Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
Important Information and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
A1 English
Important Information
•
Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors
It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar/
laser detector. The Communications Act of 1924 guarantees your right to receive
radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene this Act, while
illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless
they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.
Safety Alert
Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that motorists or
passengers will not be involved in traffic accidents. It is only intended to alert
the motorist that an emergency vehicle equipped with a Cobra Safety Alert
transmitter is within range as defined by that product. Please call local fire
and police departments to learn if coverage exists in your area.
Safe Driving
Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to
exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable traffic laws.
Security of Your Vehicle
Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector
in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.
Customer Assistance
•
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after reading this
manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk
English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators
English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time
Mon. through Fri. (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions
English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance
English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked
Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
©2008 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
Customer Assistance
XRS 9440
12 BAND
™
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
DIGITAL RADAR/LASER
DETECTOR WITH XTREME RANGE
SUPERHETERODYNE
®
TECHNOLOGY
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
English
Operating Instructions
Printed in China
Part No. 480-417-P
Version B
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
English
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
CB Radios
microTALK
®
Radios
Radar/Laser Detectors
Safety Alert
®
Traffic Warning Systems
Mobile GPS Navigation Systems
HighGear
®
Accessories
CobraMarine
®
VHF Radios
Marine Chartplotters
Power Inverters
Accessories
The Cobra line of quality products includes:
This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector. It also provides helpful
information about how radar and laser guns are used and how you can interpret the alerts you receive.
Accessories Order Info
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
25
Customer Assistance
Display and Product Features
Introduction
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
A3
Display
•
X K Ka
V
S
c
X K
Ka V S
c
X K Ka
V
S
c
Controls, Indicators
and Connections
Introduction
A2 English
Controls, Indicators and Connections
•
12V DC
Power Jack
On-Off/ Volume
Control
Allows you to adjust the
volume of the tone alerts.
Dim Button
Allows you to adjust the UltraBright
Data Display brightness for easy
reading. (Also turns VG-2 and
Spectre 1 alerts On and Off.*)
LaserEye
For 360° detection of
laser and strobe signals.
Windshield Bracket
Release Button
IntelliMute Button
Engine RPM sensing mute function
which reduces false alerts. Button
turns IntelliMute On and Off. (Also
enters IntelliMute setting mode.*)
Mute Button
For manual mute or
auto mute of audio alerts.
(Also turns Voice Alert
On and Off.*)
* Press and hold for four seconds to
access these functions.
Windshield
Bracket Mount
WARNING
Modifications or parts substitutions not approved
by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate
FCC Rules and void your authority to operate
this equipment.
Speaker
NOTE: In This Manual
When steady,
the display will
be shown:
When blinking,
the display will
be shown:
X & K will light
simultaneously
when indicating
Ku detection:
Audio Jack
City Button
For
City
or
Highway
modes to reduce
false alerts. (Also
turns Ku alerts On
and Off.)
Ordering From U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.
For Credit Card Orders
Call 773-889-3087 [Press one from the main menu] 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday.
Make Check or Money Order Payable To
Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
To Order Online
Please visit our website: www.cobra.com
Item #
Description
420-030-N-001
Straight 12V Power Cord
420-026-N-001
Coiled 12V Power Cord
545-159-N-001
Windshield Mounting Bracket
CLP-2B
Dual Port Power Adapter
Xtreme Range
Superheterodyne Technology
With super-fast sweep circuitry,
XRS provides extra detection range
and the best possible advance warning
to even the fastest radar guns
Detection and Separate Alerts For:
Radar signals (X, K, Ka and Ku bands,
with signal strength indicated), laser
signals, Safety Alert signals, Strobe Alert
signals, VG-2 signals, Spectre 1 signals
LaserEye
For 360° detection of laser and strobe signals
Instant-On Ready
Detects radar guns with “instant-on”
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities
Tone Alert or Voice Alert
With adjustable volume
UltraBright Data Display
Easy-to-read with adjustable brightness
City or Highway
Modes to reduce false alerts
Alert Programming
Easy setting of radar bands to be monitored
Safety Alert
Traffic warning system distinguishes
important safety alerts from other
K band signals
Strobe Alert
Emergency vehicle warning system
Manual Mute or Auto Mute
A mute function of audio alerts
IntelliMute
A mute function which
automatically reduces false
alerts by sensing engine RPMs
Mounting
Mounts easily on windshield
or dashboard
Product Features
•
Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a high
performance radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the
sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:
IntelliMute
Indicator
Radar, VG-2,
Spectre 1,
Safety and
Strobe Indicators
X K Ka V S
L
Signal
Strength,
Laser and
City/Highway
Mode Indicators
Signal Strength
1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest)
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
1
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Controls, Indicators and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Your Detector
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Auxiliary Audio Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Highway/City Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
UltraBright Data Display Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Muting an Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Auto Mute Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IntelliMute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Voice/Tone Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alert Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Radar Alert Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Signals Detected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Visual Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Instant-On Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Responding to Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Understanding Radar and Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Warranty
Limited 1-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Customer Assistance
Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Accessories Order Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Installation
Your Detector
3
Installation
Your Detector
2
English
Installation
•
Where to Mount Your Unit
You will get optimum performance from your detector if you
Mount
it at a
point approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the
front windshield without obstructing the unit’s view of the road either to
the front or rear. Make sure the unit is level with the road. You can also
mount it directly on the dashboard.
The unit’s lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view
out the back window to allow 360° detection.
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials
and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
■
Windshield wiper blades
■
Mirrored sun screens
■
Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
■
Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM.) Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.
1.
Attach the rubber
cups to the bracket.
2.
Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.
3.
Push the bracket firmly
onto the windshield.
4.
Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check the
angle of the unit.
5.
To adjust the angle if
necessary, gently push or
pull on the bracket to bend
it. DO NOT use the detector
to bend the bracket.
6.
Plug the power cord
into the detector.
7.
Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.
8.
You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you
wish by pressing the bracket release button and sliding
it off the bracket.
Windshield Mounting
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Windshield Mounting
Dashboard Mounting
Getting Started
Getting Started
•
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
5
Installation
Your Detector
4
English
1.
Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location
where the unit has a clear, level view of the road.
The angle can NOT be adjusted after mounting.
2.
Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hook-
and-loop fastener.
3.
Attach the pad to the
dashboard at your chosen
location and remove the
other paper backing.
4.
Attach the detector to the
hook-and-loop fastener.
You can remove and
reattach the unit as
often as you like.
5.
Plug the power cord
into the detector.
6.
Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.
Dashboard Mounting
Power On
X K Ka V S
h
To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume
Rotate the
On-Off/
Volume
control
clockwise (away
from you).
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Three beeps
Testing,
then
three beeps
System Ready,
then
Voice Alert
h
appears in the
display indicating
that the power
is On
On-Off/
Volume Control
Rotate clockwise
(away from you)
NOTE
In some vehicles, power is supplied to the cigarette lighter even while the ignition
is Off. If this is the case with your vehicle, you should turn Off or unplug your
detector when parking for lengthy periods.
Auxiliary Audio Jack
•
The Auxiliary Audio Jack can be used to connect external speakers in
environments with high ambient noise levels. The internal speaker will
be disconnected. (This uses a mini stereo audio connector.)
Auxiliary
Audio Jack
Dim Button
Press and release
City Button
Press and
release
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
7
UltraBright Data Display Brightness
You can choose from three settings for
Brightness
of the display.
You can cycle through the settings by repeatedly pushing the
Dim
button.
The factory setting is
Bright
.
Settings
Your Detector
6
English
Highway/City Mode
Setting your detector to
City
mode delays all X band audio alerts until
the signal strength reaches Level 3. (A single beep will sound when the
signal is first detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are driving
in, or near, urban areas where there are many sources for conflicting
X band signals such as microwave towers and automatic door openers.
To change settings, follow the procedure listed below, which indicates
what you will see and hear (either in
Voice Alert
or
Tone Alert
mode)
as you complete each step. The factory setting is
Highway
mode.
Bright
Dark
Dim
Press and
release
Dim
button
City Mode
X K Ka V S
c
Highway Mode
X K Ka V S
h
To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode
Press and release
the
City
button.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
One beep
City
c
appears
in the display
To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode
Press and release
the
City
button again.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Two beeps
Highway
h
appears
in the display
To Change the Brightness to Dim
Press and release
the
Dim
button
once.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
One beep
Dim
Display dims
To Change the Brightness to Dark
Press and release
the
Dim
button
again.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
One beep
Dark
Display remains
dim (no visual
alerts will be seen)
To Change the Brightness to Bright
Press and release
the
Dim
button a
third time.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Two beeps
Bright
Display returns
to full brightness
Settings
•
When changing the
Settings
on your detector, please keep in mind:
■
Buttons can have multiple functions.
■
Depending on your choice of
Voice Alert
or
Tone Alert
mode, you will
hear either voice messages or tones confirming changes in settings.
■
All settings will be stored in memory when the power is
turned Off and recalled when the power is turned back On.
IntelliMute Button
Press and release
Mute Button
Press and release
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
9
Settings
Your Detector
8
English
Muting an Alert
Your detector allows you to quickly turn Off an audio
Alert
by momentarily
pressing the
Mute
button. If you press the
Mute
button a second time
during the
Alert
, the audio
Alert
will be turned back On.
Auto Mute Mode
Auto Mute
will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts
after four seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory
setting for
Auto Mute
is On.
IntelliMute
IntelliMute
is a unique new feature that allows you to avoid alerts you
don’t need to hear because you are stopped or moving slowly. By sensing
the “revs” (RPMs) of your engine, IntelliMute knows when you are at low
speed and automatically mutes alerts (except for strobe signals from
emergency vehicles).
Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine’s
revs (see page 11). Whenever the revs are below that point, IntelliMute will
begin muting. The activation point will be stored in memory and recalled
each time the power is turned On. The factory setting is
IntelliMute
Off.
NOTE
IntelliMute may not work with some vehicles because it cannot sense
the engine’s revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts
by using
Auto Mute
and
City
mode when appropriate.
To Turn Auto Mute Off
Press and release
the
Mute
button
while no alert
is occurring.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
One beep
Auto Mute Off
None
To Turn Auto Mute On
Press and release
the
Mute
button
again while no
alert is occurring.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Two beeps
Auto Mute On
None
To Turn IntelliMute On
Press and release
the
IntelliMute
button.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Two beeps
IntelliMute On
Dot appears next to
the large character
on the right
To Turn IntelliMute Off
Press and release
the
IntelliMute
button again.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
One beep
IntelliMute Off
Dot disappears
IntelliMute Button
Press and release
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
11
Settings
Your Detector
10 English
What to Remember While Using IntelliMute
IntelliMute
works with both
City
and
Auto Mute
modes.
Whenever your engine revs are below the activation point,
the dot next to the large character on the right side of the display
will remain lit. Above the activation point, the dot will blink twice
every two seconds.
If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine’s revs,
IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn Off.
The rev point you set will be stored in the unit’s memory when
power is turned Off and recalled each time the power is turned On.
NOTE
The rev point must be reset if you use your detector in a different vehicle.
NOTE
When initially choosing your IntelliMute activation point, a setting
of approximately 300 to 600 RPMs above idle is recommended.
You can reset the activation point at any time to fit your individual
preferences and driving style.
Setting the IntelliMute Activation Point
Your detector must be installed in your vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving.
Your vehicle should be parked and idling.
IntelliMute must be turned On before setting the activation point. Depending
on whether the unit is in
Tone Alert
or
Voice Alert
mode, you will hear a
series of beeps or voice messages as you follow the steps on page 11.
Below Activation Point
X K Ka V S
c
Above Activation Point
X K Ka V S
c
To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point
Press and hold
the
IntelliMute
button for two
seconds.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Two beeps
Set Engine Revs
None
Rev your engine to
the level you wish
to set (recommend
slightly above idle)
and hold revs steady
for two seconds.
None
None
Three bars will
flash in succession
At the desired
rev level, press
and release the
IntelliMute
button.
Three beeps
IntelliMute Set
All three bars flash
three times
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Four beeps
IntelliMute Error,
followed by
IntelliMute Off
E
appears
X K Ka V S
E
NOTE
If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses within three
seconds or if you do not set a rev point within 20 seconds
of beginning these steps, IntelliMute will indicate an error
and automatically turn Off.
1
2
3
1
2
3
To Turn VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alerts On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold the
Dim
button for four
seconds.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
On = Two Beeps
Spectre VG-2 On
V
will blink twice
in the display
Mute Button
Press and hold for
two seconds
Settings
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
13
Settings
Your Detector
12 English
Voice/Tone Setting
You can set your detector to sound alerts with either a
Voice
or a
Tone
. You can change settings by using the
Mute
button.
In
Voice Alert
mode, you will first hear several tones, then a
voice message announcing the type of signal detected, followed
by more tones. In
Tone Alert
mode, you will hear the tones only.
The factory setting is
Voice Alert
mode.
To Change From Voice Alert to Tone Alert
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold
the
Mute
button for
two seconds.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
One beep
Tone Alert
None
To Change From Tone Alert Back to Voice Alert
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold
the
Mute
button
for two seconds
again.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
None
Voice Alert
None
Spectre VG-2 Off
V
will blink once
in the display
Off = One Beep
On/Off Indicator
X K Ka
V
S
c
Radar Alert Settings
The detector allows you to choose whether it will show alerts on the X, K,
and Ku bands. The factory settings are:
X Band
and
K Band
On;
Ku Band
Off.
Dim Button
Press and hold
for two seconds
VG-2, Spectre 1 Alert Settings, K & Ku Band Detection
The detector is undetectable by police
VG-2
and
Spectre 1
radar detector
detectors and will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle.
During the alert, the unit continues to detect other signals. You can choose
whether or not you want your unit to show
VG-2
and
Spectre 1
alerts.
The factory setting is
VG-2
and
Spectre 1
alert Off. (See table on the next page.)
To Turn K Band On and Off
While no signal is being
detected, press and
hold the
Mute
button
for four seconds.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
K On = Two beeps
K On
K
will blink twice
in the display
To Turn Ku Band* On and Off
While no signal is being
detected, press and
hold the
City
button
for four seconds.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
Ku On = Two beeps
Ku On
X
and
K
will blink
twice in the display
K
will blink once
in the display
K Off = One beep
K Off
Ku Off
X
and
K
will blink
once in the display
Ku Off = One beep
To Turn X Band On and Off
While no signal is
being detected, press
and hold both the
Dim
and
Mute
buttons for
four seconds.
Tone
Voice
Visual Display
X On = Two beeps
X On
X
will blink twice
in the display
X Off
X
will blink once
in the display
X Off = One beep
Detection
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
15
Detection
Your Detector
14 English
Radar Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal
Voice
Visual Display
X Band Radar
X Alert
X
and Signal Strength
K Band Radar
K Alert
K
and Signal Strength
Ka Band Radar
Ka Alert
Ka
and Signal Strength
Ku Band Radar
Ku Alert
X K
and Signal Strength
Laser Signal Detected
X K Ka V S
L
Laser Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal
Voice
Visual Display
LTI 20-20*
Laser Alert
L
is Steady
LTI Ultra-Lyte*
Laser Alert
L
is Steady
Kustom Signals ProLaser*
Laser Alert
L
is Steady
Kustom Signals ProLaser III*
Laser Alert
L
is Steady
* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of these signals.
NOTE
Beep rate changes with different laser alerts.
Detection
•
Signals Detected
The tables on the following pages show you the types of
Signals
your detector
will detect, as well as the voice and visual alerts it provides for each of them.
Audio Alerts
In
Voice Alert
mode you will first hear several tones, then a voice message
announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In
Tone Alert
mode, you will hear the tones only.
In both
Voice Alert
and
Tone Alert
modes, a distinctly different alert tone is
used for each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser
signal). For X, K, Ka and Ku band radar signals, the tones will repeat faster as
you approach the signal source. The repeat rate of the tones gives you useful
information about the signal detected. (See responding to alerts on page 17.)
Visual Display
An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the UltraBright
data
Display
. During X, K, Ka and Ku alerts, a number will also appear,
indicating the strength of the signal detected. (1 = weakest, 5 = strongest)
During laser alerts the letter
L
will appear, instead of the signal strength indication.
During VG-2 or Spectre 1 alerts, the letter
V
will appear. It will be steady
during VG-2 and blink during Spectre 1.
During Safety Alert and Strobe Alert the letter
S
will appear. It will be
steady during a Safety Alert and will blink during a Strobe Alert.
Laser Signal Detected
X K Ka V S
L
VG-2 Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka
V
S
c
Safety Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka V
S
c
Strobe Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka V
S
c
Spectre 1 Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka
V
S
c
X Signal Detected
X
K Ka V S
2
X
K
Ka V S
3
X K
Ka
V S
5
X K
Ka V S
4
K Signal Detected
Ka Signal Detected
Ku Signal Detected
X Signal Detected
X
K Ka V S
2
X
K
Ka V S
3
X K
Ka
V S
5
X K
Ka V S
4
K Signal Detected
Ka Signal Detected
Ku Signal Detected
Description
Interpretation
Recommended
Response
Tone repeats slowly at
first, then speeds up
rapidly.
Probably police radar
FULL ALERT
Tone sounds one
time only.
Probably a false alarm,
but possibly pulsed radar,
VG-2, or Spectre 1 nearby
Exercise caution
Tone instantly begins
repeating rapidly.
Radar, VG-2, or Spectre 1
nearby has been activated
suddenly
FULL ALERT
Tone repeats slowly as you
approach a hill or bridge,
then speeds up sharply as
you reach it.
Probably police
radar beyond the
hill or bridge
FULL ALERT
Tone repeats slowly
for a short period.
Probably a false alarm
Exercise caution
Any type of laser alert.
Laser alerts are
never false alarms
FULL ALERT
Any Safety Alert
or Strobe Alert.
You are nearing an
emergency vehicle,
railroad crossing,
or road hazard
(construction,
accident, etc.)
Exercise caution
Detection
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
17
Detection
Your Detector
16 English
Instant-On Detection
Your detector is designed to detect
Instant-On
speed monitoring signals,
which can suddenly appear at full strength.
NOTE
You should take appropriate action
immediately whenever an instant-on alert is given.
Responding to Alerts
Safety Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal
Voice
Visual Display
Emergency Vehicles
Emergency Vehicle Approaching
S
is Steady
Road Hazards
Road Hazard Ahead
S
is Steady
Trains
Train Approaching
S
is Steady
Strobe Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka V
S
c
Strobe Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal
Voice
Visual Display
3M Opticom or Tomar*
Emergency Vehicle Approaching
S
Blinks
* Your detector provides 360˚ detection of this signal.
Safety Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka V
S
c
VG-2 and Spectre 1 Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays
Type of Signal
Voice
Visual Display
Interceptor VG-2
VG-2 Alert
V
is Steady
Spectre 1
Spectre Alert
V
Blinks
VG-2 Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka
V
S
c
Spectre 1 Alert Signal Detected
X K Ka
V
S
c
NOTE
There are different tones for each Safety Alert.
NOTE
There are different tones for each alert.
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
19
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
18 English
Understanding Radar and Laser
•
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:
X band
10.525 GHz
K band
24.150 GHz
Ka band
33.400 – 36.00 GHz
Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435 GHz),
which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.
VG-2 and Spectre 1
VG-2
and
Spectre 1
are “detector detectors” that work by detecting low-level
signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals
that can be detected by VG-2 or Spectre 1, but does detect VG-2 and Spectre 1
signals and will alert you when a device is in use near your vehicle, if you
so choose.
Safety Alert Traffic Warning System
FCC-approved
Safety Alert
transmitters emit microwave radar signals that
indicate the presence of a safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency
of the signal emitted, it can indicate a speeding emergency vehicle or train,
or a stationary road hazard.
Because these microwave signals are within the K band frequency, most
conventional radar detectors will detect Safety Alert signals as standard
K band radar. Your detector, however, is designed to differentiate between
standard K band and Safety Alert signals, and give separate alerts for each.
Safety Alert technology is relatively new. Safety Alert transmitters can
be found in limited numbers in all 50 states, but the number is growing.
Depending on your location, you may not receive these alerts regularly
and may often encounter emergency vehicles, trains and road hazards
without being alerted. As the number of transmitters increases,
these alerts will become more common.
When you receive such an alert, please watch for emergency vehicles ahead
of you, on cross streets and behind you. If you see an emergency vehicle
approaching, please pull over to the right side of the road and allow it to pass.
Strobe Alert
Special strobes mounted on the light bars of authorized emergency
vehicles (fire trucks, police cars, ambulances) automatically change traffic
signals as the vehicle approaches an intersection. These strobes and the
special strobe detectors located on the traffic signals, introduced fairly
recently by 3M and Tomar, are already in use in more than 1000 cities
nationwide. Cobra’s exclusive
Strobe Alert
detector will detect these
special strobes and give an emergency vehicle alert.
When you receive such an alert, please watch for an approaching
emergency vehicle and pull over to allow it to pass. To inquire about
coverage in your area, contact your local fire and police departments.
LIDAR (Laser)
The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as
laser is actually
LIDAR
, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar
signal, though not as widely. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear
line of sight to its target vehicle throughout the entire measurement
interval. Obstructions such as sign posts, utility poles, tree branches,
etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.
Some common questions about LIDAR include:
■
Does weather have any affect on LIDAR?
Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog, or airborne dust particles will reduce the
effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation.
■
Can LIDAR operate through glass?
Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass.
However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to trigger
an alarm by your detector.
■
Can LIDAR operate while in motion?
No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot
drive the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.
■
Is LIDAR legal to use?
Yes. It is legal in all 50 states.
Specifications
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
21
Maintenance
20 English
Maintenance
•
Maintenance of Your Radar Detector
Your detector is designed and built to give you years of
trouble-free performance without the need for service.
No routine
Maintenance
is required.
If your unit does not appear to be operating properly,
please follow these troubleshooting steps:
■
Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
■
Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter
is clean and free of corrosion.
■
Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter
is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter.
■
Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of
the cigarette lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required,
replace it with a 2-amp fuse only.)
Specifications
•
Band and Frequencies
Band
Frequencies
X Band
10.525
± 0.050
GHz
K Band
24.125
± 0.125
GHz
Safety Alert
24.070
± 0.010
GHz
Traffic Warning
24.110
± 0.010
GHz
System
24.190
± 0.010
GHz
24.230
± 0.010
GHz
Ka Band
34.700
± 1.300
GHz
Ku Band
13.435
± 0.035
GHz
VG-2
11.500
± 0.250
GHz
Spectre 1
13.300
± 0.200
GHz
Laser
910
± 50
nm
Strobe
700
± 300
nm
This radar detector is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents:
5,497,148; 5,594,432; 5,612,685; 6,078,279; 6,094,148. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product or pending.
Your Detector
Your Detector
Product Service and
Trademark Acknowledgement
Customer Assistance
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
23
Warranty
22 English
Limited 1-Year Warranty
•
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra 12 Band Radar/Laser
Detectors, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in
workmanship and materials for period of one year from the date of first
consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer
purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.
Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective 12 Band
Radar/Laser Detectors, products or component parts upon delivery to the
Cobra Factory Service Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first
consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for
warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the
product is repaired or replaced under warranty.
This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply:
1.
To any product damaged by accident.
2.
In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result
of unauthorized alterations or repairs.
3.
If the serial number has been altered, defaced or removed.
4.
If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages;
including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of
installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Product Service
•
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, or if
parts are missing…
PLEASE CALL COBRA FIRST
…do not return this
product to the store. See customer assistance on page A1.
If this product should require factory service, please call Cobra first at
773-889-3087 BEFORE sending the product. This will ensure the fastest
turnaround time on any repair.
If Cobra asks that the product be sent to its factory, the following must be
furnished to have the product serviced and returned:
1)
Send the complete
unit, including power cord. (It is not necessary to include the mounting
bracket.)
2)
For warranty repair, enclose some form of proof-of-purchase,
such as a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the
original receipt, it cannot be returned.
3)
Enclose a typed or clearly written
description of the problem you are having with your unit, plus the name and
address where you want the unit returned.
4)
Pack the unit securely to
prevent damage during transit. If possible, use the original packing materials.
5)
Ship prepaid and insured using a traceable carrier such as United Parcel
Service (UPS), Federal Express, or Priority mail with delivery confirmation.
Ship to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West
Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 U.S.A.
6)
Please allow three to four weeks
before contacting us about the status of your service. Call 773-889-3087 for
assistance. If your unit is under warranty, it will either be repaired or replaced
upon receipt, depending on the model. If your unit is out of warranty, you will
receive a letter informing you of the repair or replacement charge.
Trademark Acknowledgement
•
Cobra
®
, DigiView
®
, EasySet
®
, Extra Sensory Detection
®
, IntelliMute
®
, IntelliShield
®
, LaserEye
®
,
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
, Safety Alert
®
Traffic Warning System, Strobe Alert
®
,
VG-2 Alert
®
, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne
®
and the snake design are registered trademarks
of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 12 Band™, ExtremeBright DataGrafix™, IntelliLink™,
Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, Spectre Alert™, Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™,
S-XRS™, UltraBright™, and Voice Alert™ are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear
®
for Ford is a registered trademark of
Ford Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear
®
for GM is a registered trademark of General Motors
Corporation. 20-20™ and Ultra-Lyte™ are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. ProLaser™ and
ProLaser III™ are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. Bee III™ and Pop™ are a trademarks of
MPH Industries. Spectre™ is a trademark of Stalcar. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of
TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar
®
is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.
Warranty
Optional Accessories
24 English
Optional Accessories
•
You can find quality Cobra products and accessories
at your local Cobra dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can
order directly from Cobra. See ordering info on page 25.
Windshield Mounting Bracket
Includes suction cups
Item # 545-159-N-001
Straight 12V DC Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
Item # 420-030-N-001
Coiled 12V DC Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
Item # 420-026-N-001
Dual Port Power Adapter
Includes adjustable plug
(up to 90˚) and fuse
Item # CLP-2B
Customer Assistance