Is this kind of sensitivity normal?

[tsapilot]

I passed two Missouri highway patrol cars on 70 hwy going about 85. They were going the otherway, not stationary. I got the Ka alert kind of close and I don't think it went over three bars. There were other cars around them and on the second officer my alert didn't start until I was passed him. I know I posted a related message awhile back about whether radar guns "leaked" energy or not so I apologize for the similar new post but this situation really got my attention. Am I picking something up other than a radar gun being in the on mode? Does a Ka gun need to be pointed directly at you to get a full alert? Should I get my detector checked out?

[vw242]

Did you have accusweep or wideband ka enabled? Whoops! Sorry I thought you had the 985!

[jimbonzzz]

There isn't USA or Accusweep on the BEL V895.

First, there are are no radar units that "leak" any energy when in standby.

Here's some possibilities:
-The radar might have been aimed away from you with nothing to reflect it back
-They might have had a handheld unit transmitting while laying on the seat
-There might be a problem with the detector.

[spankyaf]

I wouldnt sweat it. The GOL test showed how the sensitivity to K and Ka bands can vary quite abit. I've got a 3.6 RX65 and have seen similar levels of detection with some Ka

[tsapilot]

Thanks for the info. I knew that the Ka stuff was more difficult to detect. Just not that stealthy sometimes.

[Rottman]

Pilot where did you get the unit from?

[tsapilot]

Radio Shack. I guess it is working ok. On the drive home this time I had no trouble picking up Ka from a good distance away. I think its just the way different officers are operating their radar guns. I did get some interesting info from my first officer during our last trip. He did a ride along with his cousin who is a highway patrolman in Missouri. They understand that people speed. Even 85 in a 70 can be ok depending on conditions. Doing 20 over is going to get you pulled over but doing 90 plus is always going to get you tickets and an upset officer. They do not tolerate the lane swerving. This is what causes the accidents. They do like to see an attempt to slow down when they know you see them. If they do pull you over they like to see the window down and two hands on the wheel and at night turn the dome light on also.

[Rottman]

I think it's a good choice for the money. 8)