Thorton Onyx S3 Radar Detector Manual
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Thorton Radar Detector Onyx S3!
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Onyx S3 excels at detecting radar speed monitoring devices. With features like Radar/Laser protection, City/Highway modes, Audible Signal Strength levels, 360-degree coverage, a Mute function, and more, it offers comprehensive protection. To make the most of your radar detector, please thoroughly review all instructions before operation.
Important Notice: Possessing a radar detector does not grant permission to exceed speed limits. The alerts provided by your radar detector are meant to serve as a helpful reminder to monitor your speed carefully.
What’s in the Box
- 1 Thorton Radar Detector Onyx S3
- 1 Power Cord DC12V
- 1 Windshield Mount
- 1 Velcro for Dashboard Mounting
- 1 User Manual
Installation
Important: The use of this product is not intended to ensure that drivers or passengers will not be involved in traffic accidents. Its sole purpose is to notify drivers of defined radar signals.
- Power must be of DC12V
- For optimum detection, position the product with a clear, unobstructed view of the road from front to rear.
Windshield Mounting
- Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.
- Push the bracket firmly onto the windshield.
- Attach the detector to the bracket. Check that the unit is parallel to the road’s surface and has a clear, unobstructed view (front and rear).
- To adjust the angle, if necessary, gently push or pull on the bracket to bend it. Do not use the detector to bend the bracket.
- Plug the power cord into the detector.
- Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
Dashboard Mounting
- Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location where the unit has a clear, level view of the road and is parallel to the road’s surface. The angle cannot be adjusted after mounting.
- Peel off the paper backing from one side of the Velcro and stick the adhesive side to the back of the radar detector. Next, remove the paper backing from the other side of the Velcro and press the adhesive side onto the dashboard.
- Plug the power cord into the detector.
- Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
Operation
Power and Volume
To turn on the unit and adjust the audio volume, rotate the on-off/ volume control clockwise (away from you).
Note: In some vehicles, the cigarette lighter remains powered even when the ignition is off. If this applies to your vehicle, be sure to turn off or unplug your detector when parking for extended periods.
Display
The Onyx S3 features a clear display that provides five different letter alerts to indicate the type of speed detection signal detected:
- X: X Band
- KA: Ka Band
- K: K Band
- L: Laser
- V: VG-2 Radar Detector Detector (ROD)
In addition to these alerts, the display shows the intensity level of the signal on a scale from 1 to 8. A reading of 1 represents a weak signal, likely from a distant source, while a reading of 8 indicates a strong and nearby signal.
Buttons and Controls
City: One quick press to change between City and Highway sensitivity modes.
Mute: One quick press to silence an active alert.
Auto Mute: Enabled by default, automatically reduces the alert volume for prolonged alerts; you can toggle it on or off by pressing the MUTE button when no alert is active-one beep turns it off, andtwobeeps turn it back on.
Dim: One quick press to dim or brighten the screen. 3 setting options: Night, Dim, and Bright.
Sensitivity Modes
City – optimized to enhance your driving experience in urban areas by reducing false alerts from common sources like automatic door openers and traffic sensors. This helps keep your focus on relevant signals and minimizes distractions from other sources, making city driving smoother and less interrupted.
Highway – designed to maximize your radar detector’s sensitivity, allowing it to detect speed detection devices from greater distances on highways and open roads. This extended range provides an added layer of security by giving you more time to respond to potential threats, ensuring a safer and more informed driving experience on longer trips.
Band and Alert Settings
The radar detector lets you customize which bands (X, K, and Ka) it monitors. By default, all three bands (X, K, and Ka) are active.
To toggle the X Band:
- Ensure no signal is detected.
- Press and hold both the CITY and MUTE buttons simultaneously for four seconds.
X Band Off: One beep and the X indicator blinks once.
X Band On: Two beeps and the X indicator blinks twice.
To toggle the K Band:
- Ensure no signal is detected.
- Press and hold both the CITY and MUTE buttons simultaneously for four seconds.
K Band Off: One beep and the K indicator blinks once.
K Band On: Two beeps and the K indicator blinks twice.
To toggle the Ka Band:
- Ensure no signal is detected.
- Press and hold both the CITY and DIM buttons simultaneously for four seconds.
Ka Band Off: One beep and the Ka indicator blinks once.
Ka Band On: Two beeps and the Ka indicator blinks twice.
To toggle VG-2 RDD Alerts:
Radar detector detectors (RDDs) are used by law enforcement to detect radar detector users. Your detector is invisible to RDDs but can alert you if it receives signals from them.
- Ensure no signal is detected.
- Press and hold the DIM button for four seconds.
RDD Alert On: One beep and V flashes once
RDD Alert Off: Two beeps and V flashes twice
Warnings
- To prevent distractions while driving, avoid adjusting settings or gazing at the screen for extended periods while on the move.
- Keep the detector away from wet, salty, or oily conditions, as well as other environments that could potentially cause damage.
- Refrain from exposing the product to direct sunlight or high temperatures for prolonged periods.
- Do not disassemble the product on your own.
Maintenance
Your detector is meticulously crafted to provide you with years of seamless performance, requiring no service interventions or routine maintenance.
If your radar does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure the power chord is properly connected.
- Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and free of corrosion.
- Make sure the power chord’s cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated into your cigarette lighter.
*For additional troubleshooting and support, please contact us at support@thortonradardetectors.com or chat with a live agent.
