Whistler GT-438G User manual

THE WHISTLER GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
3604 NW Frontage Rd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL: [phone] FX: 479.273.2927
©2013 The Whistler Group, Inc.
www.whistlergroup.com

OWNER’S MANUAL
GT-438G
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR
with GPS

If you have questions concerning the
operation of this Whistler product please call:
CuSTOmer SeRVICE
479-273-6012
Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT USA
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 on the accessory page of the manual.

INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Customer,
Whistler has added new features made specifically for the
International market. This model not only packs features
common with Whistler’s high end models such as LSID but also
includes the following new features not found in USA models;
- Redlight, Speed and Traffic Camera Alerts
- Updateable Internal Database of camera locations
- GPS module provides speed selective auto quiet/speed,
clock and more
- Selectable Laser Segments (which include: TraffiPatrol XR,
Riegl, Jenoptik, Laveg, TruSpeed and laser guns with
“Stealth” modes)
- Filter Modes
To utilize your unit to its full potential, we recommend
reading this entire manual or visit our FAQ page on our web
site www.whistlergroup.com.
Enjoy your new Whistler and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Model Features Summary ............................................... 4 - 5
Installation........................................................................... 6 - 9
• Mounting Guidelines
• Windshield Mounting
• Power Cord Connection
• Fuse Replacement
Operation ...................................................................... 10 - 25
• Power On and Self-Test
• Memory/Beep Confirmation
• Audio Level Adjustment
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• City/City 1/City 2 Modes
• Highway Mode
• Understanding the Display
• Signal Strength Meter
• Alert Periscopes
• Redlight / Speed Camera Detection
• Getting a Satellite Lock
• Camera Alerts
• Manual Entry
• Updating the Database
• Dim/Dark Modes
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
• Teach/Tutorial Mode
• Filter Modes
• Setting Saver
• VG-2 Mode
• Laser Signature ID (LSID)
• Selectable Laser
• POP™Mode Detection
• Alert Priority
• Option Select Mode
• Stay Alert™

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Radar/Laser Alerts ................................................................ 26
Radar Alerts
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
Pulse Protection®
Reset Features........................................................................27
Care and Maintenance..........................................................28
Troubleshooting Guide............................................... 28 - 29
Speed Monitoring Technologies............................... 30 - 33
Are Detectors Legal?
POP™Mode
Laser Facts
Laser Tips
Radar Facts
Other Speed Detection Systems
Radar Detector Detectors
FCC Information ................................................................... 33
Warranty Information.................................................. 34 - 36
Specifications......................................................................... 37
Accessories............................................................................. 38

FEATURES
Feature Listings - GT-438G
12
4
1
2
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
3
45
14
15
16

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. Speaker – provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka band radar
and laser.
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 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.
9. Power / Volume Control – turns the unit on/off and adjusts the
audio level.
10. Dim / Dark - engages Dim/Dark modes.
11. Menu Button - enters Option Select Mode.
12. Red OLED Text Display – provides better contrast, brightness and
color/shows alerts detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged
modes of operation.
13. Alert Periscopes - provide an additional attention getting visual
alert.
14. GPS Antenna - provides Traffic Camera alerts as well as other
speed selective settings.
15. Power Jack – provides connection for the power cord.
16. USB Jack - provides connection to a PC for data updates.
5

INSTALLATION
6
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
owner’s manual 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.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the unit is level
Windshield
Mounting

INSTALLATION
7
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 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 windshield
bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove the
detector before bending.
Rubber
Bumper

INSTALLATION
8
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.

INSTALLATION
9
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
10
Power On and Self-Test
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic
self-test sequence confirms that the speaker, visual displays
are functional along with many of the saved settings. To
increase the volume, continue turning the volume knob.
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
To change the audio level:
• Move Power/Volume knob back to increase audio level.
• Move Power/Volume knob forward to decrease audio level.
Quiet Mode
Quiet mode cancels audio during an alert and any new
alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds of no radar signal
detected, the audio alerts are restored.
• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.
• Press Quiet a second time during an alert to restore the standard
audio alert pattern.

OPERATION
11
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet mode reduces the selected audio level
approximately 5 seconds after a radar signal is detected
followed by a reduced tone. The reduced tone will continue
for as long as the detected signal is present and for any
new signal within 20 seconds. Auto Quiet mode does not
affect laser alerts. Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to
engage Auto Quiet mode.
• 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: Speed selectable Auto Quiet is selectable in Option
Mode.

City/City 1/City 2 Modes
Whistler’s City Modes are 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cancelHighwayModeandengageCity
Mode.
•PressCityagaintoenterCity1Mode.
•PressCityagaintoenterCity2Mode.
•PressCityafourthtimetocancelCity2Modeand
returns the unit to Highway Mode.
In City Mode, weak radar signals give an initial alarm of two
beeps, and then remain quiet until 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
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.
OPERATION
12
then
ClockNormal
then
then
then

OPERATION
13
Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K
and Ka) or laser signals are detected, and is recommended for
open road driving.
For more information on City and Highway modes, please visit
our FAQ page on our website: www.whistlergroup.com
Understanding the Display
The unit’s display can be set up to indicate Mode of
Operation (Highway and City modes) and Clock or Speed.
Selecting the Feature to be displayed
Press and hold the Dark button for four seconds or until
2 beeps are heard. The display will change from Clock to
Speed. Pressing and holding the Dark button again for four
seconds will change the display back to Clock.
Mode of Operation

OPERATION
14
1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal
Signal Strength Display
When a radar signal is detected the audio alerts have a geiger
counter-like pattern to help you determine the strength of the
radar source; the faster the beeping the stronger the radar
signal. At the same time the audio is reporting, the display
illuminates the band identification Icon and relative signal
strength from 1 to 9.
Alert Periscopes
Whistler’s Alert Periscopes provide an added attention
getting visual alert. The two extra LEDs 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:
1. flash for all alarms
2. remain on
3. turn LEDs off completely

OPERATION
15
Red Light/Speed Camera Detection
This unit is capable of alerting to these locations with the
updatable database.
Getting a Satellite Lock
Powering up, the unit will begin its search for satellites. During
this time, the unit will flash the satellite icon on the display.
Please allow several minutes for the unit to lock onto the
satellites. This delay is normal when the unit is turned on at
least 500 kilometers from when the unit last received a satellite
lock or if several days have passed since its last usage.
NOTE: Driving while initially searching for satellites will take longer
than if you are stationary. Acquiring satellites takes much longer the
first time.
Camera Alerts
When approaching a known camera*, the unit will provide the
type of alert (Red Light Camera, Traffic Camera, Speed Camera,
or User Location). Example: the display will show TRF CAM then
count down the distance to the camera. Once past the camera
location, the unit will provide a beep-beep audio tone and the
word PASS will be shown on the display.
*Choice of Heading or Radius alerts in option mode.

OPERATION
16
Manual Entry (Waypoint)
The unit will save a special location (i.e., a new red light
camera or even a “trap”) if you enter it manually. The unit
will store 1000 user locations. NOTE: Manual entries must
be approximately 100 meters apart to prevent overlapping
locations. To manually enter a location, simply press and hold
the QUIET button and the unit will announce “user point
logged”. Manual entries can be deleted within a certain radius
(selected in Option Select Mode). Once a radius is selected
the data can be deleted within the selected Radius or they all
can be deleted completely from memory.

OPERATION
17
Updating the Database
Follow the steps below to update the Laser-Radar Detector.
Step 1: Remove the Laser-Radar Detector from the vehicle
and bring it to your PC.
Note: You do not need to power the Laser-Radar Detector to update it.
Step 2: Download the update program and install it on your PC
Note: Program is not MAC compatible
Step 3: Download and save the .msc file downloaded to your
PC. Create a folder for the unit so you can store future updates
and save this file into the newly created folder.
DO NOT RENAME THE .msc FILE OR TRY TO OPEN IT!
Step 4: Open the update program and plug the USB cable
into the Laser-Radar Detector.
Step 5: Click the “Open File” button on the update program
and locate the saved file from Step 3. Click the “DB Update”
button to install the file.
Step 6: When update is complete, close the update program,
unplug the USB cable and the Laser-Radar Detector is ready
with the new updates.