Decatur Electronics Genesis VP Directional User manual

GENESIS-VPD™ USER’S MANUAL
1
Rev. 09/04
GENESIS-VP DIRECTIONAL™
USER’S MANUAL
Certified ISO 9001
Decatur Electronics, Inc.
715 Bright Street
Decatur, IL 62522
USA/Canada 800.428.4315
Intl 217.428.4315
Fax [phone]
www.decaturradar.com
Rev. 09/04 Copyright 2000-2004 Decatur Electronics, Inc.

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WELCOME TO DECATUR ELECTRONICS
Thank you for choosing this Decatur Electronics product—a
highly advanced traffic radar device that will reward your
department with years of dependable service. The Genesis-VPD™
design incorporates high performance and long range, with many
leading features.
We urge you to study this manual before using the Genesis-VPD,
so you can maximize the benefits of this sophisticated radar
device. This Decatur radar product might appear similar to
earlier models. Its digital signal processor (DSP) gives the device
advanced capabilities unseen by many veteran officers. If you
are as pleased with its performance as we think you will be, ask
your Decatur sales representative about other Decatur products,
including the Genesis™line of dash-mount moving radar
products— the Genesis-I™and Genesis-II Select™, Genesis-II
Directional™and handheld stationary radar products, including the
Genesis Handheld Directional™and the Genesis-VP™— and the Galaxy
Radar Message Trailer™product line. Also, Decatur Electronics has
a Hi8™ in-car video recording solution, the Gemini™—the Gemini
Headliner™ for the Ford® Crown Victoria™ and Chevrolet® Impala™
that fits flush with a vehicle’s interior headliner and a Gemini™
two-piece unit that fits in anywhere in the console area of any
vehicle’s interior.
Traffic officers told us exactly what they wanted in a hand-held
radar device—and we built it. Try any one of our products and
see if you don’t agree that it is best-in-class!
—The management and staff at Decatur Electronics,
the nation’s oldest radar company

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................. 6
About This Manual ............................................................ 6
1. Quick Start .................................................................. 6
1.1 Initial Set Up ....................................................... 6
1.1.1 Insert the Batteries .............................. 6
1.1.2 Control Panel Functions ...................... 7
1.2 Trigger Operation ...................................... 7
1.3 Measuring a Target Speed
in Faster Vehicle Mode .................................. 8
2. Components......................................................... 9
2.1 Batteries .................................................................. 9
2.1.1 Removing Batteries ............................. 10
2.1.2 Battery Charger .................................... 10
2.2 Controls .......................................................... 11
2.2.1 Faceplate .............................................. 11
2.3 Display ............................................................ 12
2.3.1 Number Segments ............................... 12
2.3.2 Status Indicator Icons .......................... 12
2.4 Trigger ............................................................ 14
2.5 Mounting Configurations ................................ 14
3. Operating Modes ................................................... 15
3.1 Primary Menu ................................................. 15
3.2 Secondary Menu ............................................. 17
3.3 Directional .................................................. 19
3.4 Strongest Signal Mode ................................... 20
3.5 Faster Mode ........................................................... 20
3.5.1 Faster-Toggle Mode ..................................... 21
3.5.2 Faster-Hold Mode ........................................ 22
4. Serial Output Mode ................................................ 23
5. Performance Tips ................................................... 24
5.1 How Radar Works .......................................... 24

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5.2. Interference Sources and Remedies ............. 24
5.2.1 Angular Interference (Cosine Effect).... 25
5.2.2 Fan Interference ............................................. 26
5.2.3 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) .......... 27
5.2.4 Feedback Interference .............................. 27
5.2.5 Multi-Path Beam Cancellation .................. 27
5.2.6 Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) ......... 27
5.2.7 Scanning ................................................... 28
5.2.8 Vehicle Ignition Interference................................ 28
6. Testing the Device ....................................................... 29
6.1 Operator-Requested Self Test ...................................... 29
6.2 Mini-Test ....................................................................... 29
6.3 Master Reset ............................................................... 29
6.4 Tracking History .................................................. 29
7. Care, Cleaning, and Storage ....................................... 31
8. Specifications .............................................................. 32
8.1 Antenna Parameters ............................................ 32
8.2 Voltages .............................................................. 32
8.3 Speed Range Parameters ................................... 32
8.4 Power Consumption Parameters .......................... 33
9. Legal Requirements .................................................... 34
9.1 FCC Document .................................................... 34
9.2 Radar Case Law .................................................. 35
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................. 36
11. Service ........................................................................ 38
11.1 Warranty ............................................................. 38
11.2 Service Return Procedure .................................. 39
11.3 Maintenance and Repair Record ........................ 41
12. How to Order Additional Products ............................... 42
Appendix A .......................................................................... 44
User Notes ........................................................................ 57
Index ................................................................................. 58

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Introduction
The Genesis-VP Directional (Genesis-VPD™) gives you the option to
easily select and track vehicles approaching, receding, or moving
in both directions simultaneously from your position.
Directionality dramatically enhances the target selection
process. For example, if the radar is set in toward (t) mode, it will
track only vehicles coming toward the radar and ignore all
vehicles moving away from it! In heavy traffic situations, you can
choose to make traffic moving in either direction invisible to the
radar. This feature greatly enhances your tracking history
requirements.
About This Manual
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.
1. Quick Start
If you are already familiar with operating and using police
radar guns, you probably will want to follow the quick start
instructions.
1.1 Initial Set Up
1.1.1 Insert the Batteries
Remove the Black & Decker®VersaPakTM*batteries
from their package and charge them according to
the VersaPakTM instruction sheet (see section 2.1.2
Battery Charger for more about using the battery
charger.) After charging the batteries, insert
them into the handle grip.
* VersaPak™ is a registered trademark of the Black & Decker®Company.

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Figure 1.1.1 Insert the batteries into the handle grip.
Push the batteries into the receptacles in the
bottom of the handle until you hear them snap into
place.
1.1.2 Control Panel Functions
The factory default settings for the control panel
are
Default
dir Direction tA
bL Backlight On
Aud Audio volume 3
SEn Sensitivity 5
SLh Squelch On
See section 3 Operating Modes for more on the
settings and how to change the default settings.
1.2 Trigger Operation
The Genesis-VPD transmits and receives microwave
energy when you pull the trigger. When you want to
lock onto a speed, release trigger, then pull it again
within 1/2 second.1The speed in the left window will
move to the right window and flash alternately between
it and a directional indicator (t means the target
vehicle is moving toward you, and Ameans away.) The
locked speed clears when you pull the trigger again.
1You can request Trigger Release Lock software that works another
way. When you release the pulled trigger, the target speed locks and
displays in the LOCKED window.

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1.3 Measuring a Target Speed in Faster Vehicle Mode
The Genesis-VPD operates in Strongest Signal mode,
which is the default. If you have purchased Faster
Target software, you can select the Faster mode of
operation with the FAST button. In Faster mode, the
Genesis-VPD can operate in Faster-Toggle or
Faster-Hold setting, which you select in the secondary
menu.

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2. Components
2.1 Batteries
The Genesis-VPD comes with a Black & Decker®
Interchangeable Battery System: two nickel-cadmium
(NiCd), silver label, 3.6-volt VersaPakTM batteries and a
two-port AC auto charger (part number P702-VP135).
For increased runtime, you can use nickel metal
hydride (NiMH), gold label, VersaPak™batteries. Please
read all the instructions and warnings on the
VersaPak™instruction sheet to ensure proper use and
storage of your batteries.
Use the battery caps provided with the batteries to store
or carry them, so metal objects (keys, coins, etc.) can
not come in contact with the exposed metal end.
Remember to remove the caps before placing the
batteries in the charger or the Genesis-VPD.
If the device is idle for 30 minutes, it automatically
powers down to save the batteries. The batteries have
aminimum life of 300 charge cycles. You can purchase
additional batteries at hardware stores and from
Decatur Electronics.
•When the radar is transmitting, it consumes roughly three
times as much power from the batteries than when it is
not transmitting. Keep this in mind to maximize battery
life.
•The device draws a small amount of power from the
batteries even when the power is off. When you are not
using the device for extended periods, remove the
batteries to save the charge.

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WARNINGS
•IMPORTANT: Do not combine a NiCd (silver label)
battery with a NiMH (gold label) battery in the same
gun. It can damage the batteries.
•IMPORTANT: Using batteries that have mismatched
voltages, such as one battery fully charged and another
with low voltage can cause the device to incorrectly power
up.
•Never attempt to open a battery. If the housing breaks or
cracks, immediately discontinue its use, and do not
recharge it.
•Do not incinerate the batteries. They can explode.
If you have problems or questions about your batteries,
contact Decatur Electronics at 800.428.4315, Black &
Decker®at 800.54.HOWTO, or a local Black & Decker®
service center (see the Tools Electric section in the
Yellow Pages.)
2.1.1 Removing Batteries
To remove the batteries, press the red button
with your thumb while pulling on the battery
with your fingers.
2.1.2 Battery Charger
Only charge the batteries with the VersaPakTM
battery charger. It is normal for the charger
to hum and for the batteries and charger to
become warm while charging. If a battery does
not charge properly, check the receptacle to see
if it is working or move it somewhere with a
temperature between +40°F and +105°F. Unplug
the charger when it is not in use.

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2.2 Controls
2.2.1 Faceplate
Figure 2.2.1 Faceplate
When you press the button of a valid function, the
system beeps to acknowledge the command.
MENU
The MENU button lets you view the options that
you can change.
SEL
The select (SEL) button lets you choose the
settings in each of the menu options. To change
a menu option, press the SEL button.
TEST
When you press the TEST button, the
Genesis-VPD runs a self test. For more on tests,
see section 6 Testing the Device.
FAST
When you press the FAST button, the
Genesis-VPD enters Faster target mode.

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PWR
The PWR button turns the Genesis-VPD on and
off. If you press SEL while pressing power, the
settings come up with the factory defaults.
2.3 Display
2.3.1 Number Segments
Three large digits (888) display the vehicle speed.
The small digits on the right display either the
locked speed or Faster target speeds.
2.3.2 Status Indicator Icons
The following icons can appear at the top or
bottom of the display screen and describe the
following conditions:
Figure 2.3.2 Number segments and status indicators
POWER
When POWER appears, the power is on.
RFI
The radio frequency interference (RFI) icon
indicates that excess RFI energy is present. The
radar automatically inhibits all speed
measurements. No new speeds display or
transmit via the serial port while this icon is
active, and if the system is displaying a locked
speed, the speed will remain locked. When the
RFI condition no longer exists, the system will
resume normal operation. Possible causes of
this condition are the patrol vehicle’s FM

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communications, proximity to radio stations, and
other broadcast equipment.
LOW BAT
The LOW BAT icon indicates that you need to
recharge the batteries. The system will not
transmit or display any new speeds while LOW
BAT appears, and if the system is displaying a
locked speed, the speed will remain locked.
LOCK
The LOCK icon indicates that the speed,
previously displayed on the left window, is now
locked and will appear in the right window.
FAST
FAST shows that the Genesis-VPD is in Faster
mode. When the device is not in Faster mode, it
is in Strongest Signal mode, the default mode.
XMIT
XMIT means the Genesis-VPD is transmitting.
HOLD
HOLD indicates the system is not transmitting.
ERROR
ERROR shows that the Genesis-VPD has
detected an internal hardware error, which can
affect the operation of the radar device. Turn
the gun off and back on. If the problem persists,
contact Decatur Electronics, 800.428.4315, for
what to do.
MPH and KPH
The Genesis-VPD displays speeds in miles per
hour (MPH) without the MPH indicator appearing.
However, if the device is displaying speeds in
kilometers per hour, KPH appears in the display.

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2.4 Trigger
The Genesis-VPD transmits and receives microwave
energy when you pull the trigger. To lock onto a speed,
release trigger, then quickly pull it again.2The speed
displaying in the left window will move to the right
window and flash alternately between the speed and the
directional indicator, t or A(tmeans the target vehicle
is moving toward you, and Ameans it is moving away
from you.) The locked speed clears when you pull the
trigger again.
2.5 Mounting Configurations
The Genesis-VPD is designed for hand-held operation.
Optionally, you can mount it to a standard camera
tripod. (To order tripods, see section 12 How to Order
Additional Products.)
2You can request Trigger Release Lock software that works another way.
When you release the pulled trigger, the target speed locks and displays
in the LOCKED window.

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3. Operating Modes
The MENU button on the Genesis-VPD control panel lets
you review and change programmable options. The options
are in two menus: primary and secondary. When you finish
making your selection(s), release the buttons, and your
new settings will be in effect. The radar gun will remember
the settings you last set when it is turned off and will power
up with them.
•If you press and hold the SEL button when powering up the unit,
the system will restore the factory default settings.
•The Genesis-VPD will exit menu mode if you do not press the
MENU or SEL buttons after two seconds. If you press and hold
either the MENU or SEL buttons, the Genesis-VPD will remain
in menu mode.
3.1 Primary Menu
You can use the factory default settings listed on the
next page or set your own. To select a setting,
repeatedly press the MENU button until the setting you
want to change appears. Then press the select (SEL)
button to advance through that setting’s options. When
you have made your selection, release the buttons, and
your new settings will be in effect. If neither MENU or
SEL is pressed after 2 seconds, the radar gun will
return to normal operating mode.

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Default Options
dir Direction tA t = toward
A = away
t A = both
Default Options
bL Backlight On On / Off
Default Options
Aud Audio volume 3 0 - 6
Default Options
SEn Sensitivity 5 0 - 5
Default Options
SLh Squelch On On / Off
Figure 3.1 Primary menu settings

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Direction (dir)
Direction lets you select the direction of the vehicle you
want to display. The dir default value t A indicates that
you are monitoring vehicles moving both toward and
away from the radar gun.
Backlight (bL)
This turns on and off the LCD backlight. bL ON is the
default setting. To change this option to OFF, press the
MENU then the select (SEL) button.
Audio (Aud)
The Audio setting controls the volume level of the
Doppler tone. Press MENU, then press SEL to toggle
through the volume level settings from 0to 6 (0is off,
and 6is the highest volume level.) It is the
manufacturer’s suggestion to never leave the audio
setting on 0 as the audio doppler is part of the officer’s
tracking history requirement.
Sensitivity Level (SEn)
The SEn option lets you control the maximum
target-acquisition range. SEn levels range from 0
through 5 (0 is off, 1is the minimum range, and 5is the
maximum range.) You will normally want to start with
the maximum range and decrease it until you attain
the desired performance level.
Squelch (SLh)
The squelch determines the type of Doppler audio you
want the radar gun to send out. When squelch is on,
the sound is only the Doppler tone for the displayed
target. When squelch is off, you will hear all Doppler
tones, including other vehicles, interference, and any
noise the antenna receives.
3.2 Secondary Menu
You can use the factory default settings listed below or
set your own. To select the secondary menu
settings, press and hold the select (SEL) button, then

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press the MENU button. To select a setting, press and
release the MENU button until the setting you want to
change appears. Then press and release the SEL
button to advance through that setting’s options. When
you have made your selection(s), release the buttons,
and the new settings will be in effect. If neither MENU
or SEL is pressed after 2 seconds, the radar gun will
return to normal operating mode.
Default Options
Prt Communication 0 = None 0 = Not used
port 1 = sign/video
2 = Galaxy sign/video
3 = ASCII [hundreds][tens]
[ones].[tenths]<CR>
4 = Lock Port 1200 Baud
[hundreds][tens][ones]
5 = Lock Port 9600 Baud
[hundreds][tens][ones]
6 = (contact Decatur)
7 = (contact Decatur)
Default Options
FSt Faster target 1 = Fast-toggle 0 = Fast-hold
1 = Fast-toggle
Default Options
tSt Test OFF On / Off
Default Options
dir Directional ON On / Off
Figure 3.2 Secondary menu settings

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Communications Port (Prt)
The Prt setting indicates which communication port
configuration you want the system to use. Zero means
no serial communication, and 1through 7are various
setting options (see the factory default settings.)
Faster Vehicle (FSt)
The FSt setting programs the FAST button for either
Faster-Hold or Faster-Toggle mode. The default, 1, is
Faster-Toggle, and 0 is Faster-Hold.
Mini-Test (tSt)
The tSt option sets the system to automatically perform
a “mini” self test every 10 minutes. Some states
require this test.
Direction (dir)
The dir default is On. If for some reason you want to
turn it off, you can toggle the setting to Off.
3.3 Directional
The Genesis-VPD lets you easily select and focus on
vehicles approaching or receding from your stationary
patrol position.
Figure 3.3a While in directional mode t (toward only), the radar gun
does not track the truck going 88 kph and displays the car going
98 kph.

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Figure 3.3b The dir option displays tA, t or A.
You can change the dir option to tto display only the
speeds of targets coming toward you or Ato display only
the speeds of targets moving away from you. When you
are in t A mode and the radar can not determine the
target direction, the direction indicator will not display.
It will display t or Awhen you are in t or Amode. When
you are transmitting and the right window is not in use
by another function, a tor Awill display in the right
window to indicate the target’s direction.
3.4 Strongest Signal Mode
All radar tracks the strongest signal, an essential
function of tracking history. The Genesis-VPD defaults
to the strongest signal-tracking mode and will stay in
this mode until you press the FAST button. In Strongest
Signal tracking mode, the Genesis-VPD displays the
speed of the vehicle with the strongest return signal,
which is often the closest car. This speed appears in
the left window.
3.5 Faster Mode
The advanced signal processing algorithms in the
Genesis-VPD simultaneously track multiple vehicles. In
Faster mode, the Genesis-VPD takes the strongest return
signal and uses it as a reference level. It then looks at
the return signal levels from all other vehicles going
faster than the strongest vehicle and compares them to
that reference level. It will display the speed of the
vehicle that is moving faster than the strongest signal