What is a radar detector? It is an electronic device that tips a motorist off if radar equipment, as used by the police for example is anywhere in the vicinity.
The object of the exercise is therefore to avoid radar traps and therefore speeding tickets.
The radar guns used by law enforcement officers is used to measure the speed of a moving vehicle or object, relative to a fixed point.
There are two core components to the radar detector, a transmitter which sends out a radar signal, and a receiver which collects returning data.
In its simplest sense, radar is used to work out the distance of one object from another.
It stands to reason therefore that if the distance of a moving object can be recorded twice, and the distance moved by the object, the speed of that object can be easily calculated.
A radar detector can locate police radar guns with a basic radio receiver.
More sophisticated detectors also have a transmitter as well as a receiver, which can effectively jam the radio waves of the radar guns, confusing the data that is returned to the police equipment.
Technology has moved forwards to try and beat the radar jammers, using laser technology.
Instead of using radio waves, laser guns use concentrated light beams to detect speed and movement.
Because light travels so much faster, the offending vehicle is often detected before the detection equipment has discovered it is being recorded.
Not to be out done, laser detectors have been created in order to jam laser guns as well.
The technique used is similar to that used for radio jammers.
At the end of the day, you pay your money and then you make your choice as to the best system available for what you can afford.
The more expensive systems will offer you a wider range of protection, but you have to pay a premium for the privilege.