cobra 9100 manual

How to Use Your Cobra ESD Radar/Laser Detector

1

Features of This Product

• Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System

• Strobe Alert™

• Separate Visual and Audio Alarms

• Laser Eye 360 ̊De te ct i o n

• VG-2 Undete ct a b l e

• Au to and Manual Muting

• 3 Level Dim Bu t to n

• Superior Audio Volume

• Adjustable Windshield Mounting Bra c ke t

ContentsIntroduction..................................................................A1

Safety Alert®/Strobe Alert™Federal Law Governing Radar DetectorsIncluded Accessories

Controls & Indicators................................................A2Our Thanks to You ......................................................A3

Customer Support ...................................................A3Features .............................................................................1Installation .......................................................................2Quick Start .......................................................................5

LED Displays..................................................................6Operation..........................................................................9

Turning On....................................................................9Dim Button.................................................................10Highway/City Mode.................................................11Muting Mode.............................................................12

Detection ........................................................................13Band Detection.........................................................13Audible Alarm Indicator.........................................13Radar.............................................................................14VG-2 Undetectable..................................................14Safety Alert/Strobe Alert .......................................15Laser Detection.........................................................15Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts.........................................16Facts About Safety Alert®/Strobe Alert™........17Radar Frequencies....................................................18Facts About Lidar (Laser).......................................18

Maintenance .................................................................19Specifications ...............................................................20Limited One Year Warranty ...................................21Optional Accessories ................................................22Order Form ....................................................................23If You Think You Need Service .............Back Cover

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM

Installation

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Installation

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1 2

3 4

Attach cups tobracket.

Attach detectorto bracket.

Plug power cordinto detector.

Attach bracket towindshield.

Bend bracket forcorrect detectionangle (if needed).Do not use the ESD-9100 to bendbracket.

Plug power cordi nto cigare t te lighte r.

5 6

LocationSelecting the proper location to mount the CobraESD-9100 is very important for optimum perfor-mance. Both radar and laser transmissions passthrough glass but not through other objects. Forthis reason the Cobra ESD-9100 lenses must notbe blocked. It should have a view of the rear win-dow to take advantage of Laser Eye 360˚ detec-tion. It is best to locate your detector as low onthe front windshield as possible.

Examples of metal in the windshield area that canblock or weaken incoming radar/laser signals:

1.Windshield wiper blades.

2. Mirrored sun screens.

3. Regular tinted glass does not affect radarreception,although the darker tint at thetop of the tinted windshield prevents laserlight from penetrating.

4. Heated windshields, currently available as an option for some Ford® (Instaclear) andGM® (Electriclear vehicles act as an impene-trable barrier to radar signals). If in doubt,check with your dealer to see if this appliesto your vehicle.

Windshield MountingLocation WindshieldMounting

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM

Quick Start

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Turn On and Adjust Volume Turn On andAdjust Volume

Installation

4

Note

It will be easy for you toremove and reinstall yourCobra ESD-9100 detector atany time using this hookand loop material on thedashboard.

Remember: Without themeans to adjust the angleof the detector (whenmounted as above), besure you that your CobraESD-9100 has a level,clearview of the road before youattach the hook and loopmaterial.

Dash MountingDashMounting



Peel protectivepaper off one sideof hook and loopmaterial.

Place on dash.

Peel top paper off. Place detector onhook and loop pad.

1 2

3 4

5 6

Rotate ON-OFF Volume Control to left (awayfrom you). An audible “tone” will indicate theunit is on. PWR LED on front of unit is illuminated.

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9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 4

Quick Start

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Set Highway/City Mode

CityFor urban driving–reduces number of X-Bandaudible alerts.

Set Highway/City Mode

Quick Start

6

Set Display BrightnessSelect from three levels of LED brightness for yourCobra ESD-9100 display: Normal, Dim and Dark.

Set DisplayBrightness

HighwayFor all other driving.

Press and release Dim button to selectnormal setting. Press and release Dim buttontwice to select Dim setting. Press and releaseDim button a third time to select Dark setting.

Press and release CITY button.

CITY LED will illuminate orange while in City mode

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1

LED Displays

Note

A three position Dim modeis provided for dusk ornight driving (please seeDim Button,page 14 fordetails).

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 6

Quick Start

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Set Muting Mode

Auto MutingAutomatically reduces volume of alert in progressafter 4 seconds.

Set MutingMode

Operation

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Manual MutingPress and release MUTE button to reducevolume of alert in progress.

To Switch Between ModesPress and release MUTE Button when no signal is being received.

One “beep”= MuteTwo “beep” = Auto Mute

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1

Turning On Yo u rE SD-9 1 0 0

Turning On Your ESD-9100



2

ON mode

Rotate ON-OFF Volume Control to the left(away from you). An audible “tone”will indi-cate the unit is on and the PWR LED on thefront of the unit will illuminate orange.

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 8

Operation

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Operation

10

Note

Normal = “Beep-Beep”Dim = “Beep”Dark = “Beep”

Note

The Normal (Bright) mode isautomatically engagedwhen the unit is powered up.

Dim ButtonYou may select from three levels of bri g htness fo ryour Co b ra ESD-9100 display: No rm a l , Di m , and Da rk .

Dim Button

Press and release DIM button a third time toreturn led display to Normal.A double beepconfirms normal LED brightness.

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2

3

Press and release DIM button to reduce the LED display brightness to Dim.A single beepconfirms dim led brightness.

Press and release DIM button again to turnLED display off. A single beep confirms no LED display.The power LED will stay on dim.

Highway/CityMode

Highway/City ModeThe Highway/City function is controlled by a 2 - s tep butto n .The Highway mode is auto m at i ca l l yengaged when the unit is powered up. In theCity mode, false radar alerts will be reduced.

To engage City Mode:

Note

City =“Beep”Highway =“Beep-Beep”

Note

Use City Mode in or nearcities where there are manysources of false radar signalssuch as microwave relaytowers and automatic dooropeners.This will filter outweak signals.

Press and release CITY button and the LED on the front of the unit will illuminatered. A single beep confirms City mode. The X LED will be visible showing you are re ce i v i n ga signal.

1

To reactivate the Highway Mode:Press and release CITY button again.A double beep confirms Highway Mode.

CITY LEDwill illuminateorange whilein CITY mode.

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9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 10

Press and release MUTE button to reducevolume.

Press and release MUTE button when no sig-nal is being received. In Auto mode, the alarmwill be reduced in volume after three seconds.AutoMute mode is automatically engagedwhen the unit is powered up.

Detection

13

Operation

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Muting Mode Muting ModeThe ESD-9100 offers two Mute Modes; Auto andManual. To switch between these modes:

Note

Mute =“Beep”ORAuto Mute=“Beep-Beep”

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1

Auto Mode

Manual Mode

Band DetectionThis dete ctor is designed to dete ct X, K ,S u pe rwide Ka Band Ra d a r, Laser (including LT I2 0 - 2 0 * , U l t ra Ly te* and ProLaser* te c h n o l og i e s ) ,VG - 2 , Sa fe ty Al e rt and St ro be Al e rt* signals.* 3 6 0˚ De te ct i o n

Begin BandDetection

Audible Alarm SpeakerA diffe re nt alert tone will sound for X, K , Ka ,L a s e r(plus a distinctly diffe re nt tone for each of the thre elaser signals: LTI 20-20, U l t ra Ly te and Pro L a s e r ) ,VG - 2 , and Sa fe ty / St ro be Al e rt signals.

Audible AlarmSpeaker

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 12

Detection

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Detection

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Radar RadarThe display will show the band (X,K/Ka).The signalstrength will first be indicated by the band beingilluminated, then the band plus , finally the bandplus and will be illuminated. At the same timethe frequency of the beeps will increase.

LaserIndicator “W” is illuminated.

Safety Alert®

Tr a ff i cWa rn i n gSystem andStrobe Alert™

LaserDetection with360˚ LaserEyeNote

The display does not indicate signal strength.

VG-2 UndetectableTh Co b ra ESD 9100 is undete ctable by po l i ce VG - 2d e te ction dev i ce s. It will alert you when one is inuse near your ve h i c l e. Du ring this time, the unit isstill on full alert and able to dete ct other signals.

The VG-2 LED on the front of the unit will illuminate yellow.

VG-2 AlertNote

The display does not indicate signal strength.

Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System and Strobe Alert™Indicator “W” is illuminated.

Instant-On DetectionThe Cobra ESD-9100 is also designed to detectInstant-on speed monitoring signals. Immediateaction is required when warning is given.

Laser will trigger 3 distinct audible signals;oneeach for LTI 20-20,Ultra Lyte and ProLaser.

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 14

Detection

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Detection

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Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts

Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts

Type of Audible Signal Interpretation and Response

Your COBRA ESD-9100 starts to signalslowly, then increases in rate veryrapidly.

Most likely police radar.FULL ALERT.

Your COBRA ESD-9100 signals just once.

Most likely a false sour ce, or could bepulsed radar. Exercise Caution.

Very fast signal rate instantly.

Slow signal rate as you approach hill or bridge. Sharp increase in signalrate as you reach hill or bridge.

Most likely police radar on other sideof hill or bridge. FULL ALERT.

Radar or VG-2 close by has been suddenly switched on. FULL ALERT.

Short-term, weak signaling;series of such signals.

Laser will trigger 3 distinct audiblesignals;one each for LTI 20-20,UltraLyte and ProLaser.

Use Full Caution. There are no falselaser signals.

Safety Alert and Strobe Alert havetheir own unique “EuropeanEmergency” signal.

An emergency vehicle is approaching,you are in the vicinity of a railroadcrossing, or you are approaching aroad hazard (construction site, acci-dent scene, etc.).

Most likely a false radar sour ce.Exercise Caution.

Facts About the Safety Alert® Traffic Warning SystemFCC-approved Safety Alert Transmitters emitmicrowave radar signals to indicate the presence of asafety-related concern. Depending on the frequency ofthese signals, as set on the transmitter, the outgoingsignal can indicate whether the transmitter is on aspeeding emergency vehicle or train,or at a stationaryroad hazard location. These microwave signals arelocated in the K-band and as a result, any radar detec-tor which detects K-band radar will detect these Safetysignals as standard K-band radar alerts. However, unlikea standard radar detector, your Cobra ESD-9100 isdesigned to differentiate between a standard K-bandalert and a Safety Alert warning.Safety technology is relatively new so the number oftransmitters in operation is still growing. You may notreceive Safety Alert on a daily basis and should not besurprised to encounter some emergency vehicles, roadhazards or trains not yet equipped with these transmit-ters, therefore failing to provide a signal. As SafetyTransmitters become more prevalent (the number ofoperating transmitters is growing every day),theseSafety Alerts will become more common. The SafetyAlert Transmitter is in use in all 50 states in limitedquantities.

Facts About Strobe Alert™Alerts motorists to over 50,000 emergency vehiclesequipped with strobe transmitters that activate redlights at traffic intersections in emergency high speedsituations.

Note

Strobe Alert™ is availablein over 1,000 cities andworks with Tomar andOpticom systems. Call yourlocal Fire/Police depart-ment for your area cover-age or area in which youwill be traveling.

Facts AboutSafety Alert®

Tr a ff i cWa rn i n gSystem

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 16

Detection

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Detection

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Radar FrequenciesThere are now three frequencies that have beenapproved by the FCC (Federal CommunicationsCommission) for use in speed monitoring equipment. They are:

X Band (10.525 GHz),K Band (24.150 GHz)Ka Band (33.400-36.000 GHz)

Your Cobra ESD-9100 can detect signals in allthree radar bands including photo radar andSTALKER radar which use the Ka band, andCobra’s Safety Alert signals on the K band.

Facts About LIDAR (Laser)What is LIDAR?LIDAR stands for Light Detection And Ranging.While everyone refers to it as LASER the correctname is LIDAR.

How does LIDAR work?LIDAR operates a lot like RADAR.Like RADAR,itspreads out. Not as quickly, but it does spread, asshown on the diagram below.

RadarFrequencies

Facts AboutLIDAR (Laser)

LIDARs must have a clearline of sight to target avehicle during the entiremeasurement interval.Intervening objects such assignposts, utility poles, treebranches, etc.,will preventa valid speed reading.

Maintenance

Facts AboutLIDAR (Laser)

Does weather have any effect on LIDAR?Yes, rain,snow, smoke, fog, and airborne dust particles will all reduce the effective range, and if sufficiently dense, may prevent its operation.

Can LIDAR operate through glass?No, LIDAR guns cannot obtain readings throughany glass. But the laser pulse can be receivedthrough glass to easily and quickly trigger a laserdetector's alarm.

Can LIDAR operate while moving?No, since LIDAR is line of sight, an officer cannotdrive, aim,and shoot while driving.

Is a LIDAR DETECTOR legal to use?Yes, it is legal in all 50 states.

MaintenanceYour COBRA ESD-9100 RADAR/LASER DETECTORwill give you years of trouble-free service withminimum maintenance.

Replacing Power Cord FuseUnscrew cap of cigarette lighter adapter andremove fuse. Replace with 1-ampere fuse only.

TroubleshootingIf your COBRA LASER DETECTOR ESD-9100 isn’toperating, we suggest you make the followingchecks:1. Is the power cord properly connected?2. Is the fuse OK?3. Is the cigarette lighter socket clean and free

from corrosion?

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 18

Limited One Year Warranty

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Specifications

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GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A.FREQUENCIES

1. X BAND 10.525 GHz ± 50 MHz

2. K BAND 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz

3. Ka BAND 33.4 - 36.0 GHz

4. VG-2 11.4 GHz - 11.7 GHz

5. Safety Alert 24.07,24.11,24.19 GHz

6. LTI 20-20 Laser 300 THz - 375 THz

7. Strobe Alert 300 THz - 770 THz

8. Ultra Lyte Laser 300 THz - 375 THz

9. ProLaser 300 THz - 375 THz

B. UNIT DIMENSIONS

3-3/16”W x 1-1/4”H x 5”D

Specifications COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that itsCOBRA 9 Band Radar/Laser Detectors, and the componentparts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship andmaterials for period of one (1) year from the date of firstconsumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by thefirst consumer purchaser, provided that the product is uti-lized within the U.S.A.

COBRA will,without charge, repair or replace, at its option,defective 9 Band Radar/Laser Detectors, products or com-ponent parts upon delivery to the COBRA factory ServiceDepartment, accompanied by proof of the date of firstconsumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a salesreceipt.

You must pay any initial shipping charges required to shipthe product for warranty service, but the return chargeswill be at Cobra's expense, if the product is repaired orreplaced under warranty.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply; 1) to anyproduct damaged by accident;2) in the event of misuse orabuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alter-ations or repairs;3) if the serial number has been altered,defaced or removed;4) if the owner of the product residesoutside the U.S.A.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.

COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental, conse-quential or other damages;including, without limita-tion, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of i n s t a l l at i o n .

Some states do not allow limitations on how long animplied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the e xclu-sion or limitation of incidental or consequential dam-ages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Cobra ElectronicsCorporation

6500 West Cortland StreetChicago, Illinois 60707www.cobraelec.com

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 20

Optional Accessories

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Accessory Order Form

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You Can Find These Fine Accessories At Your LocalCobra DealerIf you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.

Order by phoneCall 1.773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F CST. )

Order by mail or faxPlease fill out order form on next page, and mail/fax directly to Cobra.

Windshield Mounting Bra c ke t

Includes suction cups545-139-N-001 $7.00

S t raight 12V DC Power Co rd

Includes plug and fuse4 2 0 - 0 8 0 - N - 0 0 1 $ 1 0 . 0 0

Curled 12V DC Power Co rd

Includes plug and fuse4 2 0 - 0 8 0 - N - 0 0 2 $ 1 0 . 0 0

Subtotal(Tax if applicable) Shipping/handling $4.00

Total

Tax TableIllinois residents add 7%Cook Co. residents add .75% (7.75% total)Chicago residents add 1% (8.75% total)

Indiana residents add 5%Michigan residents add 4 % Minnesota residents add 6%Ohio residents add 6%Wisconsin residents add 5%

Prices subject to change without notic e.

420-080-N-001 St ra i g ht 12V Power Co rd $10.00

4 2 0 - 0 8 0 - N - 0 0 2 Cu rled 12V Power Co rd $ 1 0 . 0 0

5 4 5 - 1 3 9 - N - 0 0 1 Windshield Mo u nting Bra c ke t $ 7 . 0 0

Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount

Please print clearly

Name

Address (No P.O. Box)

City State

Zip

Telephone ( )

Credit Card No. Exp. Date

Customer Signature

Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for deliver y. Offer valid in Continental U.S.only.

For credit card orders fill out order formand fax to: 1.773.622.2269or call 1.773.889.3087(Press 1 from the main menu)8:00 am - 8:00 pm,M-F, CST.

Ma ke check or money order (no stamps)payable to:Cobra Electronics6500 West Co rtland St .Ch i ca g o, IL 60707At t n : Ac ce s s o ries De p t .

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 22

The Co b ra line of quality prod u cts also includes:

• CB Ra d i o s

• Mi c ro Ta lk™ Ra d i o s

• Ac ce s s o ri e s

• Sa fe ty Al e rt™

Traffic Wa rning Sys te m s

Nothing comes close to a Co b ra™

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 24

Introduction

A1

IntroductionCongratulations! You have just purchased themost sophisticated RADAR/LASER DETECTORavailable today. This booklet contains instructionsand information designed so that you will be ableto understand how the Cobra ESD™-9100 worksand how radar and (LIDAR) laser are used. Enjoyyour Cobra ESD-9100 Radar/Laser Detector anddrive safely.

Federal Law Governing Use of Radar DetectorsIt is not against Federal Law to receive radar transmissions on your COBRA Radar Detector.The Communications Act of 1934 guarantees your right to receive radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene theCommunications Act of 1934,while illegal,maybe enforced by your local law enforcement offi-cials until and unless they are prohibited fromdoing so by Federal Court action.

WARNING: Before leaving your car, make surethat you conceal your radar detector. This willreduce the possibility of break-in and theft ofyour unit.

Included with your ESD-91001. Windshield Bracket2. Hook and Loop Material3. Power Cord

M i c ro Ta l k

Radar/Laser DetectorModel ESD-9100

O pe rating Instru ctions for your Co b ra 9 Band Ext ra Se n s o ry De te ct i o n

Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1999Printed in Thailand

Part No. 480-297-P-001

For te c h n i cal assistance, please call our Au to m a ted Help Desk which can assist

you by answering the most fre q u e n t ly asked questions about Co b ra prod u ct s.

(773) 889-3087 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number 8:00 am - 8:00 pm,Monday through Friday, CST.

Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section atwww.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to [email protected]

If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087

“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending your unit in.This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair.”You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the follow-ing in order to have the product serviced and returned.1. For Warranty Repair include some form of pr oof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction

or carbon or a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned.

2. Send the entire product.

3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit.Include a typed or clearly print nameand address of where the unit is to be returned.

4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.

5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or FirstClass Mail to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation,6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago,IL 60707.

6. If the unit is in war ranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or exchangeddepending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for status. If the unit is out of warranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call 1.773.889.3087 forassistance.

If You Think You Need Service

and Strobe Alert™Use of this product is not intend-ed to, and does not, ensure thatthe motorist and any passengerwill not be involved in a trafficaccident. It is only intended toalert the motorist that an emer-gency or service vehicle equippedwith a CODE 3,Strobe (Opticom*or Tomar Preemption System) or Cobra Safety Alert Transmitteris in the area as defined by therange of the product. Please callyour local Fire/Police departmentto verify if coverage exists in yourarea.Motorists are expected toexercise all due caution whileusing this product, and to ob-serve and follow all applicabletraffic laws. Operators of emer-gency or service vehicles are alsoexpected to exercise all due caution while using thisproduct, and to observe and follow all applicable traffic laws.

*Opticom is a registered trademark of 3M Corporation

1.

2.

3.

Nothing comes close to a Co b ra™

© 1999 Cobra Electronics Corporation6500 West Cortland StreetChicago, IL 60707www.cobraelec.com

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 25

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Thank you for purchasing the Cobra ESD-9100 Radar/Laser Detector. Properly used, this Cobraproduct will give you many years of reliable service.

Customer SupportShould you encounter any problems with the product or not understand its many features,please refer to this owner’s manual. If, after referring to the manual, you still need help,call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.

Our Thanks to You

A3

Cobra Customer Service

Live operators are available M-F 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CSTat: 773.889.3087

Au to m a ted Te c h n i ca lAs s i s t a n ce available 24 hoursa day,s even days a we e k.E-mail questions to:p rod u ct i n fo @ co b ra e l e c. co m

Co b ra on the Wo rld Wide We b :Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) can be found on-lineat: www.cobraelec.com

Controls and Indicators

A2

2

4

1

1. On/Off Volume Control

2. Mute Button

3. Dim Button

4. Audio Alerts Speaker

5. Highway/City Button

6. Band Indicators

7. Laser Eye

8. Signal Strength LEDs

9. Windshield Bra c ket M o u n t

10. 12V DC Power Jack

6

5

9

8

3

7

9100.MANUAL 8/9/00 12:12 PM Page 28

cobra 9100 manual

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