Whistler CR73 Series User manual

USER GUIDE
CR68/CR73
High Performance
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters

ModelFeaturesSummary...............................3-5
Installation.....................................................5-7
• Mounting Guidelines
•
Windshield Mounting
•
Power Connection and Fuse Replacement
Operation....................................................8-12
•
Power On Self Test & Volume
• Integrated Real Voice® (CR73 Only)
• Feature Engaged Confirmation
• Self Test Mute
•
Setting Saver
•
Auto Quiet Mode
•
Quiet Mode
•
City/City 1/ City 2 Mode
•
Highway Mode
•
FDSR/TFSR Rejection Modes
•
Alert Periscopes
•
Dim/Dark Mode
•
Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection
•
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
• Stay Alert
Laser/Radar Alerts....................................12 -13
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• Laser Tips
• Pulse Protection®
• Safety Warning System™
VG-2 Alerts......................................................14
POP™ Mode Alerts..........................................14
OptionSelectMode....................................15-16
• Reset Features
TroubleshootingGuide...............................16-17
Careand Maintenance......................................17
AreDetectorsLegal?........................................18
FCC Information..............................................18
SpeedMonitoring......................................19-21
• Radar Facts
• Laser Facts
•
Other Speed Detection Systems

FEATURES
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CR73
CR68

4
FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
1. Bracket Release Button – provides quick
and easy release of the mounting bracket.
2. Speaker – provides distinct audio warnings
for X, K, Ka band radar, safety warning system,
laser and VG-2.
3. Mounting Bracket Location – slot holds
mounting bracket firmly.
4. Radar Antenna – compact, high-efficiency
antenna receives radar signals.
5. Front Laser – high gain optical lens provides
increased sensitivity and field of view for
leading-edge laser detection.
6. Rear Laser – an integrated optical waveguide
provides superior detection of laser signals
transmitted from behind.
7. City Button - reduces the annoyance of false
alerts typically encountered in urban driving
areas.
8. Quiet Button - pressing QUIET before a radar
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode
which provides “clicking” sounds after the
initial warning. Pressing QUIET during a radar
encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing
visual alerts to keep you informed.
9. Power / Volume Control - turns unit on/off
and adjusts audio level.
10. Dim / Dark Mode - engages Dim/Dark modes.
11. Menu Button - enters option select mode.
12. Numeric Icon Display - combines icon
display with a 7 segment digital display that
shows signal strength indication and band
identification.
13. Alert Periscopes - provide an additional
attention getting visual alert.
14. X-band Icon - indicates the unit is receiving a
X-band signal.
15. K-band Icon - indicates the unit is receiving a
K-band signal.

Mounting Guidelines
•Mount the unit as low as possible near the
center of the windshield.
•Do not mount the unit behind wipers, ornaments,
mirrored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions
have metal surfaces which 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 user guide
supplied with your vehicle to
determine if your windshield
has this coating.
•Avoid placing the unit in direct
contact with the windshield.
•To reduce the possibility of
theft, conceal the unit when
not in use.
Rubber Bumper
FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
5
16. Ka-band Icon - indicates the unit is receiving a
Ka-band signal.
17. V - indicates that the unit is receiving a VG-2
signal. Indicates that VG-2 is engaged.
18. H - indicates unit is in Highway mode.
19. C - indicates that the unit is operating in city
mode.
20. Signal Strength Icon - indicates the strength
of the signal being detected.
21. L - indicates that the unit is receiving a laser
signal.
22. Power Jack - provides connection for the
power cord
INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION
6
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 vehicle’s user guide 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 windshield bracket. Press the bracket release
button and remove the detector before bending.
Windshield
Mounting
IMPORTANT: Make sure the unit is level

INSTALLATION
7
Power Cord 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 socket.
NOTE: Cord fits tightly into detector. When
installing the cord, expect some resistance.
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.

OPERATION
8
Power On Self Test & Volume
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an
automatic self-test sequence confirms that the
speaker and visual displays are functional. To
increase the volume, continue turning the
volume knob.
Integrated Real Voice® (CR73 Only)
When selected, Real Voice®will be used to
articulate the following:
1. Band Identification
2. Safety Warning System messages
3. Feature Selection
Voice OFF/ON is selected by holding quiet
button for approximately 2 seconds. Voice ON
will announce “caution”, Voice OFF will give a
double beep.
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Each time a button is pressed, one beep confirms
the feature is “on”, two beeps confirm feature
“off”.
Self Test Mute
Press the Quiet button during the Self-Test
sequence to cancel the Self-Test audio. This will
not affect radar/laser alerts. To restore the
Self-Test audio, press the Quiet button during the
next Self-Test.

OPERATION
9
Setting Saver
Setting Saver stores your personalized settings so
that when the detector is turned off and then on
again, you do not have to re-enter them.
Auto Quiet Mode
Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected
provides an alternate alert pattern, consisting of
several beeps (indicating X, K, Ka or Safety Warning
System) followed by clicking. After 20 seconds of no
alerts, the audio is restored for any new alerts.
• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to
engage Auto Quiet.
•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
Pressing Quiet cancels the audio during an alert and
any new alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds of
no alerts, the audio is restored for any new alerts.
• 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.
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 button to cancel Highway Mode
and engage City Mode.
•Press City button again to enter City 1 Mode.

OPERATION
10
City/City 1/City 2 Mode(cont’d)
• Press City button again to enter City 2 Mode.
• Press City button a fourth time to cancel City 2
Mode and returns the unit to Highway Mode.
In City Mode, weak speed/safety warning system
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. City 1 and 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: Some towns/small cities may still be
using X band radar. City Modes do not change the
audio alert for laser.
Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any
time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Warning System) or laser
signals are detected, and is recommended for open
road driving.
Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection (FDSR)
Traffic Flow Sensor Rejection (TFSR)
Recently many new products that operate on police
radar frequencies have been causing nuisance alerts
to radar detectors. These radar based sensors are
installed alongside the Highway and more recently
on vehicles used as lane change assist / blind spot
detectors / collision avoidance systems. TFSR when
turned ON is designed to eliminate alerts from
specific Traffic Flow sensors. FDSR when turned ON
is designed to identify all radar based collision
avoidance systems that operate within the same
band as police radar and provide a brief less
intrusive alert to keep you informed and aware.

OPERATION
11
A signal strength indicator will help determine
your proximity to the source without the continued
annoyance of audio.
We suggest you turn FDSR ON if you are
experiencing excessive random false alerts when
behind select vehicles.
Alert Periscopes
Whistler’s Alert Periscopes provide an added
attention getting visual alert. The two extra LED’s
flash on and off when the unit alarms to provide a
unique visual alert.
This alert can be programmed through the Option
Select Mode to be: ON, OFF, or FLASHING during
alerts.
Dim/Dark Mode
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the
display.
•Press and release the Dark button to reduce
illumination to a dim setting.
•Press and release the Dark button a second time
to engage Dark Mode. The display illumination is
further reduced.
Engaging/Disengaging VG-2
See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on.
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts
off your detector within 6 hours. The timer is reset if
the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button
is pressed before the time has expired. The detector
will alert you with an audible and visual warning
before it shuts off. During this warning you can reset
the timer by pressing any button.

OPERATION
12
Stay Alert Feature
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s
alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming):
•Press and hold the City button for approximately
2 seconds. Release button during or immediately
after the alert is given.
The “H” or “C” will flash indicating Stay Alert is
activated. Within 30-60 seconds, two beeps are
sounded; to show alertness, the driver must press
either the City, Menu, or Quiet buttons within 3-5
seconds. If a 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 flashes all the LEDs.
•Press the Dark button to exit the Stay Alert
feature.
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.
Laser Audio / Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected, the unit indicates an
“L” on the display. The audio alert is continuous for
a minimum of 3 seconds.
Laser Tips
If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can often
determine your speed within a few seconds after you
LASER/RADAR ALERTS

LASER/RADAR ALERTS
13
receive an alert. In this situation there is generally
no time to safely adjust your speed. However, if you
are traveling near or behind the targeted vehicle and
receive an alert, response time should be sufficient.
Any laser alert, regardless of duration, requires
immediate action!
Pulse Protection®
Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect
than conventional radar because it remains “off”
until activated to measure the speed of a targeted
vehicle. When a pulse type transmission is detected,
your Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
audio warning and a “P” will be displayed. After
the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert pattern
continues for as long as the signal is present. It is
important to respond promptly to a pulse alert, since
warning time may be minimal.
Safety Warning System/Audio/Visual Alerts
When your Whistler detector detects a safety
warning system, it provides a distinctive audio tone
and the Numeric Icon display shows an “S.” and
a decimal point when a Safety warning system is
detected.
NOTE: You will be able to receive SWS™alerts if
transmitters are located in your area.
Alert

VG-2 ALERTS
POP™ Mode Alerts
Because POP™ Mode radar utilizes the same
K or Ka band frequencies, POP™ Mode Alerts will
be displayed as regular radar alerts.
POP™ MODE ALERTS
VG-2 Detection Mode
The VG-2, also known as a “radar detector
detector,” is a special receiver used by police to
detect signals radiated by a radar detector. See
Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2) Spectre section
for more information on VG-2.
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 alert is
sounded. After 3 seconds, the audio is cancelled
and the VG-2 indicator flashes at a slower rate.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2
signal. This cycle is repeated if the VG-2 signal
is detected again. If no signal is detected, two
beeps are provided indicating an “all clear”
condition.
During the period a VG-2 signal is detected,
a radar signal cannot be detected. However,
because the VG-2 alert has confirmed that a
patrol car is nearby, you are already aware of the
potential for speed monitoring and can adjust
your speed accordingly. Laser detection is not
affected while a VG-2 signal is detected.
14

OPTION SELECT MODE
15
Option Select Mode
Press the Menu button to enter Option Select
Mode. Each press of the Menu button changes to
the next selectable feature. The Dark (D) button
and the Quiet (Q) button turns the feature ON/
OFF or Blinking for example. A button must be
pressed within 20 seconds or Option Select Mode
will automatically be exited.
Feature Display
Shows
To Change
D=Dark/
Q=Quiet Option
VG-2 V D = ON
Q = OFF VG-2=ON VG-2=OFF (default)
ALERT
PERISCOPES .D or Q
to Select Alert Periscopes (ON, OFF or Blinking)
POP™ P D = ON
Q = OFF POP™=ON POP™=OFF (default)
SWS™ S D = ON
Q = OFF SWS™=ON SWS™=OFF (default)
VOICE VLE D = E
Q = S VOICE=English (default) VOICE=Spanish
TFSR t D = ON
Q = OFF TFSR=ON TFSR=OFF (default)
FDSR F D = ON
Q = OFF FDSR=ON FDSR=OFF (default)

OPTION SELECT MODE
16
NOTE: To exit Option Select Mode press and hold
the menu button.
Reset Features
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
Factory Reset
1. Unplug Power Cord from unit
2. Press and hold Quiet
3. Plug the Power Cord into the unit
(Power switch turned on)
4. Wait for 2 beeps
5. Release the Quiet button
Unit is now reset.
Factory Settings are:
• Highway Mode
•Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display
• Auto Quiet™ Mode OFF
•VG-2 Detection Mode OFF
•Self Test Mute OFF
• Voice® EN (CR73 Only)
•Alert Periscope to Blink
•POP™ Mode OFF
• SWS™ OFF
• TFSR OFF
• FDSR OFF
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 been correctly installed following the guidelines
in this guide, but is not operating optimally, please
refer to the troubleshooting guide below.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
17
PROBLEM: Unit does not turn on.
Check fuse in plug; replace if necessary with a 2 amp,
3AG type. Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary. Make sure the lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: No or low audio.
Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode. Check
audio level setting.
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 the cord is
defective. Return the defective cord to the factory.
CARE & 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.

ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
18
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which have
local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers
in any vehicle.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) passed
a nationwide regulation, effective January 1994,
which prohibited radar and laser detector use in
vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
FCC INFORMATION
FCC ID: HSXWH23
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
IMPORTANT: FCC requirements state that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by Whistler
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

SPEED MONITORING
19
Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at
certain frequencies which reflect off objects and are
then picked up by the radar gun’s receiving section.
When a radar beam reflects off a moving target, a
measurable frequency shift occurs. The radar unit
converts this shift into miles per hour to determine
your vehicle’s speed. Currently, the FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) permits operation of
traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 - 10.550 GHz), K
Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band (33.400 -
36.000 GHz).
NOTE: A radar detector will only alarm if an officer is
transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot
reliably provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that
is traveling in a group of vehicles. In contrast, a
laser gun can target a specific vehicle out of a line
of traffic and determine its speed. The advantage
of laser over radar in terms of target identification
is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A
radar transmission can cover more than a four-lane
highway at a distance of 1,000 feet, compared with
a laser transmission which covers about 3 feet at
the same distance. For best protection, keep these
points, listed on the following section, in mind:

SPEED MONITORING
20
Laser Facts (Continued)
•Because the vehicle’s license plate or
headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets,
mounting the Whistler detector on the
dashboard can improve laser detection at short
range.
•Do not follow closely behind any vehicle. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances
are your detector won’t either.
•The receiving range of laser signals will not be
the same as radar signals. Laser guns are most
often used at short range.
•Whistler Laser-Radar detectors receive
all current laser guns which operate at a laser
wavelength of 905 ± 50 nm including but not
limited to the following:
•Ultra Lyte
•LTI 20-20
•LTI TruSpeed® S
•Pro Laser™ I II III
•Laser Ally
•Laser Atlanta® Stealth Mode
Other Speed Detection Systems
Several techniques other than radar or laser are used
to measure vehicle speeds. When these methods are
being used, no detector can provide a warning.
These techniques include:
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and
matches your driving speed.
• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to
travel a known distance is measured.