Interpretation of alerts

Radar Alerts: The alerts provided by your unit are affected both by the type of transmission (continuous wave or instant-on), and the position of the Radar source. Generally, when you drive closer to a Radar source, the intensity of received signal increases of the number of bar graph segments as well as numerical digit 1-9 (BEL 980 only) and a corresponding increase in the audio aler rate. Described below are five common types of Radar encounters and the alerts you will typically receive.

Stationary or moving Radar, staight ahead aimed in your direction

Since Radar signals travel in a straight line, this Radar encounter potentially offers maximum warning range. Once the signal is received, the initial warning consists of an X, K or Super Wideband Ka audio alert coupled with simultaneous identification of the Radar band (X, K, Ka) and signal strength in the Text Display. The number of bar graph segments diplayed depends upon the strength of the signal received. As the strength of the Radar signal increases, the audio alert becomes more rapid and the bar graph will display the maximum number of five segments (BEL 980 will also display the digit "9") indicating maximum signal strength. Assuming the Radar signal remains uninterrupted, the audible and visual alerts will clearly indicate a "weak" signal becoming stronger as you drive closer to the Radar source. Remember, when police Radar source is moving towar you, the Radar signal strengt will increase much more rapidly than if you are approaching a stationary source.
Stationary Radar aimed around a corner

Under this circumstance, reaction time is considerably reduced. Since the Radar signals are transmitted across your line of travel, there is generally no signal available to receive until you are relatively close to the source. Once an alert is received, expect the strenght of the signal to increase very quickly. Advanced warning in this situation may be reduced.
Stationary Radar concealed by the crest of a hill aimed in your direction

Radar signals travel in a straight line and do not pass through earh. Consequently, police Radar aimed at the crest of a steep hill cannot be received until you are at or near the top. Warning time may be minimal (as in situation #2) since a strong signal is not present until you are near the crest of the hill. At this point, you may be nearly in the police officer's line of sight. When cresting a hill, weak initial alerts followed very quickly by a full alert is typical. This alert pattern requires prompt attention.
Moving Radar behind you, traveling in the same direction

Police Radar signals transmitted from behind your vehicle can be received when reflected by objects in front of you such as large signs, brigdes and trucks. As you drive, the size and configuration of these objects are constantly changing causing the strength of any reflected Radar signal to vary. A strong, uninterrupted alert indicates the patrol car is close behind you.

Instant-On/Pulsed Radar: This type of signal appears suddenly when a Radar unit is "triggered". The instant-on alert consists of an intense, three second audio "burst", coupled with the type of band detected and flashing of the signal strength bar graph in the display.

Instant-on/pulsed alert to Ka band (BEL 980)

Instant-on/pulsed alert to Ka band (BEL 950)
Typical False Alert (Radar): Ideally, a Radar detector should only alert in the presence of police Radar. However, because other devices share X band whith police Radar, false alerts sometimes occur. Generally, a false signal produces only a short audio and visual alert. Since they are most often weak, it is possible to drive out of the signal's range very quickly and receive only a brief alert. Although many times the probable source of the false signal van be identified (supermarket, bank, commercial building, etc.), caution is advised until the source can be confirmed. The X band alert pattern caused by a non-police source can look like the initial alert produced by actual police Radar. For this reason appropriate action is required any time an alert is received.
Laser Alerts: When laser is detected, the display will flash "Laser" coupled with a distinct Laser audio Alert. If a vehicle is a long distance from the source of Laser pulses, fewer pulses will generally be received. The closer the vehicle is to the source of Laser pulses, the greater the likelihood of receiving a steady stream of Laser pulses. The reason for this is the aiming stability of the Laser gun and the fact that it is difficult to hold the gun absolutely still. Any movement of the gun result in motion of the beam at the target. The further the target, the greater the displacement of the beam and the shorter the dwell time of the beam at the target point. Therefore, there is the possibility of receiving only a few Laser pulses. Due to thes characteristics, all Laser alerts should be taken seriously.
Safety Warning System® (SWS™) Alerts: Whith the Safety Warning System® feature ON and an SWS™ transmitter in use, your detector will provide a unique, 2 seconds SWS™ tone coupled with a Safety Warning System® category word (i.e. "HazdZone" indicating Highway Hazard Zone Advisory) to quickly orient you to the type of situation ahead. This introductory message is followed by a specific Text Message (i.e. "Sharp Curve Ahead") and Digital Voice Message which is repeated twice. After the Digital Voice, the unit will continue to present the message and provide the "clicking" tone for as long as an SWS™ signal is detected. If two separate SWS™ messages are received, each message is presented twice before the "clicking" resumes.
You can replay the last SWS™ message received by pressing the DRK button within 30 seconds of receiving an SWS alert. Both Digital Voice and Text Message are replayed.
If you have selected "SWStone" (Digital Voice OFF), our unit will show just the Text Message (see Selectable Features).

Note - the end of a multiple word SWS™ message is indicated by an asterisk.
Abbreviated SWS™ Category Words: "HwyWork" confirms Highway Construction / Maintenance (messages 1-11)

"HazdZone" confirms Highway Hazard Zone Advisory (messages 13-31)

"Weather" confirms >Weather Related Hazards (messages 33-41)

"TravInfo" confirms Travel Information / Convenience (messages 43-59)

"Moving" confirms Emergency / Slow Moving Vehicles in transit (messages 61-64)

"Message Unknown" confirms incomplete or unknown messages