Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector

--------------------------------------------------Background------------------

I've been in the market for a new radar detector ever since my last unit, a talking, comprehensive unit, with many bells and whistles, crapped out, many years ago (and especially since I've picked up another speeding ticket or 2). The former unit was sleek, lightweight, came with a coiled cord, and was extremely easy to use and understand. Enter: the Whistler XTR-140.

-------------------------------------------The Actual Unit--------------------

The XTR-140 is a somewhat compact, black unit (somewhat more "boxy" than "sexy"), having dimensions of 4.5" X 2.75" X 1", and is light enough to be tossed in my backpack (estimated 10 ounces). It has 2 buttons along the right-top side--a "mode" button in front, and a "menu" button in back; there is also a "quiet mode" button on the front-left top side. The edge of the other side has a volume/power dial, and, further towards the back of this edge, is a small button to release the unit from its suction cup mounting bracket (which works rather well). The sole accessory included is a straight power cord.

--------------------------------------So What Can it Do?---------------------

The Whistler XTR-140 is a capable unit, if not an overachiever, in some respects. It covers all the major bases--X/K/KA/laser/VG-2 (radar detector "detector") and "safety radar" detection. It also has 360 degree "Total Perimeter Detection," which does as its namesake, detecting radar from all sides, 3 city modes, quiet/auto quiet modes, a vehicular battery saver (auto shutoff), and a "super bright display." The manual, which annoyingly lists the "premium" features of the 2 higher units that it also describes, mentions that "pulse/instant-on" radar is "almost always used in conjunction with VG-2 radar detection-detection, leaving you susceptible to TWO tickets," and it states that you will suddenly receive maxed-out alerts, to which you must respond "immediately." That could be enough to satisfy a cop that you are "marginally responsible." The unit APPARENTLY also detects "POP" radar (I say that because the manual does, although other reviews herald the just-upscale XTR-330, due to its "POP" radar sensitivity, implying that XTR-140 doesn't have it, and because POP uses the same K/Ka band), and causes an "urgent, 3-second audible warning," and flashes the LEDs at their fastest rate, to which you must respond "immediately." There is a certain measure of uncertainty here, however.

------------------------------------------------In Use------------------

The XTR-140's suction cup mounting tab has a metal tab, onto which you slide the unit, which then firmly grips it (it is kind of unique). You plug the DC adapter into your cigarette lighter, and the unit turns on, with a series of lights and beeps, which constitutes its "self test" (and this is a standard feature of all detectors, as when your "check engine," and other lights, come on when you turn your key to the "ignition" setting in your car). Driving around in "highway" mode, you will simultaneously hear a beep, and two VERY BRIGHT, blue LEDs, on the top-front sides of the unit, will light up, upon detecting X-band radar. If the strenghth of this radar increases, you will see Roman numerals I, II, and III displayed, along with more beeps and lights. If K or Ka band is detected, you will hear different sounds, indicating increasing urgency, and the "Alert Priority" feature will allow only the most significant warning to come through, in what seems is a Laser > Ka > K > X-band hierarchy, in my experience (and I suggest you take heed to the warnings in that order, as well!); I haven't heard any laser, VG2, or Safety Radar warnings yet, and I haven't adequately investigated the "quiet mode" yet.

-------------------------------------------Money Saved--------------------

There will always be a moment when you realize that your detector highly likely just saved you, not just an inconvenience, but actual money. After fruitlessly searching for police cars for a few days (and mapping out where the "normal" city radar sites are, I finally verified a few actual police vehicles, actively scanning for speed offenders. One such moment was, when driving through my own residential neighborhood, I received warnings for "Ka" band radar, while turning onto the street. About a block away, a cop car was sitting there--trolling. More frequently than I should, I sometimes "zoom" a bit in this area. Knowing that the police in my area are kind of "Hot Fuzzy" (see the High-Definition movie review), overreacting to the slightest perceived infraction, I should know better. However, this was an instance in which I was reassured as to the location of, not only police, but financially detrimental radar ("FDR"), and potentially saved money AND a headache! My last experience with these guys had them giving me the Nth degree over an apparent expired registration, despite me having showed them my passed smog check, DMV paperwork, repair receipts, and assuring them that I was just waiting for the tags in the mail--I promptly went upstairs, called the DMV, and they said "the local field office failed to forward the information to Sacramento"). A device like the XTR-140 could potentially prevent these types of encounters, simply by avoiding radar-present routes (if you have time).


----------------------------------------Hospitals, Grocery Stores, Hills, Curves, and Airports----------

There are a few things every driver should know (and I learned these from the instruction manual in my first radar detector)--radar provides limited protection over and around curves, and background radar will be present around airports, and anywhere with automatically opening doors. In the few years that I've been without a radar detector, I've consciously slowed down in these areas--and I'm sure it's saved me a TON of money. The rule of thumb is "the radar can't protect you where you can't see, in a straight line." I don't know if that's changed in the last few years, but I urge anyone to be cautious, when trying a radar detector for the first time, just so you can get used to it, and ensure that it isn't defective.

You will quickly form a "mental map" of where the background, always-present radar is--all the automatically-opening doors that have been mentioned, in familiar areas, as well as grocery stores and office buildings in other areas. I was worried about these locations concealing more dangerous radar, but then I learned about this unit's "Alert Priority" mode, which, for instance, will still warn you about K, Ka, or laser radar, even though background of a lower intensity, or significance, may be present. I haven't verified that this works with this unit, as, for some reason, I haven't been able to find many cops since using the unit--either that, or they are REALLY hiding out (because I still get alerts that I heed)!

---------------------------------------------Filtering and False Alarms---------------

The XTR-140 has 3 city modes. When I cycle through the modes, I get "highway, city I, and city II." Unless I'm missing something, I guess this counts as 3 city modes. During my testing, I've mostly stayed in the highway mode, as I want to know EVERYTHING about radar around me, and I don't want to get "suckered" by something that the unit filtered out--at least until I get used to the unit, and its different modes. Apparently, City I and City II modes just involve fewer audible warnings, unless it is a level II or III alert--but the LIGHTS are still there, and active! I need to take another look at the manual, but I haven't figured out how to disable these lights, and they can be somewhat annoying--my wife (and, especially, a particular friend of mine) got especially annoyed with the lights. In any event, the volume can be turned down. However, 97% of the time, I notice the radar's warnings, even when I am cranking my Kenwood KDC-MP435U CD/MP3/USB car stereo--ROCKS! And I have taken to mounting it halfway up the windshield, rather than right by the rear-view mirror, for better visibility and less distractedness. Coincidentally, this is where the manual recommends you put the unit, for greatest detection.

------------------------------------------What Else-------------------------

It's a little hard to find, but an Adobe Acrobat manual, an (impressive) list of accessories, as well as independent tests of all their models, are available at http://www.whistlergroup.com (click on "products"). It'll last a few years (my last radar lasted about 4 years), but cheap product protection (no more than $10) may provide additional peace-of-mind, as "they don't make 'em like they used to" is a standard refrain these days..!

Update!!!! Here is a website that shows the U.S. locations of speed traps, listed by state!!! http://www.speedtrap.org/speedtraps/stetlist.asp

------------------------------------------Conclusion--------------------------

The Whistler XTR-140 was well worth the money I paid for it ($40, shipped, from Buy.com), and provides cheap peace-of-mind, from a name-brand manufacturer, when I want it. It might be a bit annoying, but it's FAR less annoying than dealing with the "Hot Fuzzy" local officers of the law, who may be hell-bent on finding something amiss, much to your detriment. It can also be easily transported to other vehicles, and has plenty of accessories. I do miss the voice prompts of my last unit, however (impresses dates, and is less distracting), and the "sexiness" factor, though, so it might be best to spend a bit more for the "premium features," on the Whistler XTR-330, reviewed", which is $60.99 at http://www.buy.com right now.


Word to the wise: if for some reason you know you are going to be pulled over, REMOVE the radar detector, so as not to "upset" the officer, or provide "material evidence"--just discreetly toss it under the seat!

For additional instructions on how to safely navigate the increasingly squirrely "highways of life," be sure to check out Tom Muzila's Mental Karate--easily one of the best general-purpose self-help books I've EVER read. It's not just for martial artists--it's for anyone seeking to gain mental strength and improve themselves!

For some interesting travel pics and related activities, check out my profile, HERE.


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