Decatur Electronics G3 Installation and operating instructions

G3™
User’s Manual &
Installation Guide
Canada Variant
Revision
7/October/2020
Copyright 2020 Decatur Electronics, Inc.


G3™
User’s Manual &
Installation Guide
CanadaVariant
Revision
7/October/2020

Table of Contents
WelcometoDecaturElectronics ...........................................7
G3™Features..........................................................8
AboutThisManual....................................................9
1.0 QuickStart ..........................................................11
2.0 Installation ..........................................................12
2.1 Separating the Computer/Display Unit (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 Mounting and Connecting the Computer/Display Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.3 Mounting and Connecting the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.4 InstallationCheck................................................20
2.5 VIP™Installation(Optional).......................................21
2.5.1 Connecting to the Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.5.2 Connecting to the On-Board Diagnostic Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.5.3 VIP™Activation................................................22
2.5.4 ConguringtheVIP™...........................................23
3.0 OperatingtheG3™...................................................24
3.1 Power...........................................................24
3.2 FrontandRearAntenna..........................................25
3.3 StationaryBothMode............................................26
3.3.1 UsingDirectionalAntennas.....................................26
3.4 Moving Mode Opposite Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.5 MovingModeSameDirection....................................31
3.6 FastestMode.....................................................32
3.7 LockingaSpeed.................................................33
3.8 RangeSetting ...................................................34
3.9 StopwatchOperationMode......................................35
4.0 Computer/DisplayUnit...............................................37
4.1 DisplayWindows.................................................38
4.2 IndicatorLights..................................................39
5.0 Antenna.............................................................41
6.0 IRRemote............................................................42
6.1 IR Remote Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
7.0 CommunicationSystemControls.....................................51

8.0 PerformanceTips.....................................................51
8.1 HowRadarWorks................................................51
8.2 Interference Sources and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.2.1 Angular Interference (Cosine Eect) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
8.2.2 FanInterference...............................................53
8.2.3 Batching ......................................................53
8.2.4 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
8.2.5 FeedbackInterference.........................................54
8.2.6 Multi-Path Beam Cancellation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
8.2.7 PatrolHarmonics ..............................................54
8.2.8 Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8.2.9 Shadowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8.2.10 Motor Vehicle Ignition Interference). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
9.0 FieldTests............................................................56
9.1 Operator-RequestedSelfTest.....................................56
9.2 RoadTest........................................................59
10.0 Care,Cleaning,andStorage ........................................60
11.0 Specications......................................................61
11.1 Mechanical.....................................................61
11.2 Antenna........................................................61
11.3 Environment....................................................61
11.4 PowerConsumption............................................62
11.5 SpeedRange ...................................................62
12.0 ISEDInformation...................................................63
13.0 RadiationExposureStatement......................................64
13.1 Canadian Industry Certicates of Technical Acceptability . . . . . . . . . 65
14 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
15.0 Service .............................................................68
15.1 Warranty........................................................68
15.2 ServiceReturnProcedure .......................................69
16.0 How to Order Additional Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

AppendixA-CommunicationsPort.......................................71
Appendix B - Communications Port - Serial Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
AppendixC-MenuFeatures..............................................73
UserNotes:...............................................................74

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Welcome to Decatur Electronics, Inc.
Thank you for choosing the Decatur Electronics G3™ — A highly
advanced trac radar unit that will reward your department with
years of dependable service. The G3™ design incorporates high
performance and long range, with many leading features. We urge
you to study this manual before using the G3™, so you can optimize
the benets of this sophisticated radar device. We believe you will be
pleasantly surprised by the features and advantages.
The G3™ is small, dependable and features instant target acquisition.
If you are as pleased with its performance as we think you will be, ask
your Decatur sales representative about other Decatur products.
Trac ocers told us exactly what they wanted in a radar device -
and we built it. Try any one of our products and see if you don't agree
that it is the best-in-class!
—The Management and Sta at Decatur Electronics,
The Nation’s Oldest Radar Company

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G3™ Features
The G3™ is a modern trac radar device oering many advanced
capabilities. It includes 32-bit oating point digital signal processing
(DSP), a versatile detachable computer/display unit, a Ka band
directional antenna, and an easy-to-use Infrared (IR) remote control.
The G3™ provides instant target acquisition and speed lock as well
as more precise tracking and speed measurement. If space in your
motor vehicle is at a premium, you will appreciate the detachable
computer/display unit. For more safety conscious installation
options, you can separate the pieces and mount them wherever best
meets your specic needs.
The IR remote controls all of the functions of the radar unit. The
remote features convenient “eyes-o”raised buttons for use without
taking your eyes o the road, white backlighting for low light use
and ts comfortably in your hand, positioning all controls at your
ngertips.

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About This Manual
TThis manual contains valuable information to help you set up, use
and maintain your G3™, so you can extend its life and keep it at peak
performance. Please take a moment to read through it and keep it
handy for future reference.
Note the following symbols in this manual:
Indicates a warning message about safety
precautions. Please read it carefully.
Indicates a helpful tip or precaution to note.

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Your G3™ radar unit includes selections from the following
components:
Detachable Computer/
Display Unit
IR Hand Remote
Ka Band Directional Antenna Various Connector Cables
Optional VIP Various Mounting Brackets

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1.0 Quick Start
Use the following instructions to quick start your G3™:
• Withallcablesandantennasattached,plugthecigarplugofthe
radar into a powered 12VDC cigarette lighter receptacle in the
patrol motor vehicle.
• PressthePWRbuttononthefrontdisplaytopoweruptheradar
unit. The radar will run through a brief self-test which includes
illuminating all display segments.
• PresstheFRONTorREARbuttontoselecttheantennafrom
which you want the radar to transmit. Press the same button
when you wish to place the radar back into standby mode.
• PressandreleasetheMODEbuttontoquicklytogglebetween
Moving Mode Opposite Direction and Moving Mode Same
Direction. Press and hold the MODE button for two seconds to
activate Stationary Mode.
• PressandholdtheFASTbuttontoselectFasterModewhenyou
want to track the faster motor vehicles.
• InMovingModeSameDirectionsetting,G3™willautomatically
perform addition or subtraction relative to the patrol speed to
properly calculate the target speeds.
• Tolockatargetspeed,presstheLOCKbutton(shownasa
padlock on the hand remote). The target speed and its direction
information will transfer to the LOCKED window and locked
direction indicators. The radar will continue to process speeds
and display them in the TARGET window.
• Toclearalockedspeed,presstheLOCKbuttonwhenanantenna
is transmitting, and no target is present.

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2.0 Installation
Use the following instructions to mount your G3™:
2.1 Separating the Computer/Display Unit (optional)
If the space in your motor vehicle is at a premium, you will appreciate
the G3™ compact size and versatile components. You can separate
and remotely mount the computer unit from the display unit.
Common places to mount it are behind the dash, under the driver’s
seat, or on the console.
To separate the display from the computer unit, locate and remove
the two display retaining screws (Green Arrows) using a 7/64” hex
tool.
Figure 2.1a
Separating the computer/display unit.
Figure 2.1b
Using a hex tool, remove the retaining screws.

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Pull the display from the computer and note the 9-pin connectors on
each half of the unit. Screw two standos (included with the display
separation kit) into the holes next to each connector on the display
unit. These standos are used to attach the two pieces with the
9-pin connector cable.
Figure 2.1c
To connect the separated unit, rst insert the
standos to secure the cable connectors.
Then attach and secure the connectors with the thumbscrews on the
sides of each cable connector.
Figure 2.1d
Secure the connecting cable by tightening the
thumbscrews into the standos.
To return the unit to a one-piece conguration, remove the cables
and standos, line up the 9-pin connectors, push the two pieces
together and secure with the two retaining screws.

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2.2 Mounting and Connecting the Computer/Display Unit
WARNINGS
• DonotplacetheG3™componentsinlocationsthatwill
obscure the driver’s view of the road.
• Double-checkeachcomponenttoensureitissecurely
mounted. In an accident, a loose component could
strike an occupant of the motor vehicle.
• DonotplacetheG3™computer,antennas,cables,or
brackets in your motor vehicle’s air bag deployment
zones. Refer to your motor vehicle’s owner’s manual or
call the motor vehicle manufacturer if you are unsure
where the air bag deployment zones are.
You can mount the computer/display unit behind and to the side of
the steering wheel or on the dashboard. The computer unit easily
withstands and remains accurate in temperature extremes. Dash
mounting the unit promotes safety; you can read the display without
taking your eyes o the road.
To mount the unit, use the Velcro™ fastening material or the
mounting bracket. Before applying the Velcro™, use a clean cloth
to remove any foreign material from the dashboard and bracket
face. Position the Velcro™ lightly on the computer/display unit and
mounting surface.
After the unit is in the correct position, press it rmly to ax it to the
surface. For the bracket mount, simply place and tighten the screws
on the mounting bracket into the holes in the unit. Then adhere
the suction cups to a clean glass surface. For maximum adhesion,
moisten the suction cups before axing them to the surface.
There are four locations where cables connect to the rear panel of the
computer unit. Two are quick-disconnect Ethernet connectors for the
antennas, a third is a nine pin DB-9 connector and the last is a quick
disconnect power connector.

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Figure 2.2a
The antenna quick-disconnect connectors plug
into the computer unit in the above locations.
Power Cable
WARNINGS
• Besuretoplugthepowerconnectorintothecomputer
unit rst before plugging the power plug into the
auxiliary power source. If the power source is on, it may
damage the unit.
The power cable has a 12-volt power plug (cigar plug) on one end.
Make sure the plug ts securely in the motor vehicle’s auxiliary power
(cigarette lighter) receptacle. Attached the other end to the power
connector by aligning the cable so the black dot is up and press until
it clicks. To remove press the black dot and pull.
Figure 2.2b
The cigar plug for the auxiliary power receptacle.

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Antenna connector
The antennas are connected to the computer unit with a CAT 7
shielded Ethernet cable. Either end of the cable can be used to
connect to the antenna or computer unit.
Figure 2.2c
Cable connector that plugs into the antenna.or computer unit
To attach an antenna cable:
1. Align the antenna cable Ethernet connector with the receptacle.
2. Push the connector into the receptacle until you hear a click.
3. To remove the connector, press down on the top cable plug latch
and pull apart.
Figure 2.2d
Align the latch on the top of the Ethernet plug with
the notch on the computer Ethernet receptacle.
WARNINGS
• Onlyusefactoryauthorizedantennacables.
Substitution of non-authorized cables can aect the
operation of the G3™

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Serial connector
On the back of the computer unit there is a female DB-9 connector
marked “SERIAL” that allows you to connect the G3 ™ to other devices
(i.e . display signs, in-car video, PCs, or the VIP (Vehicle Interface
Portal) .
2.3 Mounting and Connecting the Antenna
A variety of brackets are available. To attach the antennas to the
standard brackets, align the threaded mounting hole on the antenna
with the threaded post of the front antenna bracket and on the rear
antenna bracket the threaded knob with the slot on the L-brace. Then
screw the post or knob into the threaded mounting hole.
Figure 2.3a
A front mount antenna using the P773-237 bracket
Figure 2.3b
A rear mount antenna using the S758-34-0 bracket

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Front Antenna Mounting
When mounting the front antenna bracket to the windshield use the
following bullet points to help in determining the proper location.
• MakesurethatyouDo Not mount the antenna in the
deployment path of the air bag or where it will obstruct the
driver's vision.
• Choosealocationsothattheantennawillbecompletelybelow
the tinted area of the windshield.
• Testtheantennalocationforgoodperformanceandforanyfan
interference.
Once the considerations listed above have been observed, make
sure that the windshield glass is properly cleaned and prepared. To
remove the suction cup bracket, rst release the seal by pulling up on
the tab on the rubber suction cup.
Antenna Alignment
After you ax the bracket to the windshield, adjust the position
of the antenna. SIGNIFICANT DEVIATION FROM A PARALLEL
ORIENTATION CAN AFFECT THE RADAR’S READING DUE TO THE
COSINE EFFECT. (See Figure 2.3c)
Figure 2.3c Correct Orientation
The antenna is parallel to the target motor vehicle's direction

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Figure 2.3d Incorrect Orientation
The antenna & target motor vehicle's direction are not
parallel
Rear Antenna Mounting
Mount the rear-facing antenna near the center brake light where it
is not obstructing a clear view of trac. The bracket is easily axed
to the rear deck using the Velcro™ strips supplied with the bracket.
Follow the same orientation instructions as for the front antenna.
• Use only the mounting hardware provided. Damage
to the antenna housing can occur if you use incorrect
fasteners.
• Donotmodifythebrackets.Mostbracketsincorporate
a ground isolator that prevents the metal housing of
the antenna from coming into contact with the frame
of the patrol motor vehicle. Removal of the isolator can
cause interference to be easily picked up diminishing
performance.
• Toreduceinterference,positiontheantennaawayfrom
the patrol motor vehicle's display, fans, engine, laptops
and the G3™ computer unit.
• Whenremovingotheroptionalbracketsthathave
suction cups, use the tabs on the suction cups to break
the vacuum seal.

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After you have mounted the antenna, plug one cable end into the
antenna and the other end into the antenna receptacle on the
computer/display unit.
If you are using only one antenna, you must connect it to the FRONT
antenna receptacle.
2.4 Installation Check
After you install the components, for safety, double-check to ensure
all components are secure. Then check for potential interference from
sources such as the air conditioner/heater fan.
1. With all other motor vehicle accessories o, turn on the heater/air
conditioner fan.
2. Power up the radar by pressing the PWR button on the front
display and select the front antenna by pressing the FRONT
button.
3. Cycle through the fan’s low to high settings.
4. If the unit displays a reading, reposition the antenna to eliminate
it. Often, the far-left corner of the front windshield is an
interference-free zone where you can place an antenna.
5. Repeat this process for the rear antenna.
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