The basics of radar gun technology is this: radio waves are transmitted from the radar gun to the speeding object, and then reflected back to the radar gun on a different frequency (in mph). Most radar guns automatically go through this process a number of times for one point and click...to ensure precision and accuracy. Beyond this definition, there are also two types of speed gun detection on the roads: radar and laser gun technology. Whereas radar guns pick up the converted frequency of your moving speed, laser guns use the time the light pulsing beams take to get back to its source, to evaluate your speed. So which one is more effective, and what sort of patrol uses which? Radar gun accuracy is dependent on the source being in transit, so you will find that state highway police use radar. And the converse is true: laser guns are used in the city, as the laser's accuracy is dependent upon a non-moving source. Laser guns are able to pinpoint single vehicles, whereas a radar gun has more room for error in hitting the vehicle in front or behind you. In short, laser guns are better for shorter range detection, and radar guns are better for wider range detection.
Typically, a radar gun's accuracy is +/-1 mph at +/-2 degrees angle behind or in front of the moving object. The more obtuse the angle, the less accurate the reading becomes. So, if you are being radared from an officer from the side of the road as you pass him/her, your chances for disputing the ticket due to improper technique are very good. That's why when you pass an officer, he/she will get behind you for awhile before flashing the blues, to get a better angle in relation to your vehicle, and to therefore better their chances of an accurate speeding readout. Most radar guns have an approximate range of 6mph to 200mph...anything below or above this, the device cannot handle. Luckily for patrol, most of our vehicles will stay safely within this range. Police also sometimes have a continuous mode radar or laser gun, which will automatically take readings of moving targets without the patrol having to point and click every time.
Of course, as is true of most technology, there is still a window of opportunity for error. In this case, inaccuracy might arise mostly due to improper use. If you are the patrol, it is imperative to turn down the sensitivity of the radar in certain congested zones to avoid interference; make sure not to angle the radar gun unless in a stationary mode, and also be aware of general external interference, such as surrounding topography and other radar-transmitted devices. If you are the target of one of these devices, you should be aware of these influences, as a possible misdiagnosis of your speed.
So if you are a civilian, how can you combat radar and laser gun detection? Most would answer radar detectors. Radar detectors will pick up most radar guns' frequencies. In all cases, if you decide to invest in a radar detector, do not skimp or opt for a lesser version to save a couple bucks. The higher end radar detectors will give you better range which will alert you sooner to a patrol's presence and give you more time to slow down. They also have features like 360 range detection, so you will be able to pick up radar presence from every angle. Moreover, more and more patrol are using laser detection guns to register traffic speed, and as the light beam transmitted is only 1.5 feet wide, it is much harder for your device to pick up it's use; so if you can afford to have a laser radar detector, I would strongly recommend it.
Alexis Gibrault has written a number of articles on the hi-tech industry and it's many products and innovations. For more information on radar guns and examples of, click here: Radar Guns.
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