Basically, a police radar certification insures the accuracy of the radar. Electronic component values commonly change their value over time due to age and other environmental factors. For radar’s, this change in component value could vary the way it calculates vehicle velocity. Radars made nowadays use better components and do not exhibit errors related to component value drift. Even so, these new components still have a little drift so an accuracy check is still needed.

A radar certification is normally performed by a third party who has no association with the law enforcement agency. Should a motorist take his speeding violation to court, it is in the proper interest of the agency to have a radar certification from an independent company. Should a speeding offense make it to court, the certification agency is commonly summoned to testify regarding the operation of the radar that was used to write the speeding citation. If called to a court hearing on the speeding ticket, the certification company can only attest to the accuracy of the radar.

The elements of a thorough radar certification or radar calibration include:

Transmitter Frequency Check

The microwave transmitter emits the high frequency towards the target vehicle. This frequency must remain in the range as specified by the manufacturer. Due to high frequencies of these transmitters, highly-sophisticated equipment must be used to measure their output.

Receiver (Antenna(s)) Check

The antennas receive the reflected microwave frequency and compare it to the emitted frequency to create a frequency-difference. To imitate this difference, a known frequency is generated and located in front of the antennas. If the right speed is shown on the display, the antennas are deemed to be accurate.

Radar Functional Check

In addition to the transmitter and receiver check, a extensive functional check should be performed. To complete the certification, the remote control and base unit functions must be checked against the operators manual. Prior to certification, the radar must be functioning per the operators manual with no malfunctions. If a repair is needed the certification company may be able to do the radar repair as well.

Local government generally requires speed detection equipment be certified on a regular schedule. Most court systems like to see a radar certification done once a year. In general, all electronic equipment used for testing should be tested for accuracy each year. This means that the equipment used to certify radar be checked for accuracy also. The National Institute for Standards and Testing (NIST) is the office to which all test equipment accuracy records should be traced. If the is the case, your radar can be deemed accurate to NIST standards.

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