Whistler 1595SE User manual

If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
pleasecallcustomertechnicalservice:
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 1595SE laser/radar detector detects all radar,
laserandsafetyradarsystems,plusoffersWhistler’sexclusiveSafe
Driving System™ and Real Voice™technology . This comprehen-
sive safety system detects the Safety Warning System™keeping
youinformedofroadhazardsandadverseweather.Plus,Whistler’s
unique Stay Alert™feature tests driver’s alertness on long solo
trips.Whistler’s1595SEalsooffersadigitaldisplaywithsafetymes-
sage icons to keep you informed while you drive.
TofullyacquaintyourselfwiththeoperationoftheWhistler1595SE
and to better understand the differences between detecting ra-
dar, laser and safety radar signals, we recommend reading this
entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1595SE and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
WHISTLER CORPORATION
INTRODUCTION
1

Topic Page
Model Features Summary 3 - 5
Installation 6 - 9
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
Operation 10 - 16
• 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 17 - 20
• 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 21
Are Detectors Legal? 22
Speed Monitoring Technologies 23 - 24
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information 25 - 27
Specifications 28
Accessories 29
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

Whistler 1595SE
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/DarkButton -Turnsuniton/offandengages
Dim/Dark modes (press and hold for 2 seconds).
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
QUIET
1595SE
1
2
4
5
6
8
7
3
9
DARK

WHISTLER FEATURES
7. Quiet/Menu Button -Pressing QUIET before a signal is
detectedengagesAutoQuietModewhichautomaticallyreduces
theaudiolevelaftertheinitialwarningtoalowaudiolevelsetting.
Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio
alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed. Pressing
andholdingfor2secondsallowsyoutoenterOptionSelectMode
and change menus.
8. CITY/CITY 1/CITY 2 Button -Reducestheannoyance
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 -10 ft. hardwire connects directly to vehicle’s
fuse box.
Protective Travel Case - Designed for convenience stor-
age 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
the detector before bending.
INSTALLATION
6

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, this may
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.Peelthepaper 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
7

Visor Mounting
• 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.
Hardwire Kit Connection
At one end of the power cable the power and ground wires
areseparated.Thegroundwirehasa“U”typeconnectorwhich
should be fastened to a metal surface. Look for an existing
screworboltunderthe dashtouseasa groundingpoint.The
power wire has a spade type connector which should be con-
nected to a switched +12 volt DC circuit in your vehicle’s fuse
box. A switched circuit is one that has power when your ve-
hicle is on, but has not power when your vehicle is off.
Connectthe“U”typeconnectortothegroundpointselected,
plug the power cord into the unit’s power jack then touch the
powerwiretothe+12voltDCswitchedpowersourceselected;
if the unit sounds the self test sequence, then all connections
are correct.
INSTALLATION
8
Slide on visor
Insert into bracket
mounting slot

Fuse Replacement Installation
Lighter Socket Cord
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.
Hardwire Kit
Fuse holder is equipped with a replaceable 2 amp 3AG fuse
located at the inline fuse holder. To replace fuse, hold both
ends of fuse holder, push in, and twist to open.
INSTALLATION
9

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:
Memory/Beep Confirmation
Allfeaturesselected(exceptStayAlertandQuiet)areretained
in memory. Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms
feature “on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
OPERATION
10
K
Ka
X
LASER
9
9
9
SR ON
VG2 OFF
HIGHWAY
WHISTLER

Audio Level Adjustment
Theaudio levels can beadjustedhigh to low, orlowto high,
in nine steps: (0) is no audio level, (8) 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 (Quiet/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
11
VOL O
VOL
No audio level
Highest Level 8
8
QUIET
AUTO

Quiet Mode
Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within
20seconds.After20seconds,approximately2beepsarepro-
vided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.
• Press to cancel the audio.
• Press a second time during an alert to restore the stan-
dard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit off, then on.
City/City 1/City 2 Mode
Whistler’s three-stage City Modes are designed to reduce
the annoyance of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms
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 engages City 2. Display
reads:
• Pressing (City) a fourth time cancels City, City 1, and
City 2. Display reads:
InCityMode,weakspeed/safetyradarsignalsgiveaninitialalarm
oftwobeeps, and then remainsquietunless the signal becomes
very strong. When the signal strength increases, two additional
beepsareprovided.In City 1Mode, only theXband sensitivityis
12
OPERATION
HIGHWAY
CITY 2
CITY 1
CITY

OPERATION
lowered.InCity2Mode,X-bandisnotdetected.CAUTION:When
selecting this mode, some towns/small cities may still be using X
bandradar.IfAutoQuietisengagedinCity1orCity2modesand
theunitreceivesastrongradarsignal,theunitperformstheAuto
Quietfeature.CityModesdonotchangetheaudioalertforlaser
or VG-2.
Dim/Dark Mode
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Press and hold (Power) for 2 seconds to reduce illumi-
nation to a Dim setting. Display reads:
• Pressing and holding for 2 seconds a second time re-
duces illumination to a dimmer 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.
• Pressingandholding athirdtimerestoresfullilluminationto
the display.
DARK
DIM
13

14
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 either the (Volume), (City)
or (Quiet)buttonwithin3-5seconds.Ifthebuttonispressed
within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is repeated.
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.
3. Feature Selection
RU ALERT
GET REST
OPERATION

Option Select Mode
EnteringOptionSelectModeallowsyoutocustomizeoptions
such as Tone Select, Real Voice, Abbreviated Power Up Se-
quence and VG-2 Mode. When selecting options, the , or
must be pressed within 20 seconds or options mode will
automatically be exited. To enter:
Press : *Display To Change, Option:
Reads: Press
For 2 Seconds CUSTOM or Custom
Night Mode
Truck Mode
2nd time TONE 3 or Tone 1, 2, or 3
(3 different X, K, Ka
patterns)
3rd time TEST YES = YES X,K,KaAudio tones
= NO 1 beep during
Power Up
4th time VG2 OFF = ON Turns VG-2 On
= OFF Turns VG-2 Off
5th time SAFETY = ON TurnsSafetyRadarOn
ON = OFF Turns SafetyRadar Off
6th time VOICE = ON Real Voice engaged
ON = OFF Real Voice
disengaged
*Factory settings.
Press anytime to exit.
15
OPERATION
}Pg. 16

OPERATION
16
When Custom is displayed, pressing the Quiet button again
instead of the Volume button allows changing of other fea-
tures. If one of the volume buttons is pressed it selects one of
two preprogrammed selections, night or truck. Once night or
truck is selected you cannot change other features.
Night = 1. Volume Level 4
2. Auto Quiet On
3. Dark Mode
4. Highway Mode
5. SR On
6. VG2 Off
7. Test Off
8. Voice Off
Truck = 1. Volume level 8
2. VG2 On
3. Test Off
4. Highway Mode
5. SR On
6. Voice Off
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press (City) and (Quiet) simultaneously and release.
Display reads:
QuietmodecanalsobeaccessedwhileTeach/Tutorialmode
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
17
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.
18
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
19
LASER
VG2 VG2