Things You'll Need:
- Cobra detector
- Mount
- Power cord
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Step 1
Mount the Cobra radar detector to your dashboard or windshield. Most come with a suction mount or a hook with double sided tape. The suction mount is applied to the windshield. Then, you simply slide the Cobra detector in (there will be a notch on the top or bottom of the unit). If your detector comes with a hook attached to an adhesive tape, simply remove the paper backing, attach the adhesive to the top of your dashboard, and then slide the unit onto the hook. This will keep the detector secure as you drive.
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Step 2
Plug the power cord into the radar detector and then into your cigarette lighter. Turn the unit on and let the detector load up. When it's ready, the talking message will say "System Ready." Turn up the volume according to your needs. For instance, if you will be driving with music on, you'll probably want to turn the volume all the way up.
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Step 3
Choose between "Highway" and "City" mode for your radar detector. There is a small button on the front that says "City," Highway" or both. On highway mode the detector is on high alert, notifying you of every radar it senses. On city mode, the number of radars detected is reduced, because there are so many different radars that are active in a high traffic city district. Your Cobra unit would go off frequently if you kept it on highway mode while driving in the city.
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Step 4
Listen for the Cobra detector to find X, K and Ka bands. K bands are most commonly associated with modern police radars (see Resources). The closer the radar is, the faster your detector will beep. Some detectors are able to sense up to 12 different band variations.
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Step 5
Press "Mute" on the detector when you want to turn the sounds off temporarily while driving. When you want to hear your radar beeping again, just press "Mute" once more to turn the sounds back on.
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Step 6
Listen for notifications from your Cobra detector regarding traffic problems ahead. For example, you may get a message stating that there was an accident reported ahead or that there is an emergency vehicle fast approaching. The detector is able to grab hold of those microwave signals as well.
