Find answers to frequently asked questions about radar speed signs- how do they calm traffic and promote safety, what types are available, what size sign is needed, where should the signs be placed?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and the answers.
> How does a radar speed sign calm traffic and promote safety?
Radarsign’s speed signs give drivers notice that they are speeding. Radar speed signs work by sign shifting the brain out of the alpha state where the brain is aware but relaxed into the beta state where the brain is alert and focused. As a result, the driver responds to the flashing speed alert and slows down. Tests repeatedly show that speeders WILL slow down over 80% of the time when alerted by a radar sign. Typical speed reductions are 10-20%, and overall compliance with the posted speed limit will go up by 30-60%.
> What types of radar speed signs are available?
Radarsign’s offers AC, battery, or solar power models with 11″, 12″ and 17″ display sizes.
> Does the Radarsign radar speed sign operate 24/7 or just at certain times?
You can choose to have the sign in operation either 24/7, or at timed intervals throughout the day. The standard timers will allow the sign to adjust for different school zone speed limits for specific times of the day and week. Neighborhoods often have the sign display off after 10 or 11 pm and turn back on around 5 am. Even with the sign display off, vehicle data can still be collected.
> Is a solar powered radar speed sign an option for my location?
For most locations the answer is yes. To determine whether a solar power sign is an option for where you live, see Solar Power Options information sheet
> If I choose a solar model, what size batteries and solar panel are required?
With most solar powered radar signs on the market today, the larger the LED display, the more power it consumes. The 14″ to 24″ displays often require multiple 28-40 amp batteries, which add to the cost and can require a separate housing from the display. In addition, larger 80 to 120 watt solar panels are required to ensure 24/7 operation of the sign. However, because of the power efficient design of our solar powered radar signs, the TC-500S and the TC-1000S, only two 18-amp hour batteries that are included in the display housing and a single 40-watt panel are required. Our signs have less energy requirements and can run up to three weeks without solar recharging. In addition, because they require a smaller 40-watt solar panel, the TC-500S and TC-1000S are less unsightly when mounted on a pole than competitive signs requiring larger solar panels.
> What size radar speed sign do I need?
The size of the digital display you will need depends on the expected speed of the traffic on the roadway. The chart below indicates the maximum viewing distance for various LED digit heights. For example, starting at a distance of 500 feet from the radar sign at a speed of 45 mph you have 7.6 seconds to view a sign with 12″ LED display which is ideal for that speed. However, at 75 mph you have only 4.5 seconds to view the sign which is not acceptable.
> Can I move a pole mounted radar speed sign between locations if I have more than one location that needs a sign?
Yes. Our battery powered TC-400 radar speed sign is our most mobile option and is the easiest to move between various pole locations. The radar speed sign only weighs 20 lbs. Each sign comes with a GoBracket™ that can be installed on almost any size/style of pole. You will just need to purchase additional GoBrackets for each of the poles where you want to move the sign. Moving the radar speed sign is as simple as unlocking it from one pole location and moving it to another.
> Where is the best place to put a radar speed sign?
There are best practices to follow when installing a radar speed sign to assure maximum effectiveness. Please refer to our best practices guidelines when installing or placing a sign.
> How much will it cost to install a radar speed sign?
That depends. If you are an HOA and your neighborhood has a couple of handy volunteers, the cost could be zero. If you need to recruit a couple of local public works employees to moonlight the job, then count on a few hundred dollars per sign. If you choose to hire a contractor, then the price goes up even more. For municipalities that purchase a sign, local public works employees would do the installation.
> Will the Radarsign radar speed sign encourage speed “testing” of the sign?
A: Radarsign radar speed signs have a maximum speed cutoff feature, when enabled, causes the sign to go blank when the user selected cutoff speed is reached.
> Can Radarsign radar speed signs withstand vandalism or abuse?
Yes. All Radarsign models are constructed with a heavy-duty aircraft aluminum housing and have an armored, aluminum Bashplate™ protecting the LEDs and internal components, making our signs the most vandal resistant signs available. Even 40 caliber bullets fired from point blank range did not penetrate the Bashplate™ and do massive internal damage to sign.
> Does a Radarsign radar speed sign require a license to operate?
No. All of our signs are certified under FCC Part 15 regulations and do not require an operating license.
> What is the warranty on a Radarsign radar speed sign?
Radarsign, LLC warrants that all models of our radar sign series will be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months beginning on the date of product shipment from Radarsign. An extended warranty is also an available option.