🚀 go-pugleaf

in article <MIKEMC.90Jan17132215@mustang.ncr-fc.FtCollins.NCR.com>, mikemc@mustang.ncr-fc.FtCollins.NCR.com (Mike McManus) says:
> In-reply-to: besler@egrunix.UUCP's message of 17 Jan 90 16:03:38 GMT
> 
> 
> In article <349@egrunix.UUCP> besler@egrunix.UUCP (Brent Besler) writes:
>>   (Discussing laser speed detectors...)
>>   It can't be used while moving currently since it can't determine the police 
>>   cars speed yet.
> 
> Why is that?  How do the current radar models work with respect to telling the
> speed of the officer's car?  Wouldn't it be similar?

For a semi-educated guess, how 'bout this:

The way mobile radar works is that you spit out a beam and collect two
inputs. The first is the signal reflected from stationary objects, such
as trees, signs, etc. If the squad car is moving at 55mph, the reflected
signal should be 55mph.

The second signal would be that of the alleged speeder. If, for example,
the target is going 70mph, the reflected signal should indicate 15mph.

By taking the difference, you can calculate the alleged speeder's speed.

With a laser ranging system, I guess that you have to "paint" the target
with a laser beam and read the interference pattern to determine the
target's speed. Both systems work because of the doppler effect, but
the laser can read only one interference pattern (so far).

Interestingly enough, it seems as though the laser-type system is
like that of laser-guided missiles, from what I've read.

Also, call Cincinnati Microwave (of Escort and Passport fame) and ask
for their "Why Radar Guns Are Inaccurate" (or something to that effect)
booklet. So next time Smokey gets missile-lock on you and you know you
weren't speeding, you'll have *some* defense, once you know how radar
guns work.

Incidentally, does anyone know the author or publisher of "The Ticket Book"
which was written by an ex-cop??? I'd like to get my hands on a copy, but
My local bookstores can't/won't help me on the basis of such skimpy info.
Thanx!

						Spookfully yours,

						Gene

Traffic court:	Where else in the United States are you guilty until
		proven innocent?