X-band isn't going away, anytime soon

[asianfire]

... or the terrible mockery of speed enforcement 'speeders'.

I like that show, it is hilarious!!!

[proudNMAmember]

That's a nice pic of an X band Python radar gun. Thanks

[supercowpowers]

... or the terrible mockery of speed enforcement 'speeders'.

I like that show, it is hilarious!!!

But it's half staged, and taught us that every laser gun and radar device makes the same sound when it gets a lock.

It's also full of people surrendering their rights. "I was only going 45 in a 35!"

[OldGoat]

Hey - anyone old enough to remember those weird giant X-band antennas that they had to hang out the side of the police cars in the late 60's?

Could not find a photo - must be one someplace...

I remember seeing one of those in Belmont, NH in the early 90s. My RD at the time picked it up from like 5 miles away.

I think my Fuzzbuster box boasted a range of 3 miles . . . so, 13 is the new 3 ? - -

Too bad they wasted a Charger on a female, if it was a male trooper he would be gushing with pride talking about how it's V8 will chew up and spit out speeders.....

When I'm working at our shop in town I can ALWAYS here the locals as they go by. Like clock work, they punch it coming out of the intersection when they're in the Charger only to have and stop like 300 ft later at a stop sign. It's only our gas....

I hadn't thought of that contrast. - - - - It's gotta be fun to drive, and in persuit I can imagine cracking a smile.

i live in NC. i know that X-band is listed as "in use" according to the threads on this forum, but i didn't believe it until i saw it.

in a matter of 10 days, i got hit with X-band 3 times...once up in danbury (near the virginia line), once in locust (about 20 mi east of charlotte), and another time in mount airy (near virginia).

i wouldn't have believed it if the LEO wasn't moving right at me and the sti got louder and louder.

and to think...i was just about to turn that band off!!

Silence isn't so Golden, eh? - -

the multiple flash thing could also be red eye compensation, try turning it off and see if it flashes a bit less.

I can't change the default (Power up) settings. I'd prefer the flash to be set Off. It's only recently become an issue(again) with the shorter days and gloomy weather. The camera logic seems a bit flawed in that the focus was near infinity, which is way beyond the effective range of the flash. So why would it be useful ? The only impact is a negative change in exposure and "HEY!!! camera in use"

So you should have taken HER picture.
I came across a redhead f/m CHP Officer that was a knockout. I'm assuming yours was not.

It's possible I encountered her this spring, taking this pic, from the emergency lane, also I-5 about 50 miles north.
Radar Detector Jammer Forum
I travel this stretch a lot, and I don't want to have an adversarial relationship with the constabulary. In hindsight, I wish I'd asked her to stand by it, and let me do a portrait shot

Do they still actually make them, or are these all just 15+ year old units that won't go away but for attrition?

MPH still offers the Python III in an X-band model. They sold the K-55 up until just a few years ago in an X-band model as well.

Can the dash mounted ones be used in moving mode?

Yes. K-55 and Python both can. They can be used in I/O mode too.

Well that would suck. I guess the only good thing is if they get trigger happy you can pick it up for 3 miles, but trying to discern if that was an IO shot or the shopping center at the exit you're passing...

Is there any good reason to order a new X-band unit except to foil detector users who have disabled the band? Does it actually cost any less?

My theory includes published reports in the 90s, during the adoption and growth of Ka.
Stalker, Stalker II, Wideband, then Superwideband. In an effort to keep costs down, 2nd tier manufacturers decided it was acceptable to cut corners in X-band capability. X was obsolete, so why did it matter? Add to that the proliferation of non-speed X devices, making these alerts less and less likely to be from a COP, and you can see how a modern X-band unit, used by a skilled operator, now represents a strategic advantage. An advantage demonstrated by all the rumours of the demise of X.

The quick response, linear ramp-up and complete display of the V-1 makes properly interpreting I/O [PULSE] transmissions fairly straightforward. Non-speed signals have a gentle ramp-up. Encountering one of these beasts yields abrupt ramping, up AND down, discernable even while receiving other alerts. (We don't need no steenkin frequency)

Excellent pictures.

I love how huffy-and-puffy some LEO's get when you take pictures of your own cars...

They aren't skunk-works there is nothing inside the cruiser that is secret that cannot be seen on any cops show and or shows like 'jacked' or the terrible mockery of speed enforcement 'speeders'.

It is rather bizarre alright. There's a history of splashy, eye-catching paint-jobs on COP cars. A certain visibility is part of the gig (how visible can a black car actually be ?) Add to it a hi-performance engine and suspension, cool toys, and a couple guns (all public information) and I gotta wanna check it out

I live out in the country and I don't ever see one of these in a 'non threatening' situation, so this was an unique opportunity. As long as she was facing the other way, anyways. - - -

[StlouisX50]

I love the script you told her. Thats awesome, I need to consult with you on how to talk to an officer while being questioned.