UNIDEN R8 Extreme Long-Range Radar Detector
R8 OVERVIEW
Uniden’s R8 is a top-of-the-line Radar Detector with a built-in GPS feature. With the R8, you can mark geographical points where you commonly encounter radar transmissions. These can be school zones, red-light cameras, and places where police frequently monitor traffic. You can mark these points so the detector will announce “User mark ahead” when you approach them. Among other announcements, the Voice Notification feature lets you know when you are approaching a radar and what type of radar it is (red light, speed, etc).
FEATURES
- Super Long-Range Laser Radar Detection
- MRCD/MRCT [Alert priority: GPS alarms, Laser, MRCD, Gatso, Radar (Ka, K, X) with customizable tones]
- Dual Antennas display Laser direction
- Voice Notifications
- Radar band frequency displays
- GPS for Red Light and Speed camera locations
- Up to 1,750 GPS lockouts
- Easy-to-read OLED display
- User Mark set an alarm with voice notification (up to 1,750 User Mark points)
- Advanced K and Ka band filters
- Spectre I and IV undetectable
- Displays Signal Strength and Vehicle Battery Voltage
- Max. Speed Warning System
- Red light camera point delete
- 12 X, K, MRCD, Gatso, Ka, and Laser band selectable alert tones
- Bogey tone (Alert tones 1 – 5)
- X, K, and Ka-band user-defined sensitivity levels
- Auto mute volume levels (Off, On: 0 – 7)
- Ka Frequency Voice Alert
- Auto Dim
- Overspeed Alert Mute
- POI database save and update (Max. 20,000 points)
- POI alarms (Speed and Red-light cameras, and User Marks)
- 2 POI types: Speed Camera and Red-Light camera
- POI alarm on/off
- Laser gun ID
- Vehicle battery saver and Low Battery warning
- Red-light camera quiet ride
- Speed unit display (mph and km/h)
- Compass display (8 directions)
- GMT setting (–12 ~ +12 hr)
- Daylight Saving Time setting (On, Off)
- Memory Quota
- K Block Filter to block K band monitor systems
- Auto Mute Memory
- 2 Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA)
- Gatso RT3/RT4 detection
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
PARTS OF THE R8
| KEY | PRESS TO… | PRESS AND HOLD TO … |
| POWER | Turn R8 on and off. | NA |
| + | Turn volume up (9 levels: 0 – 8; Default = 4). In Menus, go to the next item. | Quickly turn the volume up or down. |
| – | Turn the volume down (9 levels: 8 – 0; Default = 4). In Menus, go to the previous item. | |
| MENU | Access the Menu system. In Menus, press to cycle through options for the current menu item. | When in Menu mode, exit the Menu system. When NOT in Menu mode, change modes between Highway, City, Auto, and Advanced. |
| KEY | PRESS TO… | PRESS AND HOLD TO … |
| MUTE/ DIM | MUTE MUTE on – Press MUTE/DIM to mute an alarm. Returns to normal operation 10 seconds after the alert ends or if a different band is detected during Mute mode. Mute On displays for a few seconds. | DIM – Changes the display and key backlight brightness: Auto (Default). Set brightness levels for the OLED display (see page 24). |
| MUTE off – Press MUTE/DIM to restore audible alarms before the 10 second automatic mute time-out. Mute also turns off when MENU is selected. MUTE MEMORY Save a Mute Location (Mute Memory) – press MUTE/DIM again while Mute On displays to save that GPS location and frequency to memory. Mute Memory displays on the screen. | Bright Dim Dimmer Dark (Dark is off unless there is an alert.) Off (Off regardless of whether or not there is an alert.) | |
| R8 stores 2000 points divided between | ||
| Mute Memory and User Mark | ||
| locations. | ||
| Delete Mute Memory – Press MUTE/ DIM while Mute Memory displays; the R8 displays a delete confirmation message. Press MUTE/DIM again to confirm. MUTE RED LIGHT CAMERA VOICE ALERT | DURING RED LIGHT CAMERA ALERT Press and hold MUTE/ DIM to delete the red light camera point. | |
| Mute the voice alert for a red light camera alarm. Press MUTE/DIM while the voice alarm for a red light camera sounds. The voice alarm mutes. MUTE ALERTS FOR POI OVERSPEED ALERT AND USER LIMIT SPEED When R8 alerts you to an overspeed or speed limit situation (an alarm sounds and the alert displays), you can press MUTE/ DIM to silence that alarm. | RED LIGHT CAMERA POINT DELETE When R8 alerts you to a red light camera (the alert displays), you can press and hold MUTE/DIM to delete that camera point. After confirming this deletion, R8 will not give an alert for that camera. | |
| If Overspeed Alert and Radar Alert | ||
| alarms are detected at the same | ||
| time, R8 alternates between these | ||
| two alarms. |
| KEY | PRESS TO… | PRESS AND HOLD TO … |
| MARK | User Mark. A User Mark is a manually tagged geographic location where an alarm is usually found. The R8 alerts when close to these User Marks. Add – Press MARK when you are at the alarm location. Delete – Press MARK when you are at an alarm location that has been marked. An error message displays/sounds if memory is full or there is a GPS error. | Delete all User Marks. |
NON-KEY ELEMENTS
| ELEMENT | WHAT IS DOES |
| Eagle Eye | Provides a 360° monitoring radius. |
| Latch Slot | Insert the bracket latch into this slot. |
| Micro USB | Provides PC connection for data updates. |
| Audio Jack | Plug in headset. |
| Eject | Press to release the bracket latch. |
| Power Jack | Plug the 12V Power Cord here. |
| Signal Strength | Displays received signal strength (8 levels). |
POWER CORD
| ELEMENT | WHAT IT DOES… |
| MUTE button (Although not labeled, press and hold MUTE to access DIM functions) | • Press the MUTE button to mute an alarm. Returns to normal operation 10 seconds after the alert ends or if a different band is detected during Mute mode. Mute On displays on the R8 for a few seconds. • Save a Mute location (Mute Memory) – press the MUTE button again while Mute On displays on the R8 to save that GPS location and frequency to memory. Mute Memory displays on the screen. R8 stores 2000 points divided between Mute Memory and User Mark locations. • Delete Mute Memory – Press the MUTE button while Mute Memory displays on the R8; the R8 displays a delete confirmation message. Press the MUTE button again to confirm. • Red Light Camera Point Alert Mute/Delete – When R8 alerts you to a red light camera (the alert displays), you can press MUTE to mute or delete (press and hold) that camera point. After confirming this deletion, R8 will not give an alert for that camera. • Mute Overspeed Alarms – When R8 alerts you to an overspeed or speed limit situation (an alarm sounds and the alert displays), you can press MUTE to silence that alarm • Press and hold the MUTE button to change the OLED display brightness. DIM function. Press and hold for DIM options to display on the OLED. Press the button again to scroll through and select one of the following options: • Auto (Default; see page 24 to set OLED brightness levels.) • Bright • Dim • Dimmer • Dark (Dark is off unless there is alert.) • Off (Off regardless of whether or not there is an alert.) Dim level cannot be changed during a Red Light Camera alert. |
| LED (Red) | • Off: Power is off. • Steady on: Power is on. • Flashing: Receiving an alert. The faster it flashes, the stronger the signal. |
| USB Port | Use this USB port to charge mobile devices. |
OLED DISPLAY
The OLED display on the front of the unit changes depending on what events are happening.
- If GPS = ON, the OLED’s left display area shows the display selected in the Left Menu Display option (see page 22).
- If GPS = Off, the OLED’s left display area shows Volt regardless of user settings.
The following table provides examples of the most common displays.
INSTALL AND TURN ON R8
You can mount the R8 on the windshield (1- and 2-cup suction brackets included) or on the dashboard (hook and loop tape included).
INSTALL/POWER ON
Windshield
When you mount the R8 on the windshield, mount it in the middle of the windshield between the driver and passenger. Be sure there are no obstructions and that there is a clear view through the windshield.
- Attach the rubber suction cups to the bracket and push the cups firmly onto the windshield.
- Slide the unit onto the bracket until it clicks into place.
- Plug the power cord RJ11 connector into the R8 and plug the cigarette lighter adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
- When the vehicle turns on, the R8 automatically turns on and runs through a self-test cycle. Release the R8 from the bracket by pressing the Eject key on top of the detector.
Dashboard
The same types of mounting requirements for the windshield apply to mounting the unit on the dashboard.
- Attach the unit to the dashboard using the hook and loop fastener tape. Be careful not to cover any air vent holes with the hook and fastener tape.
- Plug the power cord RJ11 connector into the R8 and plug the cigarette lighter adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
- When the vehicle turns on, the R8 automatically turns on and runs through a self-test cycle. Pull the unit from the dashboard, separating the hook and loop tape.
GPS CONNECT
When the R8 powers on, it starts receiving GPS data. When it receives GPS data, it announces “GPS Connected” and displays the following:
MENU SYSTEM
Menus lets you set up the system to your own requirements. You can turn different bands on and off and set specific items such as speed or auto-mute. Press MENU to access the Menu system. The screen displays the selection’s current status. For example, if you press MENU and the screen displays Voice: ON, you have the option of turning Voice to OFF. Use the following keys to navigate the menus:
- MENU: Change a menu item setting (press and hold to exit the Menu system).
- +: Go to the next Menu item.
- –: Go to the previous Menu item.
Several menu items only display if GPS is set to ON. These entries are noted in the following table.
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Mode display | Shows selected mode. | Basic Expert |
| Band Sensitivity Selection | Changes band sensitivity as follows: Highway – Full Sensitivity City – X and K sensitivity reduced. Ka band sensitivity same as Highway. Auto – the R8 will automatically switch between Highway and City depending on the speed limits set in the Auto City Speed menu. See Auto City Speed below and on page 33. Advanced – User adjusts X, K, and Ka- bands in decreasing sensitivity from 100% – 30% in 10% intervals. Advanced – Select Attenuation levels for the X, K, and Ka bands. See page 15 for details. | Highway (Default) City Auto Advanced |
| Auto City Speed (If Band Sensitivity set to Auto) | Set the speed limit at which the R8 will switch from City mode to Highway mode and back. | 10 ~ 60 mph in 5 mph increments (Default: 40 mph) 10 ~ 100 km/h (in 10km/h increments) |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| X Band Attenuation (Basic and Expert levels, Advanced modes only) | The higher the attenuation (100%) the more signals, including weaker signals, are received. Reduce attenuation and the weaker signals drop out, leaving only the stronger signals. | 100% (Default) ~ 30% (In decreasing 10% increments) |
| K Band Attenuation (Basic and Expert levels, Advanced modes only) | The higher the attenuation (100%) the more signals, including weaker signals, are received. Reduce attenuation and the weaker signals drop out, leaving only the stronger signals. | 100% (Default) ~ 30% (In decreasing 10% increments) |
| Ka Band Attenuation (Basic and Expert levels, Advanced modes only) | The higher the attenuation (100%) the more signals, including weaker signals, are received. Reduce attenuation and the weaker signals drop out, leaving only the stronger signals. | 100% (Default) ~ 30% (In decreasing 10% increments) |
| Rear Balance (Expert level only) | Adjust sensitivity between front and rear antennas. | 100% (Default) ~ 30% (In decreasing 10% increments) |
| GPS
(Turn GPS on and off at Expert level only) | Display current GPS status at the Basic level. Turn GPS on or off at the Expert level only. GPS determines your geographic location and locates set frequency locations in your area from a database. If GPS is turned on, other GPS-related menu items display. | On (Default) Off |
| Speed Camera Alarm (If GPS on) | Notifies you if any speed cameras are nearby. | On (Default) Off |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Speed Camera Alert Range (If Speed Camera Alert is on) | Sets range for speed camera detection when Speed Camera Alarm is On. | Auto 1000 ft (300 m) (Default) 2,000 ft (600 m) 2,500 ft (760 m) 3,000 ft (900 m) |
| Redlight Camera Alarm (If GPS on) | Notifies you if any red light cameras are nearby. The red light camera alerts when the vehicle is about 984 ft (300m) from the red light camera and goes off when the vehicle is about 1,148 ft (350m) away from it. | On (Default) Off |
| RLC Q-Ride (If GPS on) | Red Light Camera Quiet Ride – Mutes red light camera alarms if you are driving below the speed set here. | 50 ~ 85 MPH (80 ~ 140 km/h) Off (Default) |
| POI Passchime (If GPS on) | Turns the alert chime off and on. | On Off (Default) |
| Voice | Turns voice alert on or off under the following conditions: Type of radar/laser Band alarms | On (Default) Off |
| Ka Frequency Voice | Announces the detected Ka-band frequency. | On Off (Default) |
| X Band | Turn off to have the detector ignore X-band frequencies. Turn on for X band sensitivity as follows: Highway: Full sensitivity City: X and K bands sensitivity reduced | On Off (Default) |
| K Band | Turn off to have the detector ignore K band frequencies. | On (Default) Off |
| Ka-Band | Turn off to have the detector ignore Ka-band frequencies. | On (Default) Off |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Laser | Turn off to have the detector ignore lasers. | On (Default) Off |
| Laser Gun ID (Laser set to on in Expert level only) | Turn on to display the laser gun identifier. | On Off (Default) |
| K POP (Expert level only) | Detects K POP transmissions (very brief transmissions, too fast for some detectors to hear). | On Off (Default) |
| MRCD/T | Activates MultaRadar CD/CT low-powered radar gun detection. | On Off (Default) |
| Gatso RT3/4 | Activates detection for Gatso radar guns. | Gatso RT3/4 On Gatso RT3/4 Off (Default) |
| Ka POP (Expert level only) | Detects Ka POP transmissions (very brief transmissions, too fast for some detectors to hear). | On Off (Default) |
| K Filter (Expert level only) | Filters noise from the K band to prevent false detections. | On (Default) Off |
| Ka Filter (Expert level only) | Filters noise from the Ka-band to prevent false detections. | On Off (Default) |
| TSF (Expert level only) | Traffic Sensor Filter. Prevents false alarms caused by traffic monitoring radar systems. | On Off (Default) |
| K Block1 Filter (Expert level only) | Keep K Block1 Filter ON to block K band monitor systems in the 24.199 (± 0.005) range. | On Weak (Default) Mute Off |
| K Block2 Filter (Expert level only) | Keep K Block2 Filter ON to block K band monitor systems in the 24.168 (± 0.002) range. | On Weak (Default) Mute Off |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| K Wide/ Narrow/ Extended (Expert level only) | K Wide and K Narrow scan for K band radar guns used in the US only. K Narrow scans a narrower frequency range than K Wide. K Extended increases the frequency scanning range for K band radar guns. | K Wide (Default) K Narrow K Extended |
| Ka Narrow/ Wide/ Segmentation (Expert level only) | Ka Narrow scans for Ka radar guns used in the US only and reduces false alarms. Ka Narrow also provides a fast response to Ka POP radar guns. Ka Wide scans Super Wide Ka-band. Ka Segmentation allows the user to customize a Ka-band sweep from 9 filtered settings. | Ka Narrow (Default) Ka Wide Segmentation (Default = On) Ka 1 : 33.399 – 33.705 On/Off Ka 2 : 33.705 – 33.903 On/Off Ka 3 : 33.903 – 34.191 On/Off Ka 4 : 34.191 – 34.587 On/Off Ka 5 : 34.587 – 34.803 On/Off Ka 6 : 34.803 – 35.163 On/Off Ka 7 : 35.163 – 35.379 On/Off Ka 8 : 35.379 – 35.613 On/Off Ka 9 : 35.613 – 35.701 On/Off |
| Priority (Expert level only) | Sets whether Ka-band signals have priority over the strongest radar signals for X, K, or Ka band, or MRCD. Laser alerts have priority over radar alerts. | If MRCD on: MRCD/Ka Priority (Default) Signal Ka/MRCD
If MRCD is off: Signal Ka (Default) |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Mute Memory Band (If GPS is on, Expert level only) | Select bands to be muted. | X & K (Default) X, K, Ka |
| Auto Mute Memory (If GPS is on, Expert level only) | This menu turns the ability to save mute requests for specific locations/frequency bands on and off. | On (Default) Off |
| Auto Mute Memory Band Option Set (If GPS on, Expert level only) | Auto Mute Memory Band Option Set specifies which bands will be muted. | X & K (Default) X, K, and Ka |
| Threat Display (Expert level only) | Displays if more than one radar signals are detected at the same time. The signal with the strongest radar signal is considered the main signal; the other signals are displayed on the left side (see page 36). | All Threat On All Threat Off (Default) |
| Color (Expert level only) | Select the color for the fixed display elements on the OLED. | Blue Amber Green Pink Gray Red (Default) White Violet |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Arrow Color (Expert level only) | X Band
The signal setting matches the signal strength level color. | Red (Default) Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet |
| K Band
The signal setting matches the signal strength level color. | Red (Default) Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet | |
| MRCD/T Band
The signal setting matches the signal strength level color. | When MRCD/T is on: Red (Default) Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet | |
| Gatso RT3/4 Band:
The signal setting matches the signal strength level color. | When Gatso RT3/4 is on: Red (Default) Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet | |
| Ka-Band
The signal setting matches the signal strength level color. | Red (Default) Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Band Color (Expert level only) | X Band
When the Band Color is set to Signal, the band color matches the signal strength level color. | Signal (default) Red Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet |
| K Band When the Band Color is set to Signal, the band color matches the signal strength level color. | Signal (default) Red Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet | |
| MRCD/T Band
When the Band Color is set to Signal, the band color matches the signal strength level color. | When MRCD/T is on: Signal (default) Red Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet | |
| Gatso RT3/4 Band:
When the Band Color is set to Signal, the band color matches the signal strength level color. | When Gatso RT3/4 is on: Signal (default) Red Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet | |
| Ka-Band
When the Band Color is set to Signal, the band color matches the signal strength level color. | Signal (default) Red Blue Green Orange Yellow White Violet |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Display mode (GPS on) | Select what displays on the right side of the OLED. | Scan Display Mode Dsplay (Default) Time Display |
| Display mode (GPS off) | Select what displays on the right side of the OLED. | Scan Display Mode Dsplay (Default) |
| Scan Icon mode | Turn the small scanning dot icon on or off. | On Off (Default) |
| Left Display Mode | Select what elements are displayed on the left side of the OLED. | Altitude Speed (Default) Speed + Compass Compass Voltage |
| Alert Display Mode | Select the desired alert display format for the OLED. |  |
| Speed Unit (If GPS on) | Select the speed measurement type. | mph (default) km/h |
| X Band Tone (Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate X Band. | 1 ~ 12 tones (Default = 1) |
| K Band Tone (Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate K Band. | 1 ~ 12 tones (Default = 2) |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| K Bogey Tone (Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate when the detector is responding to a different K-band signal. | 1 ~ 5 tones (Default = 1) |
| MRCD/T Tone (if MRCD/T is on an Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate when MRCD/T signals are detected. | 1 ~ 12 tones (Default = 6) |
| Gatso Tone (if Gatso RT3/4 on in Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate Gatso RT3/4. | 1 ~ 12 tones (Default = 9) |
| Ka Band Tone (Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate Ka-Band. | 1 ~ 12 tones (Default = 3) |
| Ka Bogey Tone (Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate the detector is responding to a different Ka-band signal during a Ka band alert. | 1 ~ 5 tones (Default = 1) |
| Laser Tone (Expert level) | Set a tone to indicate Laser. | 1 ~ 12 tones (Default = 4) |
| Auto Mute | Auto Mute reduces alarm level to 1 after 3 seconds and returns to normal operation (Auto Mute = Off) 10 seconds after the alert ends. If the same alarm sounds within the 10-second period, Auto Mute remains at level 1. The unit returns to normal operation (Auto Mute = OFF) if a different band is detected during Auto Mute = ON mode. | On (Default) Off |
| Auto Mute Volume | Sets a volume level for muted alarms. | 0 – 7 (Default = 2) Off |
| Rear K Mute (Expert level) | Turn on to mute K band alarms coming from the rear. The alarm will still display on the OLED. | On Off (Default) |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Dark Mode Brightness Setting (Expert level only) | Set Alert brightness. | Bright Dim Dimmer (Default) |
| Auto Dim Setting [If GPS is on in Expert level AND Dim setting is set to Auto through the MUTE/DIM key (see page 31).] | Choose Time or Sensor (Default). See page 31 for details.
Choosing Time lets you set the start times for the OLED to automatically brighten or dim. For example, you can set the OLED to be brighter at 6:00 AM and dimmer at 6:45 PM.
Choosing a Sensor lets the R8’s light sensors determine which brightness level to follow. | Bright time – Set time for the OLED to change brightness in 15-minute increments. Bright Level – Select Bright, Dim, or Dimmer. Dim Time – Set time for Dim in 15-minute increments (up to 24 hours). Dim level – Select Bright, Dim, Dimmer, Dark, or Off. |
| Backlight (Expert level only) | Turns the front key backlight on and off. | On (Default) Off |
| Quiet Ride (If GPS on) | Mutes radar alarms for K and X bands, when you drive under the speed, limit you set here. | Off (Default) mph = 5 – 90 in 5 mph intervals km/h = 10 – 140 in 10 km/h intervals |
| Q-Ride MRCD/T (If both GPS and MRCD/T are on) | Mutes MRCD/T alarms when you drive under the speed limit set previously. | On Off (Default) |
| Quiet Ride Beep Volume (If GPS on) | Sets the volume for Quiet Ride alerts. | 0 ~ 8 (Default = 1) |
| Limit Speed (If GPS on) | Set an alarm to sound if you go faster than this selected speed. | Off (Default) 50 – 100 mph 80 – 160 km/h |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| GMT (If GPS is on, Expert level only) | Sets time zone according to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | The most common time zone settings for North America are: GMT-05:00 – Eastern Standard GMT-06:00 – Central Standard GMT-07:00 – Mountain Standard GMT-08:00 – Pacific Standard GMT-09:00 – Yukon Standard GMT-10:00 – Alaska- Hawaii Standard |
| DST (If GPS is on, Expert level only) | Daylight Saving Time | On Off (Default) |
| BAT Warning (Expert level only) | Sounds like a warning tone if the vehicle battery power drops below 11V. | BAT Warning On BAT Warning Off (Default) |
| Battery Saver (If GPS on, Expert level only) | Turns off power to the R8 if the speed stays at 0 or if the GPS is not connected for more than an hour. | On Off (Default) |
| Self-Test (Expert level only) | Runs a self-diagnostic test on the unit to check for faults. | On (Default) Off |
| Factory Reset? | Resets all settings to the factory defaults. There is no confirmation request for reset. | Press MENU to reset to factory settings. |
| Delete All Mute? (If GPS on) | Delete all saved Mute Memory points. | Press MENU to delete all saved Mute Memory points. |
| MENU ITEM | FUNCTION | SETTINGS |
| Delete All Auto? (If GPS on) | Delete all saved Auto Mute Memory points. | Press MENU to delete all saved Auto Mute Memory points. |
| Delete All Users? (If GPS on) | Delete all user-selected memory points. | Press MENU to delete all user-selected memory points. |
| Memory Quota (If GPS is on, Expert level only) | R8 shares up to 2,000 points between Mute Memory and User Marks. Allocate these levels using this menu. | Mute Memory: 250 ~1750 points total User Marks: 250 ~ 1750 points total |
| S/W version/ DSP Version/ GPS Version | Displays the latest firmware, DSP, and GPS versions. | NA |
| DB Ver (If GPS on) | Displays the latest database version. | NA |
| Exit | Closes the Menu system. | NA |
BASIC OPERATIONS
| HOW DO I …? | TRY THIS… |
| Turn on the R8 | Be sure the unit is connected to power and then press POWER. The unit turns on and runs through an initial self-check if Self Test is turned on. It displays the different bands and their settings. The R8 turns on automatically when you start the vehicle. |
| Adjust the volume | Press + to increase volume. The unit beeps and displays a number increase. Press – to decrease volume. The unit beeps and displays a number decrease. |
| Mute alarm audio during the alert | Press MUTE/DIM during an audio alarm to mute it. (This is especially useful in situations where the alert may be prolonged, such as at red lights.) You can also press the MUTE button on the power cord. |
| HOW DO I …? | TRY THIS… |
| Change the screen’s brightness | Press and hold MUTE/DIM. The unit displays the current brightness level. Press MUTE/DIM again. The R8 announces the brightness level (Bright, Dim, Dimmer, Dark, or Off) as it changes to that level. |
| Turn bands on and off | Press MENU then + to cycle through the menu options until the band you want to turn off displays. Press MENU again to change that band’s status. |
| Change Highway to City or Auto or set attenuation levels in Advanced mode and back | Press MENU. The first menu selection is Highway (default). Press MENU to cycle through Highway, City, Auto, and Advanced. After you select Highway, City, or Auto, press and hold MENU to exit. If you select Advanced, press + to select the X, K, or Ka band to adjust. Press MENU to adjust sensitivity levels in 10% increments. Press + again to adjust the other mode. |
| Set a user mark | Press MARK to create a user mark when you are at a location where there is normally some type of radar. The R8 announces “User mark logged.” The R8 will announce when you approach user marks. R8 stores 2000 points divided between Mute Memory and User Mark locations. |
| Delete a user mark | Press MARK again at that location to delete the user mark. R8 stores 2000 points divided between Mute Memory and User Mark locations. |
| Delete ALL user marks | Press and hold MARK to delete all user marks. The R8 does NOT ask for confirmation before deleting single user marks. |
| Allocate dynamic memory points between Mute Memory and User Marks | Press MENU and + to scroll to the Memory Quota; menu. Press MENU to select it and press – and + to change the allocation in 50 point increments. See for details. |
| Update the firmware and database | Refer to www.uniden.info/download for details. |
FEATURE DETAILS
ALARM PRIORITIES
- GPS Connected / GPS Error / Speed Camera / Red Light Camera / User Mark Alarm/POI Limit Speed Alarm.
ALERT DISPLAY OPTION
The R8 has 3 different display options for alerts, selectable in the Menus.
If the frequency is muted, the signal strength display is gray.
ALL THREAT DISPLAY
R8 can detect up to 4 radar signals at a time and display them on the OLED. The main display reflects the value set in the Priority menu (see page 18) and up to 3 more alerts display on the left side.
ALTITUDE DISPLAY
The altitude display changes according to the speed unit selected in the menu. If mph is selected, the altitude is displayed in feet (ft). If km/h is selected, the altitude is displayed in meters (m).
AUTO DIM
The Auto Dim feature only displays in the Expert level if you select Auto using the R8 unit’s MUTE/DIM button or the power cord’s MUTE button. The R8 has a light sensor that works with the Auto Dim feature to dim or brighten the OLED display according to outside light levels. Configure OLED brightness/dim levels through the Auto Dim setting in the menus.
Set DIM to Auto from the R8/Power Cord
- Press and hold the MUTE/DIM button on the R8 device or the MUTE button on the power cord. The current DIM level is displayed on the OLED.
- Press the MUTE/DIM button on the R8 device or the MUTE button on the power cord to change DIM levels until AUTO displays. The R8 device displays and, if volume is turned on, announces the current feature setting.
Configure Auto from MENU
The unit must be set to Expert level with GPS on and the brightness level must be set to Auto through the Mute/Dim button or the MUTE button on the power cord.
- Press MENU. Press VOL+ or VOL- to scroll through the menu options until Auto Dim Setting displays.
- Press MENU to display Auto/Dim options display – Time or Sensor. Selecting Time will let you set specific times when you want the OLED to get brighter or dimmer. Selecting Sensor will let the ambient light levels trigger when the OLED will get brighter or dimmer.
- Select Mode: Time Press VOL+ access Bright time. (Bright time box in the illustration.) Press MENU to add 15 minutes to the start time displayed. (Range = 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM)
- Press VOL+ to access Bright Level options (Bright level box in the illustration). Press MENU to scroll between Bright, Dim, and Dimmer.
- Press VOL+ to access Dim time options (Dim time box in the illustration). Press MENU to add 15 minutes to the start time displayed (Range = 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
- Press VOL+ to access Dim level options (Dim level box in the illustration). Press MENU to scroll between Bright, Dim, Dimmer, Dark, and Off.
- Press VOL+ to access the next menu item, Backlight.
- The OLED will change to these preset levels at the preset times, making the OLED brighter or dimmer as selected.
AUTO MUTE/AUTO MUTE VOLUME
When the R8 detects a signal, it sounds an alarm at the current volume level for three seconds. After 3 seconds, R8 changes the volume level to the Auto Mute Volume level set in the Menu (see page 23). Regardless of how high Auto Mute may be set, it will never be at a higher level than the actual volume level. For example, if the volume is set to level 5 and Auto Mute Volume is set to level 7, Auto Mute will keep the volume at level 5, the same as the actual volume level.
Auto Mute ends 10 seconds after the alarm ends unless:
- The same signal is detected within that 10-second period; then, Auto Mute stays on.
- A different band signal is detected during that 10-second period; then, Auto Mute turns off and then back on at the current volume level.
Auto Mute does not apply to Laser Alert.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTAINING THE EQUIPMENT
The R8 requires very little physical maintenance. Wipe it with a soft cloth to keep dust from accumulating. Check the power cord connections to keep them clean and free of corrosion.
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE/DATABASE
Uniden recommends that you update your R8 firmware and database periodically. Go to www.uniden.info/download, find your model, and check if you have the latest firmware.
TROUBLESHOOTING
| If… | TRY THIS… |
| The unit won’t turn on | Check the connections. Be sure they are all secure. |
| No display or audio. | If no display, check the connections. Be sure they are all secure. If no audio, check if Voice is turned off. |
| The unit alarms when the vehicle hits bumps. | Check the connections. Be sure they are all secure. |
| The unit alarms briefly in the same location but no radar source was in view. | There may be a motion sensor or house alarm in use within range. |
| The R8 did not alert when a police car was in view. | The officer may not have radar/laser units turned on. Check that the band is turned on. Press MENU and cycle through the options to get to the bands. If the band is turned off, the OLED will show OFF. Turn the band on. |
| The vehicle starts but the R8 does not turn on. | Verify that the power cord is securely connected to the unit and inserted into the cigarette lighter jack. |
SPECIFICATIONS
| Receiver Type: | Antenna Type: | ||
| Radar | Double Conversion Super-heterodyne Self- Contained Antenna | Radar | Linear Polarized E-vector Vertical |
| Laser | Pulsed Laser Signal Receiver | Laser Front Back | Convex Condenser Lens Concave Condenser Lens |
| Frequency: | |||
| X | 10.525 GHz | Dimensions | 4.88in (D) x 3.85in (W) x 1.52in (H) 124.11mm (D) x 98.00mm (W) x 38.80mm (H) |
| K | 24.150 GHz | Weight | 7.4 oz (210 g) |
| Ka | 33.400 – 35.700 GHz | Operating Temp. | -4° to +185° F (Radar/Laser) -20° to +85° C (Radar/Laser) |
| Laser | 800 nm – 1,100 nm | Storage Temp. | -22° to +203° F (Radar/Laser) -30° to +95° C (Radar/Laser) |
| Detector Type: | Operating Power Source | DC 11.0 to 16.0 V | |
| Radar | Scanning Frequency Discriminator | USB Interface | USB Specification 2.0/1.1 |
| Laser | Pulse Width Discriminator | ||
| Alarm Type | Voice and Beep (Detected Band and Signal strength) | ||
FCC/IC COMPLIANCE
FCC ID: AMWUA2102 contains FCC ID: W75-BTM0.
FCC COMPLIANCE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subjected to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC CAUTION
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
FCC RADIATION EXPOSURE STATEMENT
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
IC COMPLIANCE
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Keep your receipt! Proof of purchase is required for warranty service.
WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORP. (“UNIDEN”).
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 12 months after the date of the original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this product.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, the warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by the warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in this Operating Guide, you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). Include evidence of the original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means, or delivered, to the warrantor at: Uniden America Corporation C/O Saddle Creek 743 Henrietta Creek Rd., Suite 100 Roanoke, TX 76262
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UNIDEN R8 Extreme Long-Range Radar Detector-FAQs
How far can the Uniden R8 detect?
The Uniden R8 can detect radar and laser signals from 900 feet and beyond. At closer distances, around 500 feet, it alerts effectively when targeting the license plate area.
What is the Uniden R8 used for?
The Uniden R8 is a high-performance radar and laser detector with dual antennas for 360-degree threat detection. It provides voice alerts, shows the band and signal strength, and offers unmatched range and sensitivity.
Can the Uniden R8 detect laser?
Yes, the Uniden R8 is a laser radar detector capable of detecting laser-based speed enforcement.
What is the frequency range of the Uniden R8?
The Uniden R8 operates within the following frequency ranges:
1. 25-54 MHz (VHF-Low)
2. 108-137 MHz (Civil Aviation)
How do I adjust the volume on the Uniden R8?
You can adjust the volume by using the + and – buttons on the top of the detector. Additionally, the “main volume” setting in the menu allows for further volume adjustments.
How does a radar detector work?
A radar detector is a radio receiver that picks up signals from police radar guns. Since radar guns emit wide radio waves, a detector can alert drivers before they come within range of speed enforcement.
Is the Uniden R8 undetectable?
Yes, the Uniden R8 is Spectre Elite undetectable, meaning it cannot be detected by radar detector detectors (RDDs). It also features dual low-noise amplifiers for enhanced range and sensitivity.
Where should I mount the Uniden R8?
Mount the Uniden R8 in the center of the windshield, between the driver and passenger, ensuring an unobstructed view. Attach the rubber suction cups to the bracket, then firmly press them onto the windshield.