MPH PYTHON III Operator's Manual

Industries

™

PYTHON III™

Traffic Radar

Operators

Manual

Industries

™

PYTHON III™

Traffic Radar

Copyright 2006, 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.

Operators

Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................................2

A Detailed Explanation of the PYTHON III's Features .............................................................3

Practical use of the PYTHON III.........................................................................................3

Displ ay ...............................................................................................................................5

Remote Control ...................................................................................................................9

Advanced features of the FS version of the PYTHON III .......................................................10

Fastest mode..................................................................................................................... 10

Same direction mode ..........................................................................................................10

Operation............................................................................................................................. 12

Power up.......................................................................................................................... 12

Tuning Fork Tests and Tuning Fork Mode ........................................................................... 12

Harmonic detection............................................................................................................ 13

Range and radar placement ................................................................................................13

Power Source ................................................................................................................... 14

Fuse Replacement............................................................................................................. 14

General Operational Considerations........................................................................................ 15

Understanding traffic radar ................................................................................................ 15

Operational conc erns of the fastest and same direction modes..............................................19

Interference Information and Precautions ............................................................................22

Legal guide ....................................................................................................................... 24

FCC Licensing Requirements ................................................................................................ 26

PYTHON III Accessories .................................................................................................... 27

Quality Control Procedures and Repair of the PYTHON III ....................................................29

Servicing the PYTHON III ................................................................................................... 30

Operational Recommendations ...............................................................................................36

Warranty.............................................................................................................................. 37

Return Policy........................................................................................................................ 38

Introduction

MPH Industries, Inc. designed the PYTHON 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 PYTHON III is the most useful and flexible radar available; it is a full-featured
moving radar.

The basic version of the PYTHON III is available in X, K, and Ka bands. An “FS” version of the
PYTHON III is also available which allows manually operated same direction speed
measurements and fastest vehicle speed measurements. The “FS” version is only available in K
and Ka band models.

The PYTHON III employs state -of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which
allows the unit to have both high performance and high reliability in a small package. The digital
signal processor is a specialized microprocessor chip, which can perform the required calculations
for detecting patrol and target speeds very efficiently.

The MPH PYTHON III is composed of one or two antennas, a wired remote control and a
display/counting unit. MPH designed the PYTHON III using only the highest quality parts.
Combined with the workmanship provided by MPH`s Manufacturing Department, the PYTHON
III will provide years of high performance.

The MPH PYTHON III offers more than features and performance. MPH provides training
through our network of experienced field representatives. We know that our success depends
upon your success with our equipment. We are dedicated to keeping our customers satisfied.
The following pages describe the operation of the MPH PYTHON III radar. We can also
provide useful information on the legal aspects of traffic radar at your request.

We at MPH Industries thank you for purchasing our equipment. We wish you the
greatest success in your speed enforcement program. We are proud that the
PYTHON III is a part of your department.

PYTHON, MPH Industries and the MPH logo are trademarks of MPH Industries, Inc.

2

A Detailed Explanation of the PYTHON III's Features

Practical use of the PYTHON III

The PYTHON 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 PYTHON
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 PYTHON III allows the officer to monitor traffic coming or
going, while the patrol vehicle is stopped. This type of operation is usually carried out in known
locations of high-speed traffic or complaint areas. In the stationary mode, the patrol window is not
used.

Moving radar (opposite direction)

As a moving radar, the MPH PYTHON III allows the officer to monitor traffic speeds, while
carrying on other routine patrol activities. The unit monitors the speed of each approaching
vehicle, displaying that vehicle's speed in the target window.

The patrol vehicle speed is continuously displayed so that the operator may check the speed
displayed against the speedometer reading. If these two speeds correspond, then the officer is
assured that the reading of the violator's speed is correct at the instant of determination.

In opposite direction mode, care should be taken by the operator to recognize that the violator is
traveling at a higher rate of speed than the norm; that the vehicle is out front, by itself, and nearest
the radar; that proper identification of the violating vehicle is made; and at the time of speed
determination the patrol vehicle's speed indication on the radar is the same as the reading on the
speedometer. If these steps are taken, and the radar was properly checked for calib ration
beforehand, the officer knows the radar was operating properly and that the radar made a true
and accurate determination of the vehicle's speed.

Fastest Mode (FS version only)

Historically, traffic radar has displayed the strongest target, case law has centered around 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.

Modern DSP radar such as the PYTHON III can process many ta rgets at the same time, but
there is no practical way to display multiple targets and associate them with the correct vehicles.
Fastest mode gives the operator an opportunity to view one other target besides the strongest. In
this mode, the PYTHON III considers all possible targets (there may be several in range of the
radar) and displays the fastest one.

3

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 PYTHON 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.

Fastest mode works in stationary and opposite direction moving modes, but not in same direction
mode.

Same direction moving radar (FS version only)

Same direction mode allows the PYTHON III to track targets moving faster or slower and in the
same direction as the patrol vehicle. This mode is best used in light traffic where visual target
identification is easier. With this feature active, the target speed range is limited to patrol speed
±70%. The target must be moving at a speed at least 3 mph faster or slower than patrol.

Pacing radar

The PYTHON III radar allows the officer an accurate means of pacing vehicles. In this mode,
the PYTHON III essentially functions as a calibrated speedometer. The radar should be placed
in the stationary mode for this type of operation.

4

Display

The PYTHON III uses a high contrast LED display with automatic dimming. The label also
contains eight select / control buttons, Power, Test, Mov/Sta, Aud/Sq, Range, Up arrow, Down
Arrow and Patrol.

X

Target

Power

Test

Mov

Sta

Fast

PYTHON III

HAR

Aud

Sq

Mov Sta

Mode

Range Patrol

Patrol

Mode

The mode section shows what the rada r 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 lane indicates that the transmitter is on.

The operating mode of the PYTHON III is illustrated with the scene of a patrol car and selected
targets. In opposite direction moving mode, the scene shows an arrow in the left lane of traffic; it
is ahead of the patrol car if the front antenna is selected and behind the patrol car if the rear
antenna is selected. In same direction moving mode, the arrows target vehicle is shown moving
the same direction as the patrol car. In addition, moving mode is indicated by “Mov” appearing
under the middle speed display window.

In stationary mode , the Mode window works similarly. Indicators appear in front of or behind the
patrol vehicle icon to indicate the selected antenna. Stationary mode is indicated by “Sta”
appearing below the middle speed display window.

Speed windows

The PYTHON III has three windows for speed display. These are arranged by function and use
color for quick identification at night.

The leftmost display is a dedicated red target window. This window always displays the strongest
target’s speed, even in fastest mode. Radio frequency error conditions (rFi) are displayed in this
window.

OK

5

The middle speed window is yellow and performs three functions; an icon located directly below
the window indicates each function. If the window is being used to display a locked targe t speed,
a T-lock 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. “RFI” is indicated in the leftmost
window. A decimal point on the right side of display labeled HAR is activated when a harmonic
condition is occurring. If a low voltage condition occurs, it will be indicated by “Lo bAt” in the left
most and middle windows.

The green window on the right side of the display shows the patrol vehicle’s speed in moving
mode and is unused (two dashes) in stationary mode. The speed displayed in this window should
always correspond with the vehicle’s speedometer. The OK indicator (decimal point on) indicates
that the continuous test is passing.

Display dimming and infrared remote sensor

A photocell is located on the display panel to automatically adjust the brightness of the display to
the ambient light conditions.

Power button

This button controls the power for the PYTHON III radar. When the PYTHON III is turned off,
the radar remembers it’s user settings (mode, etc.), but it does not remember speeds and it starts
up in standby mode. When the unit is next turned on, it powers up using the same settings, saving
the user the trouble of resetting the radar to his or her desired settings.

Test button

Manually initiates a self-test of the radar. The radar will momentarily light all of its displays.
Then it will test itself at various speeds. If no problems are found, the radar will return to its
previous mode of operation. If a problem is found, the radar will display 32 in the target and lock
windows and cease to measure speeds.

The radar performs additional self -tests continuously during normal operation. The radar lights the
“OK” indicator if no problems are detected and emits a beep if a problem is found.

Mov/Sta button

Toggles the radar between moving and stationary operating modes.

Aud/Sq button

Pressing the Aud/Sq button once will display the audio volume level. The audio volume has 9
settings (1 through 9, with 1 being “mute”). During volume adjustment, “A udio” is displayed in the
left and middle window s of the radar, followed by the current setting in the remaining window.

On its initial power-up, the volume is initially set to level 6. On subsequent power-ups, the
PYTHON III retains the volume setting it had when the radar was turned off.

6

Pressing the down arrow button lowers the volume one level; pressing the up arrow button raises
the volume .

Pressing the Aud/Sq button again will bring up the squelch setting. The squelch has two settings:
on and off. Squelch on causes the radar to only produce an audio tone when a target is present,
while Squelch off causes the Doppler return signal to be amplified at all times. During squelch
adjustment, “Squ” is displayed in the left most window of the radar, followed by the current setting
on or off.

On its initial power-up, the squelch is initially on. On subsequent power-ups, the PYTHON III
retains the squelch setting it had when the radar was turned off.

Pressing either the down arrow button or the up arrow button causes the radar to toggle between
Squelch on and Squelch off.

Range button

The range has 9 settings (1 through 9). The range setting does not affect the transmitted power,
only the sensitivity of the radar. During range adjustment, “rAngE” is displayed in the window of
the radar, followed by the current setting.

On pow er-up, the range is initially set to maximum.
Pressing the down arrow button decreases the range one level; pressing the up arrow button
increases the range.

Up arrow button

Sets the patrol speed range to the highway values. This button also works with the Aud/Sq,
Range and Patrol buttons to increase or toggle the settings.

Down arrow button

Sets the patrol speed range to the city values. This button also works with the Aud/Sq, Range and
Patrol buttons to decrease or toggle the setting.

Patrol button

The Patrol controls the City / Highway mode setting and provides the patrol blanking. Pressing
Patrol button when the unit is not in standby mode will allow you to see the Patrol City or
Highway setting and adjust it using the up or down arrow. The up arrow = Highway (“Hi”), down
arrow = city (“Lo”).

The city or highway filter helps reduce patrol speed shadowing or combining. The highway mode
helps reduce shadowing that can occur during fast closing highway speeds. The city mode helps
reduce the chance of combining that can occur at the lower patrol speeds. In general, if the patrol
speed is typically 60 MPH or less, the radar should be in the city (“Lo”) mode. For patrol speeds,
predominately greater than 60 MPH use the highway (“Hi”) mode.

7

When the radar is in Standby mode, pressing the Patrol button will cause the radar to blank the
locked patrol speed display. Pressing the button while the patrol speed display is blanked will
cause the locked patrol speed to reappear.

Doppler audio

The PYTHON III features a speaker on top of the unit is for Doppler audio and tone beeps. The
PYTHON III's audio is derived directly from the received Doppler signal (not synthesized) and is
useful as an aid in target identification. The loudness is proportional to the strength of the received
signal and increases as the target vehicle approaches. The pitch of the audio signal increases with
higher closing speeds. The Doppler audio always corresponds to the strongest target, even when
the radar is in fastest mode.

8

Remote Control

The PYTHON III is supplied with either a FS or standard remote.
The FS remote has two extra buttons to control the fastest and same
direction modes The remote provides easy access to the essential
radar functions. The remote is designed to use with gloves and the
buttons provide an intuitive feel. This allows the officer to keep their
eyes on the road.

Standard Remote Operating Mode Buttons

The red buttons control the antenna, these are:

Front: Places the radar into front antenna mode.

Rear: Places the radar into rear antenna mode.

Standby: Places the radar into Standby.

The top blue button is:

Lock: Causes the radar to lock the Target speed in the Lock window.

A target locked for 30 minutes (this time will vary on specia l department requests) will
automatically be cleared. If the unit is in standby, a countdown will be shown in the target
window along with an alerting tone informing the officer that the locked speeds are going
to be cleared soon. For example: the target window will display L30 at 30 seconds from
clear, L20 at 20 seconds from clear and L10 at 10 seconds from clear, then the locked
speeds are cleared at 0 seconds. This feature allows the officer time to note the speeds
before they are cleared.

FS Remote (Additional Buttons, Available for K and Ka-bands only)

S/O: Toggles the radar between opposite or same direction when moving mode is selected.

FAST: Toggles the radar between fastest vehicle mode and strongest vehicle mode. Also

used in same direction mode to tell the radar that a target is moving faster than the patrol
vehicle.

LOCK

S/O FAST

FRONT

S
T
B
Y

REAR

S
T
B
Y

9

Advanced features of the FS version of the PYTHON 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
PYTHON III in the conventional modes. A detailed explanation of these and more information on
modes is contained in the Operational concerns of the fastest and same direction mode
section.

Fastest mode

When the PYTHON III is in stationary or opposite -direction moving mode, fastest mode is
available by pressing the FAST key, which is located in the upper right hand corner of the
remote control. This will cause the middle display window to be labeled as FAST. The unit
will remain in fastest mode until the fastest button is pressed again or until a target speed is
locked in.

The middle speed window will display the speed of the fastest target, while the normal target
window continues to display the strongest target. If the strongest target is the fastest target
within the range of the PYTHON III, the fastest window will be filled with underscores.
The Doppler audio and the mode window will continue to track the strongest target when the
radar is in fastest mode.

Locking a target while the PYTHON III is in fastest mode will lock the strongest target and
the radar will immediately exit the fastest mode. The PYTHON III will not allow the locking
of the speed that is displayed in the fastest window.

Same direction mode

Same direction moving radars like the PYTHON III have two major differences from
opposite direction moving radar.

First, vehicles traveling the same or very near the same speed (under 3 mph) as patrol can not
detected by the PYTHON III as targets. The speed differential is very small, and so is the
Doppler shift. A radar can not easily separate such targets from the reflections of stationary
objects like the windshield or hood ornament. Please keep this fact in min d, because the
vehicle nearest you may not be the target displayed by the PYTHON III if it's speed is within
3 mph of your patrol speed.

Second, the radar cannot distinguish if the targeted vehicle is moving faster or slower than the
patrol vehicle. Because of this, you must judge whether the vehicle is traveling faster or
slower than the patrol vehicle and you must communicate this to the PYTHON III. If the
target is traveling faster than you are, press the FAST button until the Fast indicator is
displayed under the Lock/Fastest target window and the radar will calculate the correct
speed. If you don't press the button, the radar will assume that the target vehicle is moving
slower than you are and the Fast indicator is not lit.

10

The radar will stay in faster mode until the FAST button is pressed again, at which time it will
toggle slower mode. In other words, the Fastest/Slower button toggles the radar between
Faster and Slower mode when the radar is in Same Direction mode.

The range of the PYTHON III is greatly reduced in same direction mode. This makes target
identification easier by reducing the number of potential targets.

11

Operation

Power up

When the PYTHON 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 speed 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.

Tuning Fork Tests and Tuning Fork Mode

A tuning fork test is the standard test for proving that the antenna and counting unit are
functioning properly. In older analog radars, the dual tuning fork tests actually checked two
different circuits, one each for patrol and target speeds. However, the PYTHON III uses a single
circuit, the digital signal processor (DSP), to determine both speeds, so that testing the PYTHON
III with a single tuning fork in stationary mode actually ensures that the entire radar is working.
Despite this fact, MPH recommends that you follow your court-proven department guidelines for
performing tuning fork checks.

Stationary mode tuning fork tests

To perform a stationary mode tuning fork test. Strike the tuning fork on wood or plastic and hold
the ringing fork in a fix ed position two or three inches in front of the antenna with the narrow edge
of the fork facing the antenna front. This will cause the target speed window to display the speed
labeled on the fork (+ 1 mph). While performing the tuning fork test, the audio volume level may
be set to a desirable level.

Fastest mode (FS units only) 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 may be pressed on the
remote to activate Fastest mode . 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.

Moving mode tuning fork tests

Moving radar units are designed to acquire a patrol speed and look for target speeds that are
faster (opposite direction) or slower (same direction) than the patrol speed. These two speeds
can be simulated using tuning forks. The two forks are manufactured to vibrate at different
frequencies. One fork will be used to simulate patrol speed and the other target speed. In moving
mode, the speed printed on the target fork will not match the speed shown on the PYTHON III
display. It will be added to or subtracted from the patrol speed depending on the mode switch
selections.

For opposite direction moving mode, the lower speed fork will simulate patrol speed while the
higher speed fork will represent the target. For same direction moving mode, the higher speed will
be the patrol fork while the lower speed will be the target.

12

To perform the tuning fork test, strike the patrol fork (lower frequency) on a hard nonmetallic
surface. Hold the ringing fork in a fixed position two or three inches in front of the antenna with
the narrow edge of the fork facing the antenna. The speed will be shown in the patrol window.
While continuing to hold the ringing fork in place, strike the other fork and hold it next to the patrol
speed fork. Both forks must be vibrating while being held an approximately -equal distance from
the antenna.

For opposite direction moving mode, the radar should display the low speed fork as patrol and the
difference between the forks as the target speed. For example, for forks marked 35 mph and 65
mph, the patrol would read 35 (low speed fork) and the target would read 30 (high-speed fork
minus low speed fork).

Testing the same direction moving mode with tuning forks is a little more difficult. The radar will
display the high-speed fork as the patrol speed. The PYTHON III assumes that the target is
moving faster than the patrol speed (press the FAST button until the Fast indicator is lit in the
middle window). Therefore, with forks marked 35 mph and 65 mph, the patrol would read 65
(high speed fork) and the target would read 100 (high-speed fork plus low speed fork). To
simulate the other case, where the target is moving slower than the patrol vehicle (press the FAST
button until the Fast indicator is off in the middle window). This makes the radar subtract the
target speed from the patrol speed. With forks marked 35 mph and 65 mph, the patrol would read
65 (high speed fork) and the target would read 30 (high-speed fork plus low speed fork).

Harmonic detection

In moving mode, the PYTHON III receives a large reflection from the road, which is used to
compute the patrol speed. Some situations, such as when guard rails 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. These signals would normally be displayed as a target with a speed
equal to the patrol speed and prevent the PYTHON III from reading the speed of real targets, but
harmonic detection circuitry inside the PYTHON III inhibits this and blanks the target display and
activates the HAR indicator on the right side of the middle window. Unfortunately, the harmonic
detection circuitry also may reduce the range of actual target vehicles that are moving at the same
speed as the patrol vehicle. This is normal and can be avoided by patrolling at a different speed
than the offending targets.

Range and radar placement

The range of the radar is influenced by how it is mounted in the vehicle. Heater fans are moving
targets and will be picked up if energy from the antenna is reflected toward the fan. The best
solution to this problem is to find a location that minimizes this effect. To determine this location,
place the unit in stationary mode, turn the volume up, and ope n the squelch. This lets any target or
interference be heard. If changing fan speeds changes the audio signal, the fan is being picked up
in that mounting position; try to find a different location. Reducing the fan speed may also reduce
the problem. Reducing the range setting of the radar will also reduce the problem. If you have
persistent problems with the PYTHON III reading the fan speed, call the factory for suggestions
specific to your particular vehicle.

13

Power Source

Cigarette lighter receptacles have been the traditional source of power for traffic radar.
However, poor grounding, electronic ignition bleed over, and alternator noise in newer cars can
combine to create an unacceptably high level of ambient electronic interference. In some
instances, an unusually noisy vehicle ignition/alternator noise can result in false readings and/or
reduce the range of the PYTHON III.

To combat this, it is recommended that a shielded cable be run from the battery directly to an
auxiliary receptacle installed under the dash or on the console. This should effectively eliminate
any power source problems.

Fuse Replacement

PYTHON IIIs are shipped with a fused cigarette lighter plug. The fuse is housed inside the tip of
the plug. (See arrow in below illustration.) To remove fuse: unscrew and remove the tip and the
fuse. Replacement fuses should be commonly available 2 Amp, AGC type fuses. Substitutions
are not recommended and may violate the PYTHON III's warranty.

14

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. It’s 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. Although use of a radio echo for detection
purposes was discussed for many years in the literature, it took the imminent threat of war in
Europe in the late 1930's to bring about serious research and development.

The original purpose of radar was to provide advance warning of approaching enemy aircraft.
Consequently, a technique of transmitting radio waves and listening for the reflection was
developed in Germany, Great Britain, and the U.S. almost simultaneously. This search and
detection system measured the length of time it took for a reflection to come back, and from that,
distance could be calculated. Using this technique, many familiar devices were developed during
the war years, often under great secrecy. These include aircraft and ship navigation, the aircraft
altimeter, and radar mapping.

With the lifting of military security restrictions in 1946, the level of research in radar declined and
attention was turned to the development of civilian applications such as radio astronomy and
weather radar. Although a method of velocity measurement using a theory of physics called the
Doppler principle was well known, it was never applied to a radar until this post-war period. One
of the first applications in 1948 was in primitive traffic radar to measure the speed of autos. While
these early units were an improvement over the time distance stopwatch technique, they were
bulky, difficult to operate and suffered from certain technical limitations. It was more than twenty
years before a significant breakthrough was made to enable the development of the modern-day
radar as we now know it.

The Doppler Principle

As we have seen, a wide variety of radar devices have been developed over the years to perform
an even wider variety of tasks. Let us turn our attention to how this technology is being applied to
velocity measurement.

In 1842, an Austrian physicist and mathematician by the name of Christian Johann Doppler
postulated a theory that connects the frequency of a wave with the relative motion between the
source of the wave and the observer. This today is known as the Doppler principle and is used to
determine the velocity of everything from a pitched baseball to the largest galaxies in space.

15

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. As long as the auto is sitting still,
we perceive the sound of the horn as a 250 cycle per second tone. If we next put the auto in
motion toward us at 55 mph, it becomes apparent that we no longer receive 250 waves per second
at our ear because, while the waves travel at a constant speed, each succeeding wave has a
shorter distance to travel to our ear. The waves are effectively compressed to a higher frequency
per second and consequently a higher tone is heard. The waves momentarily drop to 250 per
second at a point perpendicular to the observer and then begin to decrease in frequency as the
vehicle moves away from the observer and each succeeding wave has farther to travel to the ear.
The waves are now effectively being stretched. Moreover, if the speed of the auto is increased,
so is the compression and stretching effect upon the waves and we perceive a higher and lower
tone respectively.

The Doppler Principle as applied to velocity measurement

Up to this point, we have been using sound to demonstrate the effects of the Doppler principle.
However, as you may know, radio energy and light also exhibit a waveform and this fact opens
several interesting areas to consideration.

As we have seen earlier, it is possible to determine the existence and the location of an object at
great distance by transmitting a beam of radio energy and then receiving that small portion of the
beam that is reflected back. If it is possible to reflect radio energy from an object, and that object
is in motion toward or away from the transmitter, the reflected radio waves should be altered in
accordance with the Doppler principle. More specifically, they will be compressed to a higher
frequency as the object moves nearer to the source and, conversely, stretched as the object
moves away. Furthermore, the faster the object approaches or recedes, the greater the
compression/stretching effect upon the waves.

Therefore, if we are able to transmit a radio wave of a known frequency which travels at a
constant speed, and then construct a device to measure the frequency of the reflected waves, by
comparing the two frequencies we will know how much our beam was altered by motion, the
Doppler frequency. From here, it is a straightforward calculation to determine the velocity of our
target object. This is precisely the approach taken in all modern speed measurement devices.

Practical application of the Doppler Principle in a traffic radar

Now that we have an understanding of the Doppler principle as applied to velocity measurement,
let us examine how it is used in MPH traffic radar.

16

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. Specifically, a K-band radar transmits at a frequency of 24,150
MHz, and a Ka-band radar transmits at a frequency of 33,800 MHz. This high frequency radio
energy is focused into a narrow beam and directed at the target vehicle and travels at the speed of
light. A small portion of the beam is reflected back to a second solid state device called a mixer
diode. The mixer diode compares the frequency of the reflected beam to the transmitted
frequency. The difference between these two frequencies is called the Doppler frequency.
Furthermore, the Doppler frequency is directly proportional to the sum of the transmitter (patrol)
and target velocities. It can be shown mathematically that for a transmit ted K-band frequency of
24,150 MHz, a Doppler frequency of 72.0 Hz will be produced for each mile per hour that the
target is moving. Similarly, a transmitted Ka-band frequency of 33,800 MHz will cause a Doppler
frequency of 100.8 Hz to be produced for each mile per hour. For example:

K-band: 72.02 Hz x 60 mph = 4321.0 Hz Doppler frequency
Ka-band: 100.8 Hz x 60 mph = 6048.0 Hz Doppler frequency

Knowing this relationship, we are able, by means of modern electronic circuitry, to convert the
Doppler frequency as determined by the mixer diode into a digital presentation of the target's
speed in miles per hour.

Some appreciation of the accuracy required of the complete system may be gained by looking at
the very small numerical value of the Doppler frequency as compared to the transmitted and
received frequencies.

K-Band Vehicle Approaching at 60 mph
Reflected Frequency 24,150,004,321 cycles per sec.
Transmitted Frequency 24,150,000,000 cycles per sec.
+ 4,321 cycles per sec.

Vehicle Receding at 60 mph
Reflected Frequency 24,149,995,679 cycles per sec.
Transmitted Frequency 24,150,000,000 cycles per sec.
– 4,321 cycles per sec.

Note again how the reflected frequency is greater than the transmitted as the vehicle approaches
and less than the transmitted as it recedes, yet the difference, the Doppler shift, remains constant
for this particular vehicle speed.

17

Moving radar theory

Moving traffic radar refers to units that have the ability to function while the patrol vehicle itself is
in motion. They have this ability in addition to their standard stationary capabilities. When being
used as moving traffic radar, the MPH PYTHON III will simultaneously display both the patrol
vehicle speed and the target vehicle speed. Like the stationary radar, the moving radar is based
on the Doppler theory. However, with moving radar, the signal processing is more involved than
with stationary. The radar receives reflected signals from both the target and the roadway. The
target signal contains information on the combined speed of the two vehicles while the patrol
signal has the information concerning the speed of the police vehicle. The receiver (mixer diode)
in the antenna provides all of this information.

18

Operational conc erns of the fastest and same direction modes
(FS version only)

Description of the fastest mode

Historically, traffic radar has displayed the strongest target. Case law has centered around 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.

Modern DSP radar such as the PYTHON III can process many targets at the same time, but
there is no practical way to display multiple targets and associate them with the correct targets
(like air traffic control radar does).

Fastest mode gives the operator an opportunity to view one other target in addition to the
strongest. In this mode, the PYTHON III considers all possible targets in range (there may be
several) and displays the strongest and fastest ones.

While the speeds indicated in fastest mode are as accurate as normal targets, visual identification
of the offending vehicle is more difficult. For this reason, the PYTHON III only displays fastest
targets on request from a momentary switch, 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, not a primary
operating mode.

Operation in fastest mode

Fastest mode ope ration is available anytime except in same direction mode. Pressing the FAST
button on the remote will initiate a search for any vehicles that are faster than the strongest target.
Activation of this mode will be indicated on the front panel with the "F ast" icon below the middle
window. The display's middle window will show the speed of the fastest target that is moving
faster than the strongest vehicle, if there is such a target within the range of the PYTHON III.
Otherwise, the window will be blank, showing that it is looking for a faster target but there isn't
one within the range of the radar. The PYTHON III will remain in fastest mode until the FAST
button is pressed again.

Important points to remember when using the fastest mode:

1) In any mode, the PYTHON III’s target window ALWAYS displays the strongest target in the

selected direction of travel. The speed displayed in the target window is the ONLY speed that
may be locked.

2) If the strongest target is the fastest target, the speed will not be duplicated in the fastest

window. This serves as an alert to the operator that the strongest is the fastest, and its speed
may be locked. Often a speed will appear in the fastest window first and then shift to the
target window when the previous strongest target exits the antenna field. In these situations
the fastest mode provides more tracking information and additional time to observe or lock the
target.

19

3) In some situations, such as a car passing a large truck, the fastest target (the car) will never

be the strongest target, and there may not be any opportunity to lock it.

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.

5) Range of fastest targets is fixed at a little under full. Changing range on the front panel makes

no change in fastest target range.

Description of the same direction mode

The PYTHON III allows the tracking of targets moving in the same direction as the patrol
vehicle. Same direction operation requires much more attention from the operator than opposite
direction. This mode is best used in light traffic where visual target identification is easier.

Operation of the same direction moving mode

Same direction moving mode is selected by pressing the S/O button on the remote control when
the radar is in moving mode.

This mode requires more attention and decision making on the part of the operator. When in same
direction moving mode, the FAST button on the remote toggles the "faster / slow target vehicle”
function.

The PYTHON III cannot determine the difference between a target traveling faster or slower
than the patrol vehicle patrol. For example at a patrol speed of 50 mph, a target running 40 mph
(10 mph slower than patrol) and a target running 60 mph (10 mph faster than patrol) produce the
same signal at the radar. Input from the operator (a button push) is required to tell the radar what
math to use in the calculation. The operator must visually determine what vehicle is being
displayed in the target window and press the FAST button until the Fast indicator below the middle
window is on if the target speed is greater than the patrol speed.

Pressing the Fast button aga in will cause Fast indicator to blank and change the calculation of the
target speed to be less than the patrol speed. The radar will stay in “Slower” mode until the FAST
button is pressed again.

20

Important points to remember when using the same direction mode:

1) Vehicles traveling at or very near patrol speed are not considered by the PYTHON III to be

targets. Thus a vehicle may be directly in front of the patrol car, but if it is traveling 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) The Fastest/Slower button NEVER causes the PYTHON III to select a different target; it

only causes different math to be used in the speed computation for that target. For example,
if the patrol were closing on one vehicle while being passed by another, the Fastest/Slower
button would NOT help choose one or the other.

3) Fastest mode is not available in same direction mode.

4) Range in same direction mode is reduced substantially from opposite direction mode . The

range adjustment sets the range for the opposite direction, stationary and same direction
modes.

5) If heater fan interference is a problem in stationary mode, it will also be a problem in same

direction moving; however, the speeds displayed will vary with patrol, making the problem
more difficult to identify. This makes the placement of the PYTHON III more important.

6) If the Fastest/Slower (while in same direction mode) switch setting is correct, changing the

patrol speed by a small amount will not effect the displayed target speed. Changing patrol
speed is one way to verify proper selection "fast" button.

7) It is best for patrol speed to be either higher or lower than all possible targets. This eliminates

doubt about target identification.

21

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.

Terrain can affect the range. Should the patrol car be on a slight decline, the antenna
could be shooting short of the target vehicle. If on a slight incline, it could be shooting over
the target vehicle. Range may be shortened in either case.

Strong reflectors can cause target readings that are the same as the patrol speed when in
the moving mode. To avoid this problem, the PYTHON III detects these harmonics and
inhibits their display.

Note : The harmonic detection feature may cause occasional blanking of legitimate target
speeds when it is the same as the patrol speed, or a multiple of it. If the operator suspects
this is the case, he can change his speed. In any case, the range of any other target is not
changed; for example, if the closest target is blanked due to the coherence detector, the
PYTHON III will not acquire and display a weaker, more distant target in its place.

2. Man-made Influences

These influences are normally the most troublesome because they generally involve
electronic signals, which may cause spurious displays, or they may lessen the effective
range.

Power transformers, radio transmitters, neon lights, etc. generate electronic noises.
These influences generate a phenomenon that can cause radar to display a false reading
or lessen the effective range. The RFI indicator will show the presence of strong RF
fields caused by local transmitters. To prevent possible readings caused by the
interference, no target speed will be displayed when this indicator is on. Intermittent
signals may also be caused by electrical noise produced by the vehicle’s ignition system or
by vehicles with noisy alternators. The RFI detection circuitry will recogniz e this noise as
well and suppress speed readings. However, the officer needs to be aware that these
sources of electrical noise may affect the operation of the radar.

Intermittent readings need not be confusing if the officer is familiar with the operatio n of
the PYTHON III. For example, if the radar is pointed at the dashboard of the patrol
vehicle, it may read the speed of the defroster/heater fan, because most dashboards are
now made of plastic. The PYTHON III comes equipped with specially designed mounting
brackets that will help to eliminate intermittent readings from fan pickup.

22

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 directio n 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. First, determine the fan is the source of interference by checking whether
the readings change when the fan is turned off or when the fan speed is
increased or decreased.

2. Reduce the effects of the fan by locating the PYTHON III in an area
that is less susceptible to the fan motion. MPH Industries provides
several mounting options. In some cases, the left-hand corner of the dash
has been found to be the best mounting location. Alternately, the antenna
may be mounted outside of the patrol vehicle.

23

Legal guide

The PYTHON 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. Much of the referenced
material may be obtained at your local law library or prosecutor's office.

Reference A - 7 AMJr2d 870 (Sec. 327)

A legal encyclopedia dealing with automobiles and highway traffic, which describes the
conditions under which evidence of excessive speed determined by the use of radar may
be admitted.

Reference B - 49 ALR2d 469 and Cumulative Supplements Thereto

A legal publication reporting the Dantonio case (1955) and briefing it and subsequent
cases dealing with proof, by means of radar devices, or violation of speed regulations.

Reference C - State v. Dantonio (NJ), 115 A2d 35, 49 ALR2d 460

A landmark case on the subject. This case sets precedent of the following:

1. Judicial notice has been taken of the accuracy of radar.

2. A few hours training is sufficient to qualify an operator.

3. The operator need not understand, or be able to explain, the internal workings of
the radar.

Reference D - Everight v. Little Rock, Ark., 326 SW2d 796

Establishes that the court may take judicial notice of the reliability of radar.

Reference E - State v. Graham, Mo., 322 SW2d 188

Establishes that the court may take judicial notice of the ability of radar to measure speed.

Reference F - State v. Tomanelli, Conn., 216 A2d 625

Reviews the matter of judicial notice, and recognizes the ability of Doppler radar to
measure the speed of a motor vehicle, and that the tuning fork is a reliable accuracy test.

24

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). It is sufficient to qualify an
operator who has knowledge and training which enables him to properly set up, test, and read the
radar; 4). It is not required that the operator understand the scientific principles of radar or be
able to explain its internal workings, and that a few hours of instruction normally should be enough
to qualify an operator; 5). The officer's estimate of excessive speed from visual observation,
when confirmed by the reading of the radar device and when the offending vehicle is out front, by
itself, nearest the radar, is sufficient to identify the vehicle if the observations suppor t the radar
evidence.

From the case law, the officer needs to know and to be able to testify to the following
points to have a successful prosecution:

1. The officer must establish the time, place, and location of the radar device; the
location of the offending vehicle when the offence took place; that the defendant
was driving the vehicle; and that State law regarding the posting of speed limits
and radar signs had been complied with.

2. The officer must state his qualifications and training.

3. The officer must establish that the radar device was operating normally.

4. The officer must establish that the radar was tested for accuracy, both before and
after its use, using a certified tuning fork or other accepted method.

5. The officer must accurately identify the vehicle.

6. The officer must have seen that the vehicle appeared to be speeding and
estimated how fast.

7. The officer must have gotten a radar speed-reading that agreed with the visual
estimate of the target vehicle's speed.

8. If a Doppler audio feature is present on the radar device, the officer is strongly
encouraged to establish that the audio Doppler pitch correlated with both the
visual speed estimate and the radar reading.

9. If moving radar is used, the officer must testify that the patrol speed indicated by
the radar was verified against the speedometer at the time the speed
measurement was obtained.

25

This information is drawn from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Basic
Training Program in RADAR Speed Measurement. We also recommend you read our legal
publication, Legal Basis for the Use of Police Radar for additional information.

FCC Licensing Requirements

The MPH PYTHON III has a Grant of Equipment Authorization under Part 90 of the FCC rules
(CFR 47). The FCC identifier codes for the K band units are:

X-band CJR-XPYT-001
K-band CJRB-09-000831
Ka-band CJR-Ka-BEE36-001

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.

26

PYTHON III Accessories

Certification services

The PYTHON III is provided with a certificate of calibration for the radar and a pair of certified
tuning forks. The PYTHON III should be pe riodically recertified per your state's or department's
guidelines. The MPH Service department offers a certification service for all MPH radars and
tuning forks. Contact the Service department at [phone] for more information.

Carrying case

A carrying case made of durable high-impact plastic is available for the PYTHON III. In addition
to holding the radar, space is provided for storing the radar's tuning forks, mounting bracket, and
operation manual.

Mounting brackets

A variety of mounting brackets is available for the PYTHON III. These include brackets for
most models of law enforcement vehicles and brackets for mounting the PYTHON III on
motorcycles.

Service Manual

Copies of the comprehensive service manual for the PYTHON III may be ordered from MPH by
authorized service centers and select law enforcement agencies. As a rule, service manuals are
not made available for sale to the general public.

Operation Manual

A copy of this PYTHON III operation manual is provided with each PYTHON III purchased.
Owners of the PYTHON III, law enforcement agencies, and their affiliates can order additional
copies of the operation manual from MPH. As a rule, operation manuals are not made available
for sale to the general public.

Replacement tuning forks

A pair of certified tuning forks are provided with each PYTHON III purchased. Replacement
tuning forks can be ordered from MPH.

Speedometer Interface

The speedometer interface eliminates shadowing and combining, by comparing the radar speed to
the speedometer. The module is connected to the vehicle’s OBD (On Board Diagnostics) 16­position connector under the driver’s side dash or the speedometer pulse wire. The DB-9 cable
that is supplied with the speedometer interface is connected to the radar DB-9 connector on the
speedometer interface module and to the DB-9 connector on the back of the PYTHON III
counting unit. The speedometer interface also has a connector for a camera interface.

To test the speedometer interface output to the radar, press the Patrol button immediately
followed by the Test button on the front panel of the radar. The letter “F” will be displayed in the
Target window indicating the radar is in test mode. In the Lock window dashes (“___”) will be
displayed until a speed reading is received from the speedometer interface by the radar. The
received speed will then momentarily appear in the Target window. This reading should match the

27

true value of patrol vehicle speed within a few miles per hour. Press any button to turn off the
speedometer interface test.

28

Quality Control Procedures and Repair of the PYTHON III

Quality control procedures

All PYTHON 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. All electrical and electronic components are utilized within their performance specifications,

and adequate safety factors measures are provided for voltage, current, and heat dissipation.

4. Assembled circuit boards are individually tested before incorporation into higher level

assemblies.

5. Each traffic radar is tested in an anechoic chamber for proper performance and compliance to

accuracy requirements.

6. Each radar is tested (“burned-in”) for not less than twelve hours. After completion of burn-in

testing, the unit is again tested in the anechoic chamber to assure product excellence.

7. A portion of each radar model is road tested under conditions encountered in actual

operation.

8. Tuning forks are individually tested using calibrated equipment with traceability to the National

Institute of Standards and Technology. A certificate of accuracy is furnished with each
tuning fork.

9. Samples of police traffic radars on the Consumer Product List (CPL) are tested by outside

laboratories for compliance to the requirements specified for Critical Performance Testing
(CPT) by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

29

Servicing the PYTHON III

Product repair during the warranty period

All warranty repair of the PYTHON 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.

Product repair outside of the warranty period

MPH suggests that the repair of PYTHON III radars outside of the warranty period be
performed by MPH's service center because of its expertise in handling Doppler radar problems.
All factory repairs are guaranteed by MPH as detailed in the PYTHON III warranty. Consult the
factory for repair procedures and charges.

The user is particularly advised to return the PYTHON III to MPH for repair whenever an
antenna problem is indicated. A large portion of the expense of the PYTHON III is contained in
the antenna assembly. Also, the microwave frequencies used by the antenna require the use of
specialized test equipment that is not available to the typical technician. Furthermore, federal law
dictates that any adjustments to the transmitter be made under the supervision of a FCC-licensed
technician. MPH has more than twenty-five years of experience servicing Doppler radar
antennas.

30

IV. MPH PYTHON III Specifications

The MPH PYTHON 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 PYTHON 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. When supply voltage de creases below

this, a message of “Lo bAt” is displayed on the
front panel to warn the officer of a low voltage
condition.

Power Requirements & Voltage: 10.8 Vdc -16.5 Vdc
(13.6 Vdc Nominal)

Current draw at 13.6 Volts: Standby, no displays (0.3A typical)
Front antenna “on”, no target (0.4A typical)
Front antenna “on”, with target (0.5A typical)
Front antenna “on”, during LED test (0.7A typ.)

Stationary Operating Speed: Stationary mode operating speed range is from 15

mph up to 200 mph for K or Ka-band units. X
band operating speed is 20 mph to 209 mph.

Moving Operating Speed: In opposite direction mode, Patrol Speed range is

20 mph to 100 mph in highway mode and 12 mph
to 80 mph in city mode. Target Speed range is 20
mph up to a closing speed of 200 mph.

In same direction mode, Patrol Speed range is 20

mph to 120 mph in highway mode and 12 mph to
80 mph in city mode. Target Speed range is patrol
speed ±70%. There must be a minimum
difference of 3 mph between target and patrol
speeds.

Operating Temperature Range: -30°C (-22°F) to 60°C (+140°F)

Operating Humidity Stability: Operates normally up to at least 90% relative

humidity at 99°F (37°C).

Automatic Performance Check: The radar automatically and invisibly checks it self

for proper operation. If an error is detected, the
fault is indicated in the middle window.

31

B. DISPLAY / COUNTING UNIT

Speed Display: Three windows for LED speed display on Lexan

scratch resistant front panel. LED displays
automatically adjus t 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.)

Patrol Speed (green, on the right side of display)

LED Indicators: Mov (moving mode)

Sta (stationary mode)
Fast (fastest vehicle mode)
T-Lock (locked target speed)
X (standby)
Patrol car (transmitting)
Four arrows (selected antenna and lane)

Control Buttons: Power

Test

Moving/Stationary
Audio/Squelch
Range
Up & Down arrows
Patrol

Connectors: Front antenna
Rear antenna
Power cord
RS-232 data port (DB-9)

Physical Size: Weight = 1.3 lb. (0. 6 kg)
Depth = 4.9" (12.4cm)
Width = 6.5" (16.5cm)
Height = 1. 7" (4.3cm)

32

C. REMOTE CONTROL

Raised, colored, shaped buttons: Front antenna

Rear antenna
Standby

Same / Opposite direction

Lock
Fastest/Slower

Physical Size: Weight = .35 lb. (0. 16 kg)
Width = 2.0" (5.1cm)
Height = 1.1" (2.8 cm)
Depth = 5.1" (12.9 cm)

D. ANTENNA UNIT

Operating Frequency: X Band: 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz

K Band: 24.150GHz +100 MHz

Ka-Band: 33.8 GHz ± 100 MHz

Microwave Source: Solid-state Gunn effect diode.

Output Power: Nominal 12-30 mW / Maximum 50 mW

Radiated Power Density: Less than 2mW/cm2 at 5 cm.

Type: Circularly polarized conical horn

Beam Width:
X band Does not exceed 18°

K-band 13° Nominal

Ka-band Does not exceed 15°

Beam Width Variance: +1° at maximum manufacturer's tolerance

Side Lobe:
X band 24 dB down from main beam

K-band 22 dB down from main beam

Ka-band 25 dB down from main beam

Received Microwave Beam: Utilizes transmitting antenna. Isolation

accomplished by a turnstile duplexer.

Transmitter: Complies with FCC Part 90

FCC Type Acceptance: CJR-XPYT-001 (X Band)

CJRB-09-000831 (K Band)

33

CJR-KA-BEE36-001 (Ka band)

34

Mixer Diode Schottky barrier type rated for 100 mW burnout.

Range: 4000 ft (1219m) typical for average size vehicle.

Range varies by size of vehicle, terrain, traffic
conditions, weather conditions, and other external
conditions present in various locations.

Physical Size:

X band: Length 5.5” (14.0 cm)

Diameter 4.5” (11.4 cm)

K-band Weight: 1.0 lb. (0.5 kg)

Length: 4.5” (11.4 cm)

Diameter: 3.75” (9.5 cm)

Ka-band Weight: 0.5 lb (0.23 kg)
Length: 3.5” (8.9 cm)
Diameter: 2.5” (6.4 cm)

35

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.

In June 1995 NIOSH issued a report titled Occupational Exposure of Police Officers to
Microwave Radiation from Traffic Radar Devices describing their findings, including an exposure
assessment, an analysis of existing record sources, and a summary of their recommendations.
The report concluded that there was not a sufficient basis to identify health risks to humans,
although the possibilit y could not be ruled out. The following are quoted directly from the report
and are procedures that are recommended to reduce or prevent exposure to microwave energy
emitted from traffic radar devices. The PYTHON III fully conforms to all of these guidelines.

1. Handheld devices should be equipped with a switch requiring active contact to emit radiation.
Such a switch, referred to as a dead-man switch, must be held down for the device to emit
radiation, even though the electrical power to the device is on. Adherence to this
recommendation should permit the continued use of one -piece or handheld radar units.

2. Older handheld devices that do not have a dead-man switch should not be placed with the
radiating antenna pointed toward the body, whether it is held in the hand or placed near the
officer. A holster or other similar device should be used as a temporary holder for the radar
when not in use.

3. When using two -piece radar units, the antenna should be mounted so that the radar
beam is not directe d toward the vehicle occupants. The preferred mounting location
would be outside the vehicle altogether, although this may not be practical with older units that
cannot withstand adverse weather conditions. Other options, e.g., mounting on the

dashboard of the vehicle, are acceptable if the antenna is at all times directed away
from the operator or other vehicle occupants. However, the antenna must be
installed to provide a separation of at least 40 cm from all persons and must not be
co-located or operating in conjunction with any other transmitter or antenna.

4. Radar antennas should be tested periodically, e.g. annually, or after exceptional mechanical
trauma to the device, for radiation leakage or back scatter in a direction other than that
intended by the antenna beam pattern.

5. Each operator should receive training in the proper use of traffic radar before operating the
device. This training should include a discussion of the health risks of exposure to microwave
radiation and information on how to minimize operator exposure.

36

Warranty

MPH Industries, Inc. warrants that this product will be free from defects in material and
workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of two years from the date of invoice to
the original purcha ser. 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
product that MPH determines to be defective in material or workmanship. Warranty repair will
only be performed at MPH's service center.

Products considered to be covered by the conditions of this warranty shall be returned, freight pre­paid, to MPH. The part or product must be accompanied by a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) number, which will be issued by MPH and which must be marked prominently on the
shipping container. The repaired or replaced product will be returned from MPH pre-paid.

Warranty coverage extends only to the original purchaser and does not include normal wear and
tear, unusual abuse, or the use of the product for other than its intended purpose. This warranty is
voided if the product is adversely affected by attaching any feature or device to it, or is in any way
tampered with, modified or opened without express written permission from MPH, or if the
warranty seals on the product are broken.

There are no warranties expressed or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties
of merchantability or any indirect or consequential damages arising out of any such defect in
material or workmanship.

As a further limit on warranty and as express warning, the user should be aware that harmful
personal contact may be made with the seller’s product when it is used in automobiles in the event
of violent maneuvers, collision, or other circumstances, even though said products are installed
according to instruction. MPH specifically disclaims any liability or injury caused by the products
in all such circumstances.

Repaired products for which the original warranty has expired are warranted for ninety 90 days
from the date of repair, subject to the same conditions as the original warranty. The repair
warranty covers only the materials and labor associated with the repair, and not any unassociated
problems that arise in the unit due to normal or unusual use afterwards.

Reconditioned products are warranted for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of invoice,
subject to the same conditions as the original product warranty.

37

Return Policy

Customer satis faction is very important to MPH Industries. It is MPH Industries’ policy
and objective to allow prospective purchasers ample opportunity to become familiar with our
products prior to purchase. We do so through our product rental and demonstration programs.

MPH Industries is committed to designing and manufacturing our products to the highest
standards of quality and reliability. We offer a limited warranty that covers all materials and
workmanship. Details of the warranty are found in the Statement of Warranty in the Operator’s
Manual.

We do not want customers to incur unreasonable inconvenience due to equipment failure.
MPH Industries will replace any MPH product or make a full refund if repairs cannot be made
within the initial 30 days of ownership. If replacement if offered or repair can be made, but the
customer insists on returning the product within this initial 30 day period, a 15% restocking fee will
be assessed.

After the initial 30 day ownership period, MPH Industries will honor its warranty through
either the repair or replacement (MPH’s discretion) of the malfunctioning product during the
warranty period.

OWENSBORO, KY 42303

8:00AM – 4:30PM (Central Time Zone)

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MPH INDUSTRIES, INC.

A SUBSIDIARY OF MPD, INC.

316 EAST NINTH STREET

1-888-689-9222

FAX: [phone]

HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY

Part No. 990924 Rev E
Date: Jan. 2007

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