License to operate radar gun?

[computersoc]

If I'd buy a radar gun to play around with, would I need a license since it's operating in a licensed spectrum I believe?

How cheap of a hand held gun could I get appx:
1. K band always on
2. K band instant on
3. Ka band instant on

Are dash mount ones cheaper? I sometimes drive two cars, so how do they attach to the dash?

Thanks!

[jimbonzzz]

First, here's the license info:

http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/...6/da962040.pdf

PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Released: December 9, 1996 DA 96-2040

The FCC continues to receive many inquiries about regulations governing police radar, radar detectors, and other radar devices used to measure the speed of an object. This Notice explains the scope of FCC regulation over these devices. It updates and supersedes the Public Notice on the same subject dated August 1, 1985.

Radar units are transceivers, i.e. they both transmit and receive a signal, and operate under rules for the Radiolocation Service contained in Part 90 of the FCC's Rules. As such, they are certified and authorized by the FCC under Parts 2 and 90 of the FCC's Rules. Part 90 specifies the frequencies and technical standards for radar units, but does not address how radar units are to be operated as devices to measure an object's speed. Also, the FCC Rules do not contain provisions concerning the calibration of radar units, the reliability of the readings, or operator capability requirements.

Radar units are used by police and other public safety agencies to measure vehicle speeds. Under Part 90 of the rules, licensees in the Public Safety Radio Pool (such as state or local government entities), that already have a FCC license for a radio communications system, may operate radar units without obtaining a separate license for them. Radar units may also be used under Part 90 by non-public safety entities such as professional baseball teams, tennis clubs, automobile and boat racing organizations, private transportation firms, railroads, etc., to measure the speed of objects or vehicles. Non-public safety users, however, are required to obtain a Part 90 license from the Commission for use of radar units. Additionally, many public safety agencies also operate unattended, low-power, transmit-only radar units under Part 15 of the FCC's Rules.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the federal agency concerned with the enforcement of highway speed limits and with the operation of radar as enforcement tools. Information on NHTSA regulations concerning radar use can be obtained from the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.

Radar jammers are transmitters tuned to interfere with ("jam") a radar signal. The intentional use of jammers is considered "malicious interference" and is strictly prohibited by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, as well as by FCC Rules. Anyone using a jammer risks such penalties as losing an FCC licenses, paying a fine, or facing criminal prosecution.

Radar detectors are radio receivers tuned to receive radar signals and are used by motorists to provide a warning of any radar activity in the vicinity. In this regard, the FCC regulations pertaining to receivers do not address the subject of radar detectors. The use of radar detectors by members of the public, therefore, does not constitute in itself a violation of FCC Rules. Some jurisdictions, however, have local regulations or statutes concerning the use of radar detectors. Inquiries about such statutes should be directed to local law enforcement authorities.

In summary, the FCC Rules regulate radar transmitting units but provide limited regulation over receivers, with the subject of radar detectors not being specifically addressed in the FCC Rules. For more information about the subject of this notice, contact the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, at (202) 418-0680.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADAR GUNS Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations - Telecommunications Part 90 - Private Land Mobile Radio Services Subpart H - Policies Governing the Assignment of Frequencies Rule 90.20 Public Safety Pool Rule Section 90.20(f)(4) states:

"A licensee of a radio station in this service may operate radio units for the purpose of determining distance, direction, speed, or position by means of a radiolocation device on any frequency available for radiolocation purposes without additional authorization from the Commission, provided type accepted equipment or equipment authorized pursuant to 90.203(b)(4) and (b)(5) of this part is used, and all other rule provisions are satisfied. A licensee in this service may also operate, subject to all of the foregoing conditions and on a secondary basis, radio units at fixed locations and in emergency vehicles that transmit on the frequency 24.10 GHz, both unmodulated continuous wave radio signals and modulated FM digital signals for the purpose of alerting motorists to hazardous driving conditions or the presence of an emergency vehicle. Unattended and continuous operation of such transmitters will be permitted." No Federal Communications Commission requirement exists that the make and model of the radar gun be recorded on the radio station license.




Here's the radar gun info:

Depending on how new the gun is, features etc, you could get a K-Band gun for $100 on up to $1000. Ka units frequently go for around $1000 or more, but you can find a deal once in a while.

Jim

[computersoc]

After reading that, I'm still not sure. ;-)

Do I need a license or can I run a K band gun?

Thanks.

[crazyVOLVOrob]

After reading that, I'm still not sure. ;-)

Do I need a license or can I run a K band gun?

Thanks.

not really you can pick up a consumer grade radar gun for under $100

[aust3333]

Bushnell makes a K band gun similar to the one Outrun uses in his videos for $80.00 to your door.

[computersoc]

Link?

Is it instant on? Always on? Stationary? Moving Mode?

Thanks!

[aust3333]

It is a handheld unit that is activated by pulling its trigger. So yes, it does have instant on.

[aust3333]

Can not post links in the forum. It is against forum rules. Just do a google search for "Bushnell radar gun" for info.

[computersoc]

What model is it? I see a few. Thanks.

[aust3333]

If you do a Google search and type exactly "Bushnell radar gun" and click on the fourth link you will be at the site that I am talking about. The model is Bushnell Speedster II model# 101900. It is a demo model but still brand new. The manufacturer just opened the packaging to do demonstrations. You will still receive the full warranty on the gun.