maw@sri-unix (12/07/82)
Greg (woods@sri-unix) recently expressed concern that radar detectors would be rendered obsolete by the proliferation of instant-on police radar units - "radar guns that can mark your speed very accurately from a short distance with a very short burst." Such units do indeed exist. The ones of which I am aware are K-band rather than X-band radar. The November (1982) issue of Car and Driver magazine, previously cited in this newsgroup, contains an article on detectors that is well worth reading for enlightenment on this topic. No detector can guarantee that you will receive sufficient forewarning to avoid a speed trap, particularly a trap equipped with an instant-on unit. However, if you are travelling with other cars, as is frequently the case, the officer is likely taking a snapshot of each vehicle in the traffic stream as it comes into his range. A good detector will recognize the radar as its focus is on the cars ahead of you, thereby warning you of the presence of the officer. If you are travelling alone, your chances of getting nailed while speeding are considerable, as Greg indicated, especially if an instant-on radar unit is involved. Radar detectors will not be made obsolete due to the increased presence of such instant-on units, but rather intelligence is required on the part of the user, if you really wish to avoid that ticket. I personally own an Escort radar detector (manufactured by Cincinnati Microwave), which I find useful since my car, by appearance, will attract more police attention than most. I have no fear that instant-on radar guns will render my detector useless, since I know how to use it in conjunction with my driving habits. In my opinion, it is well worth its cost of $245. One last item - does anyone out there know in which states legislation has been successfully passed to outlaw radar detectors? I am aware of only two such states: Florida and Michigan. If there are others, I would like to be made aware of them. It will be interesting to see how long such legislation will stand up if challenged in the courts, since (as has been pointed out in this newsgroup) it is legal for anyone to receive any radio transmissions on any frequency. Speeding with discretion, Mark Weber ...!ihuxn!maw BTL - Naperville IL (312) 979-7309