Highway mode provides full audio and visual warning of laser/radar systems while maintaining full sensitivity. Highway mode is the default setting of all Whistler's laser/radar detectors. City mode helps reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers and burglar alarm alerts by providing an initial alert (same distance as Highway Mode) then remaining quiet unless the signal strength becomes very strong. When the signal increases the unit will alert briefly to notify you of the change in signal strength.
Which do you use? It's really up to you. There is no performance advantage either way. If you have a quiet vehicle then maybe using City mode will be fine. If your vehicle is a convertible or is noisy, then Highway is best so you will not miss any alarms. NOTE: City Mode(s) does not effect Laser reception!
What does City 1 and City 2 modes do?
City 1 Mode lowers the X band sensitivity. This is helpful for those automatic door openers in malls and shopping plazas that you pass by. City 2 Mode turns off X band. The other bands (K, Ka and laser) are not effected. NOTE: Some towns/small cities may still use X band radar guns. Use caution when selecting City 2 mode!
When using either City 1 or City 2 modes, the audio alert is the same as Highway mode, unlike just City Mode which quiets the audio alert.
How does a radar detector work?
A detector is a radio receiver tuned to specific frequencies used by police radar. It is extremely sensitive, often able to hear radar from over a mile away, far beyond the range at which radar can clock a vehicle's speed. In evaluating a detector, the two most important performance criteria are sensitivity and selectivity. Sensitivity is a measure of a unit's detection range. Selectivity refers to a unit's ability to reject non-police microwave signals and is an important feature because of the many sources of "electronic pollution". Note: Automatic door openers and some burglar alarms operate on X-band, which is a police band. A radar detector cannot tell if a store is opening a door or a police officer is checking speed.
Are they legal?
Laser detectors are completely legal in every state when used in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.). Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radar detectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and Washington DC, which have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle.
Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective January 19, 1994, which prohibits nationally radar and laser detector use in these types of vehicles.
Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state of New York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucks over 18,000 lbs... and in Illinois in trucks over 26,000 lbs. These laws remain in effect. In Canada, radar detectors and laser detectors are illegal to use in Manitoba, New Brunswick; Newfoundland, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the individual radar detector owner to know the laws in your area regarding the legality of the use of laser/radar detectors.
Using A Detector Overseas
Yes and No! Some countries use the same frequencies as we do. Some countries use K band combined with other bands not used here. Before bringing a detector overseas you need to first determine what frequencies are used in that country.
Just a word of warning for those overseas planning on visiting the USA. While visiting, you may want to purchase a radar detector over here but be careful.
Operation Questions
Will it run nebulizers, medical equipment etc?
IMPORTANT: Before operating medical equipment, such as a nebulizer, check with the medical equipment manufacturer. Majority of medical equipment are not compatible with modified sine waves.
Computer Concerns
Consult the appliance manufacturer if it is compatible with a modified sine wave output from an inverter. This is especially important for computers and cordless power tools. Equipment not made to support a modified sine wave from an inverter or generator may be damaged if connected to the inverter.
Rechargeable products
Before using a rechargeable product (i.e., cell phones, battery chargers, lap tops) check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible with a modified sine wave. Some appliances can be damaged if connected to an inverter or generator.
Will it run my "x" hp motor?
To determine which inverter will operate the motor, we need to know what the wattage of the motor is and then add in the start up surge.
Need to convert "hp" into watts first:
Follow this simple formula - hp x 750 = Watts
One hp motor requires approximately 750 Watts
To convert Watts into hp:
Follow this simple formula - Watts x .00134 = hp
Once the watts are determined multiply that wattage by 10, (This number is on the high side. Smaller motors may require only 2 - 6 times the wattage), this will give you the start up surge of the motor.