Whistler 1605 User manual

TM
OWNER’S MANUAL
1605
RADAR DETECTOR

If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product
please call consumer relations:
1-800-531-0004
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
Please keep the receipt in a safe
place. If the unit is returned without a
dated proof of purchase, an out of
warranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at
the time of purchase. The warranty is
validated only by your receipt.
Now is the time to record the serial
number of the unit in the space pro-
vided in the warranty section of the
manual.

1
INTRODUCTION
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
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.
Your new Whistler 1605 radar detector detects all radar and
safety radar systems. Your Whistler detector includes many
preferred features. It offers dectection of the new Safety
Warning System™ technology. This provides advanced
warning of various highway hazards in communities where
available, enabling you to respond more appropriately to
potentially dangerous conditions.
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
1605 we recommend reading this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1605 and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

Topic Page
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 4
Installation .............................................................................5 - 7
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
Operation ............................................................................8 - 10
• Power On And Self-Test
• Feature Engaged Confirmation
• Quiet Modes
• City Mode
Radar Alerts.......................................................................11 - 13
• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Care and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................14
Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................15
Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................16 - 17
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................18 - 20
Specifications............................................................................21
Accessories ...............................................................................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

WHISTLER FEATURES
Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a
new level of operating convenience. Special features
include:
1. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy
release of the mounting bracket.
2. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.
3. QUIET Button – Pressing QUIET during a radar
encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts
to keep you informed.
4. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
typically encountered in urban driving areas.
5. Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka
band radar and safety radar.
3
Whistler 1605
6
5
4
1
2
3

WHISTLER FEATURES
6. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.
7. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna
receives radar signals.
8. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.
Accessories
Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.
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.
Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on
a level dashboard.
4
7
8

INSTALLATION
Mounting Guidelines
•Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the
windshield.
•Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments, mir-
rored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal sur-
faces which can affect radar signals and reduce critical warn-
ing time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.)
•Some newer windshields have an Instaclear™or
Electriclear™ type coating, which affect radar signals.
Consult 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. IMPORTANT: Some newer cars have a
plastic safety coating on the inside of the windshield. The
windshield bracket 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 window in direct sunlight. If the detector
is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some
vehicles.
•Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-
5

shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove
the detector before bending.
Dash Mounting
•Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is
relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl
alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes.
•Separate the fastener strips. Peel the paper backing 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 fastener strip over the unit’s serial number. If the
fastener strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Units
without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
INSTALLATION
6

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
relatively 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. The tip contains a spring which may fly out
when disassembling.) Insert the new fuse with the spring and
screw on the tip. 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.
Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this
section of bracket.
Slide on view

Power On And Self-Test
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an auto-
matic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and
visual displays are functional.
During Power Up, all the LEDs illuminate, while the X, K,
and Ka alerts are sounded in sequence.
After the alert the 1st and 3rd alert LEDs flash and the
Safety Radar alert is sounded. At the end of the self-test
sequence the unit is in the highway mode.
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature
“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
The audio alerts are continuous, but have a Geiger counter-
like pattern to help you determine your distance from the
radar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are to the
transmitting source.
At the same time, illumination of multiple LEDs indicates rel-
ative signal strength.
OPERATION
8
Power On
LED City On LED
Radar
Visual Alert