Over the past few months, we’ve talked about how radar detectors and laser defense systems work. Now it’s time to talk about the dreaded and often controversial DragonEye ECCM-equipped lidar guns and why they’re so difficult to jam.

What Is DragonEye ECCM?

Let’s break this down a bit. Based in Norcross, Georgia, DragonEye Technology is a company that develops electro-optical systems for the law enforcement industry. What does this mean? They make police lidar guns. They have two basic product categories: lidar speed measurement guns with and without a built-in camera.

Aside from the quality, accuracy and reliability of their products, DragonEye’s claim to fame is their anti-jamming technology called the Electronic Counter-Counter Measure (ECCM) system. ECCM was designed to prevent a conventional laser defense system from being able to disable DragonEye’s measurement system.

What Is ECCM?

In a conventional lidar gun, the emitting laser produces pulses of light and measures the time it takes for those pulses to be reflected back to the gun. Knowing the speed of light, the gun can calculate the speed of an object by analyzing the changes in reflection time for each pulse. For our discussion, let’s say that the gun sends out 150 pulses per second and expects to see that same frequency of pulses returned.

Laser defense systems on our cars and trucks are designed to detect these pulses of light and transmit additional pulses and varying timing patterns to prevent a lidar gun from being able to make a calculation.

When ECCM is in use, the spacing between the light pulses is somewhat random. We specify that is it only “somewhat” random because the gun needs to know when it emitted a pulse and be able to measure its reflection time. As such, there is a pattern, even though it’s complicated.

Again, purely as an example, a DragonEye Gun may start transmitting at 150 Hz (pulses per second), then ramp up to 1,500 Hz and back down.

Defending Against Variable Pulse Rate Lidar

A simpler name for lidar guns like the DragonEye Compact and DragonEye Speed LIDAR with ECCM enabled is Variable Pulse Rate (VPR) radar. Other guns like the Stalker X-Series, the Laser Ally lidar and the LTI TruSpeed also offer VPR anti-jamming modes.

It’s worth clarifying: It’s the frequency of the pulses that is changed, not the frequency or wavelength of the beam being transmitted. For most lidar guns, that beam remains in the 905 nanometer/331.26 terahertz range.

In order for your laser defense system to prevent a reading, the system needs to detect the algorithm used to modulate the laser pulse frequency and transmit a compatible yet scrambled pattern. The transmitted pulses can’t simply be random.

The Cat-and-Mouse Game

Manufacturers of laser defense systems such as Escort, AL Priority, Stinger and K40 are constantly working on updating their firmware to maintain compatibility with new firmware from the lidar gun manufacturers. Statements about which defense systems defend against which guns should be qualified with confirmation of the firmware on the gun. A four-year-old DragonEye gun that has never had an update is going to be easier to jam than one that just came off the assembly line or has just returned from recertification and updates.

If you are shopping for a laser defense system, visit your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer and talk with them about where and how you drive. If they are truly experienced in the laser defense market, they will be able to tell you what radar and lidar guns are in use in your area and help you select a solution that will meet your needs. As always, we want to remind our readers that the performance of a laser defense system depends significantly on the installation. A reliable and accurate installation isn’t cheap but it can be the difference between getting a speeding ticket and arriving at your destination without delays.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

If you’ve ever driven past a speed trap or, worse, received a speeding ticket from a law enforcement officer using a laser gun, you may be curious about how these systems work. Also called a lidar gun, these speed measuring devices are not only very accurate, but they work quickly and reliably to let an officer know how fast you are traveling.

What Is Lidar?

Invented in early 1960s, lidar (which is short for Light Detection And Ranging) was designed to measure distances. Lidar devices transmit a series of infrared light pulses that are focused into a beam toward an object. The system measures how long it takes for that pulse to reflect back to the laser receiver (a second lens on the front of the device). Knowing that light travels at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, the computer in the device can calculate how far away an object is, based on how long it took each the pulse of light to return.

The first practical application for lidar was when the National Center for Atmospheric Research used it to measure clouds. In 1971, the crew on the Apollo 15 mission used a laser altimeter to create a map of the moon’s surface.

How Police Laser Works

Police laser guns use a series of pulses to calculate speed. If the operator points the gun at a stationary object, each pulse takes the same amount of time to reflect back to the gun. The system compares these reflection times and looks for a change. When there is no change, the unit will display an object speed of 0 mph.

If the time it takes for each pulse to return is decreasing, the gun knows the object is moving toward the operator. If the reflection time is increasing, then the object is moving away from the operator. The rate of change of signal reflection time is used to determine the speed at which the object is approaching (or moving away from) the operator.

While this sounds complicated, most lidar guns can perform these calculations extremely quickly, often in 0.3 to 0.35 seconds. This incredible speed makes it impossible for a driver to slow down before the officer knows how fast he or she is driving.

Police Lidar Accuracy

After inspecting the specification sheets from companies like Stalker Radar, Kustom Signals and DragonEye Technology, most laser measurement systems are rated to provide a beam width of about 2.5 to 3 feet at a distance of 1,000 feet. This accuracy allows a police officer to select a single vehicle for measurement, even in dense traffic.

In terms of speed accuracy, all of the above manufacturers claim that the speed measurement is within 1 mile per hour. Though perhaps irrelevant for a discussion of policing, most laser (and radar) guns have a maximum measuring speed of about 180 to 200 miles per hour.

Why Is It Difficult to Jam Lidar?

Laser or lidar jammers try to detect the pulses of light from the officer’s gun and determine the pattern being used. Once they detect the pattern, they transmit a similar series of laser pulses that are intended to confuse the gun and prevent an accurate reading. Laser jammer manufacturers are always working on software updates to support the newest anti-jamming technologies.

Protect Yourself with a Laser Jammer Today

If you are interested in learning about the technologies that are available for your car or truck to prevent officers from using laser guns to measure your speed, drop by your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer today. They can explain the solutions they carry and how they can install them on your vehicle. As always, we ask that you drive safely and obey all traffic laws on your next adventure or commute.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

In any discussion of modern radar or laser detectors, the question of how to handle laser or Lidar speed measurement should be a fundamental and important aspect. More and more law enforcement agencies are switching to Lidar guns because they offer very precise speed measurements of a single vehicle, even at distances as far as 6,000 feet. An officer using a Lidar gun can measure the speed of your car, truck or SUV in as little as 0.3 seconds.

Portable Radar and Laser Detectors

When it comes to radar detectors, there are two basic options. Portable radar detectors mount to your windshield or rearview mirror and are often powered by a simple cigarette lighter plug. These all-in-one solutions do an excellent job of detecting long-range radar signals, thanks to their high mounting location on the vehicle. When it comes to Lidar guns, though, the best a portable radar detector can do is to advise you when it detects the laser beam.

What’s wrong with knowing that Lidar is being used? If the police officer was targeting your vehicle, he had the speed measurement before you could even put your foot on the brake pedal. Most radar detector users consider the laser detection system on a portable radar detector as an “I am about to get a ticket” warning.

Why do portable radar detector systems have Lidar detectors? The manufacturers hope that the system picks up a laser signal that has been reflected off a nearby vehicle. If you weren’t specifically targeted, this alert may be enough warning to let you slow down to a safe speed.

Custom-installed Radar Detectors

The other option for a radar detector system is one that is custom-installed in your vehicle. In this system, a dedicated radar receiver is mounted behind the plastic front bumper cover and in some vehicles, an extra radar receiver in the rear. Depending on the brand of the detector you purchase, a small display module may be mounted inside the vehicle, or you may have a simple warning LED or two and a speaker system that will alert you to what type of speed measurement system was detected. Custom-installed radar detectors use larger, higher-sensitivity radar receivers to provide excellent performance.

When it comes to Lidar, a custom-installed radar system can provide defense against laser speed measurements. Here’s why. Many systems include, or have the option to add, laser transceivers that mount in your front grille. In the same way that a portable radar detector includes laser detection, the custom-installed system also monitors the common laser wavelengths for signs of Lidar measurement.

Here is where things change dramatically. Once the system detects a Lidar signal, it immediately transmits random information on the same wavelength to confuse the Lidar gun. If your laser transceivers are installed and aligned properly, the police officer won’t be able to get a speed measurement from your vehicle.

There’s a Part 2 to this Story

If the laser transceiver system simply continued to confuse the officer, he or she will likely recognize what you are doing and may pull you over anyhow. To keep the peace, laser transceiver manufacturers suggest that you slow down to a legal speed, then cancel the laser transmission. This will allow the officer to take a speed measurement and you can carry on your merry way. In most systems, pressing a button on a small remote or control panel will cancel the laser signal transmission.

Lidar Transceiver System Options

Different manufacturers such as K40, Escort, Al Priority and Stinger each provide distinct laser transceiver solutions. The number of transceivers required for your vehicle depends on its size and design. In most applications, two transceivers on the front or rear of the car or truck will provide good coverage. If you have a larger vehicle, a third transceiver will increase the intensity and coverage of the modified laser signal.

What about DragonEye?

If there has to be a buzzword in the radar detector industry, it would be DragonEye. DragonEye Technology LLC is based in Georgia and is a manufacturer of Lidar speed measurement guns. Their speed measurement systems have proven to be difficult to confuse. Any discussion about what make and model of a laser defense system is capable of preventing a DragonEye gun from taking a measurement is often short-lived. New software updates for the guns are released on what seems like a regular basis. To keep up with this ever-changing technology, Lidar defense system manufacturers have to provide updates for their systems as well.

More important than being able to defend against DragonEye today is the knowledge that the manufacturer you have chosen will continue to provide updates as new Lidar gun firmware is released. Be sure to do your homework and ask your retailer about the frequency of updates, and how easy or complicated it is to install them on your system.

Drive Safely

We hope that this discussion of the difference between laser detection and laser defense systems helps you make an informed purchasing decision. If you do choose a custom-installed radar detector and laser countermeasure system, how the system is installed plays a significant role in how well it performs. Do your homework. Get references. Inspect the work the shop has done on other vehicles. An investment in a custom radar and laser system isn’t insignificant, so be sure it is done right the first time.

As always, the staff and editors at BestCarAudio.com hope that you always drive safely and responsibly. A radar detection and laser defense system isn’t a license to break the law. Stay in control of your vehicle at all times and drive according to the road and weather conditions. We want you as a reader for life.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.