Radar Detector Basics: Get the Bands You Need
Drive safely and avoid costly speeding tickets.
There are many speed detection technologies employed by law enforcement. Use this guide to learn about the features offered by radar and laser detectors.
There are many speed detection technologies employed by law enforcement. Use this guide to learn about the features offered by radar and laser detectors.
What is RADAR detection?
The term RADAR is an acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging. Radar technology has been used by law enforcement for speed detection since the 1950s.
The Science of Radar Technology
A radar detector sends out high frequency waves and measures the time it takes the reflected waves to return to the device. The radar device uses this time measurement to determine how far away an object is. Radar devices can also detect if the frequency of the reflected wave has changed, which allows the radar devices to determine the speed of the object. The reflection and change in frequency of waves is called Doppler shift. Radar detector signals operate in four main frequency ranges, called bands. The common bands used in speed detection are X, K, Ka, and Ku Band radar.
• X Band - 10.5 to 10.55 GHz
• K Band – 24.05 to 24.24 GHz
• Ka Band – 34.2 to 35.2 GHz (covers Ka, Ka Wide-Band, and Ka Super Wide-Band)
• Ku Band – 12 to 18GHz (used mostly in Europe but many models have Ku Band coverage)
The X, K and Ka bands are the primary bands used in speed detection devices in the United States.
• Diminishing X Band Use – X band is used less frequently, as newer speed detection equipment is mostly K or Ka band. However Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, and New Jersey still utilize X band equipment.
• X Band - 10.5 to 10.55 GHz
• K Band – 24.05 to 24.24 GHz
• Ka Band – 34.2 to 35.2 GHz (covers Ka, Ka Wide-Band, and Ka Super Wide-Band)
• Ku Band – 12 to 18GHz (used mostly in Europe but many models have Ku Band coverage)
The X, K and Ka bands are the primary bands used in speed detection devices in the United States.
• Diminishing X Band Use – X band is used less frequently, as newer speed detection equipment is mostly K or Ka band. However Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, and New Jersey still utilize X band equipment.
POP Radar Mode
Some police radar systems feature ‘POP mode’ speed detection.
• In POP mode, police radar emits a short burst of energy to quickly estimate the vehicle's speed. The radar then goes into standby mode, which does not emit any radar signal, making it harder to detect.
• The POP mode burst lasts between 16 and 67 milliseconds, which prevents a radar detector without POP mode detection from giving the driver any warning.
• POP mode radar only obtains an estimate of a vehicle’s speed so it is not 100% accurate. Most law enforcement radar systems must still switch to normal mode to obtain the exact speed, which can take 2-3 seconds.
• In POP mode, police radar emits a short burst of energy to quickly estimate the vehicle's speed. The radar then goes into standby mode, which does not emit any radar signal, making it harder to detect.
• The POP mode burst lasts between 16 and 67 milliseconds, which prevents a radar detector without POP mode detection from giving the driver any warning.
• POP mode radar only obtains an estimate of a vehicle’s speed so it is not 100% accurate. Most law enforcement radar systems must still switch to normal mode to obtain the exact speed, which can take 2-3 seconds.
What is LASER detection?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser detection is also called LIDAR, which is an acronym for LIght Detection And Ranging. LASER and LIDAR mean the same thing in the context of speed detection technology.
• Laser Used in Speed Detection - 904 nanometer, 33MHz bandwidth
• Laser Used in Speed Detection - 904 nanometer, 33MHz bandwidth
How Laser Speed Detection Is Used
A laser is a highly focused beam of light, which makes speed detection very difficult at close range. The width of the laser beam expands to about 3 feet wide at a range of 1,000 feet, making it easier to capture the speed of a vehicle when aimed at its front bumper.
• Harder for Drivers to Detect - Since laser speed detection devices are better utilized at a long distances (1,000 ft is about 1/5th mile), the operator is often not visible to the driver. Laser can be the most difficult signal to detect in time to warn the driver. Positioning of the radar/laser detector so that it faces forward and is not obstructed by the dashboard or rearview mirror is imperative to get the best detection performance from a radar/laser detector.
• Harder for Drivers to Detect - Since laser speed detection devices are better utilized at a long distances (1,000 ft is about 1/5th mile), the operator is often not visible to the driver. Laser can be the most difficult signal to detect in time to warn the driver. Positioning of the radar/laser detector so that it faces forward and is not obstructed by the dashboard or rearview mirror is imperative to get the best detection performance from a radar/laser detector.
Expectations of Radar Detectors
All radar detectors have technical and performance limitations. Consider the following when researching radar detector products:
• Front and Rear Coverage - The location of the radar detector within the vehicle will affect the detector’s ability to detect radar signals. Radar detectors positioned with the radar path facing forward will provide only front coverage. Consider a radar detector with front and rear coverage to warn you about speed detection devices approaching from behind the vehicle.
• False Alerts- Radar detectors are sometimes triggered by non-speed detection devices that use the same frequencies as radar (usually the X radar band). Radar detectors with sensitive coverage without GPS or low speed bypass features are more likely to provide false alerts. To reduce the number of false alerts, consider a radar detector with the ability to disable individual bands or GPS functionality that ‘remember’ false alert locations.
• Detection Warning-Each radar detector uses a different method to indicate a speed detection device is in range. Some radar detectors show the driver if the signal is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle and the strength of the radar signal. Some models also differentiate between various radar bands or laser detection.
• Front and Rear Coverage - The location of the radar detector within the vehicle will affect the detector’s ability to detect radar signals. Radar detectors positioned with the radar path facing forward will provide only front coverage. Consider a radar detector with front and rear coverage to warn you about speed detection devices approaching from behind the vehicle.
• False Alerts- Radar detectors are sometimes triggered by non-speed detection devices that use the same frequencies as radar (usually the X radar band). Radar detectors with sensitive coverage without GPS or low speed bypass features are more likely to provide false alerts. To reduce the number of false alerts, consider a radar detector with the ability to disable individual bands or GPS functionality that ‘remember’ false alert locations.
• Detection Warning-Each radar detector uses a different method to indicate a speed detection device is in range. Some radar detectors show the driver if the signal is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle and the strength of the radar signal. Some models also differentiate between various radar bands or laser detection.
Features to ConsiderMany radar detectors use special features to address specific situations encountered when driving.
• Safety Warning System (SWS) - This is a unique audible warning made when safety related issues are present, such as hazardous road conditions, highway construction, accidents, or railroad crossings. SWS messages operate on K Band. Detectors without SWS functionality may show a normal K Band alert instead. • Emergency Vehicle Warning - This allows the radar detector to make a unique audible or visual warning when emergency vehicles (fire, police, or medical) are approaching. This is a valuable feature if the vehicle has an upgraded audio system and it is difficult to hear outside noises. • Red Light Camera Database - Also called a ‘Safety Camera Database’, this uses GPS coordinates of red light cameras throughout North America to warn the driver of the presence of cameras at an approaching intersection. Radar detector models that are Internet-ready can connect to a Windows-based computer to update this database. Many models come with the database already loaded. • City/Highway Modes - This reduces the sensitivity of the X band mode, which triggers most false alerts. City mode makes X band less sensitive whereas Highway mode allows more sensitivity. • Voice Alerts- Many radar detectors offer the option of spoken warnings rather than audible beeps and buzzers. • Automated Volume - While most radar detectors have a volume adjustment, some offer an environment compensating volume function based on the ambient noise in the vehicle. This is useful then the audio system is playing loud and the unit displays or speaks a warning. |
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• Radar Detector Detector (RDD) Blocking - These are detectors of radar detectors (also called VG-2 and Spectre). Some radar detectors have the ability to block RDD devices from detecting the presence of the radar detector.
• GPS or Accelerometer Logic - Some radar detectors have the ability to mute or disable audible warnings when the vehicle is not moving or is moving very slowly. This can be done with a GPS receiver chip or with an accelerometer. Red Light Database uses the internal GPS receiver to acquire the vehicle’s position and then identify and warn the driver of camera locations that are close by.
• GPS based False Signal Rejection - Some models offer the ability to identify and remember locations where a false warning occurred, so the unit learns (based on GPS location) to ignore that specific signal at that location. This is great for X band false alerts that often occur near retail stores, banks, and airports.
• GPS or Accelerometer Logic - Some radar detectors have the ability to mute or disable audible warnings when the vehicle is not moving or is moving very slowly. This can be done with a GPS receiver chip or with an accelerometer. Red Light Database uses the internal GPS receiver to acquire the vehicle’s position and then identify and warn the driver of camera locations that are close by.
• GPS based False Signal Rejection - Some models offer the ability to identify and remember locations where a false warning occurred, so the unit learns (based on GPS location) to ignore that specific signal at that location. This is great for X band false alerts that often occur near retail stores, banks, and airports.
Know the Limits, Know the Laws
No radar detector can eliminate the chance of a speeding violation. Excessive speeding is unsafe and unlawful. Radar and laser speed detection offer reasonable warning and opportunity to avoid tickets. It is important to avoid excessive speed, understand the capability of the radar detector, and properly place the unit in the vehicle.
Installing a Radar DetectorRadar detectors are typically placed on or above the dashboard facing forward with a clear line of sight out the front windshield. Most radar detectors come with suction cup mounting brackets so the unit can be mounted and dismounted to different locations. Many states (such as Minnesota and California) have specific laws prohibiting or limiting the use of any devices attached to the windshield. Investigate any legal restrictions in your state before installing a radar detector.
General guidelines for radar or laser detector placement:
• For detection of radar signals, the higher the better (such as below the rearview mirror or on the visor).
• For detection of laser signals, the lower the better (such as on the dash board).
• If your detector has both radar and laser detection capabilities, choose the lower position as laser is more difficult to detect than radar and needs the optimum placement.
• Any obstructions in the rear window will limit the effective range of detectors with rear coverage.
• Avoid placing the detector behind parking stickers, toll road transponders or wiper blades that will obstruct the radar signal’s path.
• Window tint can reduce the range of radar detection. Avoid installing the detector on the visor or at the edge of the headliner as many windshields have a factory tint. Metallic or ‘hybrid’ window films on rear and side windows may also limit the effective range of radar detectors with rear coverage.
Consider a Radar Detector as a Safety DeviceThe purchase and use of a radar detector is worth more than avoiding the cost of a ticket or higher insurance premiums. It also helps increase safe driving habits.
Some interesting facts about speeding in general:
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 8 crashes.
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 3 fatal crashes.
• 86% of speed-related fatalities occur on roads that are not highways.
• More than 60% of all crashes occur between the speeds of 0 and 40 mph.
• The force of impact during a crash is more than 33% greater at 35 mph than at 30 mph.
• Each 1 mph reduction in average speed translates to a 5% reduction in vehicle crashes.
Source: NHTSA
Installing a Radar DetectorRadar detectors are typically placed on or above the dashboard facing forward with a clear line of sight out the front windshield. Most radar detectors come with suction cup mounting brackets so the unit can be mounted and dismounted to different locations. Many states (such as Minnesota and California) have specific laws prohibiting or limiting the use of any devices attached to the windshield. Investigate any legal restrictions in your state before installing a radar detector.
General guidelines for radar or laser detector placement:
• For detection of radar signals, the higher the better (such as below the rearview mirror or on the visor).
• For detection of laser signals, the lower the better (such as on the dash board).
• If your detector has both radar and laser detection capabilities, choose the lower position as laser is more difficult to detect than radar and needs the optimum placement.
• Any obstructions in the rear window will limit the effective range of detectors with rear coverage.
• Avoid placing the detector behind parking stickers, toll road transponders or wiper blades that will obstruct the radar signal’s path.
• Window tint can reduce the range of radar detection. Avoid installing the detector on the visor or at the edge of the headliner as many windshields have a factory tint. Metallic or ‘hybrid’ window films on rear and side windows may also limit the effective range of radar detectors with rear coverage.
Consider a Radar Detector as a Safety DeviceThe purchase and use of a radar detector is worth more than avoiding the cost of a ticket or higher insurance premiums. It also helps increase safe driving habits.
Some interesting facts about speeding in general:
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 8 crashes.
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 3 fatal crashes.
• 86% of speed-related fatalities occur on roads that are not highways.
• More than 60% of all crashes occur between the speeds of 0 and 40 mph.
• The force of impact during a crash is more than 33% greater at 35 mph than at 30 mph.
• Each 1 mph reduction in average speed translates to a 5% reduction in vehicle crashes.
Source: NHTSA
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Installing a Radar Detector
Radar detectors are typically placed on or above the dashboard facing forward with a clear line of sight out the front windshield. Most radar detectors come with suction cup mounting brackets so the unit can be mounted and dismounted to different locations. Many states (such as Minnesota and California) have specific laws prohibiting or limiting the use of any devices attached to the windshield. Investigate any legal restrictions in your state before installing a radar detector. General guidelines for radar or laser detector placement: • For detection of radar signals, the higher the better (such as below the rearview mirror or on the visor). • For detection of laser signals, the lower the better (such as on the dash board). • If your detector has both radar and laser detection capabilities, choose the lower position as laser is more difficult to detect than radar and needs the optimum placement. • Any obstructions in the rear window will limit the effective range of detectors with rear coverage. • Avoid placing the detector behind parking stickers, toll road transponders or wiper blades that will obstruct the radar signal’s path. • Window tint can reduce the range of radar detection. Avoid installing the detector on the visor or at the edge of the headliner as many windshields have a factory tint. Metallic or ‘hybrid’ window films on rear and side windows may also limit the effective range of radar detectors with rear coverage. |
Consider a Radar Detector as a Safety Device
The purchase and use of a radar detector is worth more than avoiding the cost of a ticket or higher insurance premiums. It also helps increase safe driving habits.
Some interesting facts about speeding in general:
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 8 crashes.
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 3 fatal crashes.
• 86% of speed-related fatalities occur on roads that are not highways.
• More than 60% of all crashes occur between the speeds of 0 and 40 mph.
• The force of impact during a crash is more than 33% greater at 35 mph than at 30 mph.
• Each 1 mph reduction in average speed translates to a 5% reduction in vehicle crashes.
Source: NHTSA
The purchase and use of a radar detector is worth more than avoiding the cost of a ticket or higher insurance premiums. It also helps increase safe driving habits.
Some interesting facts about speeding in general:
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 8 crashes.
• Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 1 out of 3 fatal crashes.
• 86% of speed-related fatalities occur on roads that are not highways.
• More than 60% of all crashes occur between the speeds of 0 and 40 mph.
• The force of impact during a crash is more than 33% greater at 35 mph than at 30 mph.
• Each 1 mph reduction in average speed translates to a 5% reduction in vehicle crashes.
Source: NHTSA
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