SPECTRE R.D.D
(MICROWAVE INTERCEPTOR)
OPERATORS MANUAL
&
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
McCoy’s Law Line, Inc
15 South Higland, Chanute, KS 66720
Index
INTRODUCTION
The Spectre R.D.D. microwave interceptor represents a quantum leap in the detection of illegal radar detectors. Since 1991, manufacturers have been designing radar detectors, which radiate far less power to enable them to avoid detection from microwave interceptors. The Spectre R.D.D. microwave interceptor will enable its operator to pin point vehicles using these new radar detectors – a feat previously not possible.
The Spectre RDD microwave interceptor is a sensitive electronic device so-
DO NOT PULL OUT OF THE CIGARETTE SOCKET BY THE CORD
DO NOT PULL OFF THE WINDSCREEN. ONLY REMOVE THE UNIT BY LIFTING THE TABS ON THE SUCTION CUPS IF ATTACHED TO THE GLASS.
DO NOT POINT ANY RF TRANSMITTERS AT THE SPECTRE THIS INCLUDES MOBILE PHONES AND RADAR DEVICES.
DO NOT LEAVE THE UNIT LOCKED IN A HOT CAR.
DO NOT MOUNT IN A POSITION THAT MAY EFFECT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT OR FORWARD VISION.
DO NOT OPERATE MOBILE PHONES WITH AN OUTPUT POWER GREATER THAN 600 M/W. WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE VEHICLE AS THIS MAY TRIGGER THE SPECTRE.
MOBILE PHONES, WHICH ARE PERMANENTLY FITTED TO A VECHICLE, SHOULD HAVE ALL CABLES INCLUDING HANDS FREE MORE THAN 150 MM FROM ANY PART OF THE SPECTRE.
PREPARATION
Unpack the unit and check to ensure you have the following items:
1 Spectre R.D.D microwave interceptor.
1 Operators manual
Once you have checked to make sure all items are present, please read the operators manual. This is important not only for correct use but also for your own safety. When choosing a position for the Spectre follow the guidelines as set down by your local department.
The Spectre uses 13.8 vdc from the cigarette lighter socket.
The Spectre should be fitted to allow a clear view of the road ahead and behind.
Remember any obstruction to the front receiving horn will reduce the effective range of the unit. Once switched on turn the knob fully clockwise. The Spectre will self-test for approx. 1-2 seconds. Bar graph signal lights will illuminate and the piezo will alarm. The red power led will also illuminate. The unit is now ready for operation.
Box 1: Bar graph proximity signal display, green LED’s indicate a weak signal, red LED’s indicate a strong signal.
Box 2: On / Off and volume control. Maximum volume is fully clockwise
Box 3: Model number and type.
Box 4: Power and temperature indicator.
TEMPATURE SENSOR
THE UNIT’S SENSOR IS ACTIVATED AT 158 DEGREES F. (70 DEGREES C).
If the power LED has illuminated but there is no bar graph test display the units temperature sensor has been activated and the unit is no longer operational. The unit must be cooled to at least 120 degrees F (50 degrees C) or less before operation will recommence.
Continued overheating will shorten the life of the electronic components in the unit.
WHEN IN OPERATION
IDENTIFICATION OF OFFENDING VEHICLE
****NOTE – ONLY EXPERIENCED OFFICERS SHOULD ATTEMPT IDENTIFICATION IN DENSE TRAFFIC AND OR MULTI LANE SITUATIONS. ****
When the Spectre RDD receives a signal the green LED’s will illuminate and the piezo will beep slowly. As the radar detector equipped vehicle approaches the patrol car from the opposite direction the beeping will increase in speed and the LED’s will illuminate for a longer period. At this point positive identification is important so when the red signal LED’s illuminate the detector equipped vehicle is very close. Once the offending vehicle has passed the line of the front receiving horn the signal LED’s will drop.
****NOTE the Spectre RDD detects the presence of a signal. It is up to the officer to make a positive identification. A vehicle approaching from behind will only activate the red LED’s when very close but the initial alarm will occur for a much longer period. By rotating the Spectre on its 360-degree mount, identification of vehicles approaching from behind is made easier.
DETECTION RANGE
Range varies with a number of factors:
Other vehicles on the road at any given time may block the Spectre's antenna from the signal source (radar detector equipped vehicle)
Microwave emission is line of sight. On a level road if the radar detector equipped vehicle is first in a line of traffic expect about 1200 ft., however certain types of radar detector may give less warning due to shielding of their microwave horn.
Distance is also dramatically reduced by:
Hills and curves in the road
Rain
Operation across median strips
By following to close to other vehicles
Position where the radar detector is fitted or hidden in the vehicle. i.e. a hidden stealth type radar detector has very low emission because the receiving antenna is hidden behind the grill of the vehicle.
A signal being received from an offending vehicle which is traveling in the same direction as the patrol car.
INTERFERENCE AND FALSE ALARMS
Special design techniques have been used in order to receive specific frequencies. Sources of false alarms can include relays of any kind in the vehicle, when these relays switch they may cause momentary beeps on the Spectre (if these momentary beeps are unacceptable coaxial wiring direct from the battery may be required).
Locations for possible false signals are:
Mobile telephone towers that have microwave links (these can be identified by the dish shaped antenna.)
Roads, which travel along high ridges or over hills.
Central business district areas
Airports & Military installations
Microwave equipment of any kind should be investigated as a possible source of false signals.
However once an officer is familiar with his area of operation this should not cause any problems. Familiarity with the use of the Spectre will enable an officer to distinguish between a false and genuine signal. Correct tracking history of an offending vehicle should alleviate any problems in this regard.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
UNIT DEAD (no power LED)
A. Check patrol car cigarette lighter fuse.
B. Check fuse in Spectre cigarette lighter plug. (2 amp)
C. Check to see if unit is turned on. (ON/OFF switch fully clockwise)
INTERMITTENT BEEPS
(may require coaxial wires to battery)
D. Check cigarette lighter plug is not loose in socket.
E. Dirty cigarette lighter socket.
F. Check power cord is not damaged.
G. Check for mobile telephone towers in vicinity.
H. Static electricity generation.
I. Unit is overheated
J. Radar antenna to close to Spectre
K. Check mobile phone cables are more than 150inches from any part of the Spectre.
CONSTANT SIGNAL
L. Check for mobile telephone towers in the vicinity.
M. Radar unit to close to the Spectre.
N. Be sure no radar detectors are in the vicinity.
NO TEST CYCLE BUT POWER LED ON
O. Unit has been overheated (see page 7)
USE OF RADAR UNITS WITH THE SPECTRE R.D.D. MICROWAVE INTERCEPTOR.
X, and K and KA Band radar may be used when operating the Spectre with the following precautions:
Separate power source to the radar unit (do not use a double adapter).
Beware of radar reflections from large metal objects such as road sign and rear of trucks at close range (this type of reflection may cause a signal in the Spectre) remember do not point radars directly at the Spectre.
WARRANTY
Before returning the unit for service be sure to test the microwave interceptor in question in another vehicle. The Spectre is covered for 12 months parts and labor (unless otherwise agreed to) from the period of purchase. It will be repaired at the discretion of the manufacturer. Any abuse to the Spectre will void warranty. If the Spectre has been tampered with or adjusted in any way warranty will also be void and a service charge will apply.
Any questions on repairs or warranty in the USA should be directed to McCoy’s Law Line, Inc., 15 South Highland, Chanute KS 66720 at (800) 423-5583 through our web site at
Index
SERVICEABLE ITEMS
Cigarette lighter contains one two-amp fuse.
Suction cup should be ordered in advance to avoid down time. Place spare cups in rack provided on the front of the Spectre mounting bracket.
SPECIFICATIONS
Receiver – 2X Dual conversion super heterodyne with varactor tuned Gunn oscillator
Temperature Range: -10 Degrees C to 65 Degrees C
Power Requirements - 13.50 Volts to 14.50 Volts
- Negative to earth
Current: Max 500 mA
Weight:
Specifications subject to change
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
LED – light emitting diodes
PIEZO – electronic speaker
RF DEVICE – (an intentional radiator) a device that transmits a radio signal.
ST RADAR DETECTOR – a radar detector that is designed to avoid detection from microwave interceptors.
MICROWAVE INTERCEPTOR – a device used for the detection of unintentional signal leakage from a radar detectors oscillator.
COMPLIANCE
Australia: complies with all relevant A.C.A. Standards for mobile microwave receivers.
Canada: This device complies with “Canada 210” (RSS-210)
U.S.A.: The device complies with F.C.C. regulations “Part 15”, “Form 740 box 2”
“Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device
must not cause harmful interference and (2) this device
except any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.”
THEORY OF OPERTATION FOR THE SPECTRE RDD
The Spectre RDD microwave interceptor is a very sensitive microwave receiver. Its primary function is to electronically detect the “leakage” from a radar detectors microwave oscillator.
All modern radar detectors utilize a component known as a local oscillator. The local oscillators function is to generate an internal signal with in the radar detector to help it process in coming signals (police radar), however, some of this signal “leaks” from the front of the device. By definition a radar detector is not a transmitter but rather an “unintentional radiator”. It is those unintentional radiations or “leakage” that are detected by the Spectre RDD thus enabling an officer to identify the source (radar detector equipped vehicle). The amount of leakage, which may be observed from any particular radar detector, varies enormously. Generally, cheaper radar detectors are poorly shielded and therefore their leakage is quite strong compared with more expensive units.
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Spectre RDD user manual Directly From SMS's mouth. Full spec's. 
Re: Spectre RDD user manual Directly From SMS's mouth. Full spec's. 
Re: Spectre RDD user manual Directly From SMS's mouth. Full spec's. 
