XTR-445 Owner’s Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
Dear Whistler Detector Owner,
Model Features Summary ......................... 2 - 3
Installation ................................................ 4 - 5
If you have questions concerning the operation of
this Whistler product please call:
•Battery Installation
4
5
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5
•Mounting Guidelines
•Windshield Mounting
•Power Connection and Fuse Replacement
Operation ............................................... 6 - 13
CuSTOmer SeRVICE
1-800-531-0004
Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
or visit our website
•Battery Life
6
6
•Battery Charging
•Power On and Self-Test
•Setting Saver
•Feature Engaged Confirmation
•Audio Level Adjustment
•Auto Quiet Mode
•Quiet Mode
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XTR-445
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www.whistlergroup.com
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•Teach/Tutorial Mode
•City/City 1/ City 2 Mode
•Highway Mode
8
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 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 warranty
section of the manual.
Battery Powered
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR
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•Dim/Dark Mode
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•Alert Periscopes
9
•VG-2 Mode
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•Traffic Flow Signal Rejection (TFSR)
•Auto Shut Off Mode
•Filter Mode
•Option Select Mode
•Stay Alert Feature
™
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
3604 NW Frontage Rd. • Bentonville, AR 72712
Tel 479.273.6012 • Fax 479.273.2927
Safety Warning System ......................... 13
™
POP Mode Alerts ................................. 14
Laser/Radar Alerts ................................. 14
•Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
•Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
•Pulse Protection®
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Customer Return Center
551 N 13th St. • Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel 800.531.0004
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 manual or visiting our FAQ page on our
VG-2 Alerts ................................................. 15
•Alert Priority 15
Reset Features ............................................ 16
Troubleshooting Guide .......................... 16 - 17
Care and Maintenance ................................ 18
Are Detectors Legal? .................................. 18
FCC Information .......................................... 19
Speed Monitoring ............................... 19 - 22
www.whistlergroup.com
P/N 202914,
©
2012 The Whistler Group, Inc.
Enjoy your Whistler Detector and please drive safely.
Sincerely,
•Radar Facts
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20-21
21 -22
•POP™ Mode
•Laser Facts/Tips
•Other Speed Detection Systems
The Whistler Group, Inc.
Warranty Information ............................ 22 - 25
Specifications .............................................. 25
Accessories ................................................. 26
WHISTLER FEATURES
FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
INSTALLATION
Whistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design provides
a new level of operating convenience. Special features
include:
Battery Installation
Unit requires 3 AA rechargeable batteries (included).
Unit must plug into a live lighter socket to
fully charge the batteries overnight before first
use! Remove the battery compartment cover
by sliding the cover to the edge of the unit
and lift up. Insert batteries and reinstall battery
compartment cover.
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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, SWS, laser and VG-2.
3. Mounting Bracket Location - Slot holds
1
Ni-MH rechargeable batteries should be used
mounting bracket firmly.
and are included with the unit.
4. Radar Antenna - Compact, high-efficiency
2
Note: DO NOT mix battery types as this can
damage the batteries.
antenna receives radar signals.
5. Front Laser Antenna - High gain optical lens
provides increased sensitivity and field of
view for leading-edge laser detection.
Important: Use only NiMH batteries. Ni-Cd
batteries should not be used.
6. Rear Laser Antenna - An integrated optical
waveguide provides superior detection of
laser signals transmitted from behind.
Caution: Only use rechargeable batteries.
Charging non-rechargeable batteries can
damage the unit or possibly cause the batteries
to explode. See battery charging section
(page 6) to charge batteries with the power cord.
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7. City Button - Reduces the annoyance of
false alerts typically in urban driving areas.
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8. Menu Button - Enters Option Select Mode.
Mounting Guidelines
9. Power/Dim - Turns unit on/off and
engages Dim/Dark settings (press and
hold).
10. Quiet/Vol Button - Engages Quiet/Auto
Quiet Mode. Press and hold to adjust
volume.
11. Red OLED Text Display - Provides better
contrast, brightness and color/shows alerts
detected, signal strength, and indicates
engaged modes of operation.
• 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.)
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3
™
• Some windshields have an Instaclear or
™
Electriclear type coating, which affect radar
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signals. Consult your dealer or the vehicle’s
owner’s manual to determine if your windshield
has this coating.
12. Power Jack - Provides connection for the
power cord.
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4
• Avoid placing the unit in direct contact with
windshield.
13. Battery Compartment - Compartment for
3 NiMH batteries.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, unplug and
conceal the unit when not in use.
14. Alert Periscopes - Provides an additional
attention getting visual alert.
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XTR-445 Owner’s Manual
OPERATION
OPERATION
OPERATION
Auto Shut Off Mode
Option Select Mode
Stay Alert Feature
Auto Shut Off Mode automatically shuts off the
detector. The timer is reset:
Entering Option Select Mode allows you to customize
options such as Tone Select, Abbreviated Power Up
Sequence, and VG-2 Mode. Press the Menu button to
enter Option Select Mode. When selecting options,
the Power/BL or Quiet/VOL buttons must be pressed
within 20 seconds or Option Mode will automatically be
exited. To enter:
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver’s
alertness. To engage (when unit is not alarming) :
1. Each time the detector is turned off
2. The optional power cord is unplugged
3. Any button is pressed before the timer has expired.
• Press and hold the City button for
approximately 2 seconds. Release button during
or immediately after the alert is given. Display
shows:
The detector will alert you with an audible and
visual warning before it shuts off. This auto off
function can be programmed for the following:
Off, 1, 2, or 3 hours. During this warning you can
reset the timer by pressing any button. If the unit
has automatically turned itself off, press the Power
button to turn the unit back on. You can manually
engage the Auto Shut Off Mode by pressing and
holding the City button until one beep is heard.
Refer to “Option Select Mode” for instructions
for changing the Auto Shut Off Mode settings.
Within 30-60 seconds an alert is sounded; to
show alertness, the driver must press either the
City, Volume, or Quiet buttons within 3-5 seconds. If
a button is pressed within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is
repeated.
If a button is not pressed within 3-5 seconds alarm
sounds and the display shows:
• Press Power to exit.
WARNING!!! Stay Alert is NOT intended as
a substitute for adequate rest. You should NOT
operate a vehicle if you are drowsy. During
extended periods of vehicle operation, you should
take frequent breaks. Improper reliance on the
Stay Alert feature may result in vehicle damage,
personal injury or death. NEVER OPERATE A
VEHICLE IF YOU ARE DROWSY.
Filter Mode
There are times when a radar detector can emit
the same frequency as police radar and can
cause your detector to falsely alarm. Sometimes
a detector can display a signal when picking up
another radar detector in vehicle close by. The
Whistler Filter Mode option provide a method
to study the signal which will verify if the signal
is a legitimate police radar or a false alert from
SWS
™
Safety Warning System
another detector.
In communities where transmitters are located,
Filter: Allows for normal filtering.
Filter 1: Provides an extra step to analyze the signals
that may come from other detectors.
™
the Safety Warning System displays over 60
text messages. When Safety Radar is detected,
a unique audio alert sounds.
Filter is the factory default and should provide adequate
filtering for most conditions. If you experience excessive
alerts due to radar detectors in other vehicles, try the
Filter 1 option. Filter Mode functions in both Highway
and City Modes. See Option Select Mode to change
Filter settings.
Safety Warning System Text
Example: Poor - Road - Surface.
™
Note: Not all areas have Safety Warning System
transmitters.
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POP™ MODE ALERTS
VG-2 ALERTS
RESET FEATURES
POP™ Mode Alerts
VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts
Note: You must turn this feature on before it will
detect VG-2.
When a VG-2 signal is detected, the detector ‘hides’
its own radiated signal and becomes undetectable
by the VG-2.
Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2
signal. If a VG-2 signal is still present, the unit
continues to hide and repeats the VG-2 alert. If no
signal is detected, two beeps are provided,
indicating an ‘all clear’ condition. During a VG-2
Alert X, K, and Ka band signals cannot be
received (Reference page 21 for VG-2 information).
Reset Features
™
Because POP Mode radar utilizes the same
All user features can be reset to factory settings.
• Unplug the Power Cord from the unit.
• Remove the Batteries.
™
K or Ka band frequencies, POP Mode Alerts will be
displayed as regular radar alerts.
• Press and hold Power/Dark and Quiet/Vol
buttons.
LASER/RADAR ALERTS
• Plug the Power Cord into the unit.
• Wait for 2 beeps.
Speed Radar Audio/Visual Alerts
When X, K, or Ka is detected, the band ID and
signal strength are displayed. The audio alert
is continuous and has a pattern like a geiger
counter. The faster the beep, the closer or
stronger the radar source.
• Release Power/Dark and Quiet/Vol buttons.
Unit is now reset to the following features
and settings.
Default factory settings are:
1. Audio to level (4).
Laser Audio/Visual Alerts
When a laser signal is detected, the audio alert is
continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.
Alert Priority
2. Highway Mode.
When two or more signals are received at the
same time, the alert priority is:
1. Laser
3. Auto Quiet Mode OFF.
4. VG-2 Detection Mode OFF.
5. SWS OFF.
• The Display Shows:
®
Pulse Protection
2. VG-2
6. Vehicle Battery Saver to 1 hour.
7. Full Power Up sequence.
8. Default TONE 3.
Pulse (instant-on) radar is more difficult to
detect than conventional radar because it
remains ‘off’ until activated to measure the
speed of a targeted vehicle.
3. Speed Radar
4. Safety Radar
9. POP OFF.
Example:
10.Dim/Dark to full Brightness.
11. LED Periscopes to Flashing.
12. TFSR OFF
If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2
signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will
override the X band alert.
When a pulse type transmission is detected, the
Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second
audio warning and the display shows:
TROUBLESHOOTING
After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert
pattern continues for as long as the signal is
present.
It is important to respond promptly to a pulse
alert, since warning time may be minimal.
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.
PROBLEM: No display or audio.
• Make sure the batteries are installed with the
correct polarity.
• Make sure the batteries are fully charged.
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XTR-445 Owner’s Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
• Check the fuse in the plug; replace if
necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type.
• Check the fuse for lighter socket; replace if
necessary.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
FCC INFORMATION
Care And Maintenance
FCC ID : HSXWH15
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.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
• Make sure the lighter socket is clean.
PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits
bumps.
Important: FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) requirements state that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by
Whistler could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
• Make sure the batteries are seated properly.
• Make sure that the battery door is fully
closed.
As with all battery operated devices remove the
batteries when the unit will not be used for an
extended period of time. Damage caused by
leaky or improperly charged batteries are not
covered under warranty.
• Make sure the battery contacts are clean.
• Check for the loose lighter socket; tighten
and clean.
SPEED MONITORING
• Check the connections at both ends of the
power cord. Substitute another cord to
determine if the cord is defective. Return
defective cord to the factory.
Radar Facts
A radar gun operates by transmitting radio
waves at certain frequencies which reflect off
objects and are 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 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).
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
In Most States YES!
Laser-Radar detectors are legal in every state for
automobiles and light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.)
except Virginia and Washington, D.C., which
have local regulations restricting the use of
radar receivers in any vehicle.
PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.
• Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.
• Check audio level setting (see page 7 ).
PROBLEM: Low Battery Life.
• One or more of the batteries may be
defective.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
passed a nationwide regulation, effective
January 1994, which prohibited radar and laser
detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
• See the battery life tips on page 6.
Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an
officer is not transmitting on any one of the above
radar bands.
If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by
information in this Troubleshooting Guide,
please call Whistler Customer Service at
1-800-531-0004 or visit our FAQ page at www.
whistlergroup.com, before returning your unit
for service.
POP™ Mode
™
POP Mode is a feature on some radar guns
operating on K and Ka bands. When the
™
gun is in POP Mode and activated, a brief
burst of energy, less that 1/15 of a second, is
transmitted and the vehicle’s speed is quickly
PROBLEM: Unit turns itself off
• See Auto Shut Off Mode on page 11
™
acquired. A detector without POP Mode
detection capability cannot respond to this brief
transmission.
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SPEED MONITORING
SPEED MONITORING
SPEED MONITORING
Note: Having a radar detector capable of
detecting the VG-2 may alert you to the
presence of a speed trap. The newest tool
Police have to detect radar detectors is
called Spectre. As of this printing. Spectre
can detect the majority of undetectable (VG-
2) laser/radar detectors on the market.
Laser Tips
Laser Facts
If you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can
often determine 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!
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 specific vehicle
out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.
The advantage of laser over radar in terms of
target identification is the result of the laser gun’s
narrow beam. A radar gun’s transmission can
cover more than a four-lane highway at a distance
of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser gun’s
transmission which covers about 3 feet at the
same distance. For best protection, keep these
points in mind:
It is the responsibility of the radar detector user
to know and understand the laws in your area
regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.
Other Speed Detection Systems
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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:
Consumer Warranty
This Whistler Laser-Radar 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
limited warranty is void if the unit is abused,
modified, installed improperly, or if the housing and/
or serial numbers have been removed. 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 the
above time. Whistler is not liable for damages
arising from the use, misuse, or operation of this
product.
• Because the vehicle’s license plate or
headlights are the laser gun’s primary targets,
mounting the Whistler detector on the
dashboard can improve laser detection at
short range.
• Do not follow closely behind any vehicle. If you
can’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances
are your detector won’t either.
• The receiving range of laser signals will
not be the same as radar signals. Laser
guns are most often used at short range.
• Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and
matches your driving speed.
• Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle
to travel a known distance is measured.
Radar Detector Detectors: VG-2,
Spectre
The Interceptor VG-2 or simply VG-2, is one type of
microwave receiver used by Police to detect signals
radiated by the local oscillator of a radar detector.
Because its purpose is to identify persons driving
with radar detectors, these devices are known as a
“radar detector detector” (RDD).
Whistler Laser-Radar detectors receive all current
laser guns which operate at a laser wavelength of 905
+/- 10mm.
Note: Damaged caused by incorrect battery
placement or battery leakage is not covered
under this warranty.
An RDD is the primary tool used by the police to
identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught
in a state or country where detectors are illegal (see
page 18), drivers risk losing their radar detector
and receiving a fine. In addition, instant-on radar is
almost always used in combination with an RDD,
leaving unsuspecting motorists vulnerable to receive
two tickets - one potentially for speeding, the other
for possession of a detector.
™
•Pro Laser I II III
•LT1 20-20
•Ultra Lyte
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XTR-445 Owner’s Manual
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial
number. For reference, please write your unit’s
serial number in the following space:
s/n______________.
Important: When returning your unit for service,
be certain to include a daytime telephone
number and an email address (if applicable).
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will
be repaired without charge to the purchaser when
returned with a dated store receipt to the address
below. Units returned without a dated store
receipt will be handled as described in section
“Service Out Of Warranty.”
Customer Service
Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.
If you have questions concerning the operation of your
Whistler detector, or require service during or after the
warranty period, please call Customer Service at:
Important: To validate that your unit is
within the warranty period, make sure you
keep a copy of your dated store receipt. You
may register your warranty online at
warranty verification purposes, a copy of
your dated store receipt must accompany any
unit sent in for warranty work.
Due to the specialized equipment necessary for
testing a Laser-Radar receiver, there are no
authorized service stations for Whistler brand
detectors other than Whistler.
1-800-531-0004
Representatives are available to answer your questions
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT) or
visit the FAQ’s at www.whistlergroup.com.
When returning a unit for service, please
follow these instructions:
Service Out of Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS
Units will be repaired at ‘out of warranty’ service
rates when:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a
suitable, sturdy equivalent, fully insured,
with return receipt requested to:
Laser Wavelength:
905 50 nanometers (nm)
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• A dated store receipt is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial
number.
Radar Frequencies:
Whistler Repair Dept.
551 N 13th St.
Rogers, AR. 72756
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
• The unit has been abused, modified,
installed improperly, or had its housing
removed.
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
Important: Whistler will not assume
responsibility for loss or damage incurred in
shipping. Therefore, please ship your unit
insured with return receipt requested. CODs
will not be accepted!
2. Include with your unit the following
information, clearly printed:
Operating Temperature Range:
-10 C to +70 C (+14 F to +158 F)
The minimum out of warranty service fee for
your Whistler detector is $55.00 (U.S.). If you
require out of warranty service, please return
your unit as outlined in the section “Service
Under Warranty” along with a certified check
or money order for $55.00. Payment may also
be made by MasterCard, VISA or American
Express; personal checks are not accepted.
Power Requirements:
3 AA Ni-MH batteries 1.2 volts each.
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
with power cord.
• Your name and street address (for
shipping via UPS), a daytime telephone
number and an email address, if applicable.
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,
“Unit performs self-test but does not respond
One or more U.S. patents may apply:
#5,666,120, #7,215,276
In the event repairs cannot be covered by
the minimum $55.00 service fee, you will be
contacted by a Whistler technical service
specialist who will outline options available
to you.
™
POP Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
`
to radar”).
™
SWS is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of
sale.
Specifications are subject to
change without notice.
If you elect not to have your unit repaired, it
will be returned to you along with your certified
check or money order.
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ACCESSORIES
The following accessories can be ordered directly
from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visit
our online store at www.whistlergroup.com
Order #
202152
Description
Price
Large Windshield Bracket Kit
Straight Power Cord (5’)
$9.95
206552
$14.95
$9.95
206880
Hardwire Kit (10’ )
(for wiring to fuse box)
206666
Modular* Cord Package
(includes coiled and straight
cords, and power adapter)
$17.95
202156
402080
Package of 4 Suction Cups
Non Skid Dash Pad
$2.95
$6.95
* Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00 . Prices
are subject to change without notice.
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