12
Understanding Your Detector
Interpreting Alerts
Although PASSPORT Max has a comprehensive
warning system, only experience will teach you what
to expect from your detector 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 alerts
you receive.
CAUTION: 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.
Alert Explanation
Detector begins to sound slowly; rate of alert You are approaching a continuous radar source
increases until it becomes a solid tone. The aimed in your direction.
signal meter ramps accordingly.
Detector emits short alerts for a few seconds An instant-on radar source is being used ahead
then falls silent, only to briefly alert and fall of you and out of your view.
silent again.
Detector suddenly sounds a continuous tone An instant-on radar or laser source is being used
for the appropriate band received. nearby. This kind of alert requires immediate
attention.
Detector sends a brief laser alert. Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is
inherently difficult to detect, any laser alert may
indicate a source very close by.
Detector receives weak signals. Signals may be A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
a little stronger as you pass large, roadside overtaking you from behind. Because these
objects. Signals increase in frequency. 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.
Detector alerts slowly for a while then abruptly You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a
jumps to a strong alert. hill or an obstructed curve.
Detector alerts intermittently. Rate and A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a
strength of alerts may be consistent or vary radar source aimed forward. Because signals are
wildly. sometimes reflected off of large objects and
sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent.
Detector alerts intermittently; rate and A patrol car is approaching from the other
strength of signal increases with each alert. direction, sampling traffic with instant-on radar.
Such alerts should be taken seriously.
Detector gives an X band alert intermittently. You are driving through an area populated with
radar motion sensors (e.g., door openers or
burglar alarms). 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.
The following examples will give you an introduction
to understanding your detector’s warning system for
radar and laser alerts.
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