Operating Instructions Introduction Important Information 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. The Cobra line of quality products includes:
CB Radios microTALK 2-Way Radios Radar Detectors Marine VHF Radios Power Inverters Accessories For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website:
www.cobra.com 14 BAND ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE DIGITAL RADAR/LASER DETECTOR SPX955 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra English Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra SPX955_MANL.indd 1-1 Printed in the Philippines Part No. 480-1028-P Version A English A1 English 2015 Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA www.cobra.com 4/10/15 2:05 PM Display and Product Features Introduction Trademark Acknowledgement Customer Assistance Display Trademark Acknowledgement Cobra, DigiView, EasySet, Extra Sensory Detection, IntelliMute, IntelliMute Pro, 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, 14 Band, 15 Band, AURA, Extreme Bright DataGrafix, IntelliLink, IntelliScope, IntelliView, Revolution Series, SmartPower, 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. LTI Laser and LTI 20-20 are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. Kustom Laser, Kustom Laser 340 and ProLaser II are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. SpeedLaser is a trademark of Laser Atlanta. Bee III and Pop are a trademarks of MPH Industries. Stalker LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts, Inc. Spectre I and Spectre IV are trademarks of Stealth Micro Systems Pty. Ltd. SpeedLaser is a trademark of Laser Atlanta, LLC. Interceptor VG-2 is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc. Controls, Indicators and Connections Introduction Controls, Indicators and Connections Windshield Bracket Release Button Windshield Bracket Mount Speaker LaserEye For 360 detection of laser signals. Audio Jack 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 I & IV+ alerts On and Off.*) Mute Button For manual mute or auto mute of audio alerts. (Also turns Voice Alert On and Off.*) City Button For City or Highway modes to reduce false alerts. (Also turns Ku alerts On and Off.*) IntelliMute Button Engine RPM sensing mute function which reduces false alerts. Button turns IntelliMute On and Off. (Also enters IntelliMute setting mode.*)
* Press and hold for four seconds to access these functions. WARNING Modifications or parts substitutions not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your authority to operate this equipment. A2 English SPX955_MANL.indd 2-25 X K Ka V S L Radar, VG-2, Spectre I & IV+ and Safety Indicators Signal Strength, Pop, Laser, City/Highway and IntelliMute Pro Mode Indicators Signal Strength 1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest) IntelliMute Indicator 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:
X K Ka V S c X K Ka V S c X K Ka V S c Product Features Congratulations! Youve 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:
Xtreme Range Superheterodyne Technology With super-fast sweep circuitry, 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, VG-2 signals, Spectre I & IV+ signals LaserEye For 360 detection of laser signals Instant-On Ready Detects radar guns with instant-on
(very fast) speed monitoring capabilities Pop Detection Detects the latest super-fast instant-on single pulse radar guns Tone Alert or Voice Alert With adjustable volume 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. 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 Manual Mute or Auto Mute A mute function of audio alerts IntelliMute A mute function reduces false audio alerts by sensing engine RPMs IntelliMute Pro Prevents detection by radar detector detectors
(RDDs) when traveling at slower speeds Mounting Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra A3 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 25 4/10/15 2:05 PM Introduction Contents Introduction Important Information ...................................................................................... A1 Display ............................................................................................................. A3 Product Features ............................................................................................. A3 Your Detector Installation ........................................................................................................ 2 Getting Started ................................................................................................. 5 Auxiliary Audio Jack ...................................................................................... 5 Settings ............................................................................................................ 6 Highway/City Mode ....................................................................................... 6 UltraBright Data Display Brightness .............................................................. 7 Muting an Alert.............................................................................................. 8 Auto Mute Mode ............................................................................................ 8 IntelliMute ..................................................................................................... 9 IntelliMute Pro .............................................................................................. 12 Voice/Tone Setting ....................................................................................... 13 VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alert Settings ...................................................... 13 Radar Alert and Pop Alert Settings ...............................................................14 Detection ......................................................................................................... 15 Signals Detected .......................................................................................... 15 Audio Alerts .................................................................................................. 15 Visual Display ............................................................................................... 15 Instant-On Detection .................................................................................... 18 Responding to Alerts .................................................................................... 18 Understanding Radar and Laser ...................................................................... 19 Maintenance .................................................................................................... 20 Specifications .................................................................................................. 21 Warranty Limited 1-Year Warranty ................................................................................. 22 Customer Assistance Product Service ............................................................................................... 23 Optional Accessories ....................................................................................... 24 Accessories Order Info .................................................................................... 25 Trademark Acknowledgement ........................................................................ 25 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 1 SPX955_MANL.indd 1 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Installation 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 units 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. Windshield Mounting Dashboard Mounting The units lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view out the back window to allow 360 detection. The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
g Windshield wiper blades g Mirrored sun screens g Dark tinting at the top of the windshield g Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM.) Consult your dealer to see if you have this option. 2 English SPX955_MANL.indd 2-3 Your Detector Installation Windshield Mounting 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 vehicles cigarette lighter. 8. You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you wish by pressing the bracket release button and sliding it off the bracket. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 3 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Installation Dashboard Mounting 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 vehicles cigarette lighter. 4 English SPX955_MANL.indd 4-5 Your Detector Getting Started Getting Started Power On X K Ka V S h On-Off/
Volume Control Rotate clockwise
(away from you) To Turn On the Unit and Adjust the Audio Volume Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control clockwise (away from you). Tone Three beeps Voice Testing, then three beeps System Ready, then Voice Alert Visual Display h appears in the display indicating that the power is On 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. (This uses a mini stereo audio connector.) Auxiliary Audio Jack Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 5 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Settings Your Detector Settings Settings When changing the Settings on your detector, please keep in mind:
g Buttons can have multiple functions. g Depending on your choice of Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode, you will hear either voice messages or tones confirming changes in settings. g All settings will be stored in memory when the power is turned Off and recalled when the power is turned back On. 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. X K Ka V S h City Mode X K Ka V S c To Change From Highway Mode to City Mode Press and release the City button. Tone One beep Voice City To Change From City Mode Back to Highway Mode Press and release the City button again. Tone Two beeps Voice Highway Press and release Visual Display c appears in the display Visual Display h appears in the display 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. Bright Dark Press and release Dim button Dim Dim Button Press and release To Change the Brightness to Dim Press and release the Dim button once. Tone One beep To Change the Brightness to Dark Press and release the Dim button again. Tone One beep Voice Dim Voice Dark To Change the Brightness to Bright Press and release the Dim button a third time. Tone Two beeps Voice Bright Visual Display Display dims Visual Display Display remains dim
(no visual alerts will be seen) Visual Display Display returns to full brightness 6 English SPX955_MANL.indd 6-7 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 7 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Settings Your Detector Settings 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. Mute Button Press and release To Turn Auto Mute On Press and release the Mute button again while no alert is occurring. Tone Two beeps To Turn Auto Mute Off Press and release the Mute button while no alert is occurring. Tone One beep Voice Auto Mute On Visual Display None Voice Auto Mute Off Visual Display None 8 English SPX955_MANL.indd 8-9 IntelliMute IntelliMute is a unique feature that allows you to avoid alerts you dont 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 audio radar alerts. Before IntelliMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engines revs (see page 10 for initial setup). 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 engines revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts by using Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate. IntelliMute Button Press and release To Turn IntelliMute On Press and release the IntelliMute button. Tone Two beeps To Turn IntelliMute Off Press and release the IntelliMute button again. Tone One beep Voice IntelliMute On Visual Display Dot appears next to the large character on the right Voice IntelliMute Off Visual Display Dot disappears Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 9 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Settings Your Detector Settings 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. Below Activation Point Above Activation Point X K Ka V S c X K Ka V S c To Set the IntelliMute Activation Point IntelliMute Button Press and release Press and hold the IntelliMute button for two seconds. Rev your engine to the level you wish to set (recommend slightly above idle) and hold revs steady for two seconds. At the desired rev level, press and release the IntelliMute button. If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engines revs, IntelliMute will indicate an error and automatically turn Off. The rev point you set will be stored in the units 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 the next page. 10 English SPX955_MANL.indd 10-11 Tone Two beeps Voice Set Engine Revs Visual Display None None None Three beeps IntelliMute Set Three bars will flash in succession 3 1 2 All three bars flash three times 2 1 3 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. Tone Four beeps Voice IntelliMute Error, followed by IntelliMute Off Visual Display E appears X K Ka V S E Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 11 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Settings Your Detector Settings IntelliMute Pro IntelliMute Pro prevents detection by radar detector detectors (RDDs) such as VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+ when traveling at slower speeds. It is intended for use by experienced users only. When IntelliMute Pro is turned On, and engine RPMs are below the IntelliMute activation point, your detectors radar detection circuits are turned Off to prevent detection by RDDs. Before IntelliMute Pro can be turned On, you must have turned On and Set the IntelliMute activation point. (See pages 9 through 11.) CAUTION When IntelliMute Pro is On, NO radar signals will be detected and NO alerts will be given at RPMs below the IntelliMute activation point. IntelliMute Button City Button Press and hold both buttons simultaneously IntelliMute Pro On X K Ka V S c Voice IntelliMute Pro On Visual Display c or h will blink Voice IntelliMute Pro Off Visual Display c or h will show steady To Turn IntelliMute Pro On While no signal is being detected, press and hold both the IntelliMute and City buttons for four seconds. Tone Two beeps To Turn IntelliMute Pro Off Press and hold both the IntelliMute and City buttons for four seconds. Tone One beep 12 English SPX955_MANL.indd 12-13 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 One beep Voice Tone Alert 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. Voice Voice Alert Tone None Visual Display None Visual Display None VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alert Settings Police use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors. Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+
RDDs and can provide alerts when any of these or similar devices are in use near your vehicle. Your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs, but is invisible to VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs. You can choose whether you want to be alerted to VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+
alerts is Off. To Turn VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ Alerts On and Off While no signal is being detected, press and hold the Dim button for four seconds. Tone On = Two Beeps Voice Spectre VG-2 On Spectre VG-2 Off Off = One Beep Visual Display V will blink twice in the display V will blink once in the display Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 13 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Settings Your Detector Settings and Detection 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. 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 X On = Two beeps X Off = One beep To Turn K Band On and Off While no signal is being detected, press and hold both the Mute and City buttons for four seconds. Tone K On = Two beeps K Off = One beep To Turn Ku Band* On and Off While no signal is being detected, press and hold the City button for four seconds. Tone Ku On = Two beeps Voice X On X Off Voice K On K Off Voice Ku On Ku Off = One beep Ku Off Visual Display X will blink twice in the display X will blink once in the display Visual Display K will blink twice in the display K will blink once in the display Visual Display X and K will blink twice in the display X and K will blink once in the display Pop Alert The Pop Mode Radar Gun is a single-pulse Doppler radar that is a feature of a K and Ka (Bee III Ka radar gun) band Instant-On radar gun. It uses a single, short-time pulse to measure the target vehicles speed. The Pop mode receiver senses Pop singles beyond the effective range of Pop radar guns. As the Pop mode receiver is so sensitive, you should limit the use of Pop Detect mode to highway and rural driving. Pop Alert will alert you to Pop radar signals. During the alert, the unit continues to detect other signals. The factory setting is Pop Detect Off. 14 English SPX955_MANL.indd 14-15 Pop Alert (continued) To Turn Pop Alert On and Off While no signal is being detected, press and hold both the Dim and City buttons for four seconds. Tone Pop On = Two beeps Pop Off = One beep Voice Pop On Pop Off Visual Display P will blink twice in the display P will blink once in the display To Turn Safety Alert On and Off While no signal is being detected, press and hold the Dim and iMute buttons for four seconds. Tone Voice Visual Display On = Two beeps Safety Alert On S Flashes Two Times Off = One beep Safety Alert Off S Flashes One Time Detection 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. 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 18.) 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) X Signal Detected X K Ka V S 2 K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected Ku Signal Detected X K Ka V S 3 X K Ka V S 5 X K Ka V S 4 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 15 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Detection During pop alerts, the letter P will appear; and during laser alerts, the letter L will appear, instead of the signal strength indication. POP Signal Detected Laser Signal Detected X K Ka V S P X K Ka V S L During VG-2 or Spectre I or IV+
alerts, the letter V will appear. It will be steady during VG-2 and blink during Spectre I or IV+. VG-2 Alert Signal Detected Spectre I or IV+ Alert Signal Detected X K Ka V S c X K Ka V S c During Safety Alert, the letter S will appear. Safety Alert Signal Detected X K Ka V S c Voice Radar Signals, Voice and Visual Displays Type of Signal X Band Radar K Band Radar Ka Band Radar Ku Band Radar Pop Radar Mode X Alert K Alert Ka Alert Ku Alert Pop Alert Visual Display X and Signal Strength K and Signal Strength Ka and Signal Strength X K and Signal Strength P is Steady X Signal Detected K Signal Detected Ka Signal Detected Ku 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 POP Alert Signal Detected X K Ka V S P 16 English SPX955_MANL.indd 16-17 Your Detector Detection Laser Signals, Voice and Visual Displays Type of Signal LTI 20-20*
LTI Laser*
Kustom Signals Laser 340*
Kustom Signals Laser*
Stalker LIDAR*
Laser Atlanta SpeedLaser/Kustom Signals-ProLaser II*
* Your detector provides 360 detection of these signals. Voice Laser Laser Laser Laser Laser Laser Visual Display L is Steady L is Steady L is Steady L is Steady L is Steady L is Steady Laser Signal Detected X K Ka V S L NOTE Beep rate changes with different laser alerts. Safety Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays Type of Signal Voice Visual Display Emergency Vehicles Road Hazards Trains Emergency Vehicle Approaching Road Hazard Ahead Train Approaching S is Steady S is Steady S is Steady Safety Alert Signal Detected X K Ka V S c NOTE There are different tones for each Safety Alert. VG-2 and Spectre I or IV+ Alert Signals, Voice and Visual Displays Type of Signal Visual Display Voice Interceptor VG-2 Spectre I or IV+
VG-2 Alert Spectre Alert VG-2 Alert Signal Detected Spectre I or IV+ Alert Signal Detected X K Ka V S c X K Ka V S c V is Steady V Blinks NOTE There are different tones for each alert. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 17 4/10/15 2:05 PM Your Detector Detection Your Detector Understanding Radar and Laser 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. Description Interpretation Tone repeats slowly at first, then speeds up rapidly. Probably police radar. Tone sounds one time only. Tone instantly begins repeating rapidly. Probably a false alarm, but possibly pulsed radar, VG-2, or Spectre I or IV+
nearby. Radar, VG-2 or Spectre I or IV+ nearby has been activated suddenly. 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. Recommended Response FULL ALERT Exercise caution FULL ALERT FULL ALERT Tone repeats slowly for a short period. Any type of laser alert. Any Safety Alert. Probably a false alarm. Exercise caution Laser alerts are never false alarms. You are nearing an emergency vehicle, railroad crossing, or road hazard
(construction, accident, etc.). FULL ALERT Exercise caution 10.525 GHz 24.150 GHz 33.400 36.00 GHz 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 K band Ka band 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 I & IV+
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ are radar detector detectors (RDDs) that work by detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals that can be spotted by VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs. However, your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs. Your unit detects signals from these or similar devices and will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle. 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. 18 English SPX955_MANL.indd 18-19 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 19 4/10/15 2:05 PM Understanding Radar and Laser and Maintenance Your Detector 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:
g 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. g 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. g 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. g Is LIDAR legal to use?
Yes. It is legal in all 50 states. 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:
g Make sure the power cord is properly connected. g Make sure the socket of your vehicles cigarette lighter is clean and free of corrosion. g Make sure the power cords cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter. g Connect a USB device to the type A USB port on your power cord. If it does not provide a charge/power to your phone/device then the internal fuse is likely blown. Contact Cobra for support or spare parts. 20 English SPX955_MANL.indd 20-21 Your Detector Specifications Specifications Band and Frequencies Band U.S. Patent Numbers: 6,078,279; 6,621,447. X Band K Band Ka Band Ku Band VG-2 Laser Spectre I Spectre IV/IV+
Safety Alert Traffic Warning System Frequencies 10.525 24.125 34.700 13.435 11.500 910 50nm 910 50nm 910 50nm 910 50nm 910 50nm 910 50nm 13.300 Not Disclosed 24.070 24.110 24.190 24.230 0.050 0.125 1.300 0.035 0.250 100 125 130 200 238 340 0.200 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz PPS PPS PPS PPS PPS PPS GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 21 4/10/15 2:05 PM Product Service & Support Customer Assistance Product Service and Support For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT COBRA FIRSTdo not return this product to the retail store. The contact information for Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/support For products purchased in the U.S.A. you may also call 1-773-889-3087. For Products Purchased in the U.S.A., if your product should require factory service, please go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions for returning your product to the Cobra Factory Service Department for service. Warranty Warranty Limited 1-Year Warranty Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that this product and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser. If the product is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged depending on the model as determined at Cobras sole discretion. Such remedy shall be your sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty. The procedure for obtaining service and support, and the applicability of this warranty, will vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the details on obtaining product service, support and warranty please visit www.cobra.com/support Provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.- Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective products, 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, to an address in the U.S.A., will be at Cobras expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state and country to country. Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply: 1) To any product damaged by accident; 2) In the event of misuse, ordinary wear, failure tofollow directions, or improper maintenance 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 product was purchased or is utilized in a jurisdiction not covered by the limited warranty. 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 and countries 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. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state and country to country. 22 English SPX955_MANL.indd 22-23 Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 23 4/10/15 2:05 PM Customer Assistance Optional Accessories 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 at www.cobra.com 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 Straight Combination Radar USB Cord Includes plug and USB Output Item # PWR USB-01 Dual Port Power Adapter Includes adjustable plug
(up to 90) and fuse Item # CLP-2B Hardwire Cord for Radar Includes fuse Item # RA-PSCB Install Mount Includes 3M Dual Lock Item # 545-002 24 English SPX955_MANL.indd 24 4/10/15 2:05 PM