Radar Sign and Radar Speed Sign Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of questions to be answered when researching radar speed sign
information: 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.
Q: How does a radar speed sign calm traffic and promote
safety?
A: Radarsign's radar speed signs give drivers notice that they are speeding.
The radar speed sign shifts 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 driver
feedback sign. Typical speed reductions are 10-20%, and overall compliance with
the posted speed limit will go up by 30-60%.
Q: What types of radar speed signs are available?
A: Radarsign's offers AC, battery, or solar power models in 12" and 17" display
sizes.
Q: Does the Radarsign radar speed sign operate 24/7 or
just at certain times?
A: 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.
Q: Is a solar powered radar speed sign an option for my
location?
A: For most locations in the United States the answer is yes. To determine whether
a solar power sign is an option for where you live, see
Solar Power Options, US
City Solar Energy Averages , and
Solar Chart for Traffic Volume and Power Estimates.
Q: If I choose a solar model, what size batteries and solar
panel are required?
A: With most solar powered radar speed 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 itself. 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 speed signs, the TC-500S and the TC-1000S, only two 18
amp hour batteries which 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 10
days 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.
Q: What size radar speed sign do I need?
A: 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 600 feet from
the radar speed sign at a speed of 45 mph you have 9 seconds to view a sign
with 12" LED display which is ideal for that speed. However, at 75 mph you have
only 5 seconds to view the sign which is not acceptable.
Q: Can I move a pole mounted radar speed sign between
locations if I have more than one location that needs a sign?
A: Yes. Our battery powered TC-500B radar speed sign is our most mobile option and
is the easiest to move between various pole locations. Each sign comes with a Locking Pole Mount
bracket set. You will just need to purchase additional pole mount brackets 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.
Q: Where is the best place to put a radar speed sign?
A: 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.
Q: How much will it cost to install a radar speed sign?
A: 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, the installation would be done by local public works employees.
Q: 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.
Q: Can Radarsign radar speed signs withstand vandalism
or abuse?
A: Absolutely. All Radarsign radar speed signs have a .375" thick armored, aluminum Bashplate™
that helps protect the sign from extreme vandalism, including bullets. Even 40 caliber
bullets fired from point blank range could not penetrate the Bashplate™ and do massive
internal damage to sign.
Q: Does a Radarsign radar speed sign require a license
to operate?
A: No. All of our signs are certified under FCC Part 15 regulations and do not require
an operating license.
Q: Do you have a leasing program?
A: Yes. We have a 2 or 3 year lease to own program starting for as little as $130/month.
Q: What is the warranty on a Radarsign radar speed sign?
A: Radarsign, LLC warrants that all models of our Driver Feedback Sign Series will
be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 25 months beginning
on the date of product shipment from Radarsign. An extended 3rd year warranty is
also an available option.