™ Industries ™ BEE III Automatic Same Direction™ Traffic Radar Operation and Service Manual
™ Industries ™ BEE III Automatic Same Direction™ Traffic Radar Operation and Service Manual Copyright 2001, MPH Industries, Inc. No part of this work, covered by the copyrights hereon, may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems – without the written permission of MPH Industries, Inc.
Table of Contents Introduction 2 Getting Started - An Introduction to the BEE III Advanced features of the BEE III Fastest vehicle mode Same direction mode POP™ mode Stopwatch mode 3 12 12 12 13 14 A Detailed Explanation of the BEE III’s Features Practical use of the BEE III Display Remote Control Operation Power up self test Tuning fork tests and Tuning Fork mode Harmonic detection Range and radar placement Power source Fuse replacement Remote control batteries 16 16 18 20 24 24 24 26 26 26 26 27 Gen
Introduction MPH Industries, Inc. designed the BEE III Doppler radar with the police officer in mind. The radar is easy to operate and includes the performance and features needed for today's traffic environment. The BEE III is the most useful and flexible radar available; it is a full-featured moving radar with fastest and same direction capability. The BEE III utilizes MPH’s patented Automatic Same Direction™ (ASD™) technology.
Getting Started - An introduction to the BEE III This step-by-step guide will help you get started using the BEE III and show you how to operate it in all of its different modes. Working through this tutorial will take less than an hour, and it will teach you everything that is necessary to take full advantage of the BEE III's capabilities. It will take much less time for you to learn the BEE III's functions with this tutorial than it will if you try to figure them out on your own.
Perform a self test Press the Test key, located approximately in the middle of the remote control. This causes the radar to perform an internal test of the processing circuitry. First, the radar will light up all of its display elements in a segment test. Next the radar will tell you the software revision, for example “bEE III 010” for BEE III revision 1.0. Finally, the radar will test itself with two Doppler tones, first in stationary mode at 32 mph and then at 32/32 in moving mode.
are in opposite direction moving mode on the front antenna, the arrow in the opposite lane of traffic ahead of the patrol car is lighted. In all cases, the arrows indicate the traffic that is being monitored. Now, press the Standby (Stndby) button on the remote. Notice that the red X is lighted, indicating that the unit is in standby. None of the arrows are lighted since no traffic is being monitored. You’ll also notice that the radar reads either “Ci” or “Hi” in the Patrol window; we’ll address this later.
In stationary mode, you can select the direction of the targets that you want to monitor. When you first enter stationary mode, you will notice that both arrows in the display’s Mode window are lighted in the direction of the antenna that you have selected. This indicates that the radar will measure the speeds of targets moving in both directions, just like a normal radar will.
Perform a tuning fork test Place the BEE III into stationary mode by pressing the Mov/Sta button on the remote. Place the front antenna into transmit by pressing the raised Front button. Place a ringing fork in front of the antenna. The radar will read the speed marked on the tuning fork, within one mile per hour, in its red Target speed display. You may have to move the tuning fork gently toward and away from the antenna in order to get the radar to read it properly.
Also, locked speeds are automatically cleared 15 minutes after they are locked to preserve the integrity of the evidence. The automatic clearing is preceded by a 30 second countdown if the BEE is in Standby to inform the officer of the imminent clearing of the display so the officer can record the speed before it is erased. A double click of the lock button will also clear the lock window. Perform moving mode tuning fork tests Place the BEE III into moving mode by pressing the Mov/Sta button on the remote.
Try the menu system Press and release the Menu button on the remote control. The middle speed window of the readout will indicate “S n”. This indicates that the squelch is on and Doppler audio is only present when a target speed is being displayed. Now, do not push any buttons for 5 seconds. You will notice that the “S n” in the middle window disappears. In all cases, after the menu buttons have not been pressed for 10 seconds, the BEE III will revert back to its normal operating mode.
Place the radar back in standby. You’ll notice the word “Ci” or “Hi in the Patrol window. This is an indication on whether the radar is in City mode or Highway mode. City mode should be used for patrol speeds of 45 mph or less, and it causes the radar to resist false speeds due to combining. Highway mode should be used for patrol speeds over 40 mph, and it causes the radar to resist shadowing. Take a look at the remote control. One of the keys is marked “Pat Bl” in red and “Low/Hi” in blue.
Find some real targets (stationary) Place the BEE III into the stationary mode. With a target present, press the Front button. The BEE III will beep and turn the front antenna on, and if the target is strong enough a speed will be displayed in the TARGET window. If you want to lock in the speed, press the Lock button. The target speed will move to the middle display window, and the “T lock” icon below that window will light.
Advanced features of the BEE III These modes are useful tools, but many officers have not been exposed to them so they require more explanation. Please don’t tackle these until you have a few hours of practice using the BEE III in the conventional modes. A detailed explanation of these more information on modes is contained in the Operational concerns of the fastest and same direction mode section.
windshield or hood ornament. Please keep this fact in mind, because the vehicle nearest you may not be the target displayed by the BEE III if it's speed is within 3 mph of your patrol speed. The range of the BEE III is greatly reduced in same direction mode. This makes target identification easier by reducing the number of potential targets. POP™ mode This MPH exclusive feature utilizes the latest technology to stop speeders from buying their way around the law with a radar detector.
Effective use of POP mode Radar detectors are most effective against stationary radar on long stretches of road with light traffic. In this situation, each time the speed is measured on a car passing the radar, all cars with detectors within a mile or more are alerted. This is a perfect application for POP mode. POP mode is most effective at short range (up to ¼ mile) and where there is some separation between targets.
The first thing you will need to do is to locate an area over which you wish to monitor speeds. This area will need two distinct landmarks so that you observe when the vehicle has passed each landmark so that you can accurately start and stop the timer. You will need to know with good precision how far apart the two landmarks are. In order to get the best accuracy in stopwatch mode, the measurement time for a vehicle to traverse the distance you select should be at least 10 seconds.
A Detailed Explanation of the BEE III's Features Practical use of the BEE III The BEE III allows the operator to choose various types of use and operation. The radar may be used as a conventional MOVING, STATIONARY, or PACING radar. The BEE III also features the SAME DIRECTION MOVING and FASTEST features. Each of these uses is described below. Stationary radar As a stationary radar, the MPH BEE III allows the officer to monitor traffic coming or going while the patrol vehicle is stopped.
mode, the BEE III considers all possible targets (there may be several in range of the radar) and displays the fastest one. While the speeds indicated in the fastest mode are as accurate as normal targets, visual identification of the offending vehicle is more difficult. For this reason, the BEE III only displays fastest targets on request when the mode is enabled and does not allow them to be locked. It is intended to be used as a way to gather additional information about a specific situation.
Display The BEE III uses a high contrast LED display with automatic dimming. Mode The mode section shows what the radar is doing. The display is set up like a roadway. A large red “X” icon in the left lane tells at a glance that the transmitter is in standby. A large green car in the right line indicates that the transmitter is on. The operating mode of the BEE III is illustrated with the scene of a patrol car and selected targets.
The middle speed window is yellow and performs two functions; an icon located directly below the window indicates each function. If the window is being used to display a locked target speed, a Tlock icon is lit. Only the speed of the strongest target can be locked. If the middle window is being used to display the speed of the fastest vehicle (fastest mode), a FAST icon is lighted. General error conditions (Err) are also indicated in this window.
Remote Control The wireless remote is a battery-powered infrared remote control, much like one for a television (The optional wired remote has identical controls). There is no action required to turn power on or off on the remote, but try to avoid storing the remote with any switch depressed in order to avoid draining its batteries. The BEE III remote has two main sections of controls located on its face. These sections are separated by a heavy white line on the label.
Less-frequently used keys. These keys are flat membrane-type keys that are embossed around their edges to make them easy to identify by feel. Some of the keys have two colors of text identifying them. The red text is the default function of the key; pressing the key by itself will cause it to perform this function. The function in blue text is initiated by first pressing the blue “2ndF” key. Mov/Sta – Toggles the radar between moving and stationary operating modes.
Menu No presses of the menu button – Adjust the audio volume Audio volume has 7 settings (0 through 6, with 0 being “mute”). During volume adjustment, “A” is displayed in the middle window of the radar, followed by the current setting. On its initial power-up, the volume is initially set to level 4. On subsequent power-ups, the BEE III retains the volume setting it had when the radar was turned off. Pressing the “—” key lowers the volume one level; pressing the “+” raises the volume.
Three presses of the menu button – Enter POP mode When the menu button is pressed for the third time, a “P” will appear in the middle window. Pressing the “+” button places the radar in the POP mode, and “POP” will remain in the middle window of the radar for as long as the POP mode is active.
Operation Power up When the BEE III is first turned on, it will go through a complete self test. The radar will first perform a light test, in which all of the display's indicators will light, and then the radar will perform a 32 mph internal circuitry test. After the self-test, the current software version will be shown, followed by the current antenna configuration. A 3 for Ka band, A 2 for K band, and A 0 for no antenna.
Fastest mode may be tested by using the lower speed tuning fork as above and by placing the ringing higher speed fork into the antenna beam at a greater distance since the fastest target should be a weaker signal than the target. The Fastest button must be pressed and held on the remote. The audio will switch to the fastest target when present. For example, for forks marked 35 mph and 65 mph, the target would read 35 (the closer fork) and the fastest window would read 65.
Harmonic detection In moving mode, the BEE III receives a large reflection from the road, which is used to compute the patrol speed. Some situations, such as when guardrails or large signs are present, cause the signal to be excessively large. This can sometimes cause a harmonic frequency of twice the patrol speed to appear.
Remote control batteries The BEE III wireless remote uses 2 AA disposable alkaline batteries. These require periodic replacement by the user. A typical set of batteries should last approximately six months, so long as the remote control is not stored in a manner in which one of the buttons is inadvertently depressed for a significant period of time. The first indication that the batteries need replaced will be a reduced range of the wireless remote and a need to point the control toward the radar.
General Operational Considerations Understanding traffic radar A historical perspective The development of RADAR (an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging) cannot be attributed to a single inventor or even an identifiable group of inventors. Its basic concepts have been understood as long as those of electromagnetic waves have. As long ago as 1886, it was known that radio waves could be reflected from solid objects.
An appreciation of the Doppler effect can best be gained if one considers everyday sounds produced by familiar moving objects: the auto horn, a train whistle and a jet plane in flight will all demonstrate a marked change in tone as they pass a stationary object. This is a result of the wave nature of sound. For example, consider the automobile horn. The horn itself is producing waves of sound at a constant rate, say 250 waves per second.
You will recall in the example of the automobile horn that the frequency of the horn tone and its rate of travel through the air were assumed to be constant, so that the only factor affecting the tone from the observer's standpoint was the change in position of the automobile. With radio waves, we are able to assume this with much greater confidence. For a source of radio waves, MPH has selected a sophisticated solid-state device called a Gunn oscillator that generates radio energy in the microwave region.
Automatic Same Direction™ (ASD™) is a revolutionary radar technology patented by MPH. It allows the radar to tell the direction a target is moving relative to the radar. So in the two examples above, the radar would see two different Doppler shifts: +4321 and – 4321` cycles per second respectively. +4321 cycles per second would be converted to +60 mph, meaning that the target is approaching at 60 mph. - 4321 cycles per second could be converted to -60 mph, meaning that the target is moving away at 60 mph.
Operational concerns of the fastest and same direction modes Description of the fastest mode Historically, traffic radar has displayed the strongest target. Case law has centered on the ability of the radar operator to confidently identify what vehicle is associated with that indication. It was relatively simple for analog radars to process this method.
4) While visual identification of the strongest target is straight forward, identification of the fastest requires more attention and information. In a situation with a car passing a large truck, the fastest window may show the speed of that vehicle or a much faster vehicle somewhere else within the range of the radar. The fastest vehicle is selected without regard to its signal strength. It cannot be assumed that the fastest is the second strongest target.
Important points to remember when using the same direction mode: 1) Vehicles traveling at or very near patrol speed are not considered by the BEE III to be targets. Thus a vehicle may be directly in front of the patrol car, but if it is travelling the same speed (within 3 mph of the patrol speed), it will not be a read as a target. In same direction mode, the target window displays the strongest vehicle that is NOT within 3 mph of the patrol speed. 2) Fastest mode is not available in same direction mode.
Interference Information and Precautions There are several factors that can influence the operational behavior of Doppler radar. These influences can be natural or man-made. A knowledgeable operator will not be confused by these external influences. 1. Natural Influences Driving rain or blowing dust can cause a scattering effect, or diffusion, which can decrease the effective range. A driving rainstorm may affect the patrol display. Close observation of the patrol vehicle speed is recommended.
All radar speed measurement devices are sensitive to objects that move or vibrate in front of the antenna. In instances where the antenna is pointed in the general direction of the fan, or where the radar beam is reflected by the glass towards the heater/defroster fan, the radar may read the speed of the fan. Reading the fan speed is annoying and, in some cases, can reduce the effective range of the speed measurement device. MPH Industries suggests the following if fan interference is suspected: 1.
Legal guide The BEE III Doppler radar is based upon the well-known and legally accepted Doppler principle of operation. Because of its accuracy and wide legal acceptance over the years, most citations based on Doppler radar now result in guilty pleas. The arresting officer does need to acquaint himself, however, with the basic case laws regarding radar and make sure that he performs certain guidelines to meet these precedent cases. Brief descriptions of the more important landmark cases are listed below.
Reference G - Honeycutt v. Commonwealth, Ky., 408 SW2d 421 In this appeal, the court rejects the arguments of the appellant that the evidence should not have been admitted and again establishes that: 1). A properly constructed and operated radar device is capable of accurately measuring the speed of a motor vehicle; 2). The tuning fork test is an accurate method of determining the accuracy of a radar unit; 3).
FCC Licensing Requirements The MPH BEE III has a Grant of Equipment Authorization under Part 90 of the FCC rules (CFR 47). The FCC identifier codes for the K and Ka band units are: Ka-band K-band CJR-KABEE-003 CJR-KBEE-003 THIS EQUIPMENT COMPLIES WITH PART 90 OF THE FCC RULES. ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
BEE III Accessories Certification services The BEE III is provided with a certificate of calibration for the radar and a pair of certified tuning forks. The BEE III should be periodically recertified per your state or department's guidelines. The MPH Service department offers a certification service for all MPH radars and tuning forks. Contact the Service department at (800) 835-0690 for more information. Carrying case A carrying case made of durable high-impact plastic is available for the BEE III.
Speedometer Interface The speedometer interface eliminates shadowing and combining, by comparing the radar speed to the speedometer. The module is connected to the vehicles OBD (On Board Diagnostics) 16-position connector under the driver’s side dash. The DB-9 cable that is supplied with the speedometer interface is connected to radar DB-9 connector on the speedometer interface module and to the DB9 connector on the back of the BEE III counting unit.
Quality Control Procedures and Repair of the BEE III Quality control procedures All BEE III traffic radars comply with the following quality control conditions: 1. All parts and components are ordered to commercial high reliability, accuracy, and performance specifications. 2. Only vendors that meet MPH’s standards for quality are selected to supply parts and materials. 3.
Servicing the BEE III Product repair during the warranty period All warranty repair of the BEE III will be performed by MPH's service center unless written permission has been granted otherwise by MPH. Contact the factory for authorization and shipping instructions to return any product considered to be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Statement of Product Warranty MPH Industries, Inc. warrants that the BEE III will be free from defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of one year from the date of invoice to the original purchaser. Extensions of this product warranty may be purchased from MPH. MPH's obligation is limited to repairing or replacing, as MPH may elect, any part or parts of the BEE III that MPH determines to be defective in material or workmanship.
IV. MPH BEE III Specifications The MPH BEE III is designed for convenient use by law enforcement agencies to measure the speed of motor vehicles when operated from a moving or stationary patrol vehicle. The BEE III utilizes the well-known and legally accepted Doppler principle and has been type accepted by the Federal Communications Commission. A. SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS Nominal Power Supply Voltage: 13.6 Vdc Low Voltage Condition Level: 10.8 Vdc.
Automatic Performance Check: The radar automatically and invisibly checks itself for proper operation. If an error is detected, the fault is indicated in the middle window.
B. DISPLAY UNIT Speed Display: Three windows for LED speed display on Lexan scratch resistant front panel. LED displays automatically adjust brightness to ambient conditions. Display windows: Target Speed (red, on the left side of the display) Auxiliary (yellow, in middle of display, shows locked target speed or fastest target speed.
Backlighting: Activated for 7 seconds when Backlt button is pressed. Once activated, stays on for 7 seconds after any button is pressed. Raised, shaped keys: Front antenna Rear antenna Standby Same direction Opposite direction Lock Fastest Flat panel keys: Mov/Sta (Stopw) Test Pat Bl (Low/Hi) – Menu + 2nd Backlt Physical Size: E. Weight = 0.35 lb. (0.16 kg) Width = 2.4" (6.2 cm) at top 1.5” (3.8 cm) at base Height = 5.5" (14.0 cm) Depth = 1.3" (3.
Beam Width: 13° Nominal Beam Width Variance: +1° at maximum manufacturer's tolerance Side Lobe: 22 dB down from main beam maximum Received Microwave Beam: Utilizes transmitting antenna. Isolation accomplished by a turnstile duplexer. Transmitter: Complies with FCC Part 90 FCC Type Acceptance: Ka band K band Mixer Diode: Balanced pair Schottky barrier type rated for 100 mW burnout. Range: 4000 ft (1219m) typical for average size vehicle.
Operational Recommendations Subsequent to an August 1992 Congressional hearing convened by Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut on the safety of police traffic radar devices, the U.S. Congress directed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to study the cancer incidence among law enforcement officers who had used traffic radar devices.
MPH INDUSTRIES, INC. A SUBSIDIARY OF MPD, INC. 316 EAST NINTH STREET OWENSBORO, KY 42303 1-888-689-9222 FAX: (270) 685-6288 HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00AM – 4:30PM (Central Time Zone) Part No. 990662, Rev E Date: DEC.
