

Others store a range of speeds during the time of the test.

Some units offer a mode that displays only the maximum speed of the target during the testing period. Many also provide a continuous mode in which the radar gun can be set up to work hands-free and automatically measure speed. You activate a radar gun with a button or trigger. You can also attach this type of radar gun to a tripod to make it easier to use. You hold this style of radar gun with the screen facing toward you and press a button to activate the radar. Some newer radar guns look more like smartphones in shape and size. The front of the radar gun has the radar mechanism, while the back has the display screen and control buttons. DesignĪ common radar gun design is a shape that resembles a handheld drill, with the trigger on the handle. Radar guns made for home use have some interesting designs and feature sets. A ball is moving more slowly when it crosses home plate than when it leaves the pitcher’s hand. When measuring the speed of a baseball or softball pitch, the location of the measurement affects the reading. You won’t see these radar guns in use at baseball stadiums. The police use laser radar guns to track traffic speeds. This type measures the time it takes for the light to reflect off the target and return to the radar gun.

Laser: Instead of radio waves, some radar guns use a laser light to measure speed. All of this happens within a fraction of a second, making it appear instantaneous. The frequency change enables the radar gun’s software to determine the speed at which the target is traveling compared to the radar gun. The radio waves strike the target and bounce back to the radar gun, which measures the change in frequency of the sent and received waves. There are two technologies used to measure speed: the Doppler effect and laser.ĭoppler effect: A radar gun that relies on the Doppler effect sends radio waves toward the target. Radar guns are frequently used by police to measure vehicle speeds for traffic enforcement. The official record for the speed of a Major League Baseball pitch belongs to Aroldis Chapman.
