Radar Quick-Trigger Time

**o2bad455** · 02-10-2006, 03:45 PM

How much triggering time does a LEO need in order to get any speed reading at all for a real target (not counting the automated MPH POP modes)? If anyone has firm answers, please indicate the type of radar gun.

**jimbonzzz** · 02-10-2006, 04:47 PM

This might give a general idea:

The source is HERE.
Take the absolute numbers with a BIG grain of salt: it appears that this test might have been paid for by Decatur, and I don't think I really need to say anything about my opinion of the author :roll:

The Stalker ATR is sometimes advertised to have a target acquisition time of .01 seconds.

**AirMoore** · 02-10-2006, 09:14 PM

Yeah, that is a good point Jim the test may be a little 'skewed', but it does show it really only takes a fraction of a second no matter what gun is being used. Good information Jim.

**o2bad455** · 02-11-2006, 12:23 AM

Thanks Jim. Great info. According to the article, acquisition time decreases as distance decreases. Several of the guns (including the Stalker) had average short-trigger times of less than 0.400 seconds at 750 feet, with a minimum at that distance of 0.320 seconds. Now I'm beginning to understand what we might be missing even with some of today's best detectors. The current trade-off may be the disadvantage of little or no detection of some Ka short-triggers for the advantages of some POP detection (strangely enough) and/or reduced falsing.

**brick** · 02-11-2006, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by jimbonzzz

The Stalker ATR is sometimes advertised to have a target acquisition time of .01 seconds.

Ha. Well in that case who needs .067s POP or even .016s? MPH is behind the times!

**GTO_04** · 02-12-2006, 02:15 PM

Thanks for the link. It makes for an interesting read. Maybe it's just a coincidence that the Decatur does very well in the test LOL!

From what I have read from multiple sources, the acquisition time for the Stalker is about .3 seconds at its quickest. From my having used a Stalker, I would have to agree with that. So much for the term "instant on." Yes, I realize that even those times are quick enough to toast you.

I am surprised that they could pick up a Maxima that far away! I ran a Buick Regal GS (mid sized sedan) against a Stalker and it could only pick it up at 1500 ft. in stationary mode. The Maxima shouldn't have that much better of a radar signature. I suppose it's possible though. The Stalker I used could pick up SUVs well over a mile away so there was nothing wrong with it.

GTO_04

**o2bad455** · 02-12-2006, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by jimbonzzz

The Stalker ATR is sometimes advertised to have a target acquisition time of .01 seconds.

Originally Posted by GTO_04

From what I have read from multiple sources, the acquisition time for the Stalker is about .3 seconds at its quickest. From my having used a Stalker, I would have to agree with that. So much for the term "instant on." Yes, I realize that even those times are quick enough to toast you.

The test results Jimbonzzz cited had .39 sec average for the Stalker DSR including time to lock (!), so the actual acquisition time had to be less since the LEO apparently has to see the speed displayed and then hit the lock button.

GTO_04, was that a Stalker DSR (Ka dual antenna moving type), a Stalker ATR (Ka handheld), or a different Stalker gun?

**jimbonzzz** · 02-12-2006, 10:01 PM

Yeah and if you read in the report, the slightly worse time results on the BEE are due to the loction of the lock button

**GTO_04** · 02-13-2006, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by o2bad455

Originally Posted by GTO_04

From what I have read from multiple sources, the acquisition time for the Stalker is about .3 seconds at its quickest. From my having used a Stalker, I would have to agree with that. So much for the term "instant on." Yes, I realize that even those times are quick enough to toast you.

The test results Jimbonzzz cited had .39 sec average for the Stalker DSR including time to lock (!), so the actual acquisition time had to be less since the LEO apparently has to see the speed displayed and then hit the lock button.

GTO_04, was that a Stalker DSR (Ka dual antenna moving type), a Stalker ATR (Ka handheld), or a different Stalker gun?

The Stalker I used was the Dual SL. Needless to say it is very fast, and it has a wireless remote, much like you would have for your television. The acquisition time appeared to be just as fast in moving mode too.

I did get to do a test run in my TA (the '98 with the aluminum hood) against the ATR handheld, and it is not so fast. If I jammed on my brakes as soon as the V1 went off, the radar showed "RFI," instead of a speed. Of course I knew the instant on was coming, so I was ready LOL! I had the cruise control set and my foot right over the brake pedal. That does wonders for the reaction time. I couldn't get that trick to work with the Dual SL.

So yes, the Stalker Dual models are faster than the ATR, at least based on my experience. This ATR I could pick up maybe a mile or two away with my V1. The county Sheriff has an ATR that I can pick up about 5 miles away. I know that sounds incredible, but it's true.

GTO_04