Kustom Signals ProLaser III User manual

ProLaser III Operator's Manual
Page 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You have invested in the latest
generation of the most technologically advanced
instrument available for speed detection and other law
enforcement applications. In a compact, handheld
package, the ProLaser III offers the versatility of direct
range and speed measurement. The unit offers a number
of improved operating features and specifications, which
make it easier to use and service, and easier to train
personnel in its use. These improvements include:
•Improved range accuracy and resolution
•Reduced size and weight
•Waterproof to IP 67 and NEMA 6
•Optional self-contained, removable long-life battery
pack
•Improved power management features with a low
voltage warning and a “sleep” mode to conserve
battery power
•Square reticle to define the laser beam size
•Inclement weather operating mode that improves
performance in fog, rain, snow, and dust.
•Rubber bumpers to protect the unit’s critical areas
•Ergonomically designed handle for reduced arm
and wrist fatigue
•Backlit LCD for unit set-up, control and operator
displays

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Operators who are familiar with the use of
conventional traffic safety radar or laser systems will find
it a simple matter to become accustomed to the ProLaser
III, since it comes from a company with over 28 years of
experience in the industry. Similarly, first-time operators
will be surprised at how easy it is to operate, because the
technology employed overcomes some of the drawbacks
and operational idiosyncrasies of conventional traffic
radar.
UNPACKING
When you first receive your ProLaser III,carefully
inspect the shipping carton for signs of damage. Any
damage evident should be immediately reported to the
carrier. Kustom Signals, Inc. is not responsible for
damage sustained during shipping.
Upon opening the carton, check the contents against
the following list of included items:
•ProLaser III lidar speed detection system
with corded handle
•1 ea. Operator's Manual
•Eye safety certification
•Accuracy calibration certification
Options available include the following:
•Battery pack handle with charger
•Tripod mount
•Cable to PC
•Cable to palmtop
Contact the Kustom Signals Customer Service
department at 800-835-0156 if any of the standard items
(or options which you have ordered) are missing. Having
the order number from your packing list will expedite the
call.

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FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The ProLaser III is a versatile instrument that
measures both the range and velocity of selected targets.
The advanced technology of the ProLaser III provides
pinpoint aiming capability, allowing the operator to isolate
a single vehicle out of a group. In addition, operation of
the ProLaser III is completely invisible to conventional
radar detectors, used by many motorists to avoid
enforcement. The technology employed in the ProLaser III
also renders laser detection devices relatively ineffective
due to the pinpoint accuracy of the system.
Rather than microwave transmission employed by
traditional traffic radar systems, the ProLaser III uses
invisible light waves that are much higher in frequency.
Because the wavelength of these light waves is so much
shorter than microwaves, they can readily be collimated
(or focused) into an extremely narrow beam for absolute
target identification. The signal transmitted by the
ProLaser III travels in a straight line of sight, as opposed
to the "fringing" effect that is characteristic of microwave
emissions.
The technology used by the ProLaser III to measure
distances and speeds is referred to as lidar, which stands
for light detection and ranging. When the trigger is pulled,
the ProLaser III sends out hundreds of invisible infrared
laser light pulses per second. As each pulse is
transmitted, a timer is started, and when the energy of a
laser pulse is reflected from a target and received by the
ProLaser III, the timer is stopped. From the elapsed time
taken for the laser pulse to strike and return from the
target, the distance to the object is calculated with the
known speed of light through the atmosphere. If the
target is moving with respect to the ProLaser III, a
sophisticated algorithm is used to derive the speed of the
target from a successive number of range calculations.
This speed determination is then displayed to the
operator.

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CONTROL LOCATIONS
Operation of the ProLaser III primarily involves using
the integrated LCD/keypad located on the back panel of
the unit. The only function not controlled by the LCD/
keypad is the trigger used to fire the device. Figure 1
illustrates the external controls that are used to operate
the instrument. These controls are briefly described as
follows:
A. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): Window displays speed,
range, and command menus and unit status in a text
format.
B. Power (PWR): turns on and off primary power.
C. MENU/ESC: MENU displays the unit’s programmed
text menu items on the LCD; ESC permits the user to
exit the menu and return to the speed or range
operating mode.
D. MODE/ARROW: MODE allows the user to select the
speed measuring mode or range measuring. The
ARROW allows the user to navigate among the text
menu items on the LCD.
E. BRT/VOL/ARROW : Single menu allows user to
adjust the Head-Up-Display brightness to
accommodate varying ambient light levels; VOL allows
the user to adjust the volume of the unit’s audible
alerts; LCD backlight can be activated. ARROW
permits the user to navigate among text menu items
appearing on the LCD.
F. TEST/ENTER: TEST activates the self-test function;
ENTER activates the text menu item selected on the
LCD.
G. Heads-Up-Display (HUD): displays the sighting reticle
and the speed or range of a target.
H. I/O Connector: contains conductors for the external
signal output and optional RS-232 port (UART).
I. Trigger: activates the range/speed measurement
function, and locks and releases speed and range
displays.

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Figure 1
C D E F
G
H
I
B
A

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CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS
The preceding section of this Operator's Manual
introduced you to the locations of the operating controls
on the ProLaser III. This section will provide detailed
descriptions of the function of each control.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or
performance of procedures other than
those specified is not recommended
Adherence to the instructions contained in
this manual will insure the device works at
peak performance.
Power
The power (“PWR”) switch located on the back panel is
used to turn off and on primary power to the ProLaser III.
Press once to turn the unit on. Press and hold for one
second to turn the unit off..
Trigger
The trigger of the ProLaser III performs two functions.
When the trigger is pulled, it activates the firing of laser
pulses, and the range and speed measurement functions
of the system. When the trigger is released, the last
displayed range and speed readings obtained are retained
on the displays. The locked range and speed displays can
be cleared by momentarily depressing the trigger a second
time.
TEST/ENTER
This is a dual purpose switch. Pressing the
TEST/ENTER push button when the unit does not have a
menu displayed on the LCD initiates the unit’s self test.
Pressing this button when a menu is displayed on the
LCD enters the user’s menu selection.

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BRT/VOL/ARROW
This is a dual function switch. On the initial push of
the switch, a set-up menu for the unit’s displays and
audio alerts will appear on the unit’s LCD. When in Menu
Screen, this switch functions as the “down” selector.
MODE/ARROW
This is a dual function switch. The Mode switch will
toggle between Speed and Range Modes. While in menu
screens, this switch functions as a “up” selector. Upon
initial power up, the unit will default to speed mode.
MENU/ESC
This is a dual function switch. In the Speed mode or
the Range mode, the primary set-up menu is displayed
when the push button is depressed. In any menu mode,
depressing the button will allow the user to escape (ESC)
to the default operating mode.
DISPLAYS AND INDICATORS
The unit’s primary display is the LCD located on the
back panel of the unit. In addition to speed and range
data, the LCD provides set-up menus, user alerts, and
self-test status. The LCD is a 2 X 16 character, extended
temperature, back-lit version designed for long life and
maximum legibility. All operator set-up menus and alerts
are communicated via the LCD in text format.

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HEADS-UP-DISPLAY
The Heads-Up-Display, or HUD, performs two critical
functions in the operation of the ProLaser III. First, it
provides the aiming reticle by which the instrument is
aimed at the desired target. Secondly, it displays the
current speed or range of the target as the operator
continues to observe the target, creating a tracking history
that is vital for admissible court evidence.
The aiming reticle is an illuminated rectangle that
approximately replicates the laser beam spot size. As
seen from the rear of the instrument, the aiming reticle is
located in the center of the HUD reflecting glass, and
defines the area where the laser pulses are transmitted.
The reticle is illuminated whenever the ProLaser III is
powered up. The intensity of the reticle is adjusted along
with the intensity of the displays, by the BRT/VOL switch
on the rear panel of the unit.
Directly below the aiming reticle is a four-character
LED numeric display. This display is used to present four
types of information to the operator:
1. Upon power-up or the activation of the test function,
the HUD display will first go through a display
segment test. The first display will briefly read
"8888".
2. When the trigger is pulled and laser pulses are being
transmitted, the HUD will display four dashes "----"
indicating that the laser is being fired and that the
instrument's range and speed measurement functions
are activated. Display of the dashes in the HUD
occurs simultaneously with the illumination of LCD
characters directly beneath the “Speed” and “Range”
text on the rear display panel. This confirms that
laser activation has taken place, and the operator's
attention is not diverted from the HUD.

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3. When the speed of a moving target has been
determined, the speed will be displayed on the HUD.
The speed of a receding target will be displayed with a
"-" prefix, and the speed of an approaching target will
be displayed with no prefix.
4. When status messages arise, the HUD will read
"HELP", referring the operator to the rear panel
displays for further information. Examples of such
status messages occur during Low Voltage or error
conditions, or when Self-test failures are detected.
These indications in the HUD allow the operator to
track vehicle speeds, and to monitor critical operating
conditions, without having to divert attention from the
target vehicle and its surroundings.
STATUS DISPLAYS
The ProLaser III provides user alerts on the LCD back
panel. They are listed below-
•Low Voltage Alert- if internal battery voltage falls
below 9.2 volts. When the “LV Alert” appears and an
internal battery installed, it is an indication the unit
will shortly exhaust the battery. This alert will appear
approximately every two minutes until the battery is
exhausted. This alert is also given when using an
external battery.
•Low Voltage Warning- if internal battery or external
power voltage is below 8.6 volts. This warning will
appear after the low voltage alert and indicates the
units can no longer function and a new power source
must be used.

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OPERATION
NOTE: The following guide to operating the
ProLaser III lidar system is not intended to be a
training program. Before operating this unit or any
other speed measuring system, Kustom Signals urges
all operators to have prior training in lidar speed
monitoring devices. Such courses are offered by
Kustom Signals, various state and local agencies and
either IPTM (Institute of Police Technologies and
Management) or Northwestern University. Contact
your District Manager or Kustom Signals at 1-800-
4KUSTOM for further details.
SETUP
There are several factors to be taken into account
when setting up to make speed or distance measurements
with the ProLaser III. They have to do with the location of
the instrument relative to the roadway upon which traffic
is moving, and with the actual setup in or around the
patrol car.
In selecting a location for monitoring traffic, be aware
that the ProLaser III is subject to the cosine effect in the
same manner as conventional microwave radar and other
laser-based speed measuring systems. The cosine effect is
a principle which states that the apparent measured
speed of a target will be decreased from its actual speed,
depending upon the angle between the direction of
observation and the true direction of travel.

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The amount of error is defined by a trigonometric
relationship known as the cosine. From a judicial
standpoint, the measurement inaccuracy introduced by
the cosine effect is always in favor of the motorist, since it
has the effect of reducing the measured speed.
The greater the angle between the ProLaser III and the
direction of traffic, the greater the cosine error produced.
For small angles, the cosine effect is relatively
insignificant. For examples, at angles of less than 8°, the
cosine error is under 1%, and at angles of less than 14°,
the error is under 3%. As a general guideline, if you select
a location where the distance to the target vehicle is at
least ten times greater than the ProLaser III's
perpendicular distance from the roadway, this
corresponds to an angle of 5.7° or less, and the amount of
cosine error will not exceed 1/2%. For example, setting
up 20 feet off the roadway and measuring targets at a
range of 200 feet or greater, will assure that the cosine
effect produces no more than 1/2% error in the speed
measurement. Again, it is important to remember that
any cosine error introduced always reduces the indicated
speed reading, thus favoring the motorist.
Another factor in selecting a setup location is that you
must have a clear line of sight to the target vehicle during
the entire measurement interval. Intervening objects such
as signposts, utility poles, and tree branches, will prevent
the instrument from gathering sufficient valid
measurement data to display a speed reading. It will also
assist in setup if you select a location where minimum
movement of the ProLaser III is required in order to keep it
aimed on the desired target.

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Visibility conditions also affect the performance of the
ProLaser III. Although the laser emissions used by the
device are not in the visible spectrum, they are close
enough in wavelength that atmospheric or climatic
conditions that impair vision also adversely affect the
operation. This impact is mitigated to some degree due to
the new “poor” weather operating feature available on
ProLaser III. However, rain, smoke, fog, and airborne dust
particles, if sufficiently dense, may prevent its operation.
The instrument is not affected by ambient light
conditions, however, and equivalent performance should
be obtained whether operating in bright daylight or in
total darkness.
To obtain maximum operating range at the setup
location, the instrument should ideally be positioned so
that it is not operating through any glass in the patrol
vehicle. The oblique angles of most windshields will often
reduce the effective range of the system, and in addition,
some windshields are treated with a coating that blocks
the infrared emissions, making operation impossible.
Operation through the side glass is preferable to operation
through the windshield, although this may also result in
some loss of range performance.
Due to the extremely narrow beamwidth of the
ProLaser III that makes precise target identification
possible, it may be difficult to aim at long ranges if
operated handheld. For those situations, use of a
monopod or tripod to assist in stabilizing the instrument
may be helpful.

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Screen 1
Screen 2
Screen 3
POWER-ON SEQUENCE
Test Messages
Upon power up of the unit or a user-initiated self-test,
the unit will run self-test. This self-test consists of the
following text messages:
Internal/External Memory Tests: performs a check of
the contents of the memory chips in which the
microprocessor programs reside.
Programmable Options Test: Checks for corruption of
the unit’s configuration memory
Self Test
Int RAM = PASS
Self Test
Ext RAM = PASS
Self Test
EEPROM = PASS

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Screen 4
Screen 5
Accuracy Test: performs a comparison between two
independent timing circuits to verify that the range and
speed determination circuits are operating properly.
Program Memory Test: Checks unit’s programmable
memory for validity.
Indicates unit self-test is complete.
Self Test
Checksum = PASS
End of Self Test
0000
Self Test
TIMER = PASS

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Units of Measure
In addition to the self-test displays the unit presents
upon power up, the unit briefly flashes the units of
measure before entering the default operating mode. The
screen is displayed below.
The displays will indicate “Feet/MPH" for English
units, or "KM/H/M " for metric units.
Unit Mode and HUD Display Selection
Following the units of measure display, the unit will
briefly display the speed/ranging mode and HUD display
selection. The screen appears as:
This display indicates that the unit is in the normal
speed measuring operating mode and the HUD will
display speed data.
Default Display
Upon initial power up, the unit will default to speed
mode and display the following:
If the user wishes to leave the unit in the speed mode,
no further operator action is required.
Speed Range
Units
Feet/MPH
MODE: Speed
HUD: Speed

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MODE/OPTION SELECTION
Mode/Arrow
The Mode/Arrow pushbutton switch is used to toggle
between Speed and Range Mode. The default mode is
Speed Mode. To select this option, no action is required.
Depressing the switch will erase the SPEED menu
item, leaving only the RANGE text displayed. The unit is
now in the range-only mode. This will also change the
display in the HUD from SPEED to RANGE. The ARROW
segment of the push button becomes functional when an
operator menu item is selected as outlined in the
MENU/ESC switch description. To return to the speed
mode, depress the MODE switch again. Both Speed and
Range will again be displayed on the LCD, and the HUD
will display speed measurements.
BRT/VOL/Arrow
This switch is used to adjust the brightness of the
HUD’s display, the audio volume, and to turn on or off
LCD backlighting. Press the BRT/VOL switch once to get
to the setup menu, which appears below.
Setup
[HUD] VOL BKLIT
NOTE: It is not necessary to depress the
ENTER push button to select speed
or ranging mode

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The brackets around the selection indicate the menu
item to be changed. Depressing the BRT/VOL switch
with the items above displayed then employs the ARROW
to move to the next item. The user then presses the
ENTER push button to confirm the display or audio alert
item to be adjusted.
If no adjustments are desired, press ESC to return to
the Speed or Range mode.
Brightness
The brightness control should be adjusted to allow
comfortable viewing of the HUD displays, and sufficient
illumination of the aiming reticle for targeting purposes.
To adjust, press ENTER at the BRT/VOL menu while HUD
is selected.
There are eight LCD blocks between the MIN and MAX
text on the LCD screen. This corresponds to eight
brightness levels in the HUD. HUD brightness can be
increased by depressing the blue arrow switch pointing
upward or decreased by pressing the blue arrow switch
that is pointing downward. Once the desired brightness
level is achieved, press the ENTER switch.
Avoid using excessively bright settings for lower level
ambient light conditions as this will make target
identification more difficult. Upon being powered up, the
ProLaser III will automatically default to the brightness
level set at the factory.
HUD Brightness
MIN MAX

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Audio Volume
The audible tone provides feedback to assist the
operator in aiming the ProLaser III. The aiming tone is
activated when the trigger is pulled and a staccato or
chirping tone is heard when no valid target is in range,
such as aiming the unit at the sky. As the quality of
range data from a target improves, the “chirp rate” will
increase, indicating proper aiming of the ProLaser III.
When a range or speed is actually displayed, the chirping
will simultaneously change to a solid tone.
The audio transducer is also used to alert the
operator to certain conditions such as an internal test
failure, existence of low battery voltage or confirmation the
unit is powering down.
The audible alert volume (VOL) can be adjusted in the
same manner as the HUD brightness. The screen appears
as below-
There are six (6) LCD blocks corresponding to the
volume level of the audio annunciator. Use the blue arrow
switches to adjust the volume. The arrow pointing
downward lowers the volume, the arrow pointing upward
increases the volume. Each time an arrow is depressed
adjusting the volume, the audio will briefly sound,
indicating the decibel level the user will hear at the level
selected. Once the desired level is achieved, press the
ENTER switch to confirm the selection.
Volume
OFF MAX

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Backlight
The LCD backlight (BKLIT) selection is used during
night operations and enables users to operate the device
as they would during daylight. This function illuminates
the LCD and the menu to select this option appears as
below:
The user simply chooses between turning the back
light off (OFF) or on (ON). Use the blue arrow switches to
choose an option and confirm this selection by pressing
the ENTER switch.
MENU/ESC
The MENU display is used to provide access to
additional set-up and operating features of the ProLaser
III. The user enters this mode after the unit has been
powered up and completed self-test. Using the MENU
switch will allow the operator to refine the set-up for a
particular situation. Pressing this switch once will display
the following screen:
The brackets around the menu choice indicate the
item selected. Press the ENTER switch to confirm your
selection.
[DIST] DIR WTHR
STPW DIF-TEST
Rear Back Light
[OFF] ON

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Minimum and Maximum Distance/Range (DIST)
The distance control sets the minimum and maximum
ranges at which target vehicle speeds will be displayed.
When the DIST menu selection is activated, the input
screen appears as:
Minimum Distance Display and Control
Upon selection of the MIN menu item the following
screen appears:
The blue arrow switches on the unit are then used to
increase and decrease the minimum range setting. The
distance changes in one (1) foot or one meter increments.
When the desired minimum distance setting is achieved,
press the ENTER switch. This action will return you to
the main menu.
Maximum Distance Display and Control
Selecting the maximum distance menu item will
display the following screen:
Set Range
(MAX) MIN
Set Min Range
Dist 15
Set Max Range
DIST MAX