When did KA band radar guns come into use?

[steve f]

I remember running an original (80s) Passport into the early/mid 90s. The Passport was X/K only back then.

[KaPro]

Ka band came out in the early 90's.

[justin81]

The year 1987 is stuck in my head for some reason. Also, wasn't it (Ka) initially intended for use only in speed cameras? The dash mount and hand held units didn't come til later, right?

[fire65]

1983 34.2-35.2 came out. 1992 33.4-36 GHz was added.

[SquiddOhio]

The important question is not when it came into use, but when will it go out of use; or maybe: is it still in use around where I live?

[AirMoore]

The important question is not when it came into use, but when will it go out of use; or maybe: is it still in use around where I live?

Ka is used almost everywhere, and likely not leaving anytime soon (not within the next 10 years I would say), it is still growing and taking over K-band.

The only thing that might change this in the foreseeable future is lidar... but until then can figure out moving mode... not gonna beat out radar IMO.

[Divewjason]

The important question is not when it came into use, but when will it go out of use; or maybe: is it still in use around where I live?

Ka is used almost everywhere, and likely not leaving anytime soon (not within the next 10 years I would say), it is still growing and taking over K-band.

The only thing that might change this in the foreseeable future is lidar... but until then can figure out moving mode... not gonna beat out radar IMO.

Good point, but not just that, but maybe they would try to develop a constant on type of laser, they would have to figure out how to make the beam wider though, more like radar. I am not sure that is feasible or cost effective for law enforcement.

[kpatz]

Good point, but not just that, but maybe they would try to develop a constant on type of laser, they would have to figure out how to make the beam wider though, more like radar. I am not sure that is feasible or cost effective for law enforcement.

At that point there's not much advantage over radar. Making the beam wider makes it easier to detect/jam, not to mention it being C/O. Radar is cheaper.

[Qui-Gon]

The important question is not when it came into use, but when will it go out of use; or maybe: is it still in use around where I live?

Ka is used almost everywhere, and likely not leaving anytime soon (not within the next 10 years I would say), it is still growing and taking over K-band.

The only thing that might change this in the foreseeable future is lidar... but until then can figure out moving mode... not gonna beat out radar IMO.

Agreed on both topics, AirMoore. One local jurisdiction in my area, the Town of Tonawanda, just recently (at least within the last year or so) switched over from K band to using Stalker II handheld units mounted to the dashboards. Only one of those cars uses a PLIII on I-290. The Village of Kenmore uses Stalker mobile units, and still has one slicktop cruiser riding around with a K-band unit running. LIDAR is just too damn expensive for most jurisdictions to justify the cost of having them. RADAR cannot be easily defeated, nd I am sure that most jurisdictions will continue to use radar long into the foreseeable future.

[djrams80]

Moving LIDAR is a tough proposition. The laser gun has to be extremely stable to get quick readings. I highly doubt they are developing gyro-stabilized mounts for moving laser. That would cost a fortune. Also, how would the LEO safely aim the laser while driving?