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