Whistler 3400 User manual

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL [phone] FX [phone]
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
P/N 202880, © WHISTLER 2003
www.whistlergroup.com

OWNER’S MANUAL
3300A/3400
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR
www.whistlergroup.com

If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product please call:
CuSTOmer SeRVICE
1-800-531-0004
Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
or visit our website
www.whistlergroup.com
Please keep the receipt in a safe place.
You may register your product online
at
www.whistlergroup.com. For warranty
verification purposes, a copy of your dated
store receipt must still accompany any unit
sent in for warranty work. If the unit is
returned without a dated store receipt an
out of warranty service charge applies.
Note: Your warranty period begins at the
time of purchase. The warranty is validated
only by the dated store receipt! Now is the
time to record the serial number of the unit
in the space provided in the warranty section
of the manual.

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 3300A/3400 laser/radar detector detects
all radar, laser and safety radar systems, plus offers
Whistler’s exclusive Safe Driving System™ keeping you
informed of road hazards and adverse weather. Plus,
Whistler’s unique Stay Alert™feature tests driver’s alertness
on long solo trips. Whistler’s 3300A/3400 also offers a digital
display with safety messages to keep you informed while
you drive.
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of the Whistler
3300A/3400 and to better understand the differences
between detecting radar, laser and safety radar signals, we
recommend reading this entire manual.
Enjoy the Whistler 3300A/3400 and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
THE WHISTLER GROUP

Topic Page
Model Features Summary....................................................3 - 4
Operation ............................................................................5 - 14
• Power On And Self-Test
• Memory/Beep Confirmation
• Auto Level Adjustment
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• Temperature/Voltage Mode
• Engaging/Disengaging VG-2
• City Modes
• Dim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage Modes
• Stay Alert
• Integrated Real Voice Option
• Option Select Mode
• Teach/Tutorial Mode
• Voice Module Port
• Rear Antenna Port
Radar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts ..........................................15 - 18
• Radar Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
• Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
• Alert Priority
• Reset Features
• Care and Maintenance
Communication Breakdown....................................................19
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................20
Are Detectors Legal?...............................................................21
• FCC Information
Speed Monitoring Technologies.....................................22 - 23
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................24 - 26
Specifications............................................................................27
Accessories........................................................................28 - 29
TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHISTLER FEATURES
Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a new level
of operating convenience. Special features include:
• Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka band
radar, safety radar, laser and VG-2.
• Radar Antenna - Compact, high-efficiency antenna receive
radar signals.
• Laser Antenna - High gain optical lens provides increased
sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection
front and rear.
3
Whistler 3300A / 3400
Power/Volume Button Speaker
Dark Button
City Button Quiet/Menu Button
Laser Module
Radar Antenna
(Optional) Voice Module

WHISTLER FEATURES
• City/City 1/City 2 Mode – Reduces the annoyance of false
alerts typically encountered in urban driving areas.
• 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
encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts
to keep you informed. Pressing and holding for 2 seconds
allows you to enter Option Select Mode (see page 12).
• Power/Volume Control - Turnsuniton/offandadjustsaudiolevel.
• High Visibility Display - Provides distinct visual confirmation of
signals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged
modes of operation.
• Dim/Dark Mode– Reduces the illumination of the display.
4

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.
• Press P/V or apply Power. Display reads:
5

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 four steps: (1) is no audio level, (4) the highest.
• Press and hold P/V to increase audio level.
• Press and hold P/V to decrease audio level.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the dis-
play indicates volume level. Example:
6
VOL 1
Lowest Level 1
Highest Level 4

OPERATION
7
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
seconds will resume at level (1). 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.
Note: When Auto Quiet engages, it cancels the audio to
the optional Voice Module.
Quiet Mode
Quiet Mode cancels the audio during an alert and any new
alert within 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.

Temperature/Voltage Mode
The unit can be programmed to display either the outside
temperature or battery voltage along with Highway/City
modes. See Option Select Mode. Display reads:
• Ice Warning Mode: When temperature drops to 32˚F
display reads:
Unit then gives a unique warning tone. This will only hap-
pen once after the unit is first turned on. When either Hi T
or Lo T is displayed the limits of the temperature sensor
have been reached.
Note: Temperature may rise while vehicle is stopped and
idling, this is normal.
Engaging/Disengaging VG-2
See option select mode to turn this feature on.
OPERATION
8
FREEZING
TEMP
H 73oF
Temperature with Highway Battery with Highway
H 12.8V

OPERATION
9
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.
• Press City to engage City. Display reads:
• Pressing City 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:
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. 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
unitreceivesastrongradarsignal, the unitperformsthe Auto
Quiet feature. City Modes do not change the audio alert for
laser or VG-2.
Normal
Temperature/Voltage
or
or
or
or

OPERATION
10
Dim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage Modes
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Press Dark to reduce illumination to a Dim setting. Display
reads:
• Pressing Dark 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 Dark a third time restores full illumination to the
display.
The Dark Button will allow the display to momentarily switch
to the outside temperature reading.
• Press and hold Dark for 2 seconds until unit beeps once
then release. Display switches:
If Temperature or Battery Voltage is programmed (see
Option Select Mode), pressing and holding Dark for 2 sec-
onds will momentarily switch to the other reading. Example:
H 73oF
to
H 73oFH 12.8V
to

OPERATION
11
Stay Alert™ Feature
The Stay Alert™ Feature is designed to test a driver’s
alertness. To engage (when unit is not alarming):
• Press and hold City for 2 seconds. Display reads:
Within 30-60 seconds two beeps are sounded; to show
alertness, the driver must press either the Dark, City or Quiet
button within 3-5 seconds. If the button is pressed within 3-5
seconds, the cycle is repeated.
If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds alarm sounds
and the display reads:
• Press P/V 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 A VEHICLE IF YOU ARE
DROWSY.
Integrated Real Voice®
When selected and Optional Voice Module is connected,
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
replicate the text message.
3. Feature Selection

OPERATION
12
Option Select Mode
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Real Voice®, Abbreviated
Power Up Sequence test and VG-2 Mode. When selecting
options, Dark (D)=yes, City (C)=no, Quite (Q)=next selec-
tion. Any one of these must be pressed within 20 seconds
or options mode will automatically be exited. To enter:
Press Q: *Display To Change, Option:
Reads: Reads:
For 2 Seconds CUSTOM Dor CCustom Mode
Night Mode
Truck Mode
2nd time TEMP ˚F D = ˚F Changes Temp
C= ˚C Reading
3rd time TONE 3 Dor CTone 1, 2, or 3
(3 different X, K, Ka
patterns)
4th time TEST YES D= YES X, K, Ka Audio tones
C= NO 1 beep during
Power Up
5th time VG2 OFF D= ON Turns VG-2 On
C= OFF Turns VG-2 Off
6th time SR D= ON Turns Safety Radar On
ON C= OFF Turns Safety Radar Off
7th time VOICE D= ON Real Voice® On
OFF C= OFF Real Voice®Off

OPERATION
13
8th time TEMP D= YES Temp On
NO C= NO Temp Off
9th time BATT D= YES Battery Voltage
NO On
C= NO Battery Voltage
Off
*Factory settings.
Press P/V anytime to exit.
When Custom is displayed, pressing the Quiet button
again instead of the P/V button allows changing of other
features. If either Dark or City button is pressed it selects
one of two preprogrammed selections, night or truck.
Once night or truck is selected you cannot change other
features in option select mode.
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 4
2. VG2 On
3. Test Off
4. Highway Mode
5. SR On
6. Voice Off

OPERATION
14
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 P/V to exit.
Voice Module Port
Allows you to use an optional Whistler Voice Module, P/N
202971 (See accessory page for ordering, option mode for
programming). Any other device may damage the unit and
void your warranty. When mute or auto quiet modes are
engaged, the audio will be cancelled to the voice port.
Rear Antenna Port
Allows you to use only a Whistler SWRA-3300 rear antenna,
P/N 202964. Any other device may damage the unit and
void your warranty.
• Remove power from console.
• Plug rear antenna into Radar 2 Port.
• Reapply power to console, after self-test display shows:
• Press Dark to accept or City to cancel.
R2 ON?

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 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal
An asterisk is displayed when the optional rear antenna
receives a signal. Example:
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
15

In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety
Warning System™ displays over 60 text messages. When
Safety Radar is detected the audio alert is geiger counter-
like.
Safety Warning System™ Text
Example: Poor Road Surface:
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™ transmitters.
Visit Safety Warning System™s web page at www.safetyradar.com
for SWS locations.
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
16

LASER/VG-2 ALERTS
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected the word “Laser” and sig-
nal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous for
a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:
The more “|||” the closer the laser source.
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Note: You must turn this feature on in option select mode before
it will detect VG-2.
Whena VG-2signal 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 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.
(Reference page 23 for VG-2 information.)
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.
17