I'm going to VASCAR campus security...

[computersoc]

They drive like idiots and are always on their high horses. I'm going to make a chart of everytime I see a Campus security car and write down the time and do some vascar from out my dorm window.

I asked in another thread how to do the calculations, so I'm all set for that. How will I actually measure from point A to point B? I don't want to spend more than $20 on a measuring device, or I'd just put that towards an $80 or so radar gun. Any suggestions?

Since they run their $2500 radar guns on constant on, I want to set my detector up in my room... this way I can be alerted when one is coming. My cell phone charger (the AC one for the house and DC one for the car) looks like the same plug my radar detector uses. If I plug the AC one into my radar detector here, will it blow it?

Any info on any of this would be good. I'll pass on the numbers to the management of campus security once I do the vascar.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

What is the power requirements of detector and cellphone? Also what is the pinout of the plug? Usually this is written somewhere.

Just use a measuring tape :lol:

[kpatz]

Cellphone chargers don't put out enough voltage to power a RD. RDs require 12 volts, most cellphones run at 3 to 6 volts (my LG takes a 5 volt charger for its 3.7V battery). You could get a 1-amp 12 volt DC power supply at Radio Shack with the switchable plugs and use that to power your RD.

As for measuring, use a tape measure, or borrow one of those wheeled measuring gizmos from the sports dept. (I assume this is a college campus, right)? Or go high-tech and get an Osprey rangefinder or something. With an Osprey, not only could you check your distances but you could Lidar the offenders to verify your speed estimates. Just don't do it if you see a RD on their windshield. :)

[computersoc]

How much is osprey?

Will a measuring tape be inaccurate, since I'll start and stop it? I figure I'll measure 100 or so feet.

[crazyVOLVOrob]

osprey is $180


I'll post the link soon

[AirMoore]

How much is osprey?

Will a measuring tape be inaccurate, since I'll start and stop it? I figure I'll measure 100 or so feet.

Not really..get a friend out there... get a 20foot measuring tape (rather cheap) and just have him (or her) hold their foot in the spot where the last measurement went to. You shouldnt be off by more then a foot...even less probably...

I would be more worried about your timing rather then being off by a foot or less on the measuring. (Remember the shorter the distance the more accurate you have to be with your timing (the shorter the distance the more the time affects the actual MPH outcome reliability), thats how come LEO's often [try to] use a quarter mile or so with VASCAR (you dont have that luxury obviously).

For a power supply: Get a AC/DC Converter (fused) from RadioShack that has a Cigerette plug (a 12v ACC power plug) built into it, I would then just plug my detector into that and use it just as I would in the car. It would be the safest thing for your detector.

May I also suggest a video tape? This will let you review your timing for calculations... pinpoint what campus police men/woman are the biggest violators... (You also dont have to be there 24-7... let the Camcorder do it and just fast-forward through the tape.)

BTW (just curious) are you just doing this for fun...to prove how hypocritical they are... or are you going to bring it to peoples attention?

[Suf Daddy]

Measure out a distance ~100 feet or more. A wind up tape from Home Depot is returnable if kept ULTRA clean.

Then mark your start and stop points, aim the video and then edit the tape to include only the crusiers.

Viola!

-Suf Daddy

[computersoc]

Good point, video taping sounds good too.

Everyone hates the campus security force. I think I'll bring it to someone's attention... maybe even the local news. :lol:

I'll try the video on my camera now and see how the quality is and how much is taken up (time used per MB).

I could even video tape it and not use a stop watch. Might be more accurate. I'm sure the time can even be measured from FRAME a (which will be point A outside) to FRAME b (which will be point B outside). Sounds 100% accurate...

[happya$$]

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