Whistler 1790SE User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
1790SE
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR
THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL [phone] FX [phone]
www.whistlergroup.com
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
25 Industrial Ave.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
TEL [phone] FX [phone]
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel [phone]
Email: [email protected]
P/N 1790SE, © WHISTLER 2001

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.
INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Owner,
Technology has changed dramatically in 30 years and
Whistler has weathered the changes in style. The 1790SE
30th anniversary edition was developed with all the technical
know-how of those 30 years. We started with a proven
detection circuitry with All BandTM and added top-of-the-line
features such as:
Memo-record up to 90 seconds
Digital Compass-provides cardinal points and direction
in 5 degree increments.
Real Voice®-allows you to keep your eyes on the road
Whistler’s exclusive Safe Driving System-incorporates
the Safety Warning System (SWS), keeping you informed
of road hazards as well as our unique Stay Alert system,
it tests your alertness on long solo trips
Vehicle Battery Saver and Monitor system-battery saver
turns the detector off if you forget and the monitor
momentarily displays the vehicle’s battery voltage
Even though the 1790SE is packed full of features, it is still
very easy to use. To fully utilize the unit to its potential, we
recommend reading this entire manual.
NOTE: Compass must be calibrated before use! See
“Compass Calibration Set-up” section.
Enjoy the Whistler 1790SE and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

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
VG-2.
4. Power/Dim/Dark Button – Turns unit on/off and
engages Dim/Dark modes (press and hold for 2 seconds).
5. Volume Up/Down Buttons – Adjust volume up or
down. Pressing both buttons enter compass calibration
mode. In memo mode, select one of nine messages.
3
Topic Page
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 5
Installation.............................................................................6 - 9
• Mounting Guidelines
• Dash/Visor/Windshield Mounting
• Power Connection And Fuse Replacement
• Compass Calibration Set-up
Operation.............................................................................10-17
• Power On And Self-Test
• Integrated Real Voice™
• Feature Engaged Confirmation
• Auto Level Adjustment
• Compass Mode
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• City Mode
• Dim/Dark Mode
• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection
• Stay Alert
• Option Select Mode
• Memo Mode
•Teach/Tutorial Mode
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
• Vehicle Battery Monitor
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts.............................................18-22
• Radar 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............................................................23
Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................24
Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................25 - 26
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................27 - 29
Specifications............................................................................30
Accessories...............................................................................31
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Whistler 1790SE
10
1
2
3
45
96
7
8

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
WHISTLER FEATURES
6. High Visibility Display – Provides distinct visual confir-
mation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates
engaged modes of operation.
7. Quiet/Menu Button - Pressing QUIET before a signal is
detected engages Auto Quiet Mode which automatically
reduces the audio level after the initial warning to a low
audio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser
encountersilences audioalerts,whileallowingvisualalertsto
keep you informed. Pressing and holding for 2 seconds
allows you to enter Option Select Mode (see page 16).
8. CITY/CITY 1/CITY 2 Button - Reduces the annoyance
of false alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.
9. Memo Button - Pressing Memo enters Memo Mode
feature. Press & hold (3 seconds) unit will momentarily dis-
play vehicle battery voltage.
10. Laser Antenna (Rear) - An integrated optical
waveguide provides superior detection of laser signals
transmitted from behind.
11. Laser Antenna (Front) - High gain optical lens
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-
edge laser detection.
12. Radar Antenna - Compact, high-efficiency antenna
receives radar signals.
13. Mounting Bracket Location - Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly. 4

•Slidethe detector onto thebracketuntilitlocksintoplace.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending thewind-
shieldbracket. Press thebracket 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
7
INSTALLATION
Mounting Guidelines
•Mount the unit as low and level as possible near the center
of the windshield. Unit must be level for compass to func-
tion properly.
•Donot mountyourunitbehindwipers, ornaments, mirrored
sunscreens, etc.These obstructions have metal surfaceswhich
can affect radar and laser signals and reduce critical warning
time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.)
•Some windshields have an Instaclear™or Electriclear™ type
coating, which affect radar signals. Consult your dealer or the
owner’smanualsuppliedwith your vehicle todetermine ifyour
windshield has this coating.
•Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.
•Toreducethepossibilityoftheft,concealyourunitwhennot
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
suction cups may leave permanent marks on this type of
surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of wind-
shield, 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.
6

INSTALLATION
9
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 thepowercordintothe 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
whendisassembling.) Insert thenew fusewith the springand
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 2amp
fuse. 8
Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this
section of bracket.
Slide on view
Compass Calibration Set-up
The unit will need to be calibrated in order for the com-
pass to provide accurate readings. To calibrate the unit,
perform the following procedure:
1. Mount the unit level in the center of the vehicle’s wind-
shield in which it will be used. Make sure there are no
other magnetic sources near the detector (i.e., speaker).
2. Select a large clear area (parking lot or field) without any
power lines.
3. While parked, press both volume buttons simultaneous-
ly until unit displays:
4. Drive vehicle slowly in two complete circles. If
calibration does not automatically finish press both volume
buttons simultaneously to complete calibration. The unit
will beep twice and display:
Note: If unit mounting is relocated in the vehicle, (i.e.,
visor to windshield mounting or dash mounting), or if the
unit is moved to another vehicle, you must recalibrate the
compass.

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.
•Press (Power) or apply Power. Display reads:
Integrated Real Voice
When selected, Real Voice will be used to articulate the
following:
1.Band Identification
2.Safety Warning System messages
NOTE: In certain cases the voice message does not repli-
cate the text message.
3.Feature Selection
OPERATION
11
OPERATION
Memory/Beep Confirmation
All features selected (except Stay Alert and Quiet) are
retained in memory. Each time a button is pressed one
beep confirms feature“on”, two beeps confirm feature
“off”.
Audio Level Adjustment
The audio levels can be adjusted high to low, or low to
high, in nine steps: (0) is no audio level, (8) the highest.
•Press Volume up to increase audio level.
•Press Volume down to decrease audio level.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the
display indicates volume level. Example:
Compass Mode
The 1790SE is programmed from the factory in “Combo
Mode”. Combo mode means that the unit provides both
compass readings as well as detecting laser/radar signals.
Through the “Option Select Mode” (page 16) or the
“Mode“ Button, the unit can be changed to operate in
Radar Mode (detection of all police bands and laser (no
compass) or Compass Mode (no detection of police laser
radar). Note: The unit must be calibrated to provide accu-
rate compass readings. See Compass Calibration Set-up
section on page 9.
10

OPERATION
13
OPERATION
12
City/City 1/City 2 Mode
Whistler’s Three Stage City Mode is designed to reduce the
annoyance of automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and
other devices which share frequencies with police radar.
Generally X band is used for these devices.
•Press City to engage City. Display reads:
•Pressing City asecondtime engagesCity 1. Displayreads:
•Pressing City a third time engages City 2. Display reads:
•Pressing City a fourth time cancels City, City 1, and City 2.
Display reads:
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
alarmoftwobeeps,andthen remainsquietunless thesignal
becomes very strong. When the signal strength increases,
two additional beeps areprovided. In City 1 Mode, only the
X band sensitivity is lowered. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not
detected. CAUTION: When selecting this mode, some
towns/small cities may still be using X band radar.
If Auto Quiet is engaged in City 1 or City 2 modes and the
unitreceivesa strongradarsignal, theunitperformstheAuto
Quiet feature. City Modes do not change the audio alert for
laser or VG-2.
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet reduces the selected audio level to level (1)
approximately 5 seconds after a radar or safety radar sig-
nal is detected. The alert for any new signal within 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
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, approximately 2 beeps
are provided on any new alert and unit then remains quiet.
•Press Quiet to cancel the audio.
•Press Quiet a second time during an alert to restore the
standard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit off, then on.

OPERATIONOPERATION
14 15
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 approximately 2 seconds.
Release the button during or immediately after the alert is
given. Display reads:
Within 30-60 seconds two beeps are sounded; to show alert-
ness, the driver must press either the (Volume), City or
(Quiet)button within3-5seconds. If the button is pressed
within 3-5 seconds, the cycleis repeated.
If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds alarm sounds
andthe 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. NEVER OPERATE AVEHICLEIF YOU AREDROWSY.
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
engages Dark Mode. 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 detect-
ed and for 20 seconds after, then the display returns to the
dimmer setting.
•Pressing and holding a third time restoresfull illumina-
tion to the display.
Engaging/Disengaging VG-2
See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on.

OPERATIONOPERATION
16
Option Select Mode
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Compass Select, Abbreviated
Power Up Sequence 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:
(Quiet) Reads: Press
For 2 seconds COMBO or Combo=Radar & Compass
Radar=No Compass
Compass=No Radar
2nd time TONE 3 = YES Tone 1, 2, or 3
= NO (3 different X, K, Ka
patterns)
3rd time TEST YES = ON X, K, Ka Audio tones
= OFF 1 beep during
Power Up
4th time VG2 OFF = ON Turns VG-2 On
= OFF Turns VG-2 Off
5th time SAFETY = ON Turns Safety Radar On
ON = OFF Turns Safety Radar Off
6th time VOICE = ON Real Voice engaged
ON = OFF Real Voice disengaged
7th time B SVR = ON Battery Saver On
ON = OFF Battery Saver Off
8th time X = ON X Band On
Yes = OFF X Band Off
9th time K = ON K Band On
Yes = OFF K Band Off
10th time Ka = ON Ka Band On
Yes = OFF Ka Band Off
11th time Laser = ON Laser On
Yes = OFF Laser Off
*Factory settings.
Press anytime to exit.
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
•Press City and (Quiet) simultaneously and release.
Display reads:
Quiet mode can also be accessed while Teach/Tutorial
mode is engaged.
•Press (Power/Play) to exit.
Memo Mode
Record up to nine distinct message tracks for a total of 90
seconds, one 90 second message or any combination in
between.
IMPORTANT: Unit does not detect radar or laser signals
during recording or while playing a memo.
WARNING!!! Memo mode is not intended to be used
while you are driving. You should not use any device in a
vehicle that may distract you from observing the road
ahead.
To record or play a message (Memo mode):
• Press memo button and release. The unit will beep once;
this enters Memo mode. Display reads:
17