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U N D E R S TA N D I N G R A D A R & L A S E R
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,
introduced fairly recently by 3M and Tomar,
are already in use in more than 1000 cities
nationwide. Cobra’s exclusive Strobe Alert™
detector will detect these special strobes and
give an Emergency Vehicle alert.
When you receive such an alert, please watch
for an approaching emergency vehicle and pull
over to allow it to pass. To inquire about
coverage in your area, contact your local fire
and police departments.
LIDAR (laser)
The correct name for the technology that most
people refer to as laser is actually LIDAR,
which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal
spreads out like a radar signal, though not as
quickly. 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, tree branches,
etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.
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Does weather have any
affect on LIDAR?
Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog,
or airborne dust particles will
reduce the effective range of
LIDAR and can, if dense
enough, 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 ESD-9110.
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.
Some common questions
about LIDAR include:
U N D E R S TA N D I N G R A D A R & L A S E R
