How to Program Uniden R1 and R3 for Canada

Uniden R-Series (R1 and R3, before the release of the new R7) have been tested and ranked to be the best radar detectors in 2017 and 2018, and still remain to be among the top performers today. Using DSP technology, the digital platform provides much more accurate frequency for highest performance, sensitivity, and false alert filtering.

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Update your Uniden R1 / R3 Firmware

Current firmware version on the R1 / R3 is 1.53 (March 2020) – enabling K-Block and various bug fixes. MultaRadar MRCD photo radar detection, as well as Ka Segmentation have been added in previous firmware revisions.

R3 has its camera database updated for October, 2020.

To check your current firmware version, press MENU, then press VOL- twice until you see the display of your current version.

Uniden R1 and R3 current firmware version

If you don’t have the latest firmware, we highly recommend update your detector. You will need the following:

  • PC computer with Windows, or a MAC with Windows running on BootCamp or Parallels (or other virtual machine)
  • USB 2.0 data cable (USB-A to Mini-USB) – can be purchased from local stores
  • Visit Uniden Radar Support – Firmware and follow web instructions

Uniden R1 / R3 Bands Settings for Canada

It is simple to change settings on Uniden R1 or R3. Just press the MENU button, and then VOL+ or VOL- to go to next or previous setting that you want to modify. Use the same MENU button to change settings.

This quick programming guide will be updated as R-Series receives new features / settings.

Uniden R1 and R3 with Ka-band segmentation

Common Settings for Uniden R1 and R3

  • Sensitivity Mode (Highway – City – Advanced)
    • We recommend Advanced Mode (Ka @ 100%, K @ 60-70% for filtering)
  • Voice – On
  • X Band – Off
  • K Band – On (unless you’re absolutely sure K isn’t used in your area)
  • Ka Band – On
  • Laser – On (can be turned off if you’re running ALP laser jammer)
  • MRCD – On for Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, and selective regions of Quebec; Off for elsewhere without MRCD presence.
  • K POP – Off
  • Ka POP – Off
  • K Filter – On
  • Ka Filter – Off
  • TSF – On
  • New K-Block (FW 1.50+) – Definitely ON (eliminates Honda/Acura BSM)
  • K – Wide (Ontario, Atlantic Canada, rural) or Narrow (elsewhere)
  • Ka – Segmentation
    • Ka1 – off
    • Ka2 – ON
    • Ka3 – off
    • Ka4 – off
    • Ka5 – ON
    • Ka6 – off (can be turned on for catching out-of-tune Stalker Ka)
    • Ka7 – off
    • Ka8 – ON
    • Ka9 – off
    • Ka10 – off
  • All Threat – On
  • Display Colour – personal preference (blue by default)
  • Scan Display vs. Mode Display – personal preference
  • Tones – personal preference
  • AutoMute – On
  • Backlight – On / Off personal preference
  • Self Test – Off (for quieter and faster power-on)

Uniden R3 GPS Specific Settings

  • Unit (Speed) – Metric (km/h)
  • Quiet Ride – 30 – 50 km/h (or any personal preference so radar is muted under set speed); can be set for higher 70-80 km/h in Vancouver BC and locations where police K-band is rarely used.
  • Red-light camera option – ON by default
  • Speed camera option – ON by default

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