Do You Understand Radar Detector Operation and Specifications?

This article has been prepared to explain and describe Radar Detector Specifications. This will be helpful when you want to buy one. This will help you understand the published technical information.

Radar Facts. The Radar Transmitter transmits a signal at a moving car. The reflected signal frequency is changed by a measurable amount. When received this change is calibrated into miles per hour. This is a wide Radar Beam that can include several cars on an Interstate Highway.

Laser Facts. The operation is similar to Radar. The main difference is that the Laser beam width is small enough to pick out one vehicle.

A Radar Detector is simply an RF Receiver that is tuned to frequencies in the 10 to 36 Giga Hertz Range and will alert you if there is a Radar Transmitter nearby. It will also receive a Laser signal, approximately 905 nanometers (nm) that will alert you if there is a Laser Transmitted near by.

Detection Band. Laser and Unit have specific bands of frequencies that they receive. The identification of the Radar Bands are X Band, K Band, Ka Superwide, Ku Band, VG-2, Spectre I and Spectre IV+. Laser signals include LTI 20-20, Ultra Lyte, ProLaser, ProLaser III, Stalker LIDAR and Speedlaser.

Spectre 1-4. Police Radars that operate over a specific range of frequencies that are specified by the FCC. 2005 volkswagen convertible console. Look for Spetre immunity.

Spectre Alert. Alerts user when they are under surveillance of Spectre 1-4 + VG-2

VG-2 A police receiver (Included in Spectre) that can detect a Radar Detector in the car. This is called the radar detector-detector. Look to provide immunity to VG-2 radar detector-detectors.

VG-2, How It Works. The user is alerted when they are under surveillance of VG-2 radar detector-detectors. When a VG-2 is detected the unit will go into standby, so it cannot be detected. You can not receive Radar signals at this time. The Radar Detector will come back on check for VG-2, if it still there the Detector will continue in standby. It does this until no VG-2 signal is received. This feature can be disabled.
During this time the Laser Detection usually still works.

POP Radar Gun Detection. Detects the latest POP Mode Radar Gun, Super-fast Instant-On Mode. Refers to the hand held Police Radar Equipment.

Safety Alerts and Strobe Alerts. There are two alert signals, they are Safety Alerts and Strobe Alerts. Strobe alert provides advance warning of the presence of emergency vehicles. Safety Alerts warn about road conditions.
The scheme of these systems is that transmitters would be installed on highways and in emergency vehicles, that have the ability to broadcast information messages to a radar detector in a vehicle. For example weather, road hazard or road construction and emergency vehicles. Unfortunately this was not widely spread.

Scrambling. If equipped, the unit mixes noise with the incoming Radar or Laser signal. This noise is on the signal that goes back to interfere with the originating source.

Intelligent Mute. Operates with the car RPM. When the car RPM falls to certain speed the Radar Detector will be undetectable to the radar detector-detector (VG_2). Reduces false alerts.

High Performance. Radar/Laser Detector with extra detection range for advance warning. Think of a more sensitive receiver.

Data Display. Provides easily recognizable digital text display.

Laser Vision. Indicates degree detection of laser signals. For example 360 degrees.

Alert Periscopes. LED'S that are visible during a Radar Alert

Voice Alerts. Van Lining 2Fa>. Warns Driver.

Strobe alert. Provides advance warning of the presence of emergency vehicles.

Auto Mute. Automatically mutes the alert tone for enhanced driver comfort.

City/Highway control. City Mode offers the best false signal rejection in both urban and rural areas

Signal Strength Meter. Indications of signal strength. Could indicate how close the transmitter is.

Intelligent power. Shuts off power to the unit when ignition is turned off.

Electronic Memory. Keeps settings that you have selected.

Compass. Some units have a compass that will show your heading.

GPS Locator is available in some models.

With all of this information it will still be possible to get a speeding ticket. The driver still has to be aware of the road ahead. Some places along the road look suspicious and could hide a Police Car. There are several bands of Radar Detectors, price varies from about $50 and up. The Scrambler Radar Detector starts at $130.