Police radar units can be verified for accuracy by utilizing
a "tuning fork". The radar is not actually "tuned" but
simply verified as being accurate by the use of the tuning
fork. The word "tuning" comes from the fact that the same
type of forks are used to "tune" musical instruments. The
tuning fork is made out of aluminum, and it's length and
shape is designed to vibrate at a set frequency each time it
is struck.
Any X band tuning fork will work on any X band radar.
Any K band fork will work on any K band radar. Ka band
forks are specific to the manufacturer of radar. This is
because all 4 manufacturers have different Ka band operating
frequencies.
The tuning forks are used as an "external source" of
generating a signal and thus verifying the accuracy of the
radar's readout. Again, no actual tuning or
adjustment is done on the radar. One tuning fork is
required for a stationary only radar. Two tuning forks are
required for a Moving/Stationary radar unit.
The following procedure should be followed when checking
a Police radar unit with tuning forks:
1) Place the radar in stationary mode of operation.
2) Place the range control in maximum position. Place
the antenna in the transmit mode by releasing the "hold"
switch or putting the radar unit in "run".
3) Lightly strike the lower speed fork on a hard
non-metallic surface and hold the tuning fork approximately
1 inch in front of the antenna. With a dual antenna radar,
either antenna may be used.
4) Verify that the target speed displays the same as
the speed stamped on the tuning fork +/- 1 mph.
5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 using the higher speed tuning
fork.
6) Place the radar in moving mode of operation.
7) Using the lower speed fork, perform step 3 and
verify that the patrol speed displays the same as the speed
stamped on the tuning fork +/- 1 mph.
8) While continuing to hold the lower speed fork in
front of the radar, perform step 3 on the higher speed fork
and hold it in front of the radar as well.
9) With both forks now vibrating simultaneously in
front of the radar antenna, the PATROL speed should
read the lower speed fork, and the TARGET speed
should read the speed stamped on the higher fork, minus the
speed on the lower fork. (This is because the radar
subtracts the patrol speed of 35 from the closing speed of
80 to calculate the target speed of 45.)
Example: Using 35 and 80 mph forks, will give a
PATROL reading of 35 mph and a TARGET reading of 45 mph
How to determine
what forks to order:
All X band radars use same X band tuning forks. All K
band radars use same K band tuning forks. Ka band
forks are different for each radar manufacturer (i.e.
Stalker, MPH, Kustom, Decatur)
X band are for older model radars usually
antenna or radar is marked 10.525 Ghz.
K band radars include: Genesis VP and VPD. Genesis GHS handheld. Genesis 1,
Genesis 2 models with antennas marked K band or 24.150 Ghz,
Kustom Trooper, Kr-10sp, Pro-1000, Pro 1000ds. Eagle
series with 24.150 Ghz frequency marked on side. MPH
Python series 1, 2, or 3 or Fs marked K Band between
antenna connectors. MPH Bee with counter unit marked K
band. Mph Speedgun and MPH Z series radars. Stalker Dual with antennas marked 24.150 Ghz
Ka band radars include: Genesis 2
models with antennas marked Ka band or 35.5 Ghz, Kustom
Eagle series radars with 35.5 Ghz (or 33.4-36.0 Ghz)
frequency marked on side. Kustom Talon. MPH Python series 1, 2, or 3
or Fs marked Ka Band between antenna connectors. MPH
Bee with counter unit marked Ka band. Stalker Dual
with antennas marked 34.7 Ghz. All Stalker DSR or DSR
2x radars. Stalker ATR or Stalker 2 handheld units.
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