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ProLaser 4 UK Operator’s Manual Ver 1.3 Feb16
Chapter 2: System Operation
General Description
This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the operating characteristics of the ProLaser 4 speed
detection system.
The ProLaser 4 is a versatile instrument that measures both the range and speed of selected targets.
The advanced technology of the ProLaser 4 provides pinpoint aiming capability, permitting the user to
isolate a single vehicle out of a group. At the maximum range of 750 metres the laser beam is only
750mm wide. The technology employed in the ProLaser 4 also renders laser detection devices
relatively ineffective due to the pinpoint accuracy of the system.
The ProLaser 4 emits 200 light pulses per second. Because the wavelength of these light pulses is so
much shorter than microwaves, they can be readily focused into a narrow beam for accurate target
identification.
The technology used by the ProLaser 4 to measure distances and speeds is referred to as LIDAR,
which stands for light detection and ranging. When the trigger is pulled, the ProLaser 4 sends out two
hundred invisible infrared laser light pulses per second. As each pulse is transmitted, a timer is started,
and when the energy of a laser pulse is reflected from a target and received by the ProLaser 4, the
timer is stopped. From the elapsed time taken for the laser pulse to strike and return from the target,
the distance to the object is calculated with the known speed of light through the atmosphere. If the
target is moving with respect to the ProLaser 4, a sophisticated algorithm is used to derive the speed of
the target from a successive number of range calculations. This speed determination is then displayed
to the user.
Rear Display Control Descriptions
In Chapter 1 ProLaser 4 Description, the locations of the operating controls and displays were
introduced. (See fig 1-1). This chapter will provide detailed descriptions of each control and display.
Trigger
The trigger of the ProLaser 4 performs two functions. When the trigger is pulled, it activates the firing of
laser pulses and the range and speed measurement functions of the system. When the trigger is
released, the ProLaser 4 locks the last measured speed and range in the HUD and rear display.
Rear Display Control Buttons
The control buttons that are located adjacent to the Rear Display provide dual and multi-functionality
based on whether the unit is in Speed or Range mode or within the Menu set-up screens.
Power Button to Power On/Off
The Power Button performs two functions. It turns the unit On and Off and is used to set the brightness
of the rear display. If the ProLaser 4 is off, a single press and release of the Power Button will turn the
unit ON. Once it has powered on, press and hold the Power Button for three seconds to power the
ProLaser 4 OFF. (The ProLaser 4 will go into Sleep mode after two minutes of inactivity.)
Power Button to Control Brightness
Two separate buttons are used to adjust the brightness of the Rear Display and the Head-Up Display.
Rear Display Brightness: In Speed or Range mode, use the Power Button to set Rear Display
brightness. Five brightness settings ranging from minimum to maximum are available. Pressing the
Power Button six times cycles through all the settings (1-2-3-4-5 and back to 1). Each increment is
indicated by three lines on the display. Three lines indicate one. In the following Fig 2.1, the six lines
on the display indicate that the current setting is two.