How Red Light Cameras Work
Red light cameras use three basic things: a camera, a
device to trigger the camera and a computer. An
intersection may have more than one camera to
monitor traffic from multiple directions. The trigger is
typically a series of wires buried just beneath the
surface of the road. These wires are separated by a
pre-set distance to create a magnetic field or
induction loop. Once a vehicle is in the intersection,
the loop or circuit becomes closed and alerts the
computer to take a picture.
In some states, tickets are issued to the car’s owner,
no matter who’s actually driving. In this case, the red
light camera only needs to photograph the vehicle’s
rear license plate. In other states, the actual driver is
responsible for paying the ticket. In this case, the
system needs a second camera in front of the car to
get a shot of the driver’s face.
How Average Speed Cameras Work
There are several types of fixed position speed
cameras used, including radar, laser, induction-loop
and photo-based. Radar and laser based cameras are
typically mounted near the road and transmit a short
range signal across the lanes monitored. Since this
signal is transmitted across the road instead of down
the road like with many handheld systems, detecting
them in time is critical.
Another technology used is an induction loop system.
This type of system utilizes wires buried just beneath
the surface of the road to trigger a computer that
calculates speed between the two points. Photo
based systems take two sets of pictures of all passing
vehicles between two separate fixed locations. Both
sets of photographs are date and time stamped,
which enables the system to calculate average speed
between the two locations.
Fixed speed cameras can also be set up to monitor
one to four lanes of traffic in the same direction. To
achieve this, a sensor is installed in each lane, and a
wide angle camera lens is used to photograph the
vehicle that is speeding.
Understanding Your Detector
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16
Troubleshooting
Problem
Explanation/Solution
Detector beeps briefly at the same
An X band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is located
location every day, but no radar
within range of your route.
source is in sight.
Detector did not alert when a
VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and
police car was in view.
Recorder), a stopwatch method of speed detection,
may be in use.
Officer may not have radar or laser unit turned on.
Detector’s audible alerts become
Detector is in AutoMute mode. See “AutoMute” in the
softer after the first few alerts.
Settings & Preferences section for details.
The power-on sequence reoccurs
A loose power connection can cause Passport Max
while you are driving.
International to be briefly disconnected and will
retrigger the power-on sequence. Check all
connections.
You wish to restore the factory
Press and hold the SEN and BRT buttons while
default settings.
powering on the detector. A “Restored” message will
display, acknowledging the reset.
The device will not turn on.
Check that vehicle ignition is on.
Check all connections.
The display feels warm.
It is normal for the device to feel warm.
The display is blank.
Passport Max International is in Dark mode. Press the
BRT button to adjust the brightness.
How GPS Works
Developed by the U.S. military,
the global positioning system (GPS) is
made up of 24 orbiting satellites. There
are at least four satellites visible at any given
time every day. A GPS receiver is designed to locate
and receive data from four of these satellites. These
data include the distance to your location from each
of the satellites. Once the distance from each satellite
is known, the receiver can calculate and pinpoint your
exact location.
