LRAD
450XL
GENASYS INC.
Manual Part No.: 112343-00 Rev. E
28
• When choosing a placement area to maximize unobstructed transmission path(s), care
must be taken to ensure the LRAD-450XL does not collide with any structures or
equipment, nor encroach on personnel passageways when the unit is pivoted and
manipulated through its full range of motion.
The LRAD-450XL’s user controls can be placed away from the Head Unit for operation by a
second person, or it can be placed near the head unit for single operator use.
8.2 Aiming
The LRAD-450XL can be accurately aimed at the vehicle or personnel the operator is attempting
to communicate with using one of the two attached visual sighting devices. The sights are
located on the left and right sides of the LRAD-450XL. The operator simply looks through the
hole on the sight and aligns the target in the cross hairs.
NOTE: The LRAD-450XL audio transmission is directional. It may be necessary to make aiming
corrections for strong crosswinds when communicating over long distances.
8.3 Environmental Conditions Affecting Aiming
At distances of 250 meters or more, some environmental conditions will begin to have an
impact on the clarity and volume of sound delivered to a target. These are some of the factors
that will affect the LRAD’s ability to project clear audio to distances beyond 250 meters.
Temperature Gradients: Temperature gradients can behave like lenses to the acoustic output of
the LRAD, causing the acoustic beam to deflect and weaken. Temperature gradients can be
caused by variable surfaces like blacktop, grass, and water, and by conditions such as shade and
wind. Improved range can be achieved when broadcasting over a surface that has a consistent
temperature, such as water, as opposed to broadcasting over surfaces that may have large
temperature variations, such as a blacktop road being heated by the sun.
Moisture and Humidity: Moisture and humidity in the air, such as fog or light rain, will have a
small effect on the range of the LRAD. Also, moisture does tend to aggravate the effects of wind
on the range of the LRAD.
Winds: High winds may cause the LRAD’s sound beam to shift, making it difficult to aim at long
distances. Noting that the sound from the LRAD will take around 3 seconds to reach a target at
1000 meters, the user should attempt to compensate for this, as well as for any effects of cross
winds.
Noise Levels at the Target’s Position: Engine noise, wind noise, and other background noises
will have to be overcome by the LRAD in order for the target to be able to clearly hear and
understand the LRAD. Targets that are indoors or protected by a barrier will not be able to hear
the LRAD as clearly as those who are out in the environment.
