What is a Radar Detector Detector?
A radar detector detector (RDD) is a microwave receiver used by police to detect signals radiated by the local oscillator of a radar detector. The trade name of the only RDD currently manufactured is Interceptor VG-2, most often simply referred to as VG-2. An officer using a VG-2 typically parks next to a busy freeway and aims the device at a 45 degree angle across the traffic stream. The VG-2 acts just like a radar detector when it hears an approaching radar detector, increasing its audio alert rate and progressively lighting more LED’s in its visual display. By observing the traffic and watching how the VG-2 responds, the officer can make an educated guess as to which vehicle is using a radar detector. Some detectors are “noisier” than others and can be detected by the VG-2 from as far away as 4,000 feet. In Virginia, the largest user of the VG-2, officers are not empowered to search a vehicle unless visible signs are present to support the RDD’s guess that a radar detector is in the
A Radar Detector Detector uses the same characteristics as a radar detector. Both search for a certain frequency to warn the operator that a device is being used. In this case, a radar detector detector searches for a radar detector in operation. Since all electronic devices emits some type of an electronic signature, this is what a detector detector is tuned for, a detector’s Local Oscillator. There are many forms of Radar Detector Detectors. There are either a specially made unit or a modified radar detector to search for radar detectors. Two that are in operations are the VG-2 Interceptor and the Stalcar. Others are actual radar detectors that are tuned to look for radar detectors. If you have run a detector before and had it good off as you pass another vehicle, this is called cross talk. This is what a tuned detector searches for.
