Understanding Radar and Laser
and Maintenance
Your Detector
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
21
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
20 English
Understanding Radar and Laser
•
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:
X band
10.525 GHz
K band
24.150 GHz
Ka band
33.400 – 36.00 GHz
Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435 GHz),
which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+
VG-2 and Spectre I & IV+ are radar detector detectors (RDDs) that work by
detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your detector
does not emit signals that can be spotted by VG-2 and Spectre I RDDs.
However, your detector can be spotted by Spectre IV+ RDDs. Your unit
detects signals from these or similar devices and will alert you when such
a device is in use near your vehicle.
Safety Alert Traffic Warning System
FCC-approved Safety Alert transmitters emit microwave radar signals that
indicate the presence of a safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency
of the signal emitted, it can indicate a speeding emergency vehicle or train,
or a stationary road hazard.
Because these microwave signals are within the K band frequency, most
conventional radar detectors will detect Safety Alert signals as standard
K band radar. Your detector, however, is designed to differentiate between
standard K band and Safety Alert signals, and give separate alerts for each.
Safety Alert technology is relatively new. Safety Alert transmitters can
be found in limited numbers in all 50 states, but the number is growing.
Depending on your location, you may not receive these alerts regularly
and may often encounter emergency vehicles, trains and road hazards
without being alerted. As the number of transmitters increases,
these alerts will become more common.
When you receive such an alert, please watch for emergency vehicles ahead
of you, on cross streets and behind you. If you see an emergency vehicle
approaching, please pull over to the right side of the road and allow it to pass.
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 widely. 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.
Some common questions about LIDAR include:
g
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.
g
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 detector.
g
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.
g
Is LIDAR legal to use?
Yes. It is legal in all 50 states.
Maintenance
•
Maintenance of Your Radar Detector
Your detector is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance
without the need for service. No routine Maintenance is required.
If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these
troubleshooting steps:
g
Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
g
Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and
free of corrosion.
g
Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated
in your cigarette lighter.
g
Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of the cigarette
lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required, replace it with a 2-amp
fuse only.)
SPX5500_MANL.indd 20-21
12/21/12 2:11 PM
