Whistler Z-11R+, Z-15R+ High Performance Laser-Radar Detector Manual

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

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, laser and VG-2.
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 radar signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode which provides "reduced tone" sounds after the initial warning. Pressing QUIET during a radar encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
9. Power / Volume Control - turns unit on/off and adjusts audio level.
10. Dim / Dark Mode - engages Dim/Dark modes.
11. Menu Button - enters option select mode.
12. Numeric Icon Display - combines icon display with a 7 segment digital display that shows signal strength indication and band identification.
    1. Icon Display - offers easy-to-read display to indicate power, city mode, radar band identification, and signal strength.
13. Alert Periscopes - provide an additional attention getting visual alert.
14. X-band Icon - indicates the unit is receiving a X-band signal.
15. K-band Icon - indicates the unit is receiving a K-band signal.
16. Ka-band Icon - indicates the unit is receiving a Ka-band signal.
17. V - indicates that the unit is receiving a VG-2 signal. Indicates that VG-2 is engaged.
18. P - indicates unit is in Highway mode.
19. C - indicates that the unit is operating in city mode.
20. Signal Strength Icon - indicates the strength of the signal being detected.
21. L - indicates that the unit is receiving a laser signal.
22. Power Jack - provides connection for the power cord.
23. VG-2/Laser Icon - indicates that the unit is receiving either VG2 or laser signal.
24. X/K -band Icon - shows the unit is receiving a X or K band signal.

Features

• Total Band Protection™
• Numeric Icon Display
• Detects POP™ Mode
• 360º Maxx Coverage
• Real Voice ® (Z-15R+ only)
• VG-2 Cloaking
• 3 City Modes/Highway Mode
• Quiet/Auto Quiet Mode
• Dim/Dark Mode
• High Gain Lens
• Stay Alert (Z-15R+ Only)
• Setting Saver
• Vehicle Battery Saver™
• Safety Warning System™
• Alert Priority
• Alert Periscopes
• Total Laser Detection
• Traffic Flow Signal Rejection
• Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection

INSTALLATION

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 affects radar signals. Consult your dealer or the user guide to determine if your windshield has this coating.
• Avoid placing unit in direct contact with the wind shield.
• To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal the unit when not in use.
  

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.

Make sure the unit is level.

Note: 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 user guide or ask your dealer. We recommend that you do not leave the suction cup bracket on the windshield in direct sunlight. If the detector is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some vehicles.

Power 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.

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.

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, the screw cap on the plug may loosen. Retighten it occasionally.

OPERATION

Power On Self Test & Volume

Each time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker and visual displays are functional. To increase the volume, continue turning the volume knob.

Integrated Real Voice

Z-15R+ Only

When selected, Real Voice ® will be used to articulate the following:

1. Band Identification
2. Safety Warning System messages
3. Feature Selection

Voice OFF/ON is selected by holding quiet button for approximately 2 seconds. Voice ON will announce "caution", Voice OFF will give a double beep.

Feature Engaged Confirmation

Each time a button is pressed, one beep confirms the feature is "on", two beeps confirm feature "off".

Self Test Mute

Press the Quiet button during the self-test sequence to cancel the Self-Test audio. This will not affect radar/laser alerts. To restore the Self- Test audio, press the Quiet button during the next Self-Test.

Setting Saver

Setting Saver stores your personalized settings so that when the detector is turned off and then on again, you do not have to re-enter them.

Auto Quiet Mode

Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected provides an alternate alert pattern, consisting of several beeps (indicating X, K, Ka or Safety Warning System™) followed by reduced tone.
The reduced tone 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.

• Press Quiet (before a signal is detected) to engage Auto Quiet.
• 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.

Quiet Mode

Quiet mode cancels audio during an alert and any new alert within 20 seconds. After 20 seconds of no alerts, the audio is restored for any new alerts.

• Press Quiet to cancel the audio.
• Press Quiet a second time during an alert to restore the standard audio alert pattern; or turn the unit off, then on.

City/City 1/City 2 Mode

Whistler's Three Stage City Mode is 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 button to cancel Highway Mode and engage City Mode.
• Press City button again to enter City 1 Mode
• Press City button again to enter City 2 Mode
• Press City button a fourth time to cancel City 2 Mode and return the unit to Highway Mode.

In City Mode, weak speed/safety warning system™ 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. City 1 and City 2 Modes operate the same as Highway Mode, but in City 1 Mode, X band requires a stronger signal to alert. In City 2 Mode, X-band is not detected.

Some towns/small cities may still be using X band radar. City Mode does not change the audio alert for laser or VG-2.

Highway Mode

Highway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Warning System™) or laser signals are detected, and is recommended for open road driving.

Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection (FDSR) and Traffic Flow Sensor Rejection (TFSR)

Recently many new products that operate on police radar frequencies have been causing nuisance alerts to radar detectors. These radar based sensors are installed alongside the Highway and more recently on vehicles used as lane change assist / blind spot detectors / collision avoidance systems. TFSR when turned ON is designed to eliminate alerts from specific Traffic Flow sensors. FDSR when turned ON is designed to identify all radar based collision avoidance systems that operate within the same band as police radar and provide a brief less intrusive alert to keep you informed and aware.
A signal strength indicator will help determine your proximity to the source without the continued annoyance of audio.

We suggest you turn FDSR ON if you are experiencing excessive random false alerts when behind select vehicles.

NOTE: TFSR and FDSR are ON by default and not selectable on the Z11R+

Alert Periscopes

Whistler's Alert Periscopes provide an added attention getting visual alert. The two extra LED's flash on and off when the unit alarms to provide a unique visual alert. This alert can be programmed through the Option Select Mode to be: ON, OFF, or FLASHING during alerts.

Dim/Dark Mode

Dim/Dark Mode reduces the illumination of the display.

• Press and release the Dark button to reduce illumination to a dim setting.
• Press and release the Dark button a second time to engage Dark Mode. The display illumination is further reduced.

Dim or Dark can be engaged during an alert. In Dark Mode, the display goes dark for as long as a signal is being detected and 20 seconds after, then the display returns to the dimmer setting.

• Press and release the Dark button a third time to restore the display to full illumination.

Engaging/Disengaging VG-2

See Option Select Mode to turn this feature on.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your detector within 6 hours. The timer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button is pressed before the time has expired. The detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts off. During this warning, you can momentarily reset the unit by pressing any button.
This will reset the timer. If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press any button to turn the unit back on.

Stay Alert Feature

Z-15R+ Only
The Stay Alert Feature is designed to test a driver's alertness. To engage (when the unit is not alarming):

• Press and hold the City button for approximately 2 seconds. Release button during or immediately after the alert is given.

The "H" or "C" will flash indicating Stay Alert is activated. Within 30-60 seconds, two beeps are sounded; to show alertness, the driver must press either the City, Menu, 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, an alarm sounds and the display flashes all the LEDs.

• Press the Dark button to exit the Stay Alert feature.

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.

LASER/RADAR ALERTS

Laser Audio / Visual Alerts

When a laser signal is detected, model Z-11R+ display indicates alert by illuminating the "V/L" and scrolling the signal strength indicators from right to left. Model Z-15R+ display indicates an "L" on the display. The audio alert is continuous for a minimum of 3 seconds.

Laser Tips

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!

Pulse Protection

Pulse (or 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. When a pulse type transmission is detected, your Whistler detector sounds an urgent 3-second audio warning. Model Z-11R+ will flash the alert strength indicators at their fastest rate; on model Z-15R+ a "P" will be displayed. 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.

Safety Warning System/Audio/Visual Alerts

When your Whistler detector detects a safety warning system, it provides a distinctive audio tone and; Model Z-11R+ illuminates the first and last alert LED; Model Z-15R+ display shows an "S." and a decimal point when a Safety warning system is detected.

NOTE: You will not be able to receive SWS™ alerts if transmitters are not located in your area.

VG-2 ALERTS

VG-2 Detection Mode

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. See speed monitoring section for more information on VG-2.

When the VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 alert is sounded. After 3 seconds, the audio is cancelled and the VG-2 indicator flashes at a slower rate. Every 30 seconds, the detector checks for a VG-2 signal. This cycle is repeated if the VG-2 signal is detected again. If no signal is detected, two beeps are provided indicating an "all clear" condition.

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.

POP™ MODE ALERTS

Because POP™ Mode radar utilizes the same K or Ka band frequencies, POP™ Mode Alerts will be displayed as regular radar alerts.

OPTION SELECT MODE

Press the Menu button to enter Option Select Mode. Each press of the Menu button changes to the next selectable feature. The Dark (D) button and the Quiet (Q) button turns the feature ON/ OFF or Blinking for example. A decimal point on model Z-15R+ will indicate a feature is ON; Model Z-11R+ will illuminate the "III" icon. When the feature is off these indicators will not be shown. A button must be pressed within 20 seconds or Option Select Mode will automatically be exited.

Z-11R+
Feature	Display Shows	To Change D=Dark / Q=Quiet	Option
VG-2	V/L	D = ON Q = OFF	VG-2 = ON VG-2 = OFF (default)
ALERT PERISCOPES	III	D or Q to Select	Alert Periscopes ON, OFF or Blinking (default)
POP™	P	D = ON Q = OFF	POP™ = ON POP™ = OFF (default)
NOTE: TFSR, FDSR and SWS are ON by default (not selectable on the Z-11R+)
Z-15R+
Feature	Display Shows	To Change D=Dark / Q=Quiet	Option
VG-2	V	D = ON Q = OFF	VG-2 = ON VG-2 = OFF (default)
ALERT PERI- SCOPES		D or Q to Select	Alert Periscopes ON, OFF or Blinking (default)
POP™	P	D = ON Q = OFF	POP™ = ON POP™ = OFF (default)
SWS™	S	D = ON Q = OFF	SWS™ = ON SWS™ = OFF (default)
VOICE	VL E	D = E Q = S	VOICE = English (default) VOICE = Spanish
TFSR	t	D = ON Q = OFF	TFSR = ON TFSR = OFF (default)
FDSR	F	D = ON Q = OFF	FDSR = ON FDSR = OFF (default)

NOTE: To exit Option Select Mode press and hold the menu button.

Reset Features

All user features can be reset to factory settings.

Factory Reset

1. Unplug Power Cord from unit
2. Press and hold Quiet
3. Plug the Power Cord into the unit
   (Power switch turned on)
4. Wait for 2 beeps
5. Release the Quiet button

Unit is now reset.

Factory Settings are:

• Highway Mode
• Dim/Dark Mode to full illumination of display
• Auto Quiet Mode OFF
• VG-2 Detection Mode OFF
• Self Test Mute OFF
• Voice ® English (Z-15R+ Only)
• Alert Periscope to Blink
• POP™ Mode OFF
• SWS™ OFF (Z-15R+ Only)
• TFSR OFF (Z-15R+ Only)
• FDSR OFF (Z-15+ Only)

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

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 guide, but is not operating optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.

Unit does to turn on

Check fuse in plug; replace if necessary with a 2 amp, 3AG type. Make sure lighter socket is clean.
No or low audio - cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode. Check the audio level setting.

Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps

Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.
Check connections at both ends of power cord.
Substitute another cord to determine if the cord is defective. Return the defective cord to the factory.

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.

Care & Maintenance

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.

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.

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.

FCC Information

FCC ID: HSXWH23
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.
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC requirements state that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Whistler could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

SPEED MONITORING

Radar Facts

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).

NOTE: A radar detector will only alarm if an officer is transmitting on any one of the above radar bands.

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 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 transmission can cover more than a four-lane highway at a distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmission which covers about 3 feet at the same distance. For best protection, keep these points, listed on the following section, in mind:

• 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.
• Whistler Laser-Radar detectors receive all current laser guns which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 ± 50 nm including but not limited to the following:

• Ultra Lyte
• LTI 20 - 20
• LTI TruSpeed® S
• Pro Laser™ I II III
• Laser Ally
• Laser Atlanta® Stealth Mode

Other Speed Detection Systems

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.
• 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 a 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, the VG-2 is known as a "radar detector detector". The VG-2 is a tool used by the police to identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught, in a state where detectors are illegal 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 possession of a detector. Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2 may alert you to the presence of a speed trap.

For more information on speed monitoring technologies, please visit our FAQ page on our website: www.whistlergroup.com

It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector operator to know and understand the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.

NOTE: The newest tool Police have to detect radar detectors is called Spectre. Spectre can detect the majority of undetectable (VG-2) laser/ radar detectors on the market.

Videos

Whistler Z-11R+ Radar Detector Unboxing Video

Whistler Z-15R+ Radar Detector Unboxing Video

Whistler - How To Use Highway And City Mode On A Whistler Radar Detector Video

How to Factory Reset a Whistler Radar Detector Video

Documents / Resources

References

• The Whistler Group, Inc

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