Just bought a RD

[jdubin94]

Whats up guys. I just bought a RD. I got an 8500 x50. Basically, my first question is, what is the difference between laser and radar? I kind of figured out what laser is. When the cop is standing behind their door with their gun and aiming it at cars. That is the hard thing to detect. You would need a jammer for that. So what in the heck is radar. Im quite confused. Thanks

[jerry540i]

Without oversimplifying it...
Think of radar as radio waves at specific frequencies.
X band, K band, Ka band (3 frequencies of Ka are commonly used)

The radar gun (either fixed unit in the cop car or handheld) transmits on this radio frequency, and the signal transmits from the radar gun, off your car and back to the radar gun--and presto, yoru speed is measured.

One big difference youve already noticed is that laser is far harder to detect because of its narrow beam--about 2.5-3 feet wide at 1000 feet.

[AvsBest]

With radar, the LEO gets a number on his unit and has to tell who is doing what speed. If there is 100 cars coming at him and the radar says 80mph, he has to use his observation skills to say who is doing 80 mph. It is more likely the front cars but it may vary.

With laser, the LEO aim at the car he wants, presses the triggers and obtain a speed. If there is 100 cars coming at him, he can get the speed of whoever he wants within reason. That's why laser is mostly use in urban areas and heavy traffic.

Spend a few minutes on youtube and it will help you understand the difference between the 2 by seeing actual examples.

[drkatzjr27]

85% of all detection is used with radar and not laser -- usually Ka. But K is still in use

[North Alabama]

85% of all detection is used with radar and not laser -- usually Ka. But K is still in use

X band is still used in different areas also (newer MPH Pythons plus the older MPH K-55's X band still used with I/O)

[drkatzjr27]

True!