Installing and Using Your 1. What You'll Need To Install The ESD-6500: NOTE: Detailed instructions on opposite side 3. Operating The ESD-6500: A. Turn On and Adjust Volume Display is briefly illuminated in the Test mode at Power ON. E. Indicators and Visual Alerts Power OR (Shows City/Highway Mode when power is on) DETECTION SYSTEM Model ESDTM-6500 NOTE: For your convenience, Display Dim, City/Highway, and Muting mode settings are retained in memory. Radar Band Signal Strength Laser B. Set Display Brightness NORMAL ESD-6500 Windshield Bracket Hook and Loop Material (For on-dash mounting) Power Cord LOW 1 2. Installing The ESD-6500: U.S. Patent No. 5,497,148 NEED HELP? C. Set City/Highway Mode ± VG-2 LOW 2 ON WINDSHIELD ON DASH OFF Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System ATTACH CUPS TO BRACKET PEEL PROTECTIVE PAPER OFF ONE SIDE OF HOOK AND LOOP CITY For urban driving-reduces number of X-Band audible alerts. ATTACH BRACKET TO WINDSHIELD PLACE ON DASH OR ± ATTACH DETECTOR TO BRACKET PEEL TOP PAPER OFF HIGHWAY For all other driving. OR Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, Illinois 60707 BEND BRACKET FOR CORRECT DETECTION ANGLE (IF NEEDED) PLACE DETECTOR ON HOOK AND LOOP PAD D. Set Muting Mode Auto Muting Automatically reduces volume of alert in progress after 3 seconds. Manual Muting Press to reduce volume of alert in progress. Muting Auto Mode PLUG POWER CORD INTO DETECTOR POWER CORD INTO DETECTOR ± PRINTED IN KOREA ©1997 COBRAELECTRONICS CORPORATION 480-265-P-001 PLUG POWER CORD INTO CIGARETTE LIGHTER PLUG POWER CORD INTO CIGARETTE LIGHTER To Switch Between Modes Press the Mute Button when no signal is being received. In Auto mode, the display will show an "M" on the far right. OR Manual Mode when Mute Button is pressed Congratulations! I. Introduction You have just purchased the most sophisticated RADAR/LASER DETECTOR available today. This booklet contains instructions and information designed so that you will be able to understand how the Cobra ESDTM-6500 works and how radar and (LIDAR) laser are used. Enjoy your Cobra ESD-6500 Radar/Laser Detector and DRIVE SAFELY. Federal Law Governing Use of Radar Detectors It is not against Federal Law to receive radar transmissions on your COBRA Radar Detector. The Communications Act of 1934 guarantees your right to receive radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene the Communications Act of 1934, while illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless they are prohibited from doing so by Federal Court action. WARNING: Before leaving your car, make sure that you conceal your radar detector. This will reduce the possibility of break-in and theft of your unit. Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that the motorist and any passenger will not be involved in a traffic accident. It is only intended to alert the motorist that an emergency or service vehicle equipped with a CODE 3 or Cobra Safety Alert Transmitter is in the area as defined by the range of the product. Motorists are expected to exercise all due caution while using this product, and to observe and follow all applicable traffic laws. Operators of emergency or service vehicles are also expected to exercise all due caution while using this product, and to observe and follow all applicable traffic laws. A. Location Selecting the proper location to mount the Cobra ESD-6500 is very important for optimum performance. Both radar and laser transmissions pass through glass but not through other objects. For this reason the Cobra ESD-6500 lenses must not be blocked, and it should have a view of the rear window to take advantage of LaserEye 360° detection. It is best to locate your detector in the middle of the front windshield. Examples of metal in the windshield area that can block or weaken incoming radar/laser signals: 1. Windshield wiper blades. Mount your Cobra ESD-6500 so that it will NOT be behind the blades when they are at rest. 2. Mirrored sun screens. It is recommended that sun screens be removed, or they may impair the performance of your Cobra ESD-6500 by acting as an impenetrable barrier to radar/laser signals. 3. Regular tinted glass does not affect radar reception, although the darker tint at the top of the tinted windshield prevents laser light from penetrating. 4. Heated windshields, currently available as an option for some Ford® (Instaclear) and GM® (Electriclear) vehicles act as an impenetrable barrier to radar signals. (If in doubt, check with your dealer to see if this applies to your vehicle). B. Mounting 1. Windshield Mounting The WINDSHIELD MOUNTING BRACKET offers convenient mounting to windshields and provides for easy movement of detector between vehicles. Note: Some new vehicles have a soft plastic coating on the inside surface of the windshield. Suction cups can permanently mark this "anti-lacerative" coating. Check with your owner's manual to see if this applies to your vehicle. a. Assemble suction cup on bracket by putting round "buttons" through larger holes in the bracket and pressing them toward the outside edges until they snap into position. b. Install bracket to detector: align bracket with slot on rear of detector and slide bracket into opening. To remove bracket from detector, simply pull bracket out of slot. II. Installation c. Mounting on Windshield To install the Cobra ESD-6500 onto the windshield, simply press it firmly on to the glass. Sometimes the suction cups adhere better if they are slightly moistened. In cold weather, you may need to warm the suction cups before application. d. Adjustment If necessary to achieve correct angle,remove the detector from the bracket and the bracket from the windshield. Adjust the bracket by bending it. DO NOT BEND THE BRACKET USING THE ESD-6500 AS A LEVER. e. Removal To remove the Cobra ESD-6500 from your windshield, release each suction cup by lifting one edge with your finger, or by pulling on tab. 2. Dashboard Mounting Mounting your ESD-6500 to the dashboard of your vehicle requires a clear, level unobstructed view of the road for the detector, without blocking the driver's vision. Select a mounting position that allows the detector to have a clear view of the road ahead. Using the hook and loop material provided, proceed as follows: (See illustration on reverse side) a. Remove backing from one side and apply to dash. b. Clean dashboard with common rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grease. Remove backing from other side and place detector on top. Let adhesive set. Note: With this hook and loop material dashboard mounting, it's easy for you to remove and reinstall your Cobra ESD-6500 detector at any time. Remember: Without means to adjust the angle of the detector (when mounted as above), be sure you that your Cobra ESD-6500 has a level, clear view of the road before you attach the hook and loop material. III. Operation A. Band Detection This detector is designed to detect X, K, Superwide Ka Band Radar, Laser, VG-2, and Safety Alert signals. B. LED Text Display The ESD-6500's state-of-the-art LED dot matrix display presents clear text messages even in sunlight. A four position Dim mode is provided for dusk or night driving (please see "I. Dim Button" for details). Radar The display shows the band (X, K or Ka) signal strength in bar form, and a numerical indication of signal strength. Laser VG-2 The display does not indicate signal strength. Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System City, Highway Mode Mute Auto Mode Automatically reduces volume of alert in progress after 3 seconds. Manual Mode Pressing the Mute button during an alert will cause the display to show "Mute" for three senconds, after which the display will revert to the previous visual message. E. Power/Volume Control Plug the Cobra ESD-6500 power adapter cord into POWER connector. Insert other end into cigarette lighter of the vehicle. The POWER/VOLUME CONTROLon the left side of the Cobra ESD-6500 controls power and regulates the audible alert volume. To turn on, turn the thumbwheel away from you. F. VG-2 Undetectable Some states or municipalities use devices referred to as "VG-2". The VG-2 device detects low level energy radiated by the internal oscillators of radar detectors. The VG-2 device also radiates a similar type of energy. The ESD-6500 detects the VG-2's radiation before the VG2 can detect the ESD-6500. The ESD-6500 then briefly turns off its internal oscillator, rendering it invisible to the VG-2, and alerts you to VG-2's presence. During these short intervals, the ESD-6500 is not able to receive radar or Safety Alert signals (laser reception is not affected). Once past the VG-2, the ESD-6500 returns to normal operation. G. Muting Mode The ESD-6500 offers two Mute modes-Auto and Manual. To switch between them,press the Mute button when no signal is being received. In Auto mode (an "M" is shown in the display) the alarm will be reduced in volume after three seconds. In Manual mode, press the Mute button to reduce volume. In either mode, the next alarm will begin with normal volume. The ESD-6500 will retain the chosen mode while Off. H. City/Highway The Highway/City function is controlled by a 2-step momentary button. The Highway mode is automatically engaged when the unit is powered up. To engage City Mode, press down on the Highway/City button. To reactivate the Highway Mode simply press down on the Highway/City button again. Adouble beep confirms Highway Mode. The ESD-6500 will retain the chosen mode while Off. In the Highway Mode, your Cobra ESD-6500 operates at full sensitivity on all three radar bands plus laser. In the City Mode, the X-band audio alert threshold is lowered to reduce false alerts. In or near cities, there are many sources of false radar signals such as microwave relay towers. I. Dim Button You may select from four levels of brightness for your Cobra ESD-6500 display: Normal, Low 1, Low 2 and Dark. Pressing once on the Dim Button reduces the display brightness to Low 1; pressing a second time reduces it to Low 2; pressing a third time turns the display off; pressing it a fourth time returns the display to Normal. Adouble beep confirms Normal brightness. The ESD-6500 will retain the chosen mode while Off. C. Audible Alarm Indicator A different alert tone will sound for X, K, Ka, Laser, VG-2 and Safety signals. D. Instant-on Detection The Cobra ESD-6500 is also designed to detect Instant-on speed monitoring signals. Immediate action is required when warning is given. COBRA RADAR DETECTOR ACCESSORIES Description Part No. 420-080-N-001 420-080-N-002 Cost Ea. $10.00 $10.00 X Qty. = Amount STRAIGHT DC POWER CORD Including plug/fuse for ESD-6500 CURLED TYPE POWER CORD For ESD-6500 WINDSHIELD MOUNTING BRACKET (Prices subject to change without notice.) 55 Illinois residents add 7% 55 Cook County, ILresidents additional .75% (7.75% total) 55 Chicago, ILresidents additional 1% (8.75% total) 55 Indiana residents add 5% 55 Michigan residents add 6 % 55 Ohio residents add 6% 55 Wisconsin residents add appropriate % IV. Detection Alert A. Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts Type of Audible Signal Your COBRAESD-6500 starts to signal slowly, then increases in rate very rapidly. Your COBRAESD-6500 signals just once. Very fast signal rate instantly. Slow signal rate as you approach hill or bridge. Sharp increase in signal rate as you reach hill or bridge. Short-term, weak signaling; series of such signals. Laser "chirps." Interpretation and Response Most likely police radar. FULLALERT. Most likely a false source, or could be pulsed radar. EXERCISE CAUTION. Radar or VG-2 close by has been suddenly switched on. FULLALERT. Most likely police radar on other side of hill or bridge. FULLALERT. Most likely a false radar source. EXERCISE CAUTION. Take FULLCAUTION. There are no false laser signals. An emergency vehicle is in the vicinity, you are in the vicinity of a railroad crossing, or you are approaching a road hazard (construction site, accident scene, etc.) . Radar Frequencies There are now three frequencies that have been approved by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for use in speed monitoring equipment. They are: X Band (10.525 GHz), K Band (24.150 GHz), Ka Band (33.400--36.000 GHz) Your Cobra ESD-6500 can detect signals in all three bands including photo radar and STALKER radar which use the Ka band, Cobra Safety Alert signals on the K band, VG-2 and laser. D. Facts About LIDAR (Laser) · What is LIDAR? LIDAR stands for Light Detection And Ranging. While everyone refers to it as LASER the correct name is LIDAR. · How does LIDAR work? LIDAR operates a lot like RADAR. Like RADAR, it spreads out. Not as quickly, but it does spread, as shown on the diagram below. C. V. Maintenance Your COBRAESD-6500 RADAR/LASER DETECTOR will give you years of trouble-free service with minimum maintenance. Replacing Power Cord Fuse Unscrew cap of cigarette lighter adap ...