We urge you to study this manual before using the GHD or SCOUT so you can maximize the benefits of this sophisticated radar device. This Decatur radar product might appear similar to earlier models, but its digital signal processor (DSP) gives the device advanced capabilities.
All service needs should be referred back to the manufacturer. Do not over voltage the radar - it can damage the unit! The GHD and the SCOUT are designed to operate off of conventional +12 VDC (10.8 to 16.5 VDC) from their power cables. In addition the SCOUT is also designed to operate at 7.2VDC from the internal batteries.
• The package should include the following pictured items along with this User’s Manual. SCOUT or GHD Radar SCOUT - detachable power cable GHD & SCOUT - Tuning Fork SCOUT - batteries & battery holder...
USER’S MANUAL 3. Getting Started 3.1 Introduction The GHD and SCOUT are stationary radars that give you the option to track vehicles approaching, receding, or moving in both directions simultaneously. Directionality dramatically enhances the target selection process. For example, if the radar is set in toward (t) mode,...
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 3.4 Battery Installation - SCOUT Insert the batteries into the battery holder following the polarity guide that is on the inside of the battery holder (Figure 3.4a.) Once properly loaded the battery holder will look like the example in Figure 3.4b Figure 3.4a Figure 3.4b...
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL Once the batteries have been properly loaded into the holder and the holder has been inserted into the handle of the gun then the door can be put back in place and slid closed. If you have not already charged the batteries using an optional NiMH charger, you are now ready to charge the batteries using the power cable.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 3.7 Charge Status Indicator (LED) - SCOUT The status of the charge can be determined by the Charge Status Indicator LED located on the bottom of the handle (See figure 3.7). The table below defines the status. Fast blinking green light = checking battery condition Medium blinking green light = charging battery Solid green light = charged...
3.12 Control Panel Functions The operation of the GHD and the SCOUT are controlled by the five- button key pad and the trigger. 3.13 Measuring Target Speed in Faster Vehicle Mode By default, the radar operates in Strongest Signal mode.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 4. Components - GHD & SCOUT 4.1 Control Buttons Figure 4.1 Faceplate (Display and Control Buttons) When you press the button of a valid function, the system beeps to acknowledge the command if bEP (beep) is set to On.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 4.2 Display Number Segments The three large digits (888) on the left display the vehicle speed. The three small digits on the right display either the locked speed or Faster target speeds depending on the setting you have selected (see Figure 4.2).
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& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL LOCK The LOCK icon indicates the speed previously displayed on the left window is now locked and will appear in the right window. FAST FAST shows that the radar is in Faster mode. When the device is not in Faster mode, it is in Strongest Signal mode, which is the default mode.
5. Operating Modes The MENU and SEL buttons on the GHD & SCOUT control panels let you review and change programmable settings. The radar gun will remember the settings you last set when it is turned off and will power up with them.
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& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL International Version Only...
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& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL Direction (dir) Direction lets you select the direction of the vehicle you want to display. The dir default value t A indicates that you are monitoring vehicles moving both toward and away from the radar gun. Backlight (bL) This turns on and off the LCD backlight.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL Mini-Test (tSt) The tSt option sets the system to automatically perform a “mini” self test every 10 minutes. Beep (bEP) The bEP option sets the system to give an audible “beep” to verify every time a key is pressed. bEP ON is the default setting. Power Down (Prd) The Prd option is designed to maximize the amount of time the radar can operate before the batteries need to be recharged.
5.4 Faster Mode The advanced signal processing algorithms in the GHD & SCOUT simultaneously track multiple vehicles. In Faster mode, the radar takes the strongest return signal and uses it as a reference level. It...
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL The vehicle going 70 mph is the strongest target going faster than the strongest. 5.5 Faster-Toggle Mode In Faster-Toggle mode, you can toggle between the Faster and Strongest Signal targets by pressing the FAST button (the FAST icon illuminates.) To switch from Strongest Signal target to Faster target, press and release the FAST button.
Figure 5.6 6. Serial Output Mode The GHD and the SCOUT have an RS232 communications port on the bottom of the handle. Using a custom RS232 communications cable, you can connect the SCOUT and transmit data to display signs, in-car video, and PCs for recording and analyzing speed data.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 7. Performance Tips Understanding potential radar interference and what to do when it occurs can greatly increase the radar’s performance. 7.1 How Radar Works Determining a vehicle’s speed begins with the radar gun transmitting a beam of microwave energy (radio waves) at an approaching or departing target vehicle.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 7.3 Angular Interference (Cosine Error Effect) The cosine effect causes the system to display a speed which is lower than the actual vehicle speed. This condition occurs when the target vehicle’s path is not parallel to the antenna, including conditions such as the vehicle traveling on a curve or hill.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL The following table shows the effect that an increasing angle has on a displayed speed. Figure 7.3b Actual and displayed speeds at antenna-to-target angles Small angles (less than 10°) have little effect on accuracy. As the angle increases, the displayed speed decreases.
At that time, any locked speeds will display again. 7.9 Scanning The GHD and SCOUT are designed to be used while attached to a solid mount or hand-held in a steady position. Moving or “scanning” the antenna past stationary objects can cause the system to detect motion.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 7.10 Vehicle Ignition Interference The GHD and SCOUT have been designed to operate from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter receptacle (or from the 6 internal AA Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries located in the base of the handle in the case of the SCOUT). When connected to the cigarette lighter receptacle it should be noted that some vehicles exhibit excessive alternator noise at the lighter receptacle.
Place the vibrating tuning fork about 3 inches in front of the antenna. If the device does not display the expected speed, contact Decatur Electronics Customer Service at +358 207 528 508 to arrange for service. Only tap the tuning fork against hard plastic, wood, and materials that are softer than metal.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL • Make sure the (dir) setting is set to t A (both toward and away) during the tuning fork test. If it is not set to t A the system may not detect the fork’s frequency. •...
8.5VDC Battery supply voltage 7.2VDC Battery low voltage trip with antenna on 6.3VDC GHD and SCOUT when using power cord All currents measured at 13.8VDC with backlight on and speaker on (volume = 4). Standby (antenna off) .105 amperes Antenna ON .170 amperes...
11.1 FCC Document FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 GRANT OF EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION Certification Decatur Electronics Inc Date of Grant: 02/28/2000 Application Dated: 12/21/1999 Attention: Randall Sanner NOT TRANSFERABLE EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION is hereby issued to the named GRANTEE, and is VALID ONLY for the equipment identified hereon for use under the Commission’s Rules and...
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 11.2 Radar Case Law Judicial notice is an elementary principal of law. The principal applies to facts that are common knowledge and states that it is not necessary to introduce evidence to prove what is common knowledge.
Decatur Electronics. Q. Will my radar work while my vehicle is moving? A. No, the GHD and SCOUT radar guns are a stationary only models, so your vehicle should be parked. You need to hold the radar steady while operating it.
Decatur Electronics, Inc. guarantees the radar to be free from defects in workmanship and material and to operate within specifications for a period of two years. During this period, Decatur Electronics will repair or replace, at its option, any component found to be defective, without cost to the owner, providing you return the unit to the factory or to a Decatur authorized warranty service center.
If you have questions, want a quick problem diagnosis, or need to return your radar to the factory: • Call Decatur Electronics Customer Service and ask for the Customer Service Department. Have the serial number of the radar gun ready.
15. How to Order Additional Products You can order upgrades to the GHD or to the SCOUT (when available) as well as cases, power supplies, tripods, and tuning forks. To see product descriptions or order products, see the Decatur Electronics Web site at www.DecaturEurope.com or call the sales office at +358 207 528 508.
& SCOUT USER’S MANUAL 16. Communications Port The RS232 communications port (COM) is located on the bottom of the handle right next to where the power cable plugs in. The serial communication has the following characteristics (8:n:1) and is transmit only: One (1) start bit Eight (8) data bits...
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