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Laser Update: The Second Generation Arrives

NCJ Number
178311
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 47 Issue: 7 Dated: July 1999 Pages: 83-90
Author(s)
Craig Peterson
Date Published
July 1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes some recent improvements in speed lidars, commonly called lasers.
Abstract
The new lasers are lighter, smaller, less expensive, easier to operate and more versatile than early models. Each is battery-powered and software-driven, with powerful microchips that afford an extensive menu of options, from peak-speed capture or continuous speed updates to the setting of minimum and maximum values for speed, range or both. Each has a serial port for downloading data or interfacing with laptops, speed displays, digital cameras and other peripherals. In addition to their considerable accuracy at reading speeds or range, a few can also map accident sites or crime scenes. The article evaluates four new models for user-friendliness, ease of operation, quality of audio and aiming systems, and overall usefulness in the field: (1) the Stalker from Applied Concepts; (2) ProLaser III from Kustom Signals; (3) SpeedLaser from Laser Atlanta Optics; and (4) UltraLyte LR from Laser Technology.