Cobra RAD350 Laser Radar Detector Operating Instructions

Cobra RAD350 Laser Radar Detector

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 at 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.

• 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. Do not attempt to change the settings of the unit while in motion.

• Security of Your Vehicle
  Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector in order to reduce the possibility of break-ins and theft.

For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website: www.cobra.com

©2016 Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA www.cobra.com

Controls Indicators and Connections

FCC NOTICE This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules: Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Display and Product Features

Easy-to-Read Display

Product Features

Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:

• Radar/Laser Protection
  Detects all radar and laser guns.

• LaserEye®
  Detects laser signals from both front and rear.

• Anti-Falsing Circuitry
  Automatically reduce false alerts from erroneous sources including automatic door openers and fixed position traffic flow monitoring systems.

• IVT FilterTM
  Automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control.

• City & Highway Modes
  Selectable modes reduces falsing in densely populated areas.

• Auto Mute
  Automatically mutes audio for sustained alerts.

• 7-Segment Color Display
  Bright display with band identification icons and numeric signal strength meter.

• Audible Signal Strength Levels
  Unique tones provide signal strength and band identification.

• 6’ Power Cord and Mount Included.

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.

Trademark Acknowledgement

• Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, VG-2 Alert®, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
• Cobra Electronics Corporation™, AURA™, IntelliLink™, IntelliScope™, IntelliView™, Revolution™ Series, IVT Filter™, SmartPower™, Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, 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.

Installation

Where  to Mount Your Unit

You will get optimum performance from your detector if you Mount it at a point approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the front windshield without obstructing the unit’s view of the road either to the front or rear. You can also mount it directly on the dashboard. The unit’s lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view out the back window to allow maximum detection. Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:

• Windshield wiper blades
• Mirrored sun screens
• Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
• Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles (Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM). Consult your dealer to see if you have this option.

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 that the unit is parallel to the road’s surface.
5. To adjust the angle if necessary, gently push or pull on the bracket to bend it. DO NOT use the detector to bend the bracket.
6. Plug the power cord into the detector.
7. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle’s ciga-rette lighter.

Dashboard Mounting

1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location where the unit has a clear, level view of the road and is parallel to the road’s surface. The angle CANNOT be adjusted after mounting
2. Remove the paper backing from one side of the hook-and-loop fastener.
3. Attach the pad to the dashboard at your chosen location and remove the other paper backing.
4. Attach the detector to the hook-and-loop fastener. You can remove and reattach the unit as often as you like.
5. Plug the power cord into the detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

Getting Started

To Turn On The Unit And Adjust The Audio Volume

To Turn On The Unit And Adjust The Audio Volume

Rotate the On-Off/ Volume control clockwise (away from you).| Audible Tone| Visual Display
Three beeps| h or c ppears 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.

Settings

Sens Mode

Setting your detector to City mode sensitivity delays all X band audio alerts at lower signal strength levels. (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 as you complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.

To Change From Highway Mode To City Mode

To Change From Highway Mode To City Mode

Press and release the SEN button.| Audible Tone| Visual Display
One beep| c appears in the display
To Change From City Mode To Highway Mode

Press and release the SEN button again.| Audible Tone| Visual Display
Two beeps| h appears in the display

Anti-Falsing Circuitry

Your RAD 350 is designed to provide you the truest alerts and minimize the distraction of erroneous signals from radar-based fixed-position and moving sources.

• Adjustable Sensitivity: City / Highway modes allow driver to adjust sensitivity to driving environment, reducing false alarms from fixed position sources such as automatic door openers.
• IVT Filter: system automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control.

Manual Mute

• 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 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.

To Turn Auto Mute Off

Press and release the Mute button while no alert

is occurring.

| Audible Tone| Visual Display
One beep| Audio Only
To Turn Auto Mute On

Press and release the Mute button again while no alert is occurring.| Audible Tone| Visual Display
Two beeps| Audio Only

Display Brightness

You can choose from three settings for Brightness of the display. Repeatedly push the Dim button to cycle through the settings. The factory setting is Bright.

VG-2 Alert Settings

• Police use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors. Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2 RDDs and can provide alerts when any of these or similar devices are in use near your vehicle.
• Your detector is invisible to VG-2 RDDs. You can choose whether you want to be alerted to VG-2 RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 alert is Off.

To Turn VG-2 Alerts On and Off

While no signal

is being detected, press and hold the Dim button for four seconds.

| Audible Tone| Visual Display
On = One beep| V LED Flashes Once
Off = Two beeps| V LED Flashes Twice

Radar Alert Settings

The detector allows you to choose whether it will show alerts on the X, K and Ka Bands. The factory settings are: X, K, and Ka On.

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.

| Audible Tone| Visual Display
X On = Two beeps| X LED Flashes Twice
X Off = One beep| X LED Flashes Once
To Turn K Band On and Off

While no signal

is being detected, press and hold both the Mute and SEN buttons for

four seconds.

| Audible Tone| Visual Display
K On = Two beeps| K LED Flashes Twice
K Off = One beep| K LED Flashes Once
To Turn Ka Band On and Off

While no signal

is being detected, press and hold the Dim and SEN buttons for

four seconds.

| Audible Tone| Visual Display
Ka On = Two beeps| Ka LED Flashes Twice
Ka Off = One beep| Ka LED Flashes Once

Detection

• Signals Detected
  The tables on the following pages show you the types of Signals your detector will detect, as well as the visual alerts it provides for each of them.

• Audio Alerts
  A distinctly different Alert tone is used for each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser signal). For X, K and Ka 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 14.)

• Visual Display
  An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the display. During X, K, and Ka alerts, a number will also appear, indicating the strength of the signal detected. (1 = weakest, 5 = strongest).

Radar Signals and Visual Displays

Radar Signals and Visual Displays

Type of Signal| Visual Display
X Band Radar| X is Steady
K Band Radar| K is Steady
Ka Band Radar| Ka is Steady
Laser Signals and Visual Displays|
---|---
Type of Signal| Visual Display
LTI 20-20| L is Steady
LTI Laser| L is Steady
Kustom Signals Laser 340| L is Steady
Kustom Signals Laser| L is Steady
Stalker LIDAR| L is Steady
Laser Atlanta SpeedLaser/Kustom Signals-ProLaser II| L is Steady

• Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.|  

VG-2 Visual Display

VG-2 Visual Display|
---|---
Type of Signal| Visual Display
VG-2 RDD| V is Steady

Instant-On Detection

Your detector is designed to detect Instant-On speed monitoring signals, which can suddenly appear at full strength.

NOTE You should take appropriate action immediately whenever an Instant- On alert is given.

Responding to Alerts

Description

|

Interpretation

| Recommended Response
---|---|---
Tone repeats slowly at first, then speeds up rapidly.| Probably police radar.| FULL ALERT
Tone sounds one time only.| Probably a false alarm, but possibly pulsed radar or VG-2 nearby.| Exercise caution
Tone instantly begins repeating rapidly.| Radar or VG-2 nearby has been activated suddenly.| FULL ALERT
Tone repeats slowly as you approach a hill or bridge, then speeds up sharply as you reach it.| Probably police radar beyond the hill or bridge.| FULL ALERT
Ton repeats slowly for a short period.| Probably a false alarm.| Exercise caution
Any type of laser alert.| Laser alerts are never false alarms.| FULL ALERT

Understanding Radar and Laser

Radar Speed Monitoring Systems

Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:

• X band 10.525 GHz
• K band 24.150 GHz
• Ka band 33.400 – 36.00 GHz

Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435 GHz), which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.

VG-2

• VG-2 is a “detector detector” that works by detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals that can be detected by VG-2, but does detect VG-2 signals and will alert you when a device is in use near your vehicle. While no signal is being detected, press and hold the Dim button for four seconds.
• The factory setting for VG-2 alerts is Off.

Understanding LIDAR & Maintenance

LIDAR (Laser)

• The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as laser is actually LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
• LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though not as widely. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear line of sight to its target vehicle throughout the entire measurement interval. Obstructions such as sign posts, utility poles, tree branches, etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.

Some common questions about LIDAR include:

• Does weather have any affect on LIDAR?
  Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog or airborne dust particles will reduce the effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation.

• Can LIDAR operate through glass?
  Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass. However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to trigger an alarm by your detector.

• Can LIDAR operate while in motion?
  No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot drive the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.

• Is it legal for police to use LIDAR?
  Yes, LIDAR is allowed to be used in all 50 States by police. Your detector detects LIDAR (laser).

Maintenance

Your detector is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance without the need for service. No routine Maintenance is required.

If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
• Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and free of corrosion.
• Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter.

Specifications

Band and Frequencies

 |  |  |
---|---|---|---
Band| Frequencies|  |
X Band| 10.525| ± 0.050| GHz
K Band| 24.125| ± 0.125| GHz
Ka Band| 34.700| ± 1.300| GHz
Laser| 910 ± 50 nm| 100| PPS
VG-2| 11.500| ± 0.250| GHz

WARNING Modifications or parts substitutions not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your authority to operate this equipment.

U.S. Patent Number: 6,078,279

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 Cobra’s 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 Cobra’s 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.

Accessories

Product Service and Support

• For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT COBRA FIRST…do 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.

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Cobra RAD350 Laser Radar Detector?

The Cobra RAD350 is a laser radar detector designed to alert drivers to the presence of police radar and laser signals. It helps drivers monitor their speed and reduce the risk of speeding tickets by detecting various radar and laser signals used by law enforcement.

How does the RAD350 Radar Detector work?

The Cobra RAD350 Radar Detector works by scanning the surrounding area for radar and laser signals commonly used by law enforcement for speed monitoring. When it detects such signals, it alerts the driver with visual and audible notifications, allowing them to adjust their speed accordingly.

What types of radar signals does the RAD350 detector detect?

The Cobra RAD350 detector typically detects various radar signals, including X-band, K-band, and Ka-band. These are commonly used by law enforcement agencies for speed enforcement. Additionally, it may also detect laser signals, which are often used for more precise speed measurements.

Is the RAD350 detector legal to use?

The legality of using radar detectors varies by location. In some regions, using radar detectors is legal, while in others, it may be prohibited. Users should check and adhere to local laws and regulations regarding the use of radar detectors in their specific area.

What is the detection range of the RAD350 detector?

The detection range of the Cobra RAD350 detector can vary depending on factors such as the type of radar signal, terrain, and weather conditions. Refer to the product specifications for information on the effective detection range of the detector.

Can the RAD350 detector filter out false alerts?

Yes, the Cobra RAD350 detector often includes features to help filter out false alerts caused by non-law enforcement radar sources. These features may include advanced signal processing and filtering technology to minimize false alarms and provide more accurate alerts.

Is the RAD350 detector equipped with GPS technology?

The Cobra RAD350 detector may or may not be equipped with GPS technology. GPS- enabled detectors can offer additional features, such as red-light camera alerts, speed limit information, and the ability to mark and mute known false alert locations. Check the product specifications for details on GPS features.

What is the display type of the RAD350 detector?

The Cobra RAD350 detector typically features an easy-to-read display, often with an LED or OLED screen. The display provides information such as detected radar bands, signal strength, and other relevant details. Check the product specifications for details on the type and clarity of the display.

Does the RAD350 detector have voice alerts?

Yes, the Cobra RAD350 detector often features voice alerts, providing audible notifications to the driver. Voice alerts can enhance the user experience by keeping the driver informed without the need to look at the display constantly.

Can the RAD350 detector be customized for user preferences?

Yes, the Cobra RAD350 detector typically includes customizable settings, allowing users to adjust various parameters according to their preferences. This may include sensitivity levels, display options, and other user-specific settings.

Is the RAD350 detector compatible with the Cobra iRadar app?

The Cobra RAD350 detector may or may not be compatible with the Cobra iRadar app. The iRadar app can provide additional features and functionality, such as community-based alerts and real-time updates. Check the product specifications and the manufacturer's website for information on app compatibility.

What power source does the RAD350 detector use?

The Cobra RAD350 detector is typically powered by the vehicle's electrical system. It comes with a power cord that plugs into the vehicle's power outlet (cigarette lighter socket). Check the product specifications for details on power requirements and accessories.

Can the RAD350 detector be installed easily in any vehicle?

Yes, the Cobra RAD350 detector is designed for easy installation in most vehicles. It typically comes with a mounting bracket and a power cord, making it convenient for users to install the detector on the windshield or dashboard of their vehicle.

Does the RAD350 detector have a city/highway mode?

Yes, the Cobra RAD350 detector often includes a city/highway mode. This feature allows users to adjust the sensitivity of the detector based on their driving environment. City mode may reduce sensitivity to minimize false alerts in urban areas, while highway mode provides maximum sensitivity for open road driving.

What is the warranty coverage for the RAD350 detector?

The warranty for the Cobra RAD350 detector typically ranges from 1 year to 3 years.

Can the RAD350 detector detect POP radar signals?

The Cobra RAD350 detector may or may not be designed to detect POP radar signals. POP mode is a feature used by law enforcement to briefly transmit radar signals. Users should check the product specifications for information on POP radar detection capabilities.

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