Cobra RAD 700i Radar/Laser Detector
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing a Cobra radar/laser detector. This guide details the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector, and provides information on radar and laser technology and how to interpret alerts.
RAD 700i Features
- Premium Detection Range with DSP technology.
- 3rd Generation IVT Filter™: Automatically reduces false alerts from In-Vehicle Technology sources like collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control.
- AutoLearn™ Intelligence: Silences false alert locations using GPS.
- LaserEye®: Detects laser signals from both front and rear.
- 5 Color OLED Display: Customizable to match interior display color.
- Shared Radar & Laser Alerts: Receive alerts from other connected detectors.
- Defender Database: Updatable database for red light and speed cameras.
- VoiceAlert: Digital voice announcements for alerts.
- Dual Language: Supports English and Spanish voice and text alerts.
- QuietDrive: A muted driving mode for reduced audible feedback.
- Sensitivity Modes: Multiple modes to reduce false alerts.
- Auto Mute: Automatically mutes audio for sustained alerts.
- User Updates: Micro-USB port for software updates.
- Includes 6' Power Cord and EZ Mag Mount.
Product Service and Support
For questions about operating or installing this Cobra product, please contact Cobra directly. Do not return the product to the retail store. For the latest contact information, visit www.cobra.com/support.
What's in the Box
- RAD 700i radar/laser detector
- 12V Power Cord
- E-Z Mag Mount™
- Quick Start Guide
Controls & Features
The RAD 700i features several controls for operation:
- On-Off Volume Control: Rotates to turn the unit on and adjust audio alert volume.
- Mark Button: Used to mark and lock out false alert locations.
- Dim Button: Adjusts the display brightness.
- Menu Button: Selects detector settings.
- SEN Button: Changes sensitivity mode (e.g., Highway, City).
- Mute Button: For manual or auto mute of audio alerts.
- Power Jack: Connects to the 12V power cord.
- Micro USB Jack: Connects to a computer for software updates.
- EZ Mag Mount™: A magnetic mount for quick and easy windshield installation.
The display provides information on:
- Radar Band: Indicates the type of radar band detected (X, K, Ka, Laser).
- Signal Strength: Shows signal strength, indicated by alert bars, signifying proximity to the source.
- Frequency: Displays the frequency of the detected signal.
- Speed: Shows the current vehicle speed. When speed display is off, it shows vehicle voltage.
- OSP/Speed Limit Indicator: Displays Over Speed alert settings and speed limit data when connected to the Drive Smarter app. A Bluetooth icon appears when paired to a phone.
Installation
The RAD 700i includes the EZ Mag Mount™ for simple windshield mounting.
Mounting Tips:
- Position the detector in the center of the windshield, between the driver and passenger.
- Ensure a clear view of the road ahead and the sky above.
- Avoid windshield wipers and heavily tinted areas.
To Mount the Detector:
- Attach the magnetic mount to the RAD 700i.
- Remove the backing from the EZ Mag Mount and firmly press it onto the windshield. Flip the locking clamp to secure.
- Tilt the display end of the detector slightly upward and engage it with the mounting bracket. The magnet holds the detector firmly.
- Adjust the viewing angle by loosening the thumb wheel, setting the desired angle, and tightening the thumb wheel.
- To remove the detector, lift the display end upward.
- To remove the mount, release the locking clamp and pull the tab on top of the EZ Mag Mount.
EZ Mag Mount Care: Rinse under warm water, gently wipe off debris, and allow to air dry.
Connecting Power: Plug the small end of the 12V power cord into the RAD 700i's power jack and the large end into your car's accessory socket. The RAD 700i should power on automatically or by rotating the On-Off/Volume control.
Operation
Download and Connect to Drive Smarter®
To utilize advanced features and updates, connect your RAD 700i to the Drive Smarter® app on your smartphone. Visit drivesmarter.com/downloads. Follow the app prompts to add your detector.
Display and Menu Overview
The display provides real-time information. The menu system allows access to user and alert settings.
Display Indicators:
- Signal Band Indicator: Shows the type of radar band (X, K, Ka) or Laser.
- Signal Strength Meter: Displays signal strength with bars; more bars mean a stronger signal.
- Signal Counter: Shows the number of alerts detected.
- Speed: Displays current speed or vehicle voltage.
- OSP/Speed Limit Indicator: Shows speed limit data and Bluetooth connection status.
Menu Navigation: Press the MENU button to enter the menu. Use DIM and SEN buttons to change settings, and MARK and MENU buttons to switch between settings.
Understanding Your Detector
How Radar Works: Traffic radar uses microwaves that travel in straight lines. It detects speed by measuring the frequency shift (Doppler Principle) of reflected beams off your vehicle. Radar typically monitors one target at a time and its range depends on beam power and distance.
How Laser (LIDAR) Works: Laser speed detection uses invisible infrared light pulses. It measures distance by timing the reflection of these pulses. Laser is more accurate but sensitive to weather and requires a clear line of sight. It cannot operate through glass.
TSR Signal Ranking Software: This software enhances false alert filtering, particularly for K-band signals from traffic flow monitoring systems.
Powering On and Adjusting Volume
Rotate the On-Off/Volume control clockwise to turn the unit on and adjust the audio volume.
Sensitivity Modes
Adjust sensitivity for different driving environments:
- High: Maximum sensitivity, no filtering.
- Medium: Minimal filtering to reduce unwanted alerts.
- Low: Maximum filtering to reduce unwanted alerts.
- Auto*: Automatically adjusts sensitivity based on vehicle speed when connected to the Drive Smarter app.
Press the SEN button to change modes.
Anti-Falsing Circuitry
The RAD 700i minimizes false alerts through adjustable sensitivity and the IVT Filter, which reduces alerts from In-Vehicle Technology.
Mute
Press the MUTE button once to manually silence an audio alert. Pressing it again during the alert will turn the audio back on. The audio icon changes to a mute icon.
Quiet Drive
This mode provides less audible feedback. It can be activated by holding the MUTE button for two seconds or through the User Settings menu. The audio icon changes to a quiet mode icon.
Battery Voltage
Press the MUTE button when no signal is detected to display the vehicle's battery voltage.
Auto Mute
Automatically reduces the audio volume of alerts after four seconds for the duration of the signal. This feature is On by default.
Display Brightness
Cycle through four brightness settings (Bright, Dim, Dimmer) by repeatedly pressing the DIM button.
Menu Settings
Access settings via the MENU button. Use DIM/SEN to change values and MARK/MENU to navigate.
User Settings:
- Detail: More (band, strength, frequency) or Less (threat level).
- Quiet Drive: On/Off.
- Auto Mute: Off/On.
- Voice Language: English/Spanish.
- Screen Saver: Turns screen dark after a set time.
- Smart Power: Puts unit in low power mode after engine off.
- System Info: Displays firmware versions.
- Restore Defaults: Resets settings to factory defaults.
Alert Settings:
- Enable/disable alerts for X Band, K Low Band, K Band, Ka Band, Laser.
- Low V. Warning: On/Off.
Detection
Distinct alert tones indicate signal types. Tone repetition rate indicates proximity.
- Radar Alerts: In More Detail mode, displays band, strength, and frequency. In Less Detail mode, shows threat level (Low, Medium, High) with 1-3 bars.
- Laser Alerts: Always full-strength alerts. Displays pulse rate in More Detail mode; 3 bars in Less Detail mode.
- Instant-On Detection: Detects sudden, full-strength signals. Respond immediately.
Responding to Alerts
Alert tones provide information:
- Slow repeating tone, speeding up: Likely police radar. Recommended response: Full Alert.
- Single tone: Likely false alarm or pulsed radar. Recommended response: Exercise caution.
- Tone repeats rapidly (sudden activation): Likely police radar. Recommended response: Full Alert.
- Slow repeating tone, speeding up sharply after a hill/bridge: Likely police radar. Recommended response: Full Alert.
- Slow repeating tone for a short period: Likely false alarm. Recommended response: Exercise caution.
- Any Laser alert: Never false alarms. Recommended response: Full Alert.
Locking Out False Alerts
Manually lock out fixed location false alerts (X, K, or Laser) by pressing the MUTE button three times during an alert: first press silences, second prompts "Lockout?", third confirms storage. A "Stored" message appears. To unlock, press MUTE twice during the locked-out alert; the display will read "Unlock?" then "Unlocked". Note: GPS Filter must be ON for GPS-enabled features like Defender Database alerts.
Drive Smarter® Alerts
When connected to the Drive Smarter app, alerts like Photo Enforced, Speed Camera, and Speed Trap are displayed on the detector, counting down the distance.
Using the Mark Button
Report active police speed enforcement to the Drive Smarter Community by pressing and holding the MARK button for 2 seconds.
Maintenance
No routine maintenance is required. If the unit malfunctions, check power cord connections and the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket for cleanliness and corrosion.
Bands 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 |
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Modifications not expressly approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This device should be installed and operated with a minimum of 20 cm between the radiator and your body. It has been tested and found to comply with limits for a Class B digital device.
Trademarks, Warnings & Regulatory Information
Cobra, the snake design, Drive HD™, the d design, and Record your ride™ are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Registered trademarks include Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne®, and the snake design. Trademarks include AURATM, IntelliLink™, IntelliScope™, IntelliView™, Revolution™ Series, IVT Filter™, SmartPower™, Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, and VoiceAlert™. Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Specific vehicle technologies are trademarks of their respective manufacturers (e.g., Instaclear® for Ford, Electriclear® for GM). Laser and LIDAR equipment trademarks include LTI Laser™, LTI 20-20™, Kustom Laser™, Kustom Laser 340™, ProLaser II™, SpeedLaser™, Bee III™, Pop™, Stalker™ LIDAR, Spectre I™, and Spectre IV™.
Disposal of Electronics Equipment: This product should not be disposed of with household waste. Hand it over to an applicable collection point for electrical equipment recycling to prevent environmental impact. Contact your local civic office or retailer for collection information.
Limited 1-Year Warranty
Cobra warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original purchase date. Cobra will repair or replace the product free of charge at its discretion. Shipping charges for warranty claims are the owner's responsibility. Warranty exclusions include serial number removal/modification, misuse, damage (including water damage), improper installation, or unauthorized modifications. Cobra disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Cobra is not liable for consequential, special, or incidental damages. Standard accessories have a one-year warranty. This warranty is non-transferable.