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