Whistler 3500 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
3500
WIRELESS LASER/RADAR DETECTOR
THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL: [phone] FX: 479.273.2927
www.whistlergroup.com
P/N 202803, © The Whistler Group, Inc. 2005 www.whistlergroup.com

INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Owner,
With the change in time also comes the change in technology and
customer's needs. Whistler introduces the 3500 to provide you
convenience and "Technology for the Way You Live."
The Whistler 3500 is an easy to install, wireless laser-radar detector
that features the new POP™ Mode Detection Capability, and a
Tri-Directional display. The Tri-Directional Display allows you the
option to install the control panel in 3 different orientations:
horizontal, vertical, or upside down.
The Whistler 3500 provides Total Band™ Protection, combined with
the convenience of wireless technology, that allows the ultimate in
performance and convenience. With POP™ Mode Detection
Capability,the fully featured Whistler 3500 can react fast enough to
detect new radar technology.
To fully utilize your unit to its potential, we recommend reading
the entire manual or visit our FAQ page on our web site at
www.whistlergroup.com.
Enjoy your new Whistler and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.
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.
1

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 receives
radar signals.
• Laser Module - High gain optical lens provides increased
sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection.
Note: Specifications and appearance may change without notice.
3
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
•Horizontal/Vertical Viewing
•Stay Alert
•Integrated Real Voice Option
•Option Select Mode
•Teach/Tutorial Mode
• Voice Module 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
•Careand Maintenance
Communication Breakdown....................................................19
Troubleshooting Guide............................................................20
Are Detectors Legal? ...............................................................21
•FCC Information
Speed Monitoring Technologies .....................................22 - 23
•Radar Facts
• POP™Mode
•Total Band Protection™
•Laser Facts
•Other Speed Detection Systems
•Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information........................................................24 - 26
Specifications............................................................................27
Accessories........................................................................28 - 29
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Whistler 3500
Power/Volume Button
Speaker
Dark Button
City Button Quiet/Menu Button
Laser Module Radar Antenna
(Optional) Voice Module

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 shows:
5
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 QUIET for 2
seconds allows you to enter Option Select Mode (see page 13).
•Power/Volume Control - Turns unit on/offand adjusts audio level.
• Text Display - Provides distinct visual confirmation
of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged
modes of operation. The display can also be mounted 3
different ways (see page 11 for more information).
• Dim/Dark Mode– Reduces the illumination of the display.
Press and hold this button to momentarily display
temperature/voltage.
4

OPERATION
7
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 eight steps: (0) is no audio level, (7) 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. For example:
•
Press and hold P/V and the volume will go to the max level (7),
then proceed to lower the volume to level (0). Continuing
to hold the P/V button will repeat the volume steps above.
6
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 shows:
•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
alertwithin 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 asecond 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 turnthis featureon/off.
Note: Selecting “POP OFF” turns VG-2 ON.
OPERATION
9
OPERATION
8
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 shows:
• Pressing City asecond time engages City 1. Display shows:
• Pressing City athird time engages City 2. Display shows:
• Pressing City afourth time cancels City 2 Mode and
returns the unit to Highway Mode. Display shows:
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
alarmof 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. City 1 & City 2 Modes operate the same as
Highway Mode, but 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 modesand the unit receives
astrong radar signal, the unit performs the Auto Quiet
feature.City Modes do not change the audio alertfor laser
or VG-2.
or
or
or
or

Dim/Dark/Temperature/Voltage Modes
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Press Dark to reduce illumination to a Dim setting.
Display shows:
• Pressing Dark asecond time engages Dark Mode.
Display shows:
Dim or dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark
Mode, the display goes dark for as long as a signal is
being detected and for 20 seconds after, then the display
returns to the dimmer setting.
• Pressing Dark athird time restores full illumination to
the display.
The Dark Button will allow the display to momentarily
indicate the outside temperature reading.
• Press and hold Dark for 2 seconds until unit beeps once
then release. Display switches:
If Temperatureor Battery Voltage is programmed (see Option
Select Mode), pressing and holding Dark for 2 seconds will
momentarily switch to the other reading. Example:
OPERATION
11
OPERATION
10
to
to
Horizontal/Vertical Viewing
The display can be mounted in 3 different orientations:
• Horizontally
• Upside Down
• Vertically
See Option Select Mode on page 13 to change display viewing.

OPERATION
13
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, Quiet (Q)=next selection.
Any one of these must be pressed within 20 seconds or
option mode will automatically be exited. To enter:
Press Q: *Display To Change, Option:
Shows: Press:
For 2 Seconds TONE 3 Dor CTone1, Tone 2
2nd time TEST YES D=YES X, K, Ka Audio tones
C=NO 1 beep during
Power Up
3rd time TEMP ˚F Dor CChanges Temp
Reading
4th time TEMP NO D=YES Temp ON
C=NO Temp OFF
5th time BATT NO D=YES Battery Voltage ON
C=NO Battery Voltage OFF
6th time POP ON D=YES Turns POP™Mode ON
C=NO Turns POP™Mode OFF
7th time SR OFF D=ON Turns Safety Radar ON
C=OFF Turns Safety Radar OFF
8th time X ON D=ON Turns X Band ON
C=OFF Turns X Band OFF
9th time K ON D=ON Turns K Band ON
C=OFF Turns K Band OFF
OPERATION
12
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 shows:
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 is not pressed within 3-5 seconds, an alarm sounds
and the display shows:
• 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. FeatureSelection

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
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 the standard alert pattern resumes.
RADAR ALERT
15
OPERATION
14
10th time Ka ON D=ON Turns Ka Band ON
C=OFF Turns Ka Band OFF
11th time Laser ON D=ON Turns Laser ON
C=OFF Turns Laser OFF
12th time Voice OFF D=ON Real Voice®ON
C=OFF Real Voice®OFF
13th time DSP NOR Dor CNormal
Vertical
Reversed
*Factory settings.
Press and hold P/V to exit. NOTE: Turning POP™Mode off, turns
on VG-2.
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
•Press City and Quiet simultaneously and release.
Display shows:
• Press P/V to exit.
Voice Module Port
Allows you to use an optional Whistler Voice Module.
(See accessory page for ordering and 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.

LASER/VG-2 ALERTS
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Note: YYoouummuussttttuurrnnPPOOPPffeeaattuurreeOOFFFFiinnooppttiioonnsseelleeccttmmooddee
bbeeffoorreeiittwwiillllddeetteeccttVVGG--22..
When a VG-2 signal 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 a
VG-2 Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be received.
Having a laser/radar detector does not make you invisible or
immune to laser/radar guns. As in the case with detecting
instant-on radar, there are some circumstances that the VG-2
may detect you laser/radar detector before the laser/radar can
detect the VG-2 signal in time to hide. (Reference page 23 for
Radar Detector Detector 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 a VG-2 signal is detected,
the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.
17
Safety Warning System™ Text
Example: Poor Road Surface:
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™ transmitters.
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.
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected, the word “Laser” and
signal strength is displayed, the audio alert is continuous
for a minimum of 3 seconds. Example:
The more “|||” the closer the laser source.
16
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS