Whistler GT-438Xi User manual

User Guide
GT-438Xi
High Performance
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR

Dear Whistler Customer,
If you have questions concerning the operation of this Whistler
product please call:
Customer Service
1-479-273-6012
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! Please record the serial number of the unit in the space
provided in the accessories section of the guide.
To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of your Whistler
detector and to better understand the differences between
detecting radar, laser, and safety radar signals, we recommend
reading this entire guide or visiting our FAQ. page on our website
www.whistlergroup.com
Enjoy your Whistler detector and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
The Whistler Group, Inc.

3
Model Features Summary.......................................................5 - 6
Installation ................................................................................. 7 - 10
• Mounting Guidelines
• Windshield Mounting
• Power Cord Connection
• Fuse Replacement
Operation.................................................................................11 - 22
• Power On and Self-Test
• Memory/Beep Confirmation
• Audio Level Adjustment
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• Highway Mode
• City/City 1/City 2 Modes
• Signal Strength Meter
• Alert Periscopes
• Dim/Dark Modes
• VG-2 Mode
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
• Teach/Tutorial Mode
• TFSR/FDSR Modes
• Setting Saver
• Ka Narrow Mode
• Laser Signature ID (LSID)
• Selectable Laser
• POP™Mode Detection
• Safety Warning System SWS
• Alert Priority
• Option Select Mode
• Stay Alert™
TABLE OF CONTENT

4
TABLE OF CONTENT
Radar/Laser Alerts..........................................................................23
• Radar Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
Reset Features .................................................................................24
Care and Maintenance.................................................................25
Troubleshooting Guide...................................................... 25 - 26
Speed Monitoring Technologies.................................... 27 - 30
• Are Detectors Legal?
• POP™Mode
• Laser Facts
• Laser Tips
• Radar Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
Warranty Information......................................................... 31 - 33
Specifications................................................................................. 34
Accessories ..................................................................................... 35

5
FEATURES
12
1
2
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
3
45
14

6
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. Blue 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. Power Jack - Provides connection for the power cord.

7
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

8
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

9
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

10
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.
INSTALLATION

11
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.
OPERATION

12
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.
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

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
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

14
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
1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal
OPERATION

15
Dim/Dark Modes
Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.
• Briefly press and release the Dark button to reduce
illumination to a Dim setting.
• Briefly press and release the Dark button a second time for
as long as a signal is being detected and for 20 seconds after,
then the display returns to the dim setting. Dim Modes can be
engaged during an alert.
• Briefly press and release the Dark button a third time to restore
full illumination to the display.
VG-2 Mode
See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on/off. When a
VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 alert is sounded and the
display flashes “VG-2”. After 3 seconds the audio is canceled
and the display no longer flashes. This cycle is repeated if
the VG-2 signal is detected again.
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.
OPERATION

16
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off the detector
after 3 hours if the unit has constant power.
The timer is reset:
1. Each time the detector is turned off
2. The power cord is disconnected or power is removed
to the unit.
3. Any button is pressed before the timer 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. If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any
button to turn the unit back on.
Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions for changing the
battery saver mode option.
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Provides simulated alerts for each type of signal.
• Press City and Quiet simultaneously and release.
Display shows:
• Press Dark to cancel.
OPERATION

17
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. 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.
Setting Saver
Setting Saver saves your personalized settings so that when the
detector is turned off and then on again, you do not have to
re-enter them.
Ka Narrow Mode
Many countries do not share the same Ka radar guns as the
USA. Having a radar detector that scans the complete Ka
band may not be necessary if your Country is only using one
or more of the following (34.0 or 34.3 GHz). See Option Select
Mode to engage Ka Narrow mode.
OPERATION

18
Laser Signature ID (LSID)
Identify the Laser gun’s pulse rate or PPS (Pulses per Second)
that is transmitted by the speed laser gun. LSID may also be
used to identify other forms of laser sources such as LACC
(Laser Assisted Cruise Control) systems found in some high end
vehicles. If the Laser PPS information displayed is due to
another source such as local airports or LACC, LSID allows you
to Lock Out this rate from giving you the continuous audio alert
during this and any new encounter of the same rate.
To lock out a PPS, press the Quiet button during the Laser alert.
This will place an * on the screen beside the PPS rate and Lock
Out this signature ID. Any new encounter with the same Laser
Signature ID will provide the display information and two quick
beeps.
CAUTION: Do not lock out a PPS rate if it is close to known speed
laser guns.
Segmented Selectable Laser Receiver
The laser validation windows are separated into segments
allowing for customization in your country.
Segment Pulse Rate
LASER 1 valid up to 900Hz
LASER 2 valid from 1100Hz - 2000Hz
LASER 3 valid from 2000Hz - 3000Hz
LASER 4 valid from 3000Hz - 4000Hz
LASER c valid from 900Hz - 1100Hz
LASER XR valid for the TraffiPatrol XR
OPERATION

19
The L c segment is an area known to have laser falsing from
some new vehicles with Laser Assisted Cruise Control (LACC).
This segment is defaulted to off. If vehicles in your country do
not have LACC systems, you may turn on this segment in
Option Select Mode.
If a segment is not required in your country, it is recommended
that you shut off the segment in Option Select Mode to minimize
the chance of false alerts caused by some non police sources such
as airports, laser assisted cruise control systems and more.
POP™ Mode Alerts
Because POP™ Mode radar utilizes the same K or Ka band
frequencies, POP™ Mode Alerts will initially be displayed as POP K
or POP Ka then switch to band and signal strength.
OPERATION

20
Safety Warning System™SWS
In communities where transmitters are located, the Safety
Warning System™can transmit over 60 messages. When an
SWS signal is detected the audio alert is Geiger counter-like.
Safety Warning System Text Message
EXAMPLE: Highway Advisory.
NOTE: Not all areas have Safety Warning System™
transmitters.
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same time, the
alert priority is:
1. Laser
2. Speed Radar
3. Safety Radar
EXAMPLE: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a laser signal is
detected, the laser warning will override the X band alert.
Option Select Mode
Press the Menu button to enter Option Select Mode. Press
the Menu button again will step thru in an ascending order
while pressing the City button will step thru in a decending
order.
OPERATION