A Detailed Explanation of the Ranger's Features
Practical use of the Ranger
The Ranger EZ allows the operator to choose various types of use and operation. The radar may be used as
conventional MOVING, STATIONARY, or PACING radar. The Ranger EZ also features the SAME
DIRECTION MOVING and FASTEST features. Each of these uses is described below.
Stationary radar
As stationary radar, the MPH Ranger EZ allows the officer to monitor traffic coming or going while the patrol
vehicle is stopped. This type of operation is usually carried out in known locations of high-speed traffic or
complaint areas. In the stationary mode, the patrol window is not used.
Ranger EZ makes establishing a tracking history for the target vehicles simple. The officer’s job is made easier
since Ranger shows the officer the distance of the targets along with their speeds, making the identification more
reliable.
Ranging technology also allows the operator to select a lane of traffic to monitor in stationary mode: in the same
lane as the patrol vehicle, in the opposite lane, or in both lanes. This selection can be made on either the front or
rear antenna. Also, the operator can choose to monitor the fastest target traveling in the selected direction in
addition to the strongest target.
Moving radar (opposite direction)
As moving radar, the MPH Ranger EZ allows the officer to monitor traffic speeds while carrying on other routine
patrol activities. The unit monitors the speed of each approaching vehicle, displaying that vehicle's speed in the
target window.
The patrol vehicle speed is continuously displayed so that the operator may check the speed displayed against the
speedometer reading. If these two speeds correspond, then the officer is assured that the reading of the violator's
speed is correct at the instant of determination.
In opposite direction mode, care should be taken by the officer to recognize that the violator is traveling at a
higher rate of speed than the norm; that the vehicle is out front, by itself, and nearest the radar; that proper
identification of the violating vehicle is made; and at the time of speed determination the patrol vehicle's speed
indication on the radar is the same as the reading on the speedometer. If these steps are taken, and the radar was
properly checked for calibration beforehand, the officer knows the radar was operating properly and that the radar
made a true and accurate determination of the vehicle's speed.
Fastest Mode
Historically, traffic radar has displayed the strongest target. Case law has centered on the ability of the radar
operator to confidently identify what vehicle is associated with that indication. It was relatively simple for analog
radars to process this method.
Modern DSP radar such as the Ranger EZ can process many targets at the same time, but there is no practical way
to display multiple targets and associate them with the correct vehicles. Fastest mode gives the officer an
opportunity to view one other target besides the strongest. In this mode, the Ranger EZ considers all possible
targets (there may be several in range of the radar) and displays the fastest one. In addition to its speed, the fastest
target’s distance is displayed on the Range bar on the face of the radar.
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