Whistler 1655 User manual

TM
OWNER’S MANUAL
1655
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
provided 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 1655 laser/radar detector detects all radar,
laser and safety radar systems, plus offers Whistler’s exclusive
Real Voice™ technology .
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
1655 and to better understand the differences between
detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we recom-
mend reading this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 1655 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
• Integrated Real Voice™
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• City Mode
• Highway Mode
• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................13 - 16
• Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
• Alert Priority
• Care and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................17
Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................18
Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................19 - 20
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................21 - 23
Specifications............................................................................24
Accessories ...............................................................................25
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 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 and the
VG-2.
4. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.
5. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confir-
mation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates
engaged modes of operation.
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Whistler 1655
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84
6
7
3
2
5
1

WHISTLER FEATURES
6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
typically encountered in urban driving areas.
7. VG-2 Button – Press and hold (for two seconds) to
engage or disengage VG-2.
8. 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.
9. Laser Antenna (Rear) – An integrated optical wave-
guide provides superior detection of laser signals trans-
mitted from 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
receives radar signals.
12. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.
4
11
12
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

OPERATION
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.
• Turn Power/Volume control clockwise. Display shows:
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature
“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
Integrated Real Voice™
Real Voice™is used along with audio tones to articulate
band identification and Safety Warning System™
messages.
9
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka
X Band
K Band
Ka Band
Laser
Safety Radar

OPERATION
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet shortens the tone for the selected audio
approximately 3 seconds after a radar or safety radar sig-
nal is detected. The shorter tone will resume for any new
signal within 20 seconds. Auto Quiet does not affect VG-2
or laser alerts.
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage Auto
Quiet. Display reads:
• Once the Auto Quiet mode is engaged, you may cancel
the audio alarm by pressing Quiet.
• Press Quiet (when the unit is not alarming) to cancel
Auto Quiet mode.
Quiet Mode
Quiet cancels audio during an alert and any new alert with-
in 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, 2 beeps are provided on
any new alert and the unit then remains quiet.
• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.
• Press Quiet a second time while unit is alarming to
restore the standard audio alert pattern.
10
AUTO
QUIET

OPERATION
City Mode
Whistler’s City Mode is 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 shows:
• Pressing City a second time cancels City. Display shows:
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
alarm of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signal
becomes very strong. When the signal strength increases,
two additional beeps are provided.
Highway Mode
Highwaymode providesfull audiowarnings any timeradar (X,
K, Ka, Safety) or laser signals are detected, and is
recommended for open road driving. Highway mode is auto-
matically engaged after the unit is turned on and completes
the self-test.
11
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka

OPERATION
Engaging VG-2
To engage or disengage VG-2 Detection:
• Press and hold the VG-2 button. Display shows:
• Pressing VG-2 a second time disengages VG2.
VG-2 must be engaged each time your detector is turned
on.
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your
detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer
is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button
is pressed before the 3 hours have expired. The detector will
alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts
off. Display shows:
During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit by
pressing any button. This will reset the timer.
If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any button
to turn the unit back on. You can manually engage the
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode by pressing and holding the City
button until one beep is heard. The auto shutoff function will
initiate after several seconds.
12
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka
All Alert LED’s Flash
In Highway Mode In City Mode

RADAR/LASER ALERTS
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
When X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signal
strength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous and
has a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the beep the
closer or stronger the radar source. Example:
1 Alert LED = weak signal, 4 Alert LED’s = 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 shows:
After 3 seconds standard alert pattern continues.
13
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka

SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety
Warning System displays over 60 voice messages. When
Safety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counter-
like.
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System transmitters.
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the alert LED’s illuminate
from right to left in a rolling pattern. The audio alert is con-
tinuous for a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:
14
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka
Alert LED1 and
LED4 flash

LASER ALERTS / VG-2 ALERTS
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.
In Highway Mode
In City Mode — VG-2 LED flashes
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal. If
a VG-2 signal is still present, the unit continues to hide and
repeats the VG-2 alert. If no signal is detected, two beeps
are provided, indicating an “all clear” condition. During
VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be received.
Note: VG-2 must be turned on to receive VG-2 alerts.
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.
15
XK PWR Alert City
VG-2
Ka

CARE & MAINTENANCE
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.
16

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed
to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable,
trouble-free operation. If your unit has beencorrectlyinstalled
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
another cord to determine if cord is defective. Return
defective cord to the factory.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment,
electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows,
directionals, horn, etc.), or when accelerating.
• Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and alternator,
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.
PROBLEM: Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.
• Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with
factory quality cap.
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer
Relations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for
service. 17

ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
In Most States YES!
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when
used 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 regula-
tions 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, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser detector use
in these types of vehicles nationally.
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of
New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks
over 18,000 lbs. and in the state of Illinois in trucks over
26,000 lbs.
18