How do the latest generation photo-radar vans work?

gpitts · 12-03-2011, 09:38 PM

I understand the concept of radar and photo-radar, no problem there. But the new generation photo-radar vans in the Portland, OR area do not trip my Escort 9500ci (which is a pretty sensitive detector) until I am literally within 10 feet or so of them. And my guess is that I am picking up microwave leakage from their transducer at that point.

So... are these new systems using an alternate means of initial clocking to determine if you are speeding, and then only fire the radar if so? If that is the case, what is that preliminary clocking mechanism?

gpitts · 12-04-2011, 09:53 PM

Hmmm... guessing this is not common knowledge. Guess I don't feel so bad.

Prince_of_Persia · 12-04-2011, 10:00 PM

I have 9500 ix in Calgary and I can pick up the van KA band like 200 meters away from them, while I can see the cop using KA band like 1-2 KM before I reach the cop. I suspect that the Vans are using either lower power KA bands or they keep turning their radar On and Off. I can be totally wrong though.

gpitts · 12-04-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

I have 9500 ix in Calgary and I can pick up the van KA band like 200 meters away from them, while I can see the cop using KA band like 1-2 KM before I reach the cop. I suspect that the Vans are using either lower power KA bands or they keep turning their radar On and Off. I can be totally wrong though.

Thanks Prince_of_Persia! I had the same experience on the previous generation vans - they blasted Ka band continuously - but these seem to be much "stealthier".

THE TECH · 12-05-2011, 09:23 AM

Haven't seen one around here yet...that I know of.

12-03-2011, 09:38 PM	#1
gpitts Captain 247 Rep 684 Posts Drives: 2023 G07 X7 40i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	How do the latest generation photo-radar vans work? I understand the concept of radar and photo-radar, no problem there. But the new generation photo-radar vans in the Portland, OR area do not trip my Escort 9500ci (which is a pretty sensitive detector) until I am literally within 10 feet or so of them. And my guess is that I am picking up microwave leakage from their transducer at that point. So... are these new systems using an alternate means of initial clocking to determine if you are speeding, and then only fire the radar if so? If that is the case, what is that preliminary clocking mechanism? __________________ 2019 G05 X5 40i, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merino Leather Interior
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-04-2011, 09:53 PM	#2
gpitts Captain 247 Rep 684 Posts Drives: 2023 G07 X7 40i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Hmmm... guessing this is not common knowledge. Guess I don't feel so bad. __________________ 2019 G05 X5 40i, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merino Leather Interior
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2011, 10:00 PM	#3
Prince_of_Persia Colonel 248 Rep 2,513 Posts Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	I have 9500 ix in Calgary and I can pick up the van KA band like 200 meters away from them, while I can see the cop using KA band like 1-2 KM before I reach the cop. I suspect that the Vans are using either lower power KA bands or they keep turning their radar On and Off. I can be totally wrong though. __________________ AW\|FR 6MT E92 ///M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2011, 09:23 AM	#5
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Haven't seen one around here yet...that I know of.
	Appreciate 0 Quote