Owner’s Manual D I G I T A L R A D A R • L A S E R • S A F E T Y D E T E C T O R
Congratulations The Bel V955 is the most advanced radar, laser and safety detector ever designed by Beltronics. The Bel V955 includes full X, K, SuperWide Ka, and Safety Warning System radar capability, front and rear laser detection, varactor-tuned (VTO) microwave receiver, digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range and reduced false alarms, our patented Mute and AutoMute, audible and visual band alerts, and all the performance you’d expect from Beltronics.
Quick Reference Card Remove card along perforations Remove card along perforations BEL V955 Quick Reference Card 1 There are 6 user-selectable options so you can customize your V955 for your own preferences. The buttons labeled CITY and BRT are also used to enter the Program Mode, REVIEW your current program settings, and to CHANGE any settings as desired. The words PROGRAM, RVW and CHG are located on the top of the detector, and are highlighted in graphics.
Quick Reference Card Remove card along perforations BEL V955 Quick Reference Card Press the RVW button to go from one category to the next PILOT VOICE AUTOMUTE CITY MODE SENSITIVITY BANDS * Full word: Highway or AutoScan or City Voice ON Voice OFF * Voice alerts on PwrOn STD PwrOn FST * Standard power-on sequence aMute ON aMute OFF * AutoMute on City STD City LoX City NoX Voice alerts off Fast power-on sequence AutoMute off * Standard City mode sensitivity Low X band sensitivity in Ci
Table of Contents Quick Reference Guide 4-5 Programming Installation 6-7 • How to use Programming 11 • Power Connection 6 • Example of Programming 11 • Mounting Location 6 • Overview of Programming 12 • Windshield Mount 7 • Details of Programming Controls and Features 8-10 Technical Details 11-14 13-14 15-21 • Power and Volume Control 8 • Specifications 15 • Power-on indication 8 • Interpreting Alerts 16-17 • Voice 8 • How Radar Works 18 • AutoMute 8 • How “POP” Works
Quick Reference Guide To begin using your V955, just follow these simple steps QuickMount Slot Insert the V955’s adjustable Windshield mount into this slot. Page 7 1 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 lighter socket. QuickMount Button Press the button, and slide the Windshield mount into one of its four locking positions. Page 7 2 Mount your V955 on the windshield using the supplied windshield mount.
Radar Antenna and Laser Lens The rear panel of your V955 should have a clear view of the road ahead. For best performance, do not mount the V955 directly behind windshield wipers or tinted areas. Page 6 Rear Laser Port Receives laser signals from behind the vehicle. Earphone Jack Accepts standard 3.5mm earphone. Brightness Button Press to adjust display brightness. There are three brightness settings, plus Dark Mode.
Installation Power Connection Mounting Location To power your V955, plug the small end of the power cord, (telephone-type connector) into the modular jack on the V955’s right side, and plug the lighter plug adapter into your vehicle’s lighter socket or accessory socket. WARNING: BELTRONICS cannot anticipate the many ways the V955 can be mounted. It is important that you mount your V955 where it will not impair your view nor present a hazard in case of an accident.
Windshield QuickMount Caution! A few vehicles (including some Porsches) have windshields with a soft anti-lacerative coating on the inside surface. Use of suction cups will permanently mar this coating. Consult your dealership or the vehicle owner’s manual to determine if your windshield has this coating. The V955’s QuickMount bracket is designed for unobtrusive and hassle-free mounting.
Controls and Features Power Voice Alerts To turn your V955 on or off, press the PWR button located on the top. When you turn your V955 on, it goes through a sequence of alerts. If you prefer, you may program your V955 for a shorter power-on sequence. See the Programming section for details. The V955 provides digital voice announcements of radar and laser bands detected. If Safety Radar (SWS) is turned on, a safety radar message will also be announced. See the Programming section for details.
Highway / AutoScan / City Button Brightness The City button selects the V955’s sensitivity mode. We recommend the AutoScan mode for most driving. Your V955’s AutoScan mode provides long-range warning, with minimum false alarms. In this mode, the V955’s internal computer continuously analyzes all incoming signals and intelligently filters out false alarms. You can also select conventional Highway and City modes.
Controls and Features Power Connector Audible Alerts The V955’s power jack uses a telephonetype connector. This 4-conductor connector only works with the included power cord, optional direct-wire, or SmartPlug cord. For more information or to order, call us toll-free at 1-800-341-2288. For Radar signals: Your V955 uses a Geiger-counter-like sound to indicate the signal strength and type of radar signal being encountered.
Programming There are 6 user-selectable options so you can customize your V955 for your own preferences. The buttons labeled CITY and BRT are also used to enter the Program Mode, REVIEW your current program settings, and to CHANGE any settings as desired. The words PGM, RVW, and CHG are located on the top of the detector, and are highlighted in colored graphics. Pages 13-14 explain each option in more detail. An example Here is how you would turn your V955’s AutoMute feature off.
Overview of Programming Press the REVIEW button to go from one category to the next Press the CHANGE button to change your setting within a category PILOT (Power-on indication) Pilot HWY Pilot H * Full word: Highway or AutoScan or City Letter: H or A or C VOICE Voice ON Voice OFF * Voice alerts on Voice alerts off POWER-ON SEQUENCE PwrOn STD PwrOn FST * Standard power-on sequence Fast power-on sequence AUTOMUTE aMute ON aMute OFF * AutoMute on AutoMute off CITY MODE SENSITIVITY City STD City
Details of Programming Pilot (Power-on indication) Power-on Sequence Note: When you are using the Dark mode, the display will only show HD, AD, or CD, (Highway-Dark, AutoScan-Dark, or CityDark). PwrOnSTD (Standard) In this setting, each time you turn on your V955, it will display “BEL V955,” “Laser,” “Ka-band,” “K-band,” “X-band,” “Safety,” followed by a brief X-band alert.
Details of Programming City Mode Sensitivity Bands City STD (Standard) In this setting, when you put your V955 in the City mode, X-band sensitivity is significantly reduced, to reduce annoyance from X-band intrusion alarms and motion sensors. (factory default) BandsDFT In this setting, all radar and laser frequencies are monitored. This is the factory setting and it is recommended that you use your V955 in this mode.
Technical Details Features and Specifications Sensitivity Control • Highway, AutoScan and City Operating Bands • X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz • K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz • Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz • Laser 904nm, 33 MHz bandwidth Auto Calibration Circuitry VG2 Immunity Dimensions (Inches) • 1.25 H x 2.75 W x 4.
Technical Details Interpreting Alerts Although the V955 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 V955 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.
Alert Explanation The V955 alerts slowly for a while and then abruptly jumps to a strong alert. You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a hill or an obstructed curve. The V955 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of alerts may be consistent or vary wildly. A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a radar source aimed forward. Because signals are sometimes reflected off of large objects and sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent. The V955 alerts intermittently.
Technical Details How Radar Works Radar range also depends on the power of the radar equipment itself. The strength of the radar unit’s beam diminishes with distance. The farther the radar has to travel, the less energy it has for speed detection. Because intrusion alarms and motion sensors often operate on the same frequency as X-Band radar, your V955 will occasionally receive non-police radar signals.
How Laser (Lidar) Works There are limitations to LIDAR equipment. LIDAR is much more sensitive to weather conditions than RADAR, and a LIDAR gun’s range will be decreased by anything affecting visibility such as rain, fog, or smoke. A LIDAR gun cannot operate through glass and it must be stationary in order to get an accurate reading.
Technical Details How Safety Radar Works Since Safety radar technology is relatively new, and the number of transmitters in operation is not yet widespread, you will not receive Safety signals on a daily basis. Do not be surprised if you encounter emergency vehicles, road hazards and railroad crossings that are unequipped with these transmitters. As Safety transmitters become more prevalent (the number of operating transmitters is growing every day), these Safety radar signals will become more common.
SWS Text Messages Highway Construction or Maintenance 1 Work Zone Ahead 2 Road Closed Ahead/Follow Detour 3 Bridge Closed Ahead/Follow Detour 4 Highway Work Crews Ahead 5 Utility Work Crews Ahead 6 All Traffic Follow Detour Ahead 7 All Trucks Follow Detour Ahead 8 All Traffic Exit Ahead 9 Right Lane Closed Ahead 10 Center Lane Closed Ahead 11 Left Lane Closed Ahead 12 For future use Highway Hazard Zone Advisory 13 Stationary Police Vehicle Ahead 14 Train Approaching/At Crossing 15 Low Overpass Ahead 16 Draw
Troubleshooting Problem Solution The V955 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. With time, you will learn predictable patterns of these signals. The V955 does not seem sensitive to radar or laser. • Make sure that windshield wipers do not block your V955’s radar antenna and that the laser lens is not behind tinted areas.
Problem Solution The V955 will not turn on. • Check that the power is ON. • Check that vehicle ignition is ON. • Check that vehicle lighter socket is functional. • Try the V955 in another vehicle. The V955 feels very warm. • It is normal for the V955 to feel warm.
Service Service Procedure Out Of Warranty Repairs If your V955 ever needs service, please follow these simple steps: For out of warranty repairs, include prepayment in the amount you were quoted by the Beltronics Customer Service Representative. If the detector has been damaged, abused or modified, the repair cost will be calculated on a parts and labor basis. If it exceeds the basic repair charge, you will be contacted with a quotation. 1 Check the troubleshooting section of this manual.
Warranty and Accessories BELTRONICS One Year Limited Warranty Accessories What this warranty covers: BELTRONICS warrants your Product against all defects in materials and workmanship. For how long: One (1) year from the date of the original purchase. What we will do: BELTRONICS, at our discretion, will either repair or replace your Product free of charge. What we will not do: BELTRONICS will not pay shipping charges that you incur for sending your product to us.
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Beltronics 5442 West Chester Road West Chester OH 45069 USA USA 800-341-2288 Canada 800-268-3994 www.beltronics.com ©2005 Beltronics Made In Canada Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
