[quote author=Mexstan link=board=10;threadid=13423;start=15#126643 date=1050016233]<br>Gonzo, you are correct, but all this is related in a way.C.C.Shovelhead, to me a broadcast frequency is one that is used by the TV and commercial broadcast stations. A signal that is 'broadcast' by a radar jammer, a ham or CB'er is a different kettle of fish.<br>Now, back to radar detectors.....<br>[/quote]<br>Radars are broadcasting a radio frequency. The thing they point at you is called an antenna. They are each regulated and licensed by the F.C.C. Radar detectors are only recieving. Legal in most states and not regulated by F.C.C. Radar jammers are transmitting on a police frequency. They are not in violation of many STATE laws, but are an F.C.C. violation because you are transmitting on the police frequency without a license. Not all, but many officers are aware of how to forward a complaint to the F.C.C. when they come across them in the field. Whether they do is between you and him.

 

[quote author=shortfieldbreak link=board=10;threadid=13423;start=15#126741 date=1050028190]<br>Just another aside... <br><br>Timing between two points to ascertain your speed is defined as a speed trap, and is illegal in CA. I'm not sure about other states, but you can pick up a copy of your local vehicle code for a few dollars, and it's good reading. <br><br>-SFB<br>[/quote]<br>That is right, most states see it as similar to an illegal search. That is why officers are not suppose to (only familiar with Michigan law) arbitrarilly clock any ol car going by. He has to observe vehicle actions indicating it is speeding (probable cause) Then he uses the detection devise to confirm his findings. The performance of the detection device has to be consistant with his observation of the target vehicle, patrol vehicle, other vehicles. In Michigan you have to guess the speed of a number of vehicles (no radar) + or - a certain tolerance before you can even be certified with radar. This record is kept on file with your training. And a certified copy is given to the local court. If the officer is serious about his job, he will conduct a good interview to confirm his findings. Each stop is basically an investigation.

 

Well I can't and won't get into the US jurisdiction.
Over here they use different methods of speed control.
First: Fixed radar installations. (Grey box on the side of the road, taking a photo if you are over the posted limit plus a small tolerance)
Second: Mobile radar installed in a car (Usually unmarked)
Third: Infrared laser doppler effect &quot;guns&quot;
Basically it is possible to detect the radars that are always on. (But it's strictly illegal to have such a device in your vehicle) It is also possible to jam the frequency. A very nice device that works is a receiver that scans for the radar wavelenght used and then emits a signal that is very slightly off the frequency of the original beam. This makes the doppler interpretation read something between 0 and Mach 99- and will trigger a fault code in the radar device. - If you get caught with one of these they will ask you if you want a blindfold and a last cigarette ;D
Against the infrared laser there are devices that do emit IR laser on the same wavelength as the diode in the laser gun. This is supposed to half the speed readout on the gun because the doppler effect just comes into play one way instead of from gun to car and from car to gun. Again get caught with it

Using standard ARMs is also prohibited over here ;D Why are the regulations that restrictive ??? ;D
Over here the Police is ordered to have the speed controls on places where lots of accidents caused by speeding happen. (eg: in front of schools, Kindergarten, somewhat dangerous roads etc) Usually if I see a speed limit and then look around I see the cause for the limit and regard it as reasonable for the average driver under average conditions.
Personally I regard any electronic gizmo that takes my concentration away from driving as something potentially dangerous. I usually regard the almost invisible officer behind the bush as a child playing football or frisbee or whatever- I wouldn't want to smear his/her/its guts over my truck.

Just my 2c
AlpineRAM

 

Sorry for presuming Austria and Germany do things the same way, but here goes. When I was there in 93, it seems they also used infra beams across the road. When you broke the two beams, the computer clocked the differance in between. If you were above a certain speed, they took your picture. I remember seeing a program where people used a transparent plate cover that filtered the plate from the polarized camera lense. It was a funny show, they also showed people wearing disguises so they couldn't be identified in the picture. Had my picture taken once, boy those are clear pictures.

 

Redleg: You were right about the speed trap, we had the same systems over here too. But they were kicked out in favour of doppler devices in the 90s. The problem was that they were not too reliable. Pics are really good. very clear and easy to read even the nightshots. <br><br>In Germany they need to take a pic of the driver in the car while speedeing so they do it from the front. In Austria the pics are taken from behind and the ticket goes to the car owner. So the owner has to have proof when another person steered the car or he'll have to pay the fine himself.<br><br>AlpineRAM

 

That's how it should be. I also remember in that program, they showed a car that had the tail light replaced with a camera. It looked starned, but if you were speeding, they took your picture. I guess they were to lazy to put a bush in front of the tripod.