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Speed Detection Systems
A speed detection device (often called a radar gun) sends out either a
microwave signal or beam of light. When this signal reaches its target,
part of the signal is reflected or bounced back toward the emitting gun.
The time required for the signal to leave the gun, bounce off an object,
and return is used to determine a vehicle's distance and speed.
Radar
Radar (Radio Detection And Ranging) is a microwave system for
detecting the speed of moving objects by reflected pulses of high
frequency radio waves. There are 3 radar bands (microwave
frequencies): X band (10.49 to 10.56 GHz), K band (24.04 to
24.26 GHz), and the "superwide" Ka band (33.4 GHz to 36 GHz).
The X band was the first used for traffic. Next came the K band which is
harder to detect. (Most instant-on radar is K band.) The Ka band was
introduced in 1987, and widened to Ka SuperWideband in 1990. The
SWS2500NZ monitors all current radar bands including the entire
Ka SuperWideband.
The radar beam is cone shaped - the narrower the beam, the greater the
resolution. A moving vehicle reflects radar signals back towards the
radar gun. The SWS2500NZ can detect the signals emitted by radar
guns, and it will sound an audio alarm and flash a warning indicator.
For continuously transmitting radar, use the SWS2500NZ to get accurate
detection from a safe distance. As the first weak signals are detected, the
alarm sounds intermittently. As the signal gets stronger (the closer it
gets), both alarms increase in intensity.
Instant-on transmitters fire a short radar pulse beam at a vehicle and
instantly read its speed. When detected at a distance, you will hear a few
beeps and see the sterength meter begin to light. Instant-On radar signals
are the most difficult to detect at a safe distance because they are
transmitted only when directed at you or the vehicle directly ahead of
you.
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