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Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notice
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
23
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
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 Trafc 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:
n 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.
n 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.
n 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.
n Is it legal for police to use LIDAR?
Yes, LIDAR is allowed to be used in all 50 States by police. Your detector
detects LIDAR (laser).