Identifying Alarms From Junk Detectors
Here are a few clues for spotting offending detectors.
You may get a brief K warning just as you meet an
oncoming car. Or a lingering K, nearly constant strength,
as you move with traffic. Big hint: a direction change on
the Radar Locator as you pass another car. Look for a
detector in the windshield. But stay alert until you know
for sure. See page 28 for what “Dee-Dah-Do” tone means.
•
Ka band:
Watch out! Most of the new-tech radars
operate on Ka. Expect some contamination from cheapie
detectors, just as with K (clues above also apply to Ka).
Do not dismiss Ka alerts until you’ve positively identified
the source.
How To Identify Bogeys
Look first at the Radar Locator. If it points to the side, the
bogey is non-threatening — radar can’t get you from the
side. If the Locator points ahead or behind, try for visual
identification. And when the Locator changes from Ahead
to Beside and then Behind, you can be sure the bogey is
safely behind you.
Check the Bogey Counter. Because many non-radar devices
occur in multiples. For example, most microwave door
sensors have at least two transmitters (for In and Out). Often
such an installation will have multiple doors too, so there
will be many transmitters. When you see two or more
on the Bogey Counter, and particularly when you see it
counting up quickly to four or more, you’ve likely found
a nest of door sensors.
Burglar-alarm microwave sensors are often multiples too,
because a single transmitter is not enough to safeguard an
entire building. But microwaves from alarms are less likely
to leak out of buildings. So alarms may appear singly or in
low multiples.
Single bogeys must be regarded as threats until you see
them or put them safely behind you.
Remember, too, that radar beams are easily reflected.
Buildings, overhead signs and passing traffic are all
good reflectors. When you have a strong signal from one
direction, don’t be surprised if the Radar Locator shows
brief flickers from another direction also as you drive
by reflectors.
And never forget that a brief alert, acting alone, may be
Instant-on radar zapping other traffic.
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