Speeding fines are rising every day. And therefore, devices that monitor high-speed modes are gaining more and more popularity. A good radar detector can help save not only finances, but also nerves.
But buying a device is only the first step. This article will help you understand what the kei range on the radar means, as well as learn how it works.
What is a radar detector and its ranges
First you need to understand the terminology and understand the difference between a radar detector and anti-radar. Some people think they are one and the same. But this is the wrong conclusion.
An anti-radar is a device that suppresses the frequencies to which it is tuned. Such an active device is prohibited by law, and its use may result in fines with confiscation.
But the radar detector is essentially a passive type electronic device that only detects and warns the owner that helocated in the territory of the traffic police radar. That is, a radar detector is an ordinary receiver that picks up certain frequencies, while not suppressing or blocking them. It is not prohibited by law.
Most often, these automotive devices can operate in several radio frequency bands (the radio frequency in which the emitter operates). There are several such ranges. To make it easier to perceive, they were marked with letters: X, K, Ku, Ka. There are also some very interesting additional modes.
Range X
The frequency that formed the basis of the first radars is called the X-band. Its operating wave is 10525 MHz. The band bandwidth is 10.50-10.55 GHz. On the basis of this, radars for traffic police of the type "Barrier", "Sokol", "Sokol M" ("D", "S") were developed.
At the moment, X frequency radars are a thing of the past. The reason for this is the moral and technical aging of such gadgets. Many industrial and household appliances operate in the same range, which causes false positives.
Key range
Newer devices already operate on the K (or kei) band. Its operating frequency is 24150 MHz. The bandwidth is 100 MHz, which means less interference.
Gadgets operating in the kei band have a greater energy potential and a shorter period. Consequently, the device has an increased detection distance for traffic police radars (one and a half times compared to the X range) and compact dimensions.
This range is the base for almost all over the world. On theit is based on such radars as "Berkut", "Iskra-1", as well as their modifications and versions with photo and video capabilities.
What does the kei range mean on the radar? Nothing complicated, just a radar detector picked up a signal emitted by the radar of a traffic police officer, or a camera.
Ku band
Ku band carrier frequency is 13.45GHz. This is a rare radar detector mode, which is used in European countries, as well as in Ukraine and Belarus. This mode has not gained popularity due to the fact that it is partially used for the needs of satellite television. Accordingly, this fact causes a lot of interference.
Ka range
This is a fairly new and very promising radio frequency band that has a carrier frequency of 34.7 GHz. It began to be used in America in 1991. Now they are also used in Europe, but the CIS countries and Russia do not use it yet.
This range of the radar detector has an even greater energy potential and a shorter period. Due to this, the Ka band has a detection range of 1.5 km, during which high accuracy and minimal time is observed.
This range is called “SuperWide”. All this is due to its large bandwidth - 1400 MHz.
Important! In Russia, some military and radio measuring equipment can operate in Ka mode, which causes false signals.
Additional modes and functions
Laser range. The first time devices that work with a laser beganused to calculate the speed back in the 90s of the last century. The principle of operation of the radar detector is very simple: several short signals are given with an equal time interval. After a numerical calculation, the device gives the average number. This principle has essentially remained the same, but the distance and frequency of the signals have just changed. Now the length of the pulses ranges from 800 nm to 1100 nm. All modern radar detectors are equipped with special sensors that pick up laser pulses. The only "BUT" is that a device with a laser range can only work in dry weather.
VG2 or Specter mode. These modes are used in those regions where the use of radar detectors is prohibited by law. These are mainly European countries and some states in America. The bottom line is that the direction finder has an ultra-sensitive receiver, which picks up the signals of the radar detector. At the same time, with a high degree of probability, it indicates the location of the prohibited device. That is why the latest versions of good radar detectors have a built-in function to automatically turn off their local oscillator if a radar appears in its "field of view" that operates in the VG2 range.
Important! In Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, some special equipment for receiving and transmitting communications operates in VG2 mode. Therefore, at the time of your stay in these countries, it is better to turn off this function so as not to cause false signals.
POP mode. There are radars that use only one pulse to measure speed. Its durationcan be up to 1/15 second. That is, such radars measure the speed very quickly - 1 second is enough. Typically, this mode is used in the radar type "Iskra". If the radar detector is not equipped with a POP mode, then it simply cannot identify it. The POP regime is an international standard that all world leaders follow.
Ultra-X and Ultra-K modes. These are the modes presented by the creators from China and Korea. In fact, this is the same POP, only "cut down" and not certified. The modes do not work correctly with pulses of the X and K ranges.
Hyper-X and Hyper-K modes. These are the newest closed complexes of the system. The essence of the work lies in the double heuristic analysis of the received signals. The complexes have a very high accuracy of detecting signals of any duration in such modes as X, K and NEW K (extended range).
SWS function. To use radar detectors in Russia, this function is not needed. At its core, SWS is a system that warns of danger. That is, when approaching the emergency area, the radar detector gives a warning signal.
Antison function. This option is designed specifically to check the driver's reaction after a certain period of time. The operation algorithm is as follows: the car radar emits a sound signal, and if the driver does not turn it off within the shortest period of time, the device starts to sound the alarm.
Types of receivers. Their advantages and disadvantages
There are two types of receivers in automotive radar detectorsradio signal: without conversion (direct type) and frequency discriminator (i.e. with conversion based on superheterodyne).
The direct type receiver is the easiest (and also the oldest) way. Such a radar detector does not need to be hidden from the special modes of traffic police radars. And all because the amplifier does not have any radiation. Another advantage of such a device is the almost complete absence of interference.
But all pluses can be called minuses. Despite the low cost, due to the low sensitivity, devices of this type were abandoned in all countries, except for domestic manufacturers.
An amplifier based on a local oscillator or superheterodyne is considered more advanced and technologically advanced. It is used in radars of medium and high price categories. The main advantage of such devices is their high sensitivity and the ability to filter out excess from the incoming signal stream.
An important disadvantage of this amplifier is the ability to be easily detected by traffic police using special gadgets.
Working principle and installation location
The principle of operation of the device is as follows: to measure the speed, the traffic police radar receives a signal that is reflected from a moving car. The radar detector, on the other hand, works "directly", without reflection. Under ideal conditions (good terrain and weather), the radar detector can "see" at a distance of up to 5 km (but the traffic police radar - only 400 m).
Usually car radarmounted on the windshield of the car using a small bracket. Here is an important point: you need to find a place where there are no heating and tinting strips, since this all affects signal reception. Power comes from the cigarette lighter or built-in battery.
Radar detectors Neoline
As a preface, it is necessary to say about such a "shock" as the use of the "Strelka" type radar, which distinguished itself by measuring the speed of all vehicles that fell into its zone of action. Panoramic view of video cameras and illumination up to 200 m are other advantages of this kit.
For a long time, the developers of radar detectors did not know how to bypass Strelka. Devices with a built-in GPS function came to the rescue, which gave a signal when approaching the camera. But even such a device "caught" too much interference.
As a result, Neoline presented its invention - a radar detector that can detect Strelka at a distance of up to 800 m in the city. Neoline radar detectors also work in standard ranges - X, K, Ka, La (laser range). Some Neoline models have built-in GPS modules.
The company's developers are actively working on improving the algorithms of their devices, modernizing the appearance of gadgets.
Update and firmware
Sooner or later, the question arises of how to upgrade the radar detector. It is important to understand that this should only be done according to the operating instructions. in a bookmanufacturer's advice about this task will be given, the firmware version and instructions for reprogramming should also be described.
Important! Each manufacturer uses its own bases and updates. Therefore, the reprogramming process may differ depending on the device model. How to upgrade the radar detector?
Self-reprogramming algorithm:
- First of all, remove the device and connect it to the computer using a cable (usually it comes with the kit).
- Next, run the special software. It is important to choose exactly the one that matches the model of the device. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the terms of use and consumer reviews in advance. Usually, the update databases and firmware versions are available on the manufacturer's website. But you can also find them on other sites.
- When everything is ready, the program will start. If all previous recommendations have been taken into account, the utility will start automatic updating. After the successful completion of the software, the device will again be available for full operation.
The voice and silence of the car radar
It often happens that radar detectors start beeping at every corner. This is usually caused by interference. It can be either an oncoming car with the same gadget, or cameras at gas stations, or other reasons.
There are several tips for resolving the issue:
- On the radar, the X range, which means interference that can be treated withlittle suspicion. Alternatively, this range can be turned off, as it is rarely used.
- The range on the radar is "kei", which means it's better to play it safe and slow down.
- But if the radar is silent, but there is a traffic camera nearby, then most likely it is simply turned off, so the gadget did not react to it.
Conclusion
The choice of a radar detector depends on many factors. It is not enough just to buy a gadget. You need to know the terminology, understand in what ranges it works, which of the modes is the most popular, what the "kei" range on the radar means and why the gadget makes sounds or is silent. For the full operation of the car device, you need to install it correctly, and if necessary, update or reflash.
