Whistler PRO-78GXi User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
PRO-78GXi
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR

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
in the accessory section of the manual.

INTRODUCTION
Dear Whistler Customer,
Whistler has utilized its High Performance antenna design
and added new features made specifically for the European
market. This model not only packs features common with
Whistler’s high end models such as Ka Max Mode, RSID, LSID
and Real Voice but also includes the following new features
not found in USA models;
- Ka Narrow Plus
- Adjustable Laser Segments (which include: TraffiPatrol XR,
Riegl, Jenoptik, Laveg, Truespeed and laser guns with
“Stealth” modes)
- X/K Filter modes
- Selectable Ramp mode
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
• Direct Wire Kit Connection
• Fuse Replacement
Operation .................................................................. 10 - 27
• Power On and Self-Test
• Memory/Beep Confirmation
• Auto Level Adjustment
• Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes
• City/City 1/City2 Modes
• Highway Mode
• Selectable Signal Strength Meter
• Alert Periscopes
• Dim/Dark Modes
• Integrated Real Voice
• Redlight / Speed Camera Detection
• Getting Satellite Lock
• Camera Alerts
• Manual Entry
• Updating the Database
• INTELLICORD®Ready
• Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
• Teach/Tutorial Mode
• X/K Filter Mode
• Ka Filter Mode
• Setting Saver
• Ka Max Mode
• Ka Narrow Plus Mode
• Radar Signature ID (RSID) w/Voice Prompts
• Laser Signature ID (LSID)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Adjustable Laser
• POP™ Mode Detection
• Safety Warning System SWS
• Alert Priority
• Option Select Mode
• Stay Alert™
Radar/Laser Alerts ........................................................... 28
• Radar Alerts
• Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
• Pulse Protection®
Reset Features .................................................................. 29
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 30 - 31
• Care and Maintenance
Speed Monitoring Technologies.............................. 32 - 35
• Are Detectors Legal?
• POP™ Mode
• Laser Facts
• Laser Tips
• Radar Facts
• Other Speed Detection Systems
• Radar Detector Detectors
FCC Information .............................................................. 35
Warranty Information ............................................... 36 - 38
Specifications ................................................................... 39
Accessories ....................................................................... 40

FEATURES
Feature Listings of PRO-78GXi
12
4
1
2
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
3
45

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, Safety Warning System, 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 – gently press this button in to
turn the unit on/off. Move back or forward to adjust 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.
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.
Installing the Hardwire Kit
The “U” type connector must be secured to a metal surface
that is electrically connected to the battery ground (negative)
terminal.
The spade type connector can connect to either live 12 volts
or switched 12 volts at your fuse panel accessory port. If no
port is available, cut off the spade terminal, expose 1/4 to
1/2 inch of wire, and splice into a source of 12 volt power.

INSTALLATION
9
Fuse Replacement - power cord
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.
Fuse Replacement - hardwire kit
The inline fuse holder on the power cable is equipped with a
replaceable 2 amp, 3AG fuse located inside the fuse holder.
To replace the fuse, carefully twist the holder to open it to gain
access to the fuse.

OPERATION
10
Power On and Self-Test
To turn the unit ON or OFF, gently press the center of the
Power/Volume button into the side of the unit.
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.
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 button back to increase audio
level.
• Move Power/Volume button forward to decrease audio
level.
As audio level is adjusted, beeps are provided and the
display indicates volume level.

OPERATION
11
Speed Mute
When traveling below the speed selected in option mode, no
audio will be given to an alert but the display will still continue
to provide a visual warning.
Speed Volume
When selected, the audio will adjust with your speed. Set the
volume to the maximum and the unit will adjust accordingly.
NOTE: Speed Mute and Speed Volume are selectable in
Option Mode.
Auto Quiet Mode
Auto Quiet mode reduces the selected audio level approximately
5 seconds after a radar or safety radar signal is detected. The alert
for any new signal within 20 seconds will resume at the lower level.
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.

OPERATION
Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X,
K, Ka, and Safety Warning System - SWS) 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 a Cardinal Point
Heading* and Mode of Operation (Highway and City modes).
In-between the Heading and Mode of Operation the clock is
displayed when vehicle is not moving. Clock will change to
speed when vehicle exceeds 5 kmh.
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.
12
*Heading Mode of Operation

In City Mode, weak speed/safety 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.
Selectable Signal Strength Display
There are two settings available in Option Mode that
effect how a received radar signal strength is displayed.
The “RMP STD” (ramp standard) option uses our standard
signal progression from level 1 to 9. The “RMP FST” (ramp
fast) option increases the progression from level 1 to 9.
RMP FST increases the response of the signal strength
meter for all bands.
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.
OPERATION
13
1 = weak signal, 9 = strong signal

This alert can be programmed, through the Option Select Mode
to:
1. flash for all alarms
2. remain on
3. turn LEDs off completely
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
engages Dark Mode. In Dark Mode, the display goes
dark 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 forth time to
restore full illumination to the display.
Integrated Real Voice®
Real Voice®will be used to articulate the following:
1. Band Identification
2. Safety Warning System™ categories
3. Feature Selection
OPERATION
14

OPERATION
15
INTELLICORD®Ready
The INTELLICORD®power cable allows the user to remotely
control two of the following detector features (Power On/Off,
City Modes, Dim/Dark, Waypoint and Quiet/Auto Quiet)
with a press of a button. See option mode for selecting the
functions to work with the INTELLICORD®.
Red Light / Speed Camera Detection
The PRO-78GXi is capable of alerting to these locations with
the preinstalled 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.

OPERATION
Manual Entry
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 POWER button and the
unit will announce “user point logged”. When detecting
this position, the unit will announce “caution” the next time
it approaches this location. Manual entries can be deleted
within a certain radius (selected in Option Select Mode).
Once a radius is selected (400, 600, 800, 1000) the data can be
deleted within the selected Radius or they all can be deleted
completely from memory.
16

OPERATION
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 .cdb 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 .cdb 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 “DB Update” button on the update
program and locate the saved file from Step 3. Click the
“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.
17

OPERATION
18
Updating the Firmware
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 .bin 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 .bin 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 “F/W Update” button on the update
program and locate the saved file from Step 3. Click the
“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.