Radar Detector Photo Radar Testing
Last November the Arizona Department of Public Safety kicked off its new photo radar program with its first of 20 mobile vans. DPS’s plan is to have these vans along Arizona’s highway system, moving them on a frequent basis for the element of surprise.
Yesterday I caught my first peak at their van as they set it up just down the road from my home, along US 60.
What first caught my attention were two portable signs placed across from each other in the shoulder of the divided highway saying “Photo Enforcement Zone”. Glancing down at my speedometer I was a few notches over the posted 65 mile per hour speed limit and I was in the passing lane. Slowing down while pulling into the right lane, I glanced in my rear view mirror seeing a black Mustang that was speeding up passing in excess of 80.
A few moments later my Escort 9500i began alerting K band (24.103) and approximately 1800 feet ahead I observed DPS’s photo radar van parked off the shoulder. As the black Mustang passed I saw roof mounted strobes of the DPS van flash, sure that the driver of the Mustang wasn’t smiling.
The portable photo radar equipment found in vans such as DPS’s are normally at a lower output rating then typical stationary or hand held radar guns used by police and they are also aimed at a greater angle, away from approaching traffic, making them more difficult to detect.
As not to put an opportunity such as this to waste as my cache of radar detectors were only a mile away, I drove home and loaded up to see how other radar detectors would alert.
Each listed detector was tested separately and I marked the locations of the first alert with a Stalker laser gun. As not to create a traffic hazard, and not to arose the suspicions of the officer, I drove off the pavement of the shoulder. The STi-R tested was installed in my motor home and the other units were tested in my SUV. Each of the dash mounted detectors were mounted in approximately the same location on the windshield and the SR-7 antenna was mounted in the grill, approximately three feet lower then the dash mounted units.
Detector | Alert in feet |
Bel STi-r | 2002 |
Bel STi | 1949 |
Escort 9500i | 1904 |
Escort 8500 X50 | 1829 |
Valentine 1 | 1827 |
Bel RX65 | 1800 |
Escort SR7 | 1725 |
Whistler Pro 78 | 1102 |
Adaptiv TPX | 1005 |
Cobra XRS-9930 | 403 |
Cobra ZRS-R9G | 352 |
RMR-450c | 201 |
The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s press release regarding their photo radar program relates that their vans’ are programmed to take pictures and to cite whenever a vehicle is clocked 11 MPH over the posted speed limit. Drivers who drive 6 to 10 MPH over the speed limit will receive a warning letter.
Taking account reaction time of a driver of traveling 80 MPH they would have traveled over 176 feet before applying the brakes to slow down.
So “Zonies” take notice, if you’re depending upon a cheap radar detector to save you from Arizona’s new cash cow then you better pay heed of the yellow warning signs “Photo Enforcement Zone” otherwise you’ll have a few unwanted photos taken of you and your car.
9 Responses to “Radar Detector Photo Radar Testing”
Comments
Read below or add a comment...
Great info on what speed they ticket at. Always great to see honest testing showing the 8500 having better range than the V1!
I came across one of the DPS SUVs not long ago near Apache Junction on US60. I had a little Bel Express 795 which did pick them up, but only right before I was right on top of them.
zr1: Could be due to your windscreen. We in the Netherlands have tested this and a windscreen especially with a special heat coating will reduce your range dramatically
They must have updated most of their fleet with even lower-powered K band units. I have had numerous encounters with my V940 and RX65 where there was no alert until I was right on top of the van. I am not alone in my experience having heard of same from friends with Bels, Escorts and V1s. Although you have to twist V1 owners’ arms to get them to admit it. 🙂
I’ve also noticed this and infact been doing some additional testing as there has been a unit down the road from our office. It seems that they are now using a narrow pulsed K band gun and detection has been reduced in some cases to less than 100 feet.
As there was a shooting of one of the van operators a few weeks back, I’m keeping my distance so I will not seem suspicious.
I've met nice rookies, give him about a year and we'll see.
That cop, was one of the most professional individuals I have ever seen. Bravo to him.
The only way that they do not work is if they fail too get your licence number on camera. In California where I live the minimum fine is $5.00.00 dololers for any foto violation. You are lucky as they also count against your insurance.
the vans do exist they use them in Arizona as well. I don't know if they kick on with only one mile an hour over as a matter of fact im sure they don't or I would of had a few tickets by now.