MPH Industries BEE III Operation Manual

Industries

BEE III

Automatic Same Direction

(Canadian Version)

TM

TM

Traffic Radar

Operation Manual

We at MPH Industries thank you for purchasing our equipment. We wish you

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the greatest success in your speed enforcement program. We are proud that
the BEE III is a part of your department.

Copyright 2001-2013, 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.

BEE III, Automatic Same Direction, ASD, MPH Industries, the MPH logo, and POP are
trademarks of MPH Industries, Inc.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Installation

 Range and radar placement 5
 Power source 5
 Fuse replacement 5

BEE III Radar

 Display 6
 Remote Control 8
 Menu Options 11

BEE III Operational Modes

 Stationary Radar 13
 Moving Radar (Opposite Direction) 13
 Moving Radar (Same Direction) 14
 Pacing 14

Advanced Features of the BEE III

 Fastest mode 15
 POP

TM

mode 16

 Stopwatch mode 17

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Operational Concerns

 Fastest Mode 19
 Moving same direction 20

Bee III Testing Procedure 22

Interference Information and Precautions 23

Getting Started - An Introduction to the BEE III 25

BEE III Accessories 31

Quality Control, Servicing, Warranty 32

Industry Canada Certification 34

MPH BEE III Specifications 35

Operational Recommendations 39

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Introduction

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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 required for today's
traffic environment. The BEE III is the most useful and flexible radar available; it’s a full­featured moving radar with both fastest and directional capability.

The BEE III utilizes MPH’s patented Automatic Same Direction

TM

(ASDTM) technology. ASD
allows the BEE III to automatically measure the speed of targets moving in the same direction
as the patrol vehicle, thereby eliminating the slower/faster button required by previous
generation equipment. ASD

TM

also allows the radar to measure the speed of targets moving in
one direction while completely ignoring targets moving in the opposite direction. In addition,
the BEE III utilizes MPH’s exclusive POP

TM

technology, allowing it to measure speeds while

simultaneously remaining invisible to speed measuring warning devices.

The BEE III employs state-of-the-art Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, which
allows the unit to have both high performance and 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 efficiently.

The MPH BEE III is comprised of one or two antennas, a wired remote control (wireless
optional) and a detachable display/counting unit. MPH designed the BEE III using only the
highest quality parts. Combined with the workmanship provided by MPH`s Manufacturing
Department, the BEE III will provide years of reliable performance.

The MPH BEE 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 BEE III radar. We can
also provide useful information on the legal aspects of traffic radar at your request.

Installation

Range and Radar Placement

The range or targeting distance of the radar is influenced by how it’s mounted in the police
vehicle. Heater fans are moving targets and can be detected 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 open the squelch. This enables any target or interference to be heard. If
changing fan speeds alters the audio signal, the fan is being picked up in that mounting
position; try to find a different location. Dropping the fan speed may also assist. Reducing
the range setting of the radar is another option. If you have persistent problems with fan pick
up, call the factory for suggestions specific to your particular police vehicle.

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 can combine
to create an unacceptably high level of ambient electronic interference. In some instances, an
unusually noisy vehicle ignition/alternator can result in spurious readings and/or reduce the
targeting range of the BEE III.

To combat this it’s recommended that a shielded cable be run directly from the battery to an
auxiliary receptacle within the police vehicle. This should effectively eliminate any power
source problems.

Fuse Replacement

BEE 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. Higher
Amperage fuses are not recommended and may violate the manufacturer’s warranty.

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BEE III Display

The BEE III utilizes a high contrast LED display with automatic dimming.

Mode

The mode section is structured like a roadway and offers operators a pictorial view of the
radar’s functions. A large red “X” icon in the left lane informs operators that the
transmitter is in standby (off). A large green car in the right lane indicates that the
transmitter is active (on).

The operating mode of the BEE 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 had been selected and behind the
patrol car if the rear antenna was selected. In same direction moving mode, the arrows are
shown moving in the same direction as the patrol car. Moving mode is indicated by “Mov”
which appears below the middle speed display window.

In stationary mode, the mode window works similarly. Indicator arrows appear in front or
behind the patrol vehicle icon to indicate the selected antenna. In the opposite direction the
scene shows an arrow in the left lane of traffic. If the same lane of traffic is selected the
arrow in the right lane is lit. If both directions of traffic are selected, arrows in both lanes
will be illuminated. Stationary mode is indicated by “Sta” which appears below the middle
speed display window.

Speed windows

The BEE III has three windows for speed display. They are arranged by function and are
identified by the colors red, yellow and green.

The left most 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.

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The yellow middle window performs two functions; an icon located directly below the

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window indicates each. If the window is being used to display a locked target speed, a
T-lock (T ) 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 lit. General error conditions (Err) are also indicated in this window. When “rFi” is
indicated in the leftmost window, this window will display the relative strength of the signal
causing the interference.

The green window on the right side of the display shows the PATROL vehicle’s speed in
moving mode and remains blank in stationary mode. The speed displayed in this window
should correspond with the patrol vehicle’s speedometer. If a low voltage condition occurs,
“Lo” will appear in this window.

Doppler audio

The BEE III features a speaker on the front panel for Doppler audio. The BEE 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.

In stationary strongest mode (no specific direction selected) the Doppler audio heard is that
of targets traveling in both same and opposite directions. In directional stationary mode
(only same or opposite direction targets selected) the Doppler audio heard will be from the
selected direction only.

Display dimming and infrared remote sensor

A photocell located on the display panel automatically adjusts display brightness to ambient
light conditions. An infrared sensor also located on the display panel receives commands
from the optional wireless remote.

Power button

This button controls power for the BEE III radar. When the BEE III is turned off, the radar
retains all previous settings (volume, mode, etc.) with the exception of range, which defaults
to maximum. When the unit is next powered on, speed displays are blank and the unit starts
in standby mode.

BEE III Remote Control

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The BEE III remote has two main sections of
controls. An upper section with raised rubber
buttons and a lower section with flat membrane
buttons.

Operating mode keys (Upper section)

The most commonly used buttons are located at the
top of the remote. They are raised rubber and are
contoured so that the operator’s thumb is cradled in
the center of a five-button cluster. This design
facilitates easy control of the radar’s operating
modes while at the same time, allowing operators to
keep their eyes on the road. All keys are backlit for
night time use.

Front: Selects Front antenna.
Rear: Selects Rear antenna.

Stndby: Places radar into Standby (transmitter-off).
Opp: Places radar into Opposite direction mode.
Same: Places radar into Same direction mode.
Lock: Locks Target speed in lock window.
Fastest: Activates Fastest vehicle mode.

Other buttons (Lower section)

enter into POP mode. It also functions with the “Menu” button. If a menu

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The lower section of the remote contains flat membrane-type buttons that are embossed
around their edges to make them easy to identify by feel.

Some buttons contain two text colours. The red text is the default function; pressing the
button by itself will cause it to perform that function. The function in blue text is initiated by
first pressing the blue “2

nd

F” button.

Mov/Sta: Toggles the radar between moving and stationary operating modes.
Stopw: Activates stopwatch mode (“2

nd

F” button must be pressed first).

Test: Manually initiates a radar self-test. The radar will momentarily illuminate all displays

and icons followed by simulated speeds. If no problems are detected it will return to the

previous mode of operation. If a problem is found the radar will display “Err” (error) and

cease the speed measurement process.

POP

Note: Never activate Test during target acquisition.

The radar also performs internal self-checks during normal operation (initiated
automatically). If operating correctly a double beep will be heard or alternatively,
“Err” (error) if a problem is found.

Pat Bl: When in Standby mode, pressing the “Pat Bl” button will clear the patrol speed

display. (“2
cause the locked patrol speed to reappear.

nd

F” button must be pressed first). Pressing “Pat Bl” a second time will

Low/Hi: Selects the City or Highway filter and determines the low end patrol speed. “Ci”

(City mode) or “Hi” (Highway mode) appears in the patrol window while in
Standby.

– Once pressed a “P” appears in the middle window. POP + must be selected to

POP

selection has been made it will decrease the setting.

Menu: Facilitates the selection of modes and settings that do not have individual buttons on

the remote. For further information see the Menu section of this manual.

– Direct entry into POP mode. It also functions with the “Menu” button. If a

menu selection has been made it will increase the setting.

2nd F: Selects the secondary “blue” function of a button instead of the red primary

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function. “2nd” appears in the middle window when pressed. Pressing a second
time causes “2nd” to disappear and allows the radar to select the primary “red”
function.

Backlt: This button performs no function for wired remote controls.

Menu Options

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One press of the “Menu” button – Adjust Audio Volume

Audio volume has 7 available 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.

MPH sets the initial level at 4. On subsequent power-ups the BEE III retains the last known
volume setting (when powered off).

Pressing the “—” button lowers the volume one level; pressing the “+” button raises the
volume one level. Pressing the “Menu” button after making an adjustment returns the radar to
its normal operating mode. Pressing the “Menu” button without making an adjustment causes
the radar to move to the next menu setting.

Note: Operators are required to utilize Doppler audio at all times to assist with both target
identification and tracking history.

Two presses of the “Menu” button – Adjust Squelch

The squelch has two settings: on and off. Squelch “on” causes the radar to produce an audio
tone only when a target is present, while Squelch “off” causes the Doppler return signal to be
amplified at all times. During squelch adjustment, “S” is displayed in the middle window of
the radar, followed by the current setting (“n” for on and “f” for off).

On its initial power-up the squelch is “on”. On subsequent power-ups the BEE III retains the
last known squelch setting (when powered off).

Pressing either the “—” button or the “+” button causes the radar to toggle between Squelch
“on” and Squelch “off”. Pressing the “Menu” button after making an adjustment returns the
radar to its normal operating mode. Pressing the “Menu” button without making an
adjustment causes the radar to move to the next menu setting.

Three presses of the “Menu” button –Adjust Dynamic Stationary Mode

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In dynamic stationary mode, the radar automatically toggles itself between moving and
stationary mode dependant upon vehicular motion.

Dynamic stationary mode is automatically turned “on” if the radar detects a speedometer
interface during power-up. Operators are given the option to turn this feature “on” or “off”.

The setting is indicated on the radar menu by the letters “dS”. Dynamic stationary mode can
be turned “on” by pressing the “+” button (“dSn”) and can be turned “off” by pressing the “—
“ button (“dSf”). Dynamic stationary mode is available only if the vehicle speedometer
interface cable is connected to the BEE III radar.

Note: Earlier models do not contain this menu option.

Four presses of the “Menu” button – Adjust Range

The BEE III radar has 7 available range settings (1 through 7). Adjustment affects the radar’s
sensitivity and not the transmitted power. During range adjustment, “r” is displayed in the
middle window of the BEE III followed by the current setting.

Upon initial power-up the range defaults to maximum (7).

Pressing the “—” button decreases the range one level; pressing the “+” button increases the
range one level. Pressing the “Menu” button after making an adjustment returns the radar to
its normal operating mode. Pressing the “Menu” button without making an adjustment
causes the radar to move to the next menu setting.

Five presses of the “Menu” button – Enter POP mode

POP mode is initiated by pressing the “Menu” button five times, until a “P” appears in the
middle window. POP can also be turned on by pressing the “+” button and can be turned
off by pressing the “—“ button. Once activated the middle speed window will display
“POP”.

Note: A sixth press of the “Menu” button cycles back to audio volume adjustment.