Whistler Z-11R+ - User Manual

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.
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.
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)
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.
PROBLEM: 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.
PROBLEM: 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.
POP™ MODE ALERTS OPTION SELECT MODE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL? SPEED MONITORING SPEED MONITORING
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
USER GUIDEACCESSORIESSPECIFICATIONSWARRANTY INFORMATIONWARRANTY INFORMATIONWARRANTY INFORMATIONWARRANTY INFORMATION
Z-11R+
Z-15R+
HIGH PERFORMANCE
LASER-RADAR
DETECTOR
The Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters
1716 Commerce Dr. Ste. 8
Bentonville, AR 72712
Tel 479.273.6012 • Fax 479.273.2927
Whistler Customer Return Center
1412 South 1st St. • Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel 800.531.0004
www.whistlergroup.com
P/N 260037-1 03G16
© 2016 The Whistler Group, Inc.
These and other accessories can be ordered directly
from Whistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visiting our
online store at www.whistlergroup.com.
*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug.
Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00. Prices are
subject to change without notice.
______________________________________________
write serial number in the space provided
23 24 25 26 27 28
Laser Wavelength:
905 ± 50 nanometers (nm)
Radar Frequencies:
10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)
24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )
33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)
Operating Temperature Range:
-10º C to +70º C (+14º F to +158º F)
Power Requirements:
Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominal
Vehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.
Patents can be viewed here:
www.whistlergroup.com/pat
POP
™
Mode is a trademark of MPH Industries, Inc.
SWS
™
is a trademark of Safety Warning System L.C.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Order # Description Price
202151
Windshield Bracket
Kit
$9.95
206552 Power Cord (5’) $14.95
206880
Hardwire Kit (10’)
(for wiring to fuse
box)
$9.95
206666
Modular* Cord
Package
(includes coiled an
straight cords, and
power adapter)
$17.95
159032
Package of 8 suction
Cups
$2.95
402080 Non Skid Dash Pad $6.95
• 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.
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.
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT: FCC requirements state that changes
or modifications not expressly approved by Whistler
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
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.
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
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.
OPTION SELECT MODE
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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
PERI-
SCOPES
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)
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SPEED MONITORING
In the event repairs cannot be covered by the
minimum service fee, you will be contacted by
a Whistler technical service specialist who will
outline options available to you.
If you elect not to have your unit repaired, it will be
returned to you along with your certified check or
money order.
IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service,
be certain to include a daytime telephone number
and an email address (if applicable).
Customer Service
If you have questions concerning the operation of
your Whistler detector, or require service during
or after the warranty period, please call Customer
Service at:
1-800-531-0004
Representatives are available to answer your
questions
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT).
www.whistlergroup.com
Consumer Warranty
This Whistler Laser/Radar detector is warranted
to the original purchaser for a period of two
years from the date of original purchase against
all defects in materials and workmanship. This
limited warranty is void if the unit is abused,
modified, installed improperly, if the housing
has been removed, or if the serial number
is missing. There are no express warranties
covering this product other than those set forth
in this warranty. All express or implied warranties
for this product are limited to the above time.
Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the
use, misuse, or operation of this product.
NOTE: Units that cannot be repaired will
be replaced with the same or similar model.
Replacement unit’s warranty will be based on the
original unit’s purchase date.
Service Under Warranty
During the warranty period, defective units will be
repaired without charge to the purchaser when
returned with a dated store receipt to the address
below. Units returned without a dated store
receipt will be handled as described in section
“Service Out-Of-Warranty.”
Due to the specialized equipment necessary
for testing a Laser-Radar receiver, there are no
authorized service stations for Whistler brand
detectors other than Whistler.
When returning a unit for service, please follow these
instructions:
1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitable
sturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt
requested to:
Whistler Repair Dept.
1412 South 1st St.
Rogers, AR. 72756
Please allow 3 weeks turnaround time.
IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibility
for loss or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore,
please ship your unit insured with return receipt
requested. CODs will not be accepted!
2. Include with your unit the following information,
clearly printed:
• Your name and street address (for shipping via
UPS), a daytime telephone number and an email
address, if applicable.
• A detailed description of the problem (e.g.,
“Unit performs self-test but does not respond
to radar”).
• A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.
3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serial
number. For reference, please write your
unit’s serial number in the space provided on the
Accessory page of this guide.
Units without serial numbers are not covered under
warranty.
IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within the
warranty period, make sure you keep a copy of your
dated store receipt. You may register your warranty
online at www.whistlergroup.com, however, for
warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated
store receipt must accompany any unit sent in for
warranty work.
Service Out-of-Warranty
Units will be repaired at “out-of-warranty” service
rates when:
• The unit’s original warranty has expired.
• A dated store receipt is not supplied.
• The unit has been returned without its serial
number.
• The unit has been abused, modified, installed
improperly, or had its housing removed.
The minimum out-of-warranty service fee for your
Whistler Z-11R+ detector is $35.00 (U.S.) and $40
(U.S.) for the Z-15R+ detector. If you require out-of-
warranty service, please return your unit as outlined
in the section “Service Under Warranty” along with a
certified check or money order in the amount stated
above. Payment may also be made by MasterCard,
VISA or American Express; personal checks are not
accepted.

Summary

Whistler Features

Feature Descriptions

Bracket Release Button

Describes the button for quick and easy mounting bracket release.

Speaker Functionality

Explains the speaker's role in providing audio warnings for various signals.

Mounting Bracket Location

Details the slot that securely holds the mounting bracket.

Radar Antenna

Describes the compact, high-efficiency antenna for receiving radar signals.

Front Laser Lens

Details the high-gain optical lens for improved laser detection sensitivity.

Rear Laser Detection

Explains the integrated optical waveguide for superior rear laser detection.

City Button

Describes the button to reduce false alerts in urban driving areas.

Quiet Button Operation

Explains how the Quiet button engages Auto Quiet Mode or silences alerts.

Power; Volume Control

Details how to turn the unit on/off and adjust the audio level.

Dim; Dark Mode Setting

Describes the function to engage Dim/Dark display modes.

Menu Button Functionality

Explains how the Menu button enters the option select mode.

Numeric Icon Display

Describes the display showing signal strength and band identification.

Icon Display Details

Explains the easy-to-read display for power, mode, and signal strength.

Alert Periscopes

Describes the periscopes providing additional visual alerts.

X-band Icon

Indicates the unit is receiving an X-band signal.

K-band Icon

Indicates the unit is receiving a K-band signal.

Ka-band Icon

Indicates the unit is receiving a Ka-band signal.

VG-2 Signal Indicator

Indicates the unit is receiving a VG-2 signal or that VG-2 is engaged.

Highway Mode Indicator

Indicates the unit is operating in Highway mode.

City Mode Indicator

Indicates the unit is operating in City mode.

Signal Strength Icon

Indicates the strength of the detected signal.

Laser Signal Indicator

Indicates the unit is receiving a laser signal.

Power Jack

Describes the connection point for the power cord.

VG-2;Laser Icon

Indicates receipt of either VG-2 or laser signal.

X;K-band Icon

Shows the unit is receiving an X or K band signal.

Installation

Mounting Guidelines

Provides recommendations for optimal and safe placement of the unit.

Windshield Mounting Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for attaching the unit to the windshield.

Power Connection

Details how to connect the unit to the vehicle's power source.

Fuse Replacement

Instructions on how to replace the fuse located in the power cord plug.

Operation

Power On Self Test & Volume Adjustment

Describes the automatic self-test upon power-on and volume control.

Integrated Real Voice (Z-15 R+ Only)

Explains the voice feedback feature for alerts and selections on the Z-15R+ model.

Feature Engaged Confirmation

Describes the audio confirmation beeps when features are activated or deactivated.

Self Test Mute Functionality

How to cancel the audio during the power-on self-test sequence.

Setting Saver Feature

Explains how the unit saves personalized settings for future use.

Auto Quiet Mode Operation

Details how Auto Quiet Mode provides reduced tone alerts after the initial warning.

Quiet Mode Functionality

Describes how Quiet Mode cancels audio alerts temporarily or restores standard alerts.

City;City 1;City 2 Mode

Explains the three-stage City Mode to reduce false alerts from local devices.

Highway Mode Operation

Describes Highway Mode providing full audio warnings for all detected signals.

FDSR;TFSR Features

Explains Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection and Traffic Flow Sensor Rejection.

Alert Periscopes Customization

How to program the Alert Periscopes for visual alerts (ON, OFF, FLASHING).

Dim;Dark Mode Operation

How to reduce display illumination for nighttime driving or privacy.

VG-2 Engagement Control

Instructions on turning the VG-2 detection feature on or off via Option Select Mode.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode

Explains the automatic shut-off feature to conserve vehicle battery power.

Stay Alert Feature (Z-15 R+ Only)

Describes the driver alertness test feature available on the Z-15R+ model.

Laser;Radar Alerts

Laser Audio; Visual Alerts

Explains how the unit visually and audibly alerts the user to laser signals.

Laser Detection Tips

Provides advice on how to react to laser detection alerts for effective response.

Pulse Protection

Details how the detector handles "instant-on" or pulse radar signals.

Safety Warning System Alerts

Describes how the unit detects and alerts to Safety Warning System (SWS) signals.

VG-2 Detection Mode

Explains how the unit detects VG-2 (radar detector detector) signals.

POP Mode Alerts

POP Mode Alerts Explanation

Describes how POP™ Mode radar alerts are displayed as regular radar alerts.

Option Select Mode

Option Select Mode Navigation

Guides the user on how to enter and navigate the Option Select Mode.

Z-11 R+ Feature Configuration

Details how to configure features like VG-2, Alert Periscopes, and POP™ on the Z-11R+.

Z-15 R+ Feature Configuration

Details how to configure features like VG-2, POP™, SWS™, Voice, TFSR, and FDSR on the Z-15R+.

Reset Features to Factory Settings

Provides instructions for performing a factory reset of all user settings.

Troubleshooting Guide

Factory Settings Overview

Lists the default settings after a factory reset.

Unit Power and Audio Issues

Addresses problems related to the unit not turning on or having no/low audio.

Unit Alarms on Bumps

Troubleshoots issues where the unit alarms unexpectedly due to vehicle movement.

Are Detectors Legal?

Detector Legality by State

Discusses the legality of laser-radar detectors in most US states and specific restrictions.

Federal Highway Administration Regulations

Explains the FHWA regulation prohibiting detector use in vehicles over 10,000 lbs.

FCC Information

Provides FCC ID and compliance conditions for the device.

Speed Monitoring

Radar Facts and Frequencies

Explains how radar guns work and the FCC-permitted radar frequencies.

Laser Facts and Targeting

Describes how laser guns target vehicles and determine speed.

Optimal Detection Placement

Tips on positioning the detector for improved laser detection range.

Following Distance and Detection

Advises on maintaining safe following distances for better detection.

Laser Signal Wavelengths

Lists current laser guns and their operating wavelengths that the detector can receive.

Other Speed Detection Systems

Describes methods like Pacing that cannot be detected by the unit.

Vascar;Aircraft Speed Measurement

Explains speed measurement techniques using Vascar or aircraft.

Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2) Spectre

Details the VG-2/Spectre technology used by police to detect radar detectors.

Warranty Information

Consumer Warranty Terms

Outlines the two-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Service Under Warranty Procedure

Explains the process for returning defective units for repair during the warranty period.

Service Out-of-Warranty Options

Details the procedures and fees for out-of-warranty repairs.

Customer Service Contact

Provides contact information for customer service inquiries and support.

Specifications

Laser Wavelength and Radar Frequencies

Lists the specific wavelengths and frequencies the detector operates on.

Operating Temperature Range

Specifies the environmental conditions under which the unit can operate.

Power Requirements

Details the voltage, current, and battery saver power consumption.

Whistler Z-11R+ Specifications

General

Display Type	LED
VG-2 Detection	Yes
City Modes	Yes
Alert Priority	Yes
Safety Warning System	Yes
City/Highway Modes	Yes
Display	LED
Laser Detection	Yes
Voice Alerts	Yes
Power Source	12V DC
Radar Bands	X, K, Ka
Bands Detected	X, K, Ka