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Interference Problems
The JUGS Pro-Sports radar transmits at a frequency of 24.125 GHz
(24,125,000,000 Hz), using a K-Band Transmitter. The receiver is designed
to read the Doppler frequency (the change in frequency) between 360 Hz and
just over 43 kHz. There are very few devices other than another radar gun
that could cause interference in a radar gun’s transmission frequency range.
However, there are a number of devices that could interfere with a radar gun in
the receiver’s frequency range.
What Does Interference Do?
Interference can cause a radar gun to read random readings, or make it harder
for the radar gun to “see” the intended target.
Random readings are an obvious sign that there is interference. However,
a loss of sensitivity can be subtle. For example, a common situation occurs
when a large number of baseball scouts operate many radar guns in close
proximity.
A loss of sensitivity can cause the radar gun to be unable to “see” far enough
away to get the ball speed right when it leaves the pitchers hand. Then, as the
ball gets closer to the plate, the radar is able to get a reading, but only after
the ball has slowed down. The result: the peak speed registers lower than it
actually is.
Sources of Interference
There are two main sources that can cause ghost (random) readings in radar
guns: electrical devices and objects that move or vibrate.
Electrical sources include television monitors, fluorescent lights, cellular
phones, computers, some radio transmitters, and power transformers.
Moving or vibrating objects include ventilation fans, motors, and blowing debris
that can produce a nearly constant speed reading.
