Owner’s Manual Beltronics 5442 West Chester Road West Chester OH 45069 USA USA 800.341.2288 www.beltronics.com ©2012 Beltronics Designed in USA • Manufactured In Canada Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
Congratulations You’ve just purchased the most sophisticated radar and laser detector in the world—the Beltronics Pro500. The Pro500 delivers the best long-range warning on all radar bands including X, K, Superwide Ka, Ku and instant-on POP. Multiple front and rear laser sensors provide 360 degree laser protection, including the widest field of view. For the ultimate in Laser protection, the Beltronics Pro500 can also be used in conjunction with our Laser Shifter product. Visit our website at Beltronics.
Quick Reference Table of Contents Quick Reference Guide Installation Press the BRT button to go from one category to the next PILOT LIGHT (Power-on indication) Press the MRK button to change your setting within a category Pilot Pilot Pilot Pilot HWY H V SPD * Full word: Highway or AutoScn Letter: H or A or ANX Vehicle voltage Vehicle speed SPEEDCHECK SChk ON SChk OFF SIGNAL STRENGTH METER Meter STD Meter THT Meter TEC * Standard signal strength meter Threat Display mode Tech Display mode AUTOMUT
Quick Reference Guide To begin using your Pro500, just follow these simple steps: 1 Mount Slot Insert the Pro500’s adjustable Windshield mount into this slot. Page 7 Plug the small end of the power cord into the side jack of the detector, and plug the large end of the power cord into your car’s accessory socket. EasyMount Button Press the button, and slide the Windshield Mount into one of its four locking positions. Page 7 2 Mount your Pro500 on the windshield using the supplied windshield mount.
Installation Windshield Mount Power Connection Where to mount Pro500 For optimum detection performance, we recommend the following: To power the Pro500, plug the small end of the SmartCord, (telephone-type connector) into the modular jack on the Pro500’s right side, and plug the lighter plug adapter into your vehicle’s lighter socket or accessory socket. The Pro500 operates on 12 volts DC negative ground only. The lighter plug provided is a standard size and will work in most vehicles.
Controls and Features Power AutoMute To turn the Pro500 on or off, press the power button on the top case. When you turn the Pro500 on, it will provide a beep tone, acknowledging it’s ready. Your Pro500’s has our patented AutoMute feature. After the Pro500 alerts you to a radar encounter at the volume you have selected, the AutoMute feature will automatically reduce the volume to a lower level. This keeps you informed without the annoyance of a continuous full-volume alert.
Controls and Features BRT Dark (Full Dark Mode) Once marked and assigned a label, the Pro500 will provide the following alert distances: • Red Light Cameras = 250' or 10 seconds • Speed Cameras = 250' or 10 seconds • Speed Traps = .5 mile below 55 mph or 1 mile above 55 mph • Other = .5 mile below 55 mph or 1 mile above 55 mph NOTE: When a location is marked the first time, you must travel at least one mile away from it before it will alert you to it.
Controls and Features Speed Check Threat Display The Pro500 ‘s Speed Check feature provides a visual indication of your vehicle speed during the first few seconds of an alert. This allows you to instantly check your speed without looking at your speedometer. Speed Check is displayed regardless of your meter setting. NOTE: When traveling 15 mph or less, your speed will not be displayed. If you prefer, you can turn the Speed Check feature off. See Programming for details.
How to use Programming Overview of Programming An example Here is how you would turn Pro500’s AutoMute feature off. There are 8 user-selectable Programming options so you can customize your Pro500 for your specific driving needs. The buttons labeled “MRK” and “BRT” are also used to enter Programming, REVIEW your current settings, and to CHANGE any settings as desired. The word PGM is located on the top of the detector, and is highlighted in colored graphics. Pages 1618 explain each option in more detail.
Details of Programming Pilot Light (Power-on indication) Speed Check Signal Strength Meter In this setting the Pro500 will display “Highway,” “AutoScan,” or “AutoNoX” as its power-on indication. (factory default) In this setting, your vehicle’s speed will be displayed for a few seconds during an alert. After a few seconds, the Pro500 will display the meter type you have selected, (e.g. bar-graph, Threat Display or Tech Display.
Details of Programming Specifications Voice Announcements Markers Features and Specifications In this setting, all alerts and instructions are communicated using a voice announcement. (factory default) In this setting, all makers in the database will be reported as you approach them. This is the factory setting and it is recommended that you use the Pro500 in this mode. Operating Bands • X-band 10.525 GHz ±25 MHz • K-band 24.150 GHz ±100 MHz • Ka-band 34.700 GHz ±1300 MHz • Ku-band 13.
Interpreting Alerts Although the Pro500 has a comprehensive warning system and this handbook is as complete as we can make it, only experience will teach you what to expect from your Pro500 and how to interpret what it tells you. The specific type of radar being used, the type of transmission (continuous or instant-on) and the location of the radar source affect the radar alerts you receive.
Radar POP How Radar Works Because intrusion alarms and motion sensors often operate on the same frequency as X, and K-band radar, your Pro500 will occasionally receive nonpolice radar signals. Since these X-Band transmitters are usually contained inside of a building, or aimed toward the ground, they will generally produce much weaker readings than will a true radar encounter.
Speed Cameras SWS How Speed Cameras Work How SWS Works There are several types of fixed position speed cameras used, including radar, laser, induction loop and photo-based. Radar and laser based cameras are typically mounted near the road and transmit a short range signal across the lanes monitored. Since this signal is transmitted across the road instead of down the road like many handheld systems, detecting them in time is critical. Another technology used is an inductive loop system.
GPS Updates How GPS Works Software Updates The Global Positioning System (GPS) is made up of twenty four orbiting satellites and was developed by the U.S. military. There are at least four satellites visible at any given time every day. A GPS receiver is designed to locate and receive data from four of these satellites. This data includes the distance to your location from each of the satellites. Once the distance from each satellite is known, the receiver can calculate and pinpoint your exact location.
Troubleshooting Problem Solution Problem Solution The Pro500 beeps briefly at the same location every day, but no radar source is in sight. • An X-band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is located within range of your route. Use the AlertLock feature to filter this signal out. The Pro500 will not turn on. • Check that vehicle ignition is ON. • Check that vehicle lighter socket is functional. • Try the Pro500 in another vehicle. The Pro500 does not seem sensitive to radar or laser.
Accessories Warranty Accessories Beltronics Extended Service Plan Visit our website for our complete line of accessories at Beltronics.com Beltronics offers an optional extended service plan. Contact Beltronics for details at 800.341.2288. FCC Note: Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s FCC granted authority to operate the equipment.
