Beltronics Vector 995 Owner's Manual - Page 11

31160_Vec995_OMrev 8/10/10 1:46 PM Page 21 Technical Details Interpreting Alerts Although the V995 has a comprehensive warning system and this handbook is as complete as we can make it, only experience will teach you what to expect from your V995 and how to interpret what it tells you. The specific type of radar being used, the type of transmission (continuous or instant-on) and the location of the radar source affect the radar alerts you receive. The following examples will give you an introduction to understanding the V995's warning system for radar, laser and safety alerts. Alert The V995 begins to sound slowly, then the rate of alert increases. The Signal Meter ramps accordingly. V995 emits short alerts for a few seconds and then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall silent again. V995 suddenly sounds a continuous tone for the appropriate band received. All segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit. A brief laser alert. V995 receives weak signals. These signals may be a little stronger as you pass large, roadside objects. The signals increase in frequency. Explanation You are approaching a continuous radar source aimed in your direction. An instant-on radar source is being used ahead of you and out of your view. An instant-on radar source or laser source is being used nearby. This kind of alert requires immediate attention! Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is inherently difficult to detect, any laser alert may indicate a source very close by. A moving patrol car with continuous radar is overtaking you from behind. Because these signals are reflected (reflections are increased by large objects), they may or may not eventually melt into a solid point even when the patrol car is directly behind you. 18 Alert V995 alerts slowly for a while and then abruptly jumps to a strong alert. V995 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of alerts may be inconsistent or vary wildly. V995 alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of signal increases with each alert. V995 gives an X-band, or K-band alert intermittently. Explanation You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a hill or an obstructed curve. A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a radar source aimed forward. Because signals are sometimes reflected off of large objects and sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent. A patrol car is approaching from the other direction, sampling traffic with instant-on radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously. You are driving through an area populated with radar motion sensors (door openers, burglar alarms, etc.). Since these transmitters are usually contained inside buildings or aimed toward OR away from you, they are typically not as strong or lasting as a real radar encounter. CAUTION: Since the characteristics of these alerts may be similar to some of the preceding examples, overconfidence in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a commonly traveled area is suddenly stronger or on a different band than usual, speed radar may be set up nearby. 19