Whistler 1610 User manual

TM
OWNER’S MANUAL
1610/1630
LASER/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 CST
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 return of the
Warranty Validation card.
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 fulfilling, safer, or just simply
more fun. Our mission is to provide products that improve
your driving experience.
Your new Whistler 1610/1630 laser/radar detector detects all
radar, laser and safety radar systems, plus offers 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. The Whistler 1630 also
offers the benefit of the VG-2 mode.
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
radar detector and to better understand the differences
between detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we
recommend reading this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1610/1630 and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

Topic Page
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 5
Installation .............................................................................6 - 8
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
Operation ............................................................................9 - 12
• Power On And Self-Test
• Feature Engaged Confirmation
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• City Mode
• Highway Mode
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................13 - 17
• Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
• Radar Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• VG-2 Detection Mode
• Safety Alerts
• Care and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................18
Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................19
Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................20 - 21
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................22 - 24
Specifications............................................................................25
Accessories ...............................................................................26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

WHISTLER FEATURES
Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a
new level of operating convenience. Special features
include:
1. Rear Laser Antenna (1630 only) – An integrated
optical waveguide provides superior detection of laser
signals transmitted from behind.
2. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy
release of the mounting bracket.
3. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.
4. QUIET/Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIET before a
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode. Pressing
QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio
alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
3
Whistler 1630 shown
1
8
27
6
5
3
4

WHISTLER FEATURES
5. VG-2 Button (1630 only) –Engages (one beep) or dis-
engages (2 beeps) VG-2 Cloaking Technology™ for non-
detectibility.
6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
typically encountered in urban driving areas.
7. Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka
band radar, safety radar, laser and the VG-2.
8. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.
9. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna
receives radar signals.
10. Laser Antenna (Front) – High gain optical lens array
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-
edge laser detection.
11. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.
4
9
11
10

WHISTLER FEATURES
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.
5

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 and laser signals and reduce crit-
icalwarningtime.(Regulartintedglassdoesnot affectrecep-
tion.)
•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-
6

INSTALLATION
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.
7

INSTALLATION
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. 8
Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this
section of bracket.
Slide on view