Decatur Electronics GHD User manual

Certied ISO 9001
Handheld Directional Radar
User’s Manual
GHDTM & SCOUTTM
Decatur Electronics(XURSH, Inc.
Auratie 9, 67600 Kokkola, Finland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.DecaturEurope.com

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
1
Table of Contents
Welcome to Decatur Electronics ............................................................ 4
About This Manual ................................................................................. 5
1. Safety Information............................................................................... 5
2. Receiving Inspection..............................................................6
3. Getting Started ................................................................................... 7
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................... 7
3.2 Battery Charging - SCOUT ............................................................... 7
3.3 Removing The Battery Holder - SCOUT ............................................ 7
3.4 Battery Installation - SCOUT ............................................................ 8
3.5 Inserting The Holder Into The SCOUT ............................................... 8
3.6 Charging The Batteries - SCOUT ...................................................... 9
3.7 Charge Status Indicator (LED) - SCOUT .......................................... 10
3.8 Battery Run Time - SCOUT ...................................................... 10
3.9 Replacing Batteries - SCOUT .............................................11
3.10 Connecting The Power Cord - SCOUT ........................................... 11
3.11 Plug In The Power Cord - GHD & SCOUT .........................................11
3.12 Control Panel Functions ............................................................ 11
3.13 Measuring Target Speed In Faster Vehicle Mode .............................11
4. Components - GHD & SCOUT ................................................................. 12
4.1 Control Buttons ........................................................................... 12
4.2 Display ............................................................. 13
4.3 Trigger ............................................................ 15
4.4 Mounting Configurations............................................... 15

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
2
5. Operating Modes ................................................................... 15
5.1 Menu .......................................................... 15
5.2 Directional .................................................................... 19
5.3 Strongest Signal Mode ................................................................. 20
5.4 Faster Mode .................................................................... 20
5.5 Faster-Toggle Mode ....................................................... 21
5.6 Faster-Hold Mode .................................................... 21
6. Serial Output Mode ................................................................................22
7. Performance Tips ................................................................................23
7.1 How Radar Works ......................................................................23
7.2 Interference Sources.........................................................23
7.3 Angular Interference (Cosine Error Effect)..................................24
7.4 Fan Interference ...................................................25
7.5 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ........................................25
7.6 Feedback Interference .................................................................26
7.7 Multi-Path Beam Cancellation ....................................................26
7.8 Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)...............................................26
7.9 Scanning.................................................................26
7.10 Vehicle Ignition Interference..................................................27
8. Testing The Device..............................................................................27
8.1 Operator-Requested Self Test......................................................27
8.2 Mini-Test............................................................................28
8.3 Tuning Fork Test..............................................................28
9. Care, Cleaning, and Storage..................................................................29

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
3
10. Specifications.....................................................................29
10.1 Antenna Parameters K-Band.................................................29
10.2 Environment............................................................29
10.3 Speed Range Parameters...........................................................30
10.4 Power Consumption Parameters..................................................30
11. Legal Requirements ....................................................................... 31
11.1 FCC ..............................................................31
11.2 Radar Case Law ................................................................32
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ......................................................33
13. Warranty ..................................................................................34
14. Service Return Procedure ....................................................................35
15. How To Order Additional Products..........................................................36
16. Communications Port.............................................................37
17. Maintenance and Repair Record ......................................................38
18 User Notes ....................................................................................39

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
4
WELCOME TO DECATUR ELECTRONICS
Thank you for choosing this Decatur Electronics product—a highly
advanced trafc radar device that will reward your department with years
of dependable service. Both the Genesis Handheld Directional (GHD)™
and the SCOUT Handheld Directional (SCOUT)™ incorporate high
performance and long range with many leading features.
We urge you to study this manual before using the GHD or SCOUT so you
can maximize the benets of this sophisticated radar device. This Decatur
radar product might appear similar to earlier models, but its digital signal
processor (DSP) gives the device advanced capabilities. 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 and the OnSite™ product line of speed
trailers and dollies. Also, Decatur Electronics offers the Responder™ in-car
video solutions.
Trafc ofcers 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 GHD and the SCOUT are manufactured by Decatur Electronics, Inc.
We can be contacted by calling [phone] or by going to the web
at www.DecaturEurope.com.
—The Management and Staff at Decatur Electronics,
the Nation’s Oldest Radar Company
GHD & SCOUT 01
rev. 6-10-10

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
5
About This Manual
This manual contains valuable information to help you set up, use and
maintain your radar. 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.
1. Safety Information
All service needs should be referred back to the manufacturer.
Do not over voltage the radar - it can damage the unit!
The GHD and the SCOUT are designed to operate off of conventional +12
VDC (10.8 to 16.5 VDC) from their power cables. In addition the SCOUT
is also designed to operate at 7.2VDC from the internal batteries. Over
voltage to the power cables or incorrect batteries can cause damage. Use
only Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries in the SCOUT.
Opening the GHD or the SCOUT automatically voids any warranty
still in effect. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Do not expose the GHD or the SCOUT to excessive moisture. Never
submerge the device. Violation of these guidelines may void the
warranty.
Do not drop the GHD or the SCOUT on hard surfaces since damage
could occur. Units damaged by dropping or abuse are not covered for
warranty repair.
When replacing batteries in the SCOUT you should replace all 6 with
new batteries even if you suspect that only one cell is defective. Use
rechargeable Nickle-Metal-Hydride batteries only.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
6
2. Receiving Inspection
• When you receive your radar, inspect all components for freight damage
that might have happened during shipping or unloading.
• Notify the freight company immediately of any damage, preferably while
the driver is present. Record the damage on the bill of lading and keep a
record of the problems or damage.
• The package should include the following pictured items along with this
User’s Manual.
SCOUT or GHD Radar SCOUT - detachable power cable
GHD & SCOUT - Tuning Fork SCOUT - batteries & battery holder

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
7
3. Getting Started
3.1 Introduction
The GHD and SCOUT are stationary radars that give you the option
to track vehicles approaching, receding, or moving in both directions
simultaneously. 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 trafc situations, you can
choose to make trafc moving in either direction invisible to the
radar.
3.2 Battery Charging - SCOUT
The SCOUT is designed to operate off of six (6) rechargeable Nickel-
Metal-Hydride batteries (or off the DC power cord). When you rst
receive your radar, the batteries will need to be charged for the rst
time before using. Once batteries have been charged if you do not
use the SCOUT for 3-4 weeks, you will want to recharge the batteries
before use in order to get the full run time. You can either charge the
batteries prior to placing them into the holder by using an optional
Nickel-Metal Hydride battery charger or you can charge the batteries
by following steps 3.6 to 3.7.
3.3 Removing the Battery Holder - SCOUT
The battery holder is located inside the handle of the SCOUT and is
accessed by means of a sliding door. When rst received, the holder
has no batteries in it, so it will need to be removed and loaded with
batteries. To remove the battery holder slide the battery cover to the
right until the battery holder is released as shown in gure 3.3. The
door can be completely removed from the slide.
Figure 3.3

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
8
3.4 Battery Installation - SCOUT
Insert the batteries into the battery holder following the polarity
guide that is on the inside of the battery holder (Figure 3.4a.) Once
properly loaded the battery holder will look like the example in
Figure 3.4b
Figure 3.4a Figure 3.4b
Notice that the negative side of each battery goes to
the spring contacts of the holder.
3.5 Inserting the Holder into the SCOUT
The battery holder is designed so that it can only make contact with
the power connections inside the gun if the holder is slid into the
gun in the correct way. If you look closely at the holder you will see
that there is a positive and negative terminal on it. These need to be
inserted into the gun with the terminals located at the top as shown in
the picture below.
Figure 3.5

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
9
Once the batteries have been properly loaded into the holder and the
holder has been inserted into the handle of the gun then the door can
be put back in place and slid closed. If you have not already charged
the batteries using an optional NiMH charger, you are now ready to
charge the batteries using the power cable.
If the holder has been placed incorrectly into the handle the door
can not be put back in place and closed.
3.6 Charging the Batteries - SCOUT
The power cable that comes with the SCOUT can be used to
either power the SCOUT directly from your vehicle receptacle
or to charge the SCOUT’s batteries. Once the batteries have been
properly installed into the holder and inserted into the handle plug
the power cord into the power connector at the base of the handle
by aligning the red dot on the power cord’s plug with the red dot on
the connector. Failure to align the plug with the connector properly
will result in damage to the pins of the jack. Reference gure 3.6 for
proper alignment.
Figure 3.6
Next, plug the lighter plug into an active cigarette lighter receptacle
in the vehicle. The red led on the lighter plug should come on
showing that power is being applied to the SCOUT. With the SCOUT
turned off, it will take approximately 2 hours to fully charge the
batteries. Turning the SCOUT on with the cord plugged in will stop
the charge cycle allowing the gun to be operated from the power
cord. Batteries do not charge when the gun is turned on.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
10
3.7 Charge Status Indicator (LED) - SCOUT
The status of the charge can be determined by the Charge Status
Indicator LED located on the bottom of the handle (See gure 3.7).
The table below denes the status.
Fast blinking green light = checking battery condition
Medium blinking green light = charging battery
Solid green light = charged
Solid red light = charging error
Figure 3.7
The normal charging sequence is fast blink for 60 seconds, medium
blink until batteries are fully charged (approximately 2 hours for fully
discharged batteries) and solid green once batteries are charged.
The gun can be left to charge indenitely. The charging circuit will
automatically shut off once charging is complete.
The SCOUT must be OFF or the batteries will not charge. You can
not operate the SCOUT and charge the batteries at the same time.
Best performance from your batteries is obtained when recharged
at temperature between 50ºF (10ºC) and 113ºF (45ºC). Recharging
outside of that temperature range may result in reduced battery life
or incomplete charging.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
11
3.8 Battery Run Time - SCOUT
How long the SCOUT can operate between recharges depends upon
several factors including the milliamp hour (mAh) capacity of the
batteries, age of the batteries, and how the SCOUT is used. Generally
a set of 6 new 2500 mAh batteries fully charged should run for
approximately 1 week between recharges given normal use.
3.9 Replacing Batteries - SCOUT
When replacing the batteries with new ones remember to use only
rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries and to replace ALL the
batteries at the same time even if you suspect that only one battery is
bad. Follow the instructions listed in steps 3.2 through 3.7 for proper
installation and charging when replacing batteries.
3.10 Connecting the Power Cord - SCOUT
If you choose to run off the power cord instead of the internal bat-
teries, connect the power cord to the receptacle on the bottom of the
SCOUT being sure to properly align the plug on the power cord to
the connector on the bottom of the SCOUT. The SCOUT automati-
cally will switch from the internal batteries to the power cord for
power when the unit is turned on.
3.11 Plug In the Power Cord - GHD & SCOUT
Plug the radar’s power cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter
receptacle. If you are using a separate battery pack as a power source,
plug the radar’s power cord into the battery pack’s receptacle.
3.12 Control Panel Functions
The operation of the GHD and the SCOUT are controlled by the ve-
button key pad and the trigger.
3.13 Measuring Target Speed in Faster Vehicle Mode
By default, the radar operates in Strongest Signal mode. You can
activate faster mode by pushing the FAST button.
The GHD and the SCOUT have all the same functions and features.
The major difference is that the SCOUT can be powered from the
internal Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries without being
restricted by a power cord.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
12
4. Components - GHD & SCOUT
4.1 Control Buttons
Figure 4.1
Faceplate (Display and Control Buttons)
When you press the button of a valid function, the system beeps to
acknowledge the command if bEP (beep) is set to On.
MENU
The MENU button lets you view the options you can change.
Repeatedly pressing the MENU button advances through the
programmable features.
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 SCOUT runs a self test.
FAST
When you press the FAST button, the SCOUT enters Faster target
mode.
PWR
The PWR button turns the SCOUT on and off.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
13
4.2 Display
Number Segments
The three large digits (888) on the left display the vehicle speed.
The three small digits on the right display either the locked speed or
Faster target speeds depending on the setting you have selected (see
Figure 4.2).
Status Indicator Icons
The following icons can appear at the top and bottom of the display
screen and describe the following conditions:
Figure 4.2
Number segments and status indicator icons.
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 in the display window 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 communications, proximity to radio stations and other broadcast
equipment.
LOW BAT
The LOW BAT icon indicates that your vehicle’s battery (or your
separate battery pack) may be low on power. 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.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
14
LOCK
The LOCK icon indicates the speed previously displayed on the left
window is now locked and will appear in the right window.
FAST
FAST shows that the radar is in Faster mode. When the device is not
in Faster mode, it is in Strongest Signal mode, which is the default
mode.
XMIT
XMIT means the radar is transmitting.
HOLD
HOLD indicates the system is not transmitting.
ERROR
ERROR shows that the SCOUT has detected an internal hardware
error which can affect the operation of the radar device. You should
turn the gun off and back on. If the problem persists, contact Decatur
Electronics at [phone] for assistance.
MPH and KPH
The radar 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.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
15
4.3 Trigger
The radar transmits and receives microwave energy when you pull
the trigger. To measure the speeds of target vehicles, pull and hold
the trigger. When you want to lock a speed, release the trigger then
quickly pull it again (within 1/2 second). The radar will take the
speed in the left display when the trigger is released, move it to
the right display, and lock it in. The right display will then ash
alternately between the locked speed and a directional indicator (t
means the target vehicle is moving toward you, and A means it is
moving away from you). As long as you continue to hold the trigger,
the radar will continue to track targets and display their speeds in the
left display. The locked speed clears when you pull the trigger again.
4.4 Mounting Congurations
The radar is designed for hand-held operation. Optionally, you can
mount it to a standard camera tripod.
5. Operating Modes
The MENU and SEL buttons on the GHD & SCOUT control panels let you
review and change programmable settings. The radar gun will remember
the settings you last set when it is turned off and will power up with them.
5.1 Menu
You can use the factory default settings listed on the next page or
you can select your own settings. 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 the selections for
that setting. 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, capturing whatever settings you have selected to that point.

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
16
Menu Settings

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
17
1 International Version Only

GHDTM & SCOUTTM USER’S MANUAL
18
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.
Audio (Aud)
The Audio setting controls the volume level of the Doppler tone. The
volume level settings are from 0 to 8 (0 is off, and 8 is the highest
volume level.)
Sensitivity Level (SEn)
The SEn option lets you control the maximum target-acquisition
range. SEn levels range from 1 through 6 (1 is off, 2 is the
minimum range, and 6 is 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.
Communications Port (Prt)
The Prt setting indicates which communication port conguration
you want the system to use. Zero means no serial communication,
and 1 through 6 (and 7 if you have the international version) are
various setting options (see the menu 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.