Interpreting Alerts
Although the V8 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 V8 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 your
V8’s warning system for radar, laser and
safety 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.
Alert
The V8 begins to sound slowly, then the rate
of alert increases. The Signal Meter ramps
accordingly.
The V8 emits short alerts for a few seconds
and then falls silent only to briefly alert and
fall silent again.
The V8 suddenly sounds a continuous tone
for the appropriate band received. All
segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.
A brief laser alert.
The V8 receives weak signals. These signals
may be a little stronger as you pass large,
roadside objects. The signals increase in
frequency.
Explanation
You are approaching a radar unit concealed
by a hill or an obstructed curve.
A patrol car is traveling 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 characteristics
of these alerts may be similar to some of
the preceding examples, overconfidence
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 V8 alerts slowly for a while and then
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.
The V8 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength
of alerts may be inconsistent or vary wildly.
The V8 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength
of signal increases with each alert.
The V8 gives an X-band, or K-band alert
intermittently.
16
17
Technical Details
