detector detects all ra-
dar,laserandsafetyradarsystems,plusoffersWhistler’sexclusive
SafeDriving System™ andReal Voice™technology. This compre-
hensivesafetysystemdetectstheSafetyWarningSystem™keep-
ing you informed of road hazards and adverse weather. Plus,
Whistler’suniqueStayAlert™featuretestsdriver’salertnessonlong
solo trips. Whistler’s 1580/1585 also offers a digital display with
safety message icons to keep you informed while you drive.
Tofullyacquaintyourselfwiththeoperation ofthe Whistler1580/
1585 and to better understand the differences between detect-
ing radar, laser and safety radar signals, we recommend reading
this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1580/1585 and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
WHISTLER CORPORATION
INTRODUCTION
1

Topic Page
Model Features Summary 3 - 5
Installation 6 - 8
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
Operation 9 - 15
• Power On And Self-Test
• Memory/Beep Confirmation
• Audio Level Adjustment
• Auto Quiet/Mute Modes
• City Modes
• Dim/Dark Mode
• Stay Alert
• Option Select Mode
• Teach/Tutorial Mode
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts 16 - 19
• 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 20
Are Detectors Legal? 21
Speed Monitoring Technologies 22 - 23
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information 24 - 26
Specifications 27
Accessories 28
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

Whistler 1580/1585
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 and Real Voice™warnings
for X, K, Ka band radar, safety radar, laser, VG-2 and Stay Alert.
4. Power/Dim/Dark Button - Turns unit on/off (press and
hold for 2 seconds) and engages Dim/Dark modes.
5. Volume Up/Down Buttons - Adjust volume up or
down.
6. High Visibility LED Display -Providesdistinctvisualcon-
firmation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates en-
gaged modes of operation.
WHISTLER FEATURES
3
EE
MRGNCY
PWR VOL
CITY
MUTE
1580
1
2
4
5
6
8
7
3
9

WHISTLER FEATURES
7. Mute/Menu Button - Pressing MUTE before a signal is
detectedengagesAutoQuietModewhichautomaticallyreduces
theaudiolevelaftertheinitialwarningtoalowaudiolevelsetting.
PressingMUTEduringaradar/laserencountersilencesaudioalerts,
while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed. Pressing and
holding for 2 seconds allows you to enter Option Select Mode
and change menus.
8. CITY/CITY 1 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.
4
11
12
10

WHISTLER FEATURES
5
Accessories
Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.
Coiled and Straight Power Cords with Modular Plug -
Connects to the unit’s power jack and your vehicle’s lighter
socket.
Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your
vehicle’s windshield.
Visor Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your vehicle’s
visor.
Velcro®Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on a level
dashboard.
Hardwire Kit (1585 only) -10 ft. hardwire connects directly
to vehicle’s fuse box.
Protective Travel Case (1585 only) - Designed for conve-
nience storage of your Whistler Radar Detector.

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
• Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto the
bracket 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
INSTALLATION
6

the detector before bending.
IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have a plastic safety coat-
ingon theinside ofthe windshield.The windshieldbracket
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 thedetectoris 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 paperback-
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
7

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.Thetipcontainsaspringwhichmayflyoutwhendisas-
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
8
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) or apply Power. Display reads:
• Press and hold for 2 seconds or remove power to turn
unit off.
Memory/Beep Confirmation
Allfeaturesselected(exceptStayAlert)areretainedinmemory.
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature “on”,
two beeps confirm feature “off”.
OPERATION
9
K
Ka
X
LASER
9
9
9
SAFETY
VG2 OFF
HIGHWAY
WHISTLER

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 Volume to increase audio level.
• Press Volume to decrease audio level.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the dis-
play indicates volume level. Example:
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 audioalertfor any newsignalwithin 20 sec-
onds will resume at level (1). Auto Quiet does not affect VG-
2 or laser alerts.
• Press (Mute/Menu) (before a signal is detected) to en-
gage Auto Quiet. Display reads:
• 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
10
VOL
VOL
Lowest Level 1
Highest Level 4
QUIET
AUTO

Mute Mode
Mute cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within
20 seconds.
• Press to cancel the audio.
• Press a second time to restore the standard audio alert
pattern.
City/City 1 Mode
Whistler’stwo-stageCityModesaredesignedtoreducethe
annoyanceof automatic door openers,intrusionalarms and
other devices which share frequencies with police radar.
• Press (City) to engage City. Display reads:
• Pressing a second time engages City 1. Display reads:
• Pressing (City) a third time cancels City and City 1.
Display reads:
InCityMode,weakspeed/safetyradarsignalsgiveaninitialalarm
oftwobeeps, and then remains quiet unlessthesignal becomes
very strong. When the signal strength increases, two additional
beepsareprovided. InCity1 Mode,onlythe Xbandsensitivity is
lowered.IfAutoQuietisengagedandtheunitreceivesastrongX
bandsignal,theunitperformstheAutoQuietfeature.CityModes
do not change the audio alert for laser or VG-2.
OPERATION
11
CITY
CITY 1
HIGHWAY

Dim/Dark Mode
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Press (Power) once to reduce illumination to a Dim
setting. Display reads:
• Pressing a second time reduces illumination to a dim-
mer setting. Display reads:
Dim or dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode,
the display goes dark for as long as a signal is being de-
tected and for 20 seconds after, then the display returns to
the dimmer setting.
• Pressing a third time restores full illumination to the display.
NOTE: Pressing the for 2 seconds turns off the detector.
Stay Alert Feature
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s alert-
ness. To engage (when unit is not alarming):
• Press and hold (City) for 2 seconds. Display reads:
Within30-60secondstwobeepsaresounded;toshowalert-
ness, the driver must press the (Volume), (City) or
(Mute) button within 3-5 seconds. If the button is pressed
within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is repeated.
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OPERATION
DIM
DARK
RU ALERT

OPERATION
13
Ifa buttonwas notpressedwithin3-5 secondsalarmsounds
and the display reads:
• Press (Power) to exit.
WARNING!!! Stay Alert is NOT intended as a substitute for
adequate rest. You should NOT operate a vehicle if you are
drowsy. During extended periods of vehicle operation, you
should take frequent breaks. Improper reliance on the Stay
Alert feature may result in vehicle damage, personal injury or
death.NEVEROPERATEA VEHICLEIFYOU AREDROWSY.
Integrated Real Voice
When selected, Real Voice will be used to articulate the fol-
lowing:
1. Band Identification
2. Safety Warning System™messages
NOTE: In certain cases the voice message does not replicate
the text message.
GET REST

Option Select Mode
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to personalize Tone
Select, Real Voice, Abbreviated Power Up Sequence and VG-
2 Mode. When selecting options, the , or must be
pressedwithin20 secondsoroptions modewill automatically
be exited. To enter:
Press : Display To Change, Option:
Reads: Press
For 2 Seconds TONE 3 or Tone 1, 2, or 3
(3 different X, K, Ka
patterns)
2nd time TEST YES = YES X,K,KaAudio tones
= NO 1 beep during
Power Up
3rd time VG2 OFF = ON Turns VG-2 On
= OFF Turns VG-2 Off
(Factory default)
4th time VOICE = ON Real Voice engaged
ON = OFF Real Voice
disengaged
Press anytime to exit.
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OPERATION

OPERATION
15
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press (City) and (Mute) simultaneously and release.
Display reads:
City and Mute modes can also be accessed while Teach/
Tutorial mode is engaged.
• Press to exit.
TEACH

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:
1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal
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.
RADAR ALERTS
16
Ka
Display
Ka Band
Detected
Digits
ramp
1-9
9
PULSE

SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
SafetyWarningSystemdisplaysover60textmessages.When
Safety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counter-
like.
Safety Warning System Text
Example: Poor Road Surface:
Note: Safety Warning System consists of 60 text messages. See insert for
full description and abbreviations.
17
CAUTION
POOR
ROAD
SURFACE

Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the word “Laser” and signal
strengthisdisplayed,theaudioalertiscontinuousforamini-
mum of 3 seconds. Example:
The more “ ” the closer the laser source.
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.
Text message confirms detection of VG-2.
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
18
LASER
VG2 VG2
▲

RESET FEATURES/CARE & MAINTENANCE
Reset Features
All user features can be reset to factory set positions.
• Remove Power from unit.
• Press and hold (Power) 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 Highway.
3. Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display.
4. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.
5. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.
6. Voice ON.
7. Full Power Up sequence.
8. Default TONE 3.
9. 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.
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