1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:56 PM Page 1
OWNER’S MANUAL
1710/1730
LASER/RADAR DETECTOR
THE WHISTLER GROUP
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
13016 N. Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, AR 72712
TEL (501) 273-6012 FX (501) 273-2927
email: info@whistlergroup.com
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
25 Industrial Ave.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
TEL (978) 244-1400 FX (978) 244-1491
CUSTOMER RETURN CENTER
1201 N. Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR 72756
Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004
P/N 1710/1730, © WHISTLER 2001
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1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:56 PM Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHISTLER FEATURES
Whistler 1730 shown
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Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides a
new level of operating convenience. Special features
include:
1. Rear Laser Antenna (1730 only) – An integrated
optical waveguide provides superior detection of laser
signals transmitted from behind.
2. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy
release of the mounting bracket.
3. Power/Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts
audio level.
4. QUIET/Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIET before a
signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode. Pressing
QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio
alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
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WHISTLER FEATURES
WHISTLER FEATURES
5. VG-2 Button (1730 only) – Engages (one beep) or dis-
engages (2 beeps) VG-2 Cloaking Technology™ for non-
detectibility.
Accessories
Accessories included are highly functional and easy to use.
Power Cord - Connects to the unit’s power jack and your
6. CITY Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alerts
vehicle’s lighter socket.
typically encountered in urban driving areas.
Windshield Bracket - Allows installation of unit on your
7. Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K, Ka
vehicle’s windshield.
band radar, safety radar, laser and the VG-2.
Hook & Loop Fasteners - Designed to secure the unit on
8. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.
a level dashboard.
9. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antenna
receives radar signals.
10. Laser Antenna (Front) – High gain optical lens array
provides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-
edge laser detection.
11. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mounting
bracket firmly.
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1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:56 PM Page 9
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
Mounting Guidelines
• Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of the
windshield.
shield bracket. Press the bracket release button and remove
the detector before bending.
• Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments, mir-
rored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal sur-
faces which can affect radar and laser signals and reduce crit-
ical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect recep-
tion.)
• Some newer 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 unit in direct contact with windshield.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal your unit when
not in use.
Dash Mounting
• Make sure the mounting location you have chosen is
relatively level and is clean and dry. Clean with isopropyl
alcohol if necessary to remove any waxes or polishes.
• Separate the fastener strips. Peel the paper backing off
each strip and adhere one piece to the dash and the other
piece to the bottom of the unit, taking care not to cover
the serial number.
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 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.
Be careful not to place the fastener strip over the unit’s serial number. If the
fastener strip is removed, the serial number may be pulled off the unit. Units
without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
• Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.
• If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending the wind-
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INSTALLATION
OPERATION
Visor Mounting (optional accessory)
Power On And Self-Test
• Slide the visor bracket into the bracket mounting slot.
• Clip the visor bracket onto the visor making sure it is
relatively level and has a clear view of the road.
Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an auto-
matic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and
visual displays are functional.
Slide on view
During Power Up, all the LEDs illuminate, while the X, K,
and Ka alerts are sounded in sequence. Immediately after
the radar alerts, the red LEDs are momentarily canceled,
then illuminated from right to left while the laser alert is
sounded.
Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend this
section of bracket.
Power Connection
• Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’s power
jack.
After the laser alert the 1st and 4th (3rd on 1710) alert LEDs
flash and the Safety Radar alert is sounded. At the end of
the self-test sequence the unit is in the highway mode.
• Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
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.
Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully when replacing the 2 amp
fuse.
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1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:57 PM Page 13
OPERATION
OPERATION
Feature Engaged Confirmation
City Mode
Each time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature
“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.
Whistler’s City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyance of
automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and other devices
which share frequencies with police radar.
Quiet Mode
• Press City to engage City. Display shows:
The QUIET Button accesses one of two muting options.
•
Manual Quiet: When an audio alert is sounded, you
can silence the alarm by pressing QUIET. The only time you
can engage/disengage Manual Quiet is during an audio
alert.
•
Auto Quiet (1730 only): Pressing QUIET before a
radar signal is detected provides an alternate alert pattern,
consisting of four beeps (indicating X, K, Ka or Safety
radar) followed by clicking. The clicking will continue for as
long as the detected signal is present or any new signal is
detected within 20 seconds, becoming more rapid as the
strength of the signal increases.
• Pressing City a second time cancels City Mode.
In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give an initial
alarm of two beeps, and then remains quiet unless the signal
becomes very strong. When the signal strength increases,
two additional beeps are provided.
If Auto Quiet is engaged, pressing QUIET while the unit is
alarming will cancel the beeps or clicking.
Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X,
K, Ka, Safety) or laser signals are detected, and is
recommended for open road driving. Highway mode is auto-
matically engaged after the unit is turned on and completes
the self-test.
Pressing QUIET a second time when the unit is not alarm-
ing will cancel Auto Quiet mode and restore the continu-
ous audio alert pattern.
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1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:57 PM Page 15
OPERATION
RADAR ALERTS
Radar Audio And Visual Alerts
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
When your Whistler detector encounters traffic radar, it pro-
vides a distinctive audio tone for the specific radar band
detected: X, K, or Ka. At the same time, LEDs illuminate
sequentially from left to right (see page 9). The green and
amber LEDs are cancelled during an alert.
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your
detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer
is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button
is pressed before the 3 hours have expired. The detector will
alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts
off. Display shows:
The audio alerts are continuous, but have a Geiger counter-
like pattern to help you determine your distance from the
radar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are to the
transmitting source.
At the same time, illumination of multiple LEDs indicates rel-
ative signal strength.
®
Pulse Protection
Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect than con-
ventional radar because it remains “off” until activated to
measure the speed of a targeted vehicle.
The Red LEDs flash in an alternating pattern
During this warning you can momentarily reset the unit by
pressing any button. This will reset the timer.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, your Whistler
detector sounds an urgent 3-second audio warning and flash-
es the red LEDs at their fastest rate. After the 3-second pulse
alert, the standard alert pattern continues for as long as the
signal is present.
If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any button
to turn the unit back on. You can manually engage the
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode by pressing and holding the City
button until one beep is heard. The auto shutoff function will
initiate after several seconds.
It is important to respond promptly to a pulse alert, since
warning time may be minimal.
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RADAR/LASER ALERTS
VG-2 ALERTS
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
VG-2 Detection Mode (1730 only)
When X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signal
strength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous and
has a geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the beep the
closer or stronger the radar source. Example:
The VG-2, also known as a “radar detector detector,” is a
special receiver used by police to detect signals radiated
by a radar detector.
Press the VG-2 button once to engage, unit beeps once.
Pressing a second time cancels VG-2 detection mode, unit
beeps twice and the VG-2 LED is disengaged.
When a VG-2 signal is detected the P/VG-2 LED flashes
rapidly for 3 seconds and the VG-2 alert is sounded. After
the 3 seconds the audio is canceled and the P/VG-2 alert
LED flashes at a slower rate. This cycle is repeated if the
VG-2 signal is again detected.
1 Alert LED = weak signal, 4 Alert LED’s = strong signal
Radar Band Identification (1730 only)
When the Whistler 1730 encounters traffic radar, the Radar
Band Indicators confirm the band detected by illuminating
one or both of the LEDs as follows:
Model 1730
X Band — Amber LED Only
K Band — Red LED Only
Ka Band — Amber And Red LEDs Illuminate
Laser Audio And Visual Alerts
If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can often deter-
mine your speed within a few seconds after you receive an
alert. In this situation there is generally no time to safely
adjust your speed. However, if you are traveling near or
behind the targeted vehicle and receive an alert, response
time should be sufficient. Any laser alert, regardless of
duration, requires immediate action! When your Whistler
detects a laser signal, the laser audio alert is sounded and
the four red LEDs (three red LEDs on 1710) illuminate from
right to left for as long as the signal is present, or for a
minimum of three seconds.
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.
Note: VG-2 must be turned on to receive VG-2 Alerts.
When the laser signal is no longer detected, the audio
warning ends, but the LEDs continue to flash slowly for three
seconds, indicating a laser encounter has just occurred.
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1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:57 PM Page 19
SAFETY RADAR ALERTS
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Care And Maintenance
Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
During the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure to
direct sunlight by removing your unit from the dash when
your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time.
Do not spray water, cleaners or polishes directly onto the
unit. The spray may penetrate through the openings and
damage the unit. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners on
the unit’s exterior.
Your Whistler detector detects the new Safety Warning
System™. In communities where transmitters are located,
this provides advanced warning of various road hazards
including accident sites, highway construction, emergency
vehicles, etc. and enables you to respond more appropri-
ately to potentially dangerous conditions. When your
Whistler detector detects a safety radar signal, it provides
a distinctive audio tone and illuminates the first LED and
the last LED in the signal strength display.
Model 1730
The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indicate detec -
tion of a Safety radar signal.
Model 1710
The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indicate detec -
tion of a Safety radar signal.
The Safety radar alert is displayed for as long as the signal
is present and the audio alert is continuous, but has a
Geiger counter like pattern to help you determine your
distance from the Safety radar source; the faster the beep-
ing, the closer you are to the source.
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ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
In Most States YES!
Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered and designed
to exacting quality standards to provide you with reliable,
trouble-free operation. If your unit has been correctly installed
following the guidelines in this manual, but is not operating
optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when
used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).
Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar
detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are
Virginia and Washington, D.C., which have local regula-
tions restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway
Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective
January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laser detector use
in these types of vehicles nationally.
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of
New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks
over 18,000 lbs. and in the state of Illinois in trucks over
26,000 lbs.
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by information in
this Troubleshooting Guide, please call Whistler Consumer
Relations at 1-800-531-0004 before returning your unit for
service.
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SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
Other Speed Detection Systems
Radar Facts
Several techniques other than radar or laser are used to
measure vehicle speeds. When these methods are being
used, no detector can provide a warning. These techniques
include:
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and matches your
driving speed.
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain
frequencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up
by the radar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beam
reflects off a moving target, a measurable frequency shift
occurs. The radar unit converts this shift into miles per hour
to determine your vehicle’s speed.
Currently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
permits operation of traffic radar guns at X Band (10.500 -
10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band
(33.400 - 36.000 GHz).
• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to travel a
known distance is measured.
Radar Detector Detectors
The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwave receiv-
er used by police to detect signals radiated by the local
oscillator of a radar detector. Because its purpose is to iden-
tify persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2 is known
as a “radar detector detector”.
The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the police to identify
radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught in a state where
detectors are illegal, (see pg. 19) drivers risk losing their
radar detector and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on
radar is almost always used in combination with a VG-2,
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receiving two
tickets — one potentially for speeding, the other for pos-
session of a detector.
Laser Facts
It’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliably
provide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in a
group of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a spe-
cific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of target identifi-
cation is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. A radar
transmission can cover more than a four-lane highway at a
distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmission
which covers about 6 feet at the same distance.
For best protection, keep these points in mind:
•
•
•
Because your vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser gun’s
primary targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the dashboard can
improve laser detection at short range.
Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see through. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector won’t
either.
Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 may
alert you to the presence of a speed trap.
Be Advised: Model 1710 radar detector does not detect or
hide from the VG-2. Only model 1730 provides VG-2 pro-
tection.
The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same as a radar
detector. Laser guns are most often used at short range.
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WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility for loss or
damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit
insured with return receipt requested.
Consumer Warranty
The 1710/1730 Whistler detector is warranted to the original
purchaser for a period of one year from the date of original
purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship.
This limite d warranty is void if the unit is ab used , modi-
fied , installed imp roperly, if the housing has b een
removed , or if the se rial numb er is missing. There are no
express warranties covering this product other than those set
forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for this
product are limited to one year. Whistler is not liable for
damages arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this
product.
2. Include with your unit the following information, clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), and
a daytime telephone number. (No P.O. Boxplease.)
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g., “Unit per
forms self-test but does not respond to radar”).
• A copy of your dated proof of purchase or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial number. For
reference, please write your unit’s serialnumber in the following
space: s/n __________________.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be repaired or
replaced (with the same or a comparable model), at Whistler’s
option, without charge to the purchaser when returned
prepaid, with dated proof of purchase to the address below.
Units returned without dated proof of purchase will be
handled as described in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for testing a
radar/laser receiver, there are no authorized service stations for
Whistler brand detectors other than the factory.
Units without serial numbers are not covered underwarranty.
IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the warranty
period, make sure you keep a copy of your dated proof of
purchase and return the Warranty Validation card.
When returning a unit for service under warranty, please
follow these instructions:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable sturdy
equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested, and
shipping charges prepaid to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1201 North Dixieland Rd.
Rogers, AR. 72756
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SPECIFICATIONS
WARRANTY INFORMATION
• Dimensions: 1.25"H x 2.7"W x 3.9"L
• Weight: 5.5 oz.
Service Out Of Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out of warranty” service rates
when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• Dated proof of purchase is not supplied.
• Laser Wavelength:
905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)
• The unit has been returned without its serial number.
• The unit has been abused, modified, installed improper-
ly, or had its housing removed.
• Radar Frequencies:
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistler
detector is $45.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty serv-
ice, please return your unit as outlined in the section
“Service Under Warranty” along with a certified check or
money order for $45.00. Payment may also be made by
MasterCard or VISA; personal checks are not accepted . In
the event repairs cannot be covered by the minimum
$45.00 service fee, you will be contacted by a Whistler
technical service specialist who will outline options avail-
able to you. If you elect not to have your unit
repaired/replaced, it will be returned to you along with
your certified check or money order.
• Operating Temperature Range:
-20˚ C to +80˚ C (-4˚ F to +176˚ F)
• Power Requirements:
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 200mA nominal
Vehicle battery saver, 30mA nominal
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, be cer-
tain to include a daytime telephone number.
One or more U.S. Patents may apply:
#4,315,261; #5,146,227; #5,379,456; and #5,990,821.
Consumer Relations
If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler detector, or require service during or after the
warranty period, please call Consumer Relations at
1-800-531-0004. Representatives are available to answer
your questions Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(CST), or email us at info@whistlergroup.com.
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ACCESSORY ORDER FORM
ACCESSORIES
PLEASE SHIP TO:
The following accessories can be ordered directly from
Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004.
Name______________________________________________
Street______________________________________________
City________________________State_______Zip_________
Telephone Number (______) __________________________
Order Code/Description Quantity Total Price
$
Subtotal
Sales Tax (if Applicable)
Shipping and Handling*
Total Enclosed
$
$
5.00
SEND ORDER FORM WITH CERTIFIED CHECK OR
MONEY ORDER TO:
Whistler CTS
PO Box 1844
Bentonville, AR 72712
IF PAYING BY MASTERCARD OR VISA PLEASE PROVIDE:
Type of Card ___MasterCard ___Visa ___American Express
Name on Card______________________________________
Card Number_______________________________________
Expiration Date_____________________________________
Cardholder Signature________________________________
*Modular: interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00
Prices are subject to change without notice.
*For expedited shipping costs, contact Whistler Customer Service, 1-800-531-0004
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1710/1730 manual 10/19/01 3:57 PM Page 31
NOTES
NOTES
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