Bel 950 & Bel 980 Operating Instructions: Understanding Radar, Laser and SWS™

Understanding Radar, Laser and SWS™

Three Radar Frequencies
Three microwave frequencies have been allocated by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and are used for traffic Radar. They are:
  • X Band: 10.525Ghz
  • K Band: 24.150Ghz
  • Super Wideband Ka: 33.4Ghz to 36.0Ghz
Both X and K bands are well known to motorists who have traveled with Radar detectors. Introduced first was X band Radar which became common during the 1960s. In the mid 1970s the lower powered, more difficult to detect K band Radar was introduced. In 1987, FCC approval was given for Radar equipment using a third frequency, Ka. In response to this, Beltronics introduced the first Radar detectors capable of detecting X, K and Ka band signals. In late 1990, FCC approval was given to Wideband Ka: 34.2Ghz to 35.2Ghz. Once again, Bel responded with Wideband Ka detection. Today, the Bel 980 and Bel 950 detect the complete Super Wideband Ka frequency allotted for police monitoring — 33.4Ghz to 36Ghz.
Total Tracking Laser™ (TTL™)
Unlike radar signals, which are higly reflective, Laser signals have very poor reflective characteristics. Many of today's Laser detectors do not have the high sensitivity necessary to detect Laser within a large "field of view". Bel 980 and Bel 950 incorporate Bel's number one rated Laser detection. Twin Laser ports detect energy far outside the main Laser beam — including off-axis signals — providing the largest achievable 360� "field of view". The alerts provided by your unit are the same whether signals are received from the front or rear.
Safety Warning System® (SWS™) - What is it ?
The Radio Association Defending Airwave Rights, Inc (R.A.D.A.R.) conceived and developed the Safety Warning System®. The concept behind this system is to warn motorists of potential road hazards by employing Safety Warning System® transmitters in areas such as construction zones, accident sites and detours. These SWS™ transmitters operate within the 24Ghz portion of the K band frequency, and broadcast uniquely coded signals that are detected by your unit.
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