Ghost radar and the problems associated with police radar gun technology.

Ghost readings and Recognition and Elimination of the Radar "Effect"

Kustom Signals police mobile radar speed detector. RADAR'S INTERACTION WITH IT'S ENVIRONMENT - The trained radar operator has to view the operation of his unit in the context of the total environment. Unfortunately, that environment includes both electrical and mechanical sources of Interference with the radar unit's operation. Radar reads the speed at which objects move, and in a traffic environment we find that many things, including wind-blown trees and signs may be moving. The officer is also under constant electronic bombardment, with ambient electronic interference being emitted by his own radio, CB radios, cellular phones, intrusion alarms, Amateur Radio operators, air traffic radar, telephone microwave links, traffic signal controllers, satellite communications, radar altimeters, gate controllers, pipe locators, level sensing devices. All or these can create "ghost" readings, but are readily identifiable as such in the presence of a valid target with proper operating techniques. These ghost readings will disappear and be replaced by the target reading when the actual target vehicle gets close enough, and will not affect the accuracy of the target reading.

EXTERNAL MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE - This is one of the most common types of radar effect, and has been demonstrated on national television. Typically, the radar is picking up a signal from some mechanical device, frequently from fans or ventilators. The radar may either be reading the actual speed of the fan blades, or may be picking up the electrical signals generated by the fan motor. This type of reading is distinguishable primarily through the use of the audio Doppler tone. Unlike the rising or falling tones of an automobile, the fan will generally be heard at a constant pitch.

RFI NOISE EFFECTS AND SOURCES - As mentioned above, there is a constant flow of radio signals in our environment no matter where the patrol vehicle is positioned. Under certain circumstances, that ambient "noise" may be read by the radar unit. We'll discuss specific sources of radio frequency interference below.

INTERFERENCE INSIDE OF THE PATROL VEHICLE - Even within the patrol car, there are a surprising number of devices, which may interact with a radar unit. These Include the ignition system, heater or air conditioning blowers, the police radio, cellular phone, CB radio, handi-talkies, A.M. radios, the alternator and even the buzzers for the seat belts. One of the keys to locating and eliminating this type of interference lies with the recurrence of such readings under similar conditions. If you start receiving 'ghost" readings in the 50-60 MPH range every time you run the air conditioner you can learn to either run without the air conditioner or reject all readings under those conditions. None of these sources of interference will sound like a car on the audio Doppler, and the audio remains the key to valid interpretation of the radar unit.

RFI INTERFERENCE THROUGH POWER AND ANTENNA LEADS - The power connection between the radar unit and the vehicle is a