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Interpreting Alerts
Although the Pro500 has a comprehensive
warning system and this handbook is as
complete as we can make it, only
experience will teach you what to expect
from your Pro500 and how to interpret
what it tells you. The specific type of radar
being used, the type of transmission
(continuous or instant-on) and the location
of the radar source affect the radar alerts
you receive.
The following examples will give you
an introduction to understanding the
Pro500’s warning system for radar and
laser alerts.
Explanation
You are approaching a continuous radar
source aimed in your direction.
An instant-on radar source is being used
ahead of you and out of your view.
An instant-on radar source or laser source is
being used nearby. This kind of alert
requires immediate attention!
Laser is being used in the area. Because laser
is inherently difficult to detect, any laser
alert may indicate a source very close by.
A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
overtaking you from behind. Because these
signals are reflected (reflections are
increased by large objects), they may or may
not eventually melt into a solid point even
when the patrol car is directly behind you.
You are approaching a radar unit concealed
by a hill or an obstructed curve.
Explanation
A patrol car is travelling in front of you with
a radar source aimed forward. Because
signals are sometimes reflected off of large
objects and sometimes not, the alerts may
seem inconsistent.
A patrol car is approaching from the other
direction, sampling traffic with instant-on
radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.
You are driving through an area populated
with radar motion sensors (door openers,
burglar alarms, etc.). Since these
transmitters are usually contained inside
buildings or aimed toward OR away from
you, they are typically not as strong or
lasting as a real radar encounter.
CAUTION: Since the characteris-
tics of these alerts may be similar to
some of the preceding examples,
over-confidence in an unfamiliar
area can be dangerous. Likewise, if
an alert in a commonly traveled
area is suddenly stronger or on a
different band than usual, speed
radar may be set up nearby.
Alert
The Pro500 begins to sound slowly, then the
rate of alert increases until the alert becomes
a solid tone. The Signal Meter ramps
accordingly.
The Pro500 emits short alerts for a few
seconds and then falls silent only to briefly
alert and fall silent again.
The Pro500 suddenly sounds a continuous
tone for the appropriate band received. All
segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.
A brief laser alert.
The Pro500 receives weak signals. These
signals may be a little stronger as you
pass large, roadside objects. The signals
increase in frequency.
The Pro500 alerts slowly for awhile and then
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.
Alert
The Pro500 alerts intermittently. Rate and
strength of alerts may be consistent or vary
wildly.
The Pro500 alerts intermittently. Rate and
strength of signal increases with each alert.
The Pro500 gives an X-band alert
intermittently.
