User Manual

Operation

Power up

When the BEE III is first turned on, it will go through a complete self test. The radar will first

perform a light test, in which all of the display's indicators will light, and then the radar will

perform a 32 mph internal circuitry test. After the self-test, the current software version will be

shown, followed by the current antenna configuration. A 3 for Ka band, A 2 for K band, and A 0

for no antenna.

BEE III tuning fork tests in general

A tuning fork test is the standard test for proving that the antenna and counting unit are functioning

properly. In older analog radars, the dual tuning fork tests actually checked two different circuits,

one each for patrol and target speeds. However, the BEE III uses a single circuit, the digital signal

processor (DSP), to determine both speeds, so that testing the BEE III with a single tuning fork in

stationary mode actually ensures that the entire radar is working. Despite this fact, MPH

recommends that you follow your court-proven department guidelines for performing tuning fork

checks.

Since the BEE III is a directional radar and the tines of a tuning fork vibrate in both directions,

tuning fork tests are more complicated than they are with non-directional radars. Therefore, the

BEE III has a Tuning Fork Mode, which is used while testing the radar with tuning forks. In this

mode, the BEE III works as a non-directional radar, allowing the tuning forks to work properly.

Placing the BEE III in Tuning Fork Mode

When a self test is performed on the BEE III by pressing the Test button on the remote control, the

radar does a segment check and a 32 mph test. After this, the radar displays an “F” in the

hundreds digit of the Target window. This indicates that the radar is in Tuning Fork mode. The

radar will stay in Tuning Fork mode for 30 seconds after the self test is complete.

To place the radar in Tuning fork mode for an extended period of time, press the 2

F button on

the remote control and then the Test button. The radar will remain in Tuning Fork mode until it is

manually taken out of Tuning Fork mode by pressing 2

F followed by the Test button. You may

need to do this to fully test the radar.

Stationary mode tuning fork tests

To perform a stationary mode tuning fork test, place the radar in Tuning Fork mode and strike the

tuning fork on wood or plastic and hold the ringing fork in a fixed position two or three inches in

front of the antenna with the narrow edge of the fork facing the antenna front. This will cause the

target speed window to display the speed labeled on the fork (+ 1 mph). While performing the

tuning fork test, the audio volume level may be set to a desirable level.