LEO transmission strength - adjustable?

[Barmy]

Hi all, I'm green around, so I first want to say thanx to all the folk that have posted info and test results. Really helped me in refining my decision to buy the RX65. I am actually a closet tech geek so getting a hold of my first detector has been fun. Actually I apparently needed it after two citations in one month :cry:
However, I still have a couple questions.

I drive mostly in the mountains of N. calif., wooded & windy. I don't expect great range because of attenuation, but I still get about 1-5 seconds on corners to react (gotta be quick) :wink:

On several occasions I have come around corners to have the RD jump to Ka3-6, like instant on. Then as the LEO passes opposite direction the strength doesn't change. I'd expect something higher at point blank range. I've even passed a CHP @ Ka1 and nothing more.

Can the LEOs adjust the transmit strength to very low levels?

One other question, what is the effective range of Ka guns?

Other curiosities - got laser falses driving through snow-patched high country.

Got X-band falses in the middle of nowhere (truly boondocks).

I've even had a couple POP falses (no one around here has it).

Anyway, any thoughts-

Rick

[Sparkknocker]

On several occasions I have come around corners to have the RD jump to Ka3-6, like instant on. Then as the LEO passes opposite direction the strength doesn't change. I'd expect something higher at point blank range. I've even passed a CHP @ Ka1 and nothing more.

The RX65 has been known to not go to full alert when at point blank range esp on Ka band. Mine never gives a full alert even 10 ft away from the source

Can the LEOs adjust the transmit strength to very low levels?

Yes, depending on the gun the strenght is adjustable. Not sure of which gun has the ability, better question for Jim I STAND CORRECTED BY OTHERS my bad

Other curiosities - got laser falses driving through snow-patched high country.

It happens...Some vehicles brake lights have been known to trigger the laser alarm. Mostly newer GM vehicles due to a red neon type brake light

Got X-band falses in the middle of nowhere (truly boondocks).

If there is no X band guns present in your area I suggest you shut that band off. This will help with senseless falses

I've even had a couple POP falses (no one around here has it).

Same thing applies with POP as X band. Also...Your chances of getting struck by lighting twice in one day is more probable then a leo hitting you with pop and your RX65 saving you because you had pop on. Turn it off

[spankyaf]

I've seen Jimbozz answer the adjustable strength question and the answers is no. They can set the range on the gun to report but this doesnt affect the output. They may have the gun on but not pointig out the car etc.

[jimbonzzz]

I've seen Jimbozz answer the adjustable strength question and the answers is no. They can set the range on the gun to report but this doesnt affect the output. They may have the gun on but not pointig out the car etc.

Yep, you're right. On regular police radar used in the US, transmit power is a fixed level and cannot be adjusted by the officer. The "range controls" on some units only adjusts receive sensitivity, they have no effect on output power.

The only units that I know of that CAN be adjusted are some photo radar units (Multanova?).

[Big Country]

Get used to the RX65 falsing Laser if a certain kind of light hits it just right. For mine it's sunshine in the early morning or late evening.

[Barmy]

OK, thanx for the replies, but I'm still wondering, what is the effective range of Ka?
I'm curious because I have very short notice sometimes coming around corners. Have they got me as soon as they see me? Or, is a 1000ft too far?

Rick

[jimbonzzz]

OK, thanx for the replies, but I'm still wondering, what is the effective range of Ka?
I'm curious because I have very short notice sometimes coming around corners. Have they got me as soon as they see me? Or, is a 1000ft too far?

Rick

In most cases, if they see you they can get you. Here's some info that I posted in another thread, hope it helps.

I do have some information, but comparing the numbers directly to our test results isn't going to tell you too much, and it isn't really relevant. Our tests were done at a steep angle or over a hill to make things difficult for the detectors, and these radar maximum range tests were straight-on line of sight.

First, the maximum possible target range will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the radar cross section. For example, here's a Car & Driver test from way back in 1979(!). They used a Kustom KR-11, results are in feet.



But of course, different models etc will have different maximum ranges against the same vehicle.

Here's a more recent study against some current guns. The target vehicle for the Stationary-Mode Maximum Range test was a Special Service Package Ford Expedition. This vehicle was otherwise used as the radar vehicle. For the Moving-Mode Maximum Range and Same Direction Maximum Range tests a Nissan Maxima was used as the target. All guns were Ka band except the Genesis II Directional which was K-Band.



Judging the "best detector" is subjective, and is always going to vary from person to person. For many, the best detector is the most sensitive detector, but not always. One always has to weigh performance, features, price etc etc.

Jim

[Sparkknocker]

I stand corrected

[GTO_04]

I've seen Jimbozz answer the adjustable strength question and the answers is no. They can set the range on the gun to report but this doesnt affect the output. They may have the gun on but not pointig out the car etc.

Yep, you're right. On regular police radar used in the US, transmit power is a fixed level and cannot be adjusted by the officer. The "range controls" on some units only adjusts receive sensitivity, they have no effect on output power.

The only units that I know of that CAN be adjusted are some photo radar units (Multanova?).

X2. I have done tests while adjusting the range control on a Stalker Dual SL and it does not affect output power at all. Quite frankly it didn't do much on detection range either, at least with my car. It may have more effect on distant readings on larger radar cross section vehicles.

GTO_04

[Barmy]

Great info, thanx more...

Rick