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Radar and Laser
Your Detector
Radar and Laser
Your Detector
Strobe Alert
Special strobes mounted on the light bars of authorized emergency vehicles
(fire trucks, police cars, ambulances) automatically change traffic signals as
the vehicle approaches an intersection. These strobes and the special strobe
detectors located on the traffic signals are already in use in more than 1000
cities nationwide. Cobra’s exclusive Strobe Alert detector detects these
special strobes and sounds an emergency vehicle alert.
When you receive such an alert, watch for an approaching emergency vehicle
and pull over to allow it to pass. Contact your local fire and police departments
for information about coverage in your area.
LIDAR (Laser)
The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as “laser” is
actually LIDAR, Light Detection And Ranging. LIDAR operates much like
radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though not as widely. Unlike
radar, LIDAR must have a clear line of sight to its target vehicle throughout
the entire measurement interval. Obstructions such as sign posts, utility
poles or tree branches prevent valid speed measurement.
Some common questions about LIDAR include:
■
Does weather have any affect on LIDAR?
Yes.
Rain, snow, smoke, fog or airborne dust particles reduce the effective
range of LIDAR and can, with dense conditions, prevent its operation.
■
Can LIDAR operate through glass?
Yes.
Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of
glass. However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to
trigger an alarm by your detector.
■
Can LIDAR operate while in motion?
No.
Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot
drive the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.
■
Is LIDAR legal to use?
Yes.
It is legal in all 50 states.
Understanding Radar and Laser
•
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:
X band
10.525 GHz
K band
24.150 GHz
Ka band
33.400 – 36.00 GHz
Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435
GHz), which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.
VG-2 and Spectre
VG-2
and
Spectre I & IV+
are radar detector detectors (RDDs) that work by
detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector
does not emit signals that can be spotted by VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs.
However, your detector
can
be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs. Your unit
detects signals from these or similar devices and will alert you when such
a device is in use near your vehicle.
Safety Alert Traffic Warning System
FCC-approved Safety Alert transmitters emit microwave radar signals
that indicate the presence of a safety-related concern. Depending on the
frequency of the signal emitted, it can indicate a speeding emergency
vehicle, train or a stationary road hazard.
Because these microwave signals are within the K band frequency, most
conventional radar detectors detect Safety Alert signals as standard K band
radar. Your detector, however, is designed to differentiate between standard
K band and Safety Alert signals, and give separate alerts for each.
Safety Alert technology is relatively new. Safety Alert transmitters can be
found in limited numbers in all 50 states, but the number is growing.
Depending on your location, you may not receive these alerts regularly and
may often encounter emergency vehicles, trains and road hazards without
being alerted. As the number of transmitters increases, these alerts will
become more common.
When you receive such an alert, watch for emergency vehicles ahead of
you, on cross streets or behind you. If you see an emergency vehicle
approaching, pull over to the right side of the road and allow it to pass.
