Valetine One V1 Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 9)

How Instant-on (Pulse) Radar Works

As a defense against detectors, many radar units can be

operated in the Instant-on mode, also called the Pulse

mode. This means the radar is in position, but it is not

transmitting a beam. So it cannot be detected. When the

target is within range, the radar operator switches on the

beam and the radar calculates the speed, usually in less

than a second. This calculation happens too quickly for

the target (you) to respond in time.

Still, you can defend against Instant-on by recognizing it

when the operator zaps traffic ahead of you. Valentine

One’s great sensitivity — and your attention to the nuances

of its warnings — gives you at least a sporting chance.

The Difference Between X Band and the K Bands

X-band alerts (“Beep”) are often found at long distances.

K and Ka bands are usually detected at closer range, and

alerts on those frequencies are much more likely to be

radar. So Valentine One makes a different sound (“Brap”)

to warn you of these more urgent threats (bogeys).

What are False Alarms

Since all radar detectors are simply radios tuned to

the microwave frequencies used by traffic radar, they

automatically sound their alert whenever they encounter

signals on those frequencies.

The problem is, other devices that are not radar are also

operating on radar frequencies. A detecting radio must

respond to them too. Every response indicates a threat, a

bogey. How can you tell the difference between radar and

what people commonly refer to as false alarms? Your

judgment is the only way. But here are the basics:

• X band: A catch-all band, still used regularly in some

areas by traffic radar, but heavily populated by sensors

for supermarket automatic doors and other nuisance

signals. In shopping areas, expect door sensors. But

know the territory. Unless you’re sure that X band is

not used locally for radar, stay alert until you’ve

identified the bogey.

• K band: Maybe radar, maybe not. Supermarket door

sensors operating on K have recently begun corrupting

this formerly reliable warning of radar. Another non-

radar source — cheapie radar detectors that pollute by

transmitting on K.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ... 39 40

No comments

Valetine One V1 Owner's Manual Page 9