Plainly put, a traffic radar certification is a certificate of accuracy of the particular radar. Electronic component values usually change their value over time due to age and other environmental factors. This change in value can cause the overall speed calculations to be wrong. Radars made today use improved components and do not exhibit errors related to component value drift. But these newer components still exhibit some variance necessitating the need for continued certifications.
A radar certification is commonly performed by a third party who has no affiliation with the law enforcement agency. Should a motorist take his speeding violation to court, it is in the proper interest of the agency to have a radar certification from an independent company. Should a speeding offense make it to court, the certification agency is usually summoned to attest regarding the operation of the radar that was used to write the speeding citation. Usually the defendant tries to get the certification agency to comment on the guilt or innocense of the offence when they really only can comment on the radar accuracy.
The elements of a complete radar certification or radar calibration include:
Transmitter Frequency Check
The microwave transmitter emits the high frequency towards the target vehicle. This frequency must remain in the range as specified by the manufacturer. Due to high frequencies of these transmitters, highly-sophisticated equipment must be used to measure their output.
Receiver (Antenna(s)) Check
The antennas receive the reflected microwave frequency and compare it to the emitted frequency to create a frequency-difference. To simulate a reflected signal, a known frequency is emitted into the antennas. If the radar unit displays the correct speed, the antennas are accurate.
Radar Functional Check
Other than these two tests, a complete test should be performed on the counter. This includes making sure all displays and indicators are functional, insuring the audio is working and that it will successfully perform its own self-test. If the radar has a malfunction, the issue must be resolved prior to certification. If a repair is required the certification company may be able to do the radar repair as well.
Local government usually requires speed detection equipment be certified on a repeated schedule. The frequency of certification is generally each year. In general, all electronic equipment used for testing should be tested for accuracy each year. Thus, not only should the radar device be checked for accuracy but the equipment used to test the radar should remain accurate also. The radar test equipment should have accuracy traceability back to NIST (National Institute for Standards and Testing). Therefore, it could be said that radar certified by such test equipment is precise to NIST standards.
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