Cobra RAD 380 Radar & Laser Detector

Introduction

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

RAD 380 Features

• Radar/Laser Protection - Detects all radar and laser guns.
• LaserEye® - Detects laser signals from both front and rear.
• Anti-Falsing Circuitry - Automatically reduces false alerts from erroneous sources including automatic door openers and fixed position traffic flow monitoring systems.
• 2nd Generation IVT Filter™ - 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, Windshield and Dash Mounts Included.

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 or call 1-800-543-1608.

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.

Your Device

What's in the Box

• 12V Power Cord
• Windshield Mount with Suction Cups
• Hook & Loop fastener for dash mounting
• Quick Start Guide

Optional Accessories - available at www.cobra.com

• Coiled 12V Power Cord: Item # 420-026-N-001– Includes plug and fuse
• Straight Combination Radar USB Cord: Item # PWR USB-01 – Includes plug and USB Output
• Dual Port Power Adapter: Item # CLP-2B – Includes adjustable plug (up to 90°) and fuse
• Hardwire Cord for Radar: Item # RA-PSCB – Wires your detector directly into the fuse box for a quick and clean installation without any dangling wires
• Install Mount: Item # 545-002 – Includes 3M Dual Lock

Controls and Connections

Description of device controls:

• Windshield Mount Slot
• Windshield Mount Release Button
• LaserEye - For detection of laser signals
• Speaker - Provides loud, clear alerts
• On/Off Volume Control - Allows adjustment of alert volume
• 12V Power Jack
• DIM Button - Adjusts display brightness
• SEN Button - Changes sensitivity mode to Highway or City
• MUTE Button - For manual or auto mute of audio alerts

Description of the Easy to Read Display:

• Radar Indicators (X, K, Ka bands)
• VG-2 Indicator (V)
• Signal Strength/City/Highway/Laser Indicator (Numeric display, e.g., '8')

The display shows detected signal bands (X, K, Ka) and signal strength (1=weakest, 5=strongest). For Laser, 'L' is displayed. For VG-2, 'V' is displayed.

Installation

Where to Mount Your Detector

Mount the detector in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the front windshield without obstructing the view. Alternatively, mount on the dashboard using the included hook-and-loop fastener. Ensure the detector's lens and LaserEye have a clear view. Objects that can block or weaken signals include windshield wiper blades, mirrored sunscreens, dark tinting, and heated windshields (e.g., Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM).

Windshield Mounting

1. Ensure rubber cups and windshield are clean.
2. Push the bracket firmly onto the windshield.
3. Attach the detector to the bracket, ensuring it is parallel to the road's surface.
4. Gently bend the bracket to adjust the angle if necessary. Do not use the detector to bend the bracket.
5. Plug the power cord into the detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.

Dashboard Mounting

1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location with a clear, level view of the road, 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. The unit can be removed and reattached as needed.
5. Plug the power cord into the detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.

Basic Operation

Powering On the Device, Adjusting Volume

To turn on the unit and adjust audio volume, rotate the On-Off/ Volume control clockwise (away from you). Note: Some vehicles supply power to the cigarette lighter even when the ignition is off. Turn off or unplug the detector when parking for lengthy periods in such cases.

Sensitivity Modes

City Mode: Delays X band audio alerts at lower signal strength levels, reducing false alerts in urban areas from sources like microwave towers and automatic door openers. A single beep sounds when the signal is first detected.

Highway Mode: The factory setting, providing maximum sensitivity.

To change sensitivity mode, press the SEN button. Display examples:

• Highway Mode: Shows X K Ka V bands with a red 'h' indicator.
• City Mode: Shows X K Ka V bands with a red 'C' indicator.

Anti-Falsing Circuitry

The RAD 380 is designed to provide accurate alerts and minimize distractions from erroneous signals. Features include:

• Adjustable Sensitivity: City/Highway modes allow adjustment for driving environments, reducing false alarms from sources like automatic door openers.
• IVT Filter: System automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology sources like collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control.

Mute

Press the MUTE button momentarily to turn off an audio alert. Pressing it a second time during an alert turns the audio back on.

Auto Mute

Auto Mute automatically reduces the audio volume of alerts after four seconds of signal detection. The factory setting is On.

• To Turn Auto Mute Off: Press and release the MUTE button while no alert is occurring. The RAD 380 will beep once.
• To Turn Auto Mute On: Press and release the MUTE button again while no alert is occurring. The RAD 380 will beep twice.

Display Brightness

Cycle through three brightness settings by repeatedly pushing the DIM button. The factory setting is Bright.

VG-2 Alert Settings

The detector can identify signals from VG-2 Radar Detector Detectors (RDDs) and alert you when they are in use. The detector is invisible to VG-2 RDDs.

• To Turn VG-2 Alerts On and Off: While no signal is detected, press and hold the Dim button for four seconds. On: One beep and 'V' flashes once. Off: Two beeps and 'V' flashes twice. The factory setting for VG-2 alert is Off.

Radar Alert Settings

Configure alerts for X, K, and Ka Bands. Factory settings are X, K, and Ka On.

• To Turn X Band On and Off: Press and hold DIM and MUTE for four seconds. Off: One beep and 'X' flashes once. On: Two beeps and 'X' flashes twice.
• To Turn K Band On and Off: Press and hold SEN and MUTE for four seconds. Off: One beep and 'K' flashes once. On: Two beeps and 'K' flashes twice.
• To Turn Ka Band On and Off: Press and hold SEN and DIM for four seconds. Off: One beep and 'Ka' flashes once. On: Two beeps and 'Ka' flashes twice.

Detection

Audio Alerts

Distinct alert tones are used for each signal type. For X, K, and Ka band radar signals, tones repeat faster as you approach the source, providing information about signal proximity.

Visual Display

The display shows the detected signal type and strength (1=weakest, 5=strongest) for X, K, and Ka alerts.

• Weak X Signal Detected: 'X' indicator with '2'
• Moderate K Signal Detected: 'K' indicator with '3'
• Strong Ka Signal Detected: 'Ka' indicator with '5'
• Laser Signal Detected: 'L' indicator
• VG-2 Alert Signal Detected: 'V' indicator

Signals and Visual Displays

Instant-On Detection

The detector is designed to detect Instant-On speed monitoring signals, which appear suddenly at full strength. Take appropriate action immediately when an Instant-On alert is given.

Responding to Alerts

Understanding Radar and Laser

Radar Speed Monitoring Systems

Three band frequencies are approved by the FCC for speed monitoring radar equipment:

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

VG-2

VG-2 is a Radar Detector Detector (RDD) that detects low-level signals from radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals detectable by VG-2 but can detect VG-2 signals and alert you when a VG-2 device is in use near your vehicle. To turn VG-2 alerts on/off, press and hold the Dim button for four seconds while no signal is detected. The factory setting for VG-2 alerts is Off.

LIDAR (LASER)

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) operates similarly to radar but requires a clear line of sight to the target vehicle. Obstructions like signposts, utility poles, and tree branches can prevent valid speed measurement.

Common questions about LIDAR:

• Does weather have any effect on LIDAR? Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog, or airborne dust particles can reduce LIDAR's effective range and, if dense enough, prevent its operation.
• Can LIDAR operate through glass? Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass, and the laser pulse can be received through glass to trigger an alarm.
• Can LIDAR operate while in motion? No. LIDAR requires line of sight, meaning the operator cannot simultaneously drive, aim, and operate the gun.
• Is it legal for police to use LIDAR? Yes, LIDAR is allowed for use by police in all 50 States. Your detector detects LIDAR (laser).

Maintenance

The detector is designed for years of trouble-free performance with no routine maintenance required. If the unit does not appear to be operating properly, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Ensure the power cord is properly connected.
• Ensure the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket is clean and free of corrosion.
• Ensure the power cord's cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated in the cigarette lighter.

Specifications

Bands and Frequencies

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 this product and its component parts against defects in workmanship and materials for one year from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser. Under warranty, the product will be repaired or exchanged at Cobra's discretion. This remedy is exclusive for any warranty breach.

Service and support procedures, and warranty applicability, vary by country or jurisdiction. For details, visit www.cobra.com/support.

For products utilized within the U.S.A., Cobra will repair or replace defective products or parts at no charge upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of purchase (e.g., sales receipt). Initial shipping charges for warranty service are the customer's responsibility, but return charges within the U.S.A. are at Cobra's expense if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty.

This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state and country.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply to: 1) accidental damage; 2) misuse, ordinary wear, failure to follow directions, improper maintenance, or unauthorized alterations/repairs; 3) altered, defaced, or removed serial numbers; 4) products purchased or used in jurisdictions not covered by the warranty.

Implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the warranty duration. Cobra is not liable for incidental, consequential, or other damages, including those resulting from loss of use or installation costs.

Some states/countries may not limit implied warranty duration or exclude incidental/consequential damages. This warranty provides specific legal rights, which may vary.

Trademarks, Warnings, and Regulatory Information

Cobra, the snake design, Drive HD™, the d design, and Record your ride™ are proprietary trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Other trademarks and trade names belong to their respective owners. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI licensing LLC.

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 trademarks of MPH Industries. Stalker™ LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts, Inc. Spectre IT™ 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.

Note: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to 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.

CAUTION: Modifications or parts not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.