Police Radar Detectors

If you've ever wondered just how police radar detectors work, you might be interested to know that the process is actually fairly simple. Usually, the radar is operated from the typical radar gun, which emits a radar signal based on a particular frequency. From a number of these signals each hitting a single target vehicle, the gun's internal computer can calculate the target's rate of speed.

In recent years, many law enforcement agencies have begun to use laser targeting systems in addition to traditional radar. These systems, known as "lidar," send out an extremely rapid pulse of laser light that reflects off the target vehicle, returns to the source, and makes a quick calculation of the target speed. What both of these systems rely on is simple radar technology that has been around for decades.

Police Radar Detectors: Counteractive Measures

If you are looking for a device that is designed to counteract the use of police radar detectors, you have a range of options to consider. For example, you can purchase detectors designed to detect both radar and laser signals; these devices will then alert you to the presence of the targeting device. Also, you could purchase a combination detector/jammer, which not only detects the targeting device, but also returns a scrambled signal which makes an accurate reading difficult to calculate.

You should keep in mind that using a detection or jamming device is no guarantee that you will avoid a speeding ticket, but your alternative, of course, is no system at all. Also, it helps to understand how police radar works, but if you don't fully grasp all the ins and outs, don't worry--there are plenty of manufacturers of personal radar detectors who fully understand how best to counteract all known forms of targeting devices. Find a system that fits your style, and you'll have a distinct edge in protecting yourself from costly speeding tickets as you hit the road.