Sample Form

Moving Radar Simulator
Target approaching radar on a straight stretch of road

moving radar model image

The below form generates data that includes measured target speed (when it changes) and range / time to radar and target even for acceleration less than 1 mph or kmh per radar sample time. Except for Distance (2) and Initial Time (7b), all numbers entered must be whole numbers (no decimal point).
NOTE: Radar Angle (form line number 4) theta = 0° when radar aligned to patrol car direction (front or rear)

Computed results only account for the Cosine Effect, not other limitations such as detection range, multiple targets, or interference.

Sample Form Results

Moving Mode Radar

**SCENARIO**
Target	Distance Between Radar and Target Paths (lanes)	Patrol Car	Radar Angle off Patrol Car Direction	Radar Measured Patrol Car Speed
60 mph 97 kmh	35 feet 10.7 meters	65 mph 105 kmh	0 degrees	65 mph 105 kmh

Radar Cycle (sample time): 250 ms

MEASURED TARGET SPEED

Measured RANGE TIME
to even error ACCELERATION
mph / cycle Radar
Cycle

60 mph 800 feet 244 m 4.36 sec 0 mph 0 1
59 mph 388 feet 118 m 2.11 sec -1 mph 0.1 10
58 mph 204 feet 62 m 1.11 sec -2 mph 0.8 14
57 mph 158 feet 48 m 0.86 sec -3 mph 1.6 15

Measured	RANGE	TIME to even	error	ACCELERATION mph / cycle	Radar Cycle
60 mph	800 feet	244 m	4.36 sec	0 mph	0	1
59 mph	388 feet	118 m	2.11 sec	-1 mph	0.1	10
58 mph	204 feet	62 m	1.11 sec	-2 mph	0.8	14
57 mph	158 feet	48 m	0.86 sec	-3 mph	1.6	15

Closing speed: 125 mph = 45.8 feet/cycle (14 m/cycle)

TRACK SUMMARY
acceleration < 1 mph / radar cycle

14 radar cycles

Measured
Speed RANGE TIME
to even

60 to
58 mph 846 feet 258 m 4.61 sec START Track
204 feet 62 m 1.11 sec END Track

642 feet 196 m 3.5 sec TOTAL Track

Measured Speed	RANGE	TIME to even
60 to 58 mph	846 feet	258 m	4.61 sec	START Track
204 feet	62 m	1.11 sec	END Track

	642 feet	196 m	3.5 sec	TOTAL Track

For a target traveling at 60 mph and 65 mph radar with a 250 ms sample time and 35 feet off the road (target path) that starts target track (displayed) at 800 feet -- the Cosine Effect lowers measured target speed at a range of 388 feet. The last measured target speed occurs at 204 feet (the last full cycle acceleration less than 1 mph/250 ms cycle). Target acceleration (due to the Cosine Effect or actual acceleration) greater than 1 mph per radar cycle (250 ms above) is too fast for a radar to process as a bona fide target.

Police Traffic Radar Handbook
Chapter 4.3