Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
21
Understanding Radar and Laser
and Maintenance
Your Detector
English
LIDAR (Laser)
The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as
laser is actually LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though
not as widely. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear line of sight to its target
vehicle throughout the entire measurement interval. Obstructions such as sign
posts, utility poles, tree branches, etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.
Some common questions about LIDAR include:
■
Does weather have any affect on LIDAR?
Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog or airborne dust particles will reduce the
effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation.
■
Can LIDAR operate through glass?
Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass.
However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to trigger
an alarm by your detector.
■
Can LIDAR operate while in motion?
No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot
drive the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.
■
Is LIDAR legal to use?
Yes. It is legal in all 50 states.
Maintenance
•
Maintenance of Your Radar Detector
Your detector is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance
without the need for service. No routine Maintenance is required.
If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these
troubleshooting steps:
■ Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
■ Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and
free of corrosion.
■ Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated
in your cigarette lighter.
■ Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of the
cigarette lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required, replace
it with a 2-amp fuse only.)
20
Specifications
Your Detector
Specifications
•
Band and Frequencies
Band Frequencies
X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz
K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz
Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz
Ku Band 13.435 ± 0.035 GHz
VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHz
Laser 910± 50nm 100 PPS
910± 50nm 125 PPS
910± 50nm 130 PPS
910± 50nm 200 PPS
910± 50nm 238 PPS
910± 50nm 340 PPS
Spectre I 13.300 ± 0.200 GHz
Spectre IV/IV+ Not Disclosed
Safety Alert 24.070 ± 0.010 GHz
Traffic Warning 24.110 ± 0.010 GHz
System 24.190 ± 0.010 GHz
24.230 ± 0.010 GHz
This radar detector is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents:
5,497,148; 5,594,432; 5,612,685; 6,078,279; 6,094,148. Additional patents
may be listed inside the product or pending.
