Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in .../vb/bbcode/url.php on line 114 Do radar guns work for accurate speed? - Offshore Electrics Forums

Do radar guns work for accurate speed?

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  • StephenLilly
    Member
    • Aug 2018
    • 33

    #1

    Do radar guns work for accurate speed?

    Trying to decide between gps or radar gun? I know gps will work but it would be nice to just point and shoot with a radar gun and not have to take the time to remove tape from the hatch everytime to see speed. Making adjustments to look for improvements i.e. Prop change, trimming etc. on the spot would be much better with a radar gun if accurate. I see bushnell has one for around $50, about what I could get a cheap gps for. Thanks.
  • pescador
    Senior Member
    • May 2009
    • 499

    #2
    I’ve been using Pocket Radar for a few years now and its been great for prop testing and it fits in a shirt pocket, it only has range for the front straightaway but it’s pretty handy confirming speed when you think a prop is a little faster (or slower).



    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Namba District 16
    1/8 Miss U.S., 1/8 59 Maverick, 1/8 Executone, 1/8 Smokin Joes, MLGSX380, AC Pro40II Q Sport, AC Pro40II nitro,Twincraft mono 10s, Vision AOPC, VS1 FE, M34.

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    • HTVboats
      Senior Member
      • Jun 2011
      • 803

      #3
      I have been looking at the "Pocket Radar" for some time. When you say range for a front straightaway what kind of distance do you get a reading from?
      Mic

      Mic Halbrehder
      IMPBA 8656
      NAMBA 1414

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      • pescador
        Senior Member
        • May 2009
        • 499

        #4
        The boats have to be coming towards you or going away from you for radar to work, from our pits it can reach both ends of our course on the front straight. There are a couple guys using them now usually for speed at the end of the straight into turn one.
        So to answer your question I’d say it’s about 150’, from the pits to turn one.


        Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
        Namba District 16
        1/8 Miss U.S., 1/8 59 Maverick, 1/8 Executone, 1/8 Smokin Joes, MLGSX380, AC Pro40II Q Sport, AC Pro40II nitro,Twincraft mono 10s, Vision AOPC, VS1 FE, M34.

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        • Prodrvr
          Senior Member
          • Jul 2015
          • 701

          #5
          Whatever you do, don't buy that $90 Bushnell...not even close to accurate. That pocket radar looks good. The next one up from that is a Stalker ll, but at $550, pretty expensive.

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          • Peter A
            Fast Electric Addict!
            • Sep 2012
            • 1486

            #6
            Why not get an RCM telemetry set from here? You can get speed from it straight to your phone, also other data. No need to untape untill battery change.

            https://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pr...d=ose-83279-v2
            NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
            2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
            BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

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            • pescador
              Senior Member
              • May 2009
              • 499

              #7
              Waiting for the IPhone version :)


              Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
              Namba District 16
              1/8 Miss U.S., 1/8 59 Maverick, 1/8 Executone, 1/8 Smokin Joes, MLGSX380, AC Pro40II Q Sport, AC Pro40II nitro,Twincraft mono 10s, Vision AOPC, VS1 FE, M34.

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              • Peter A
                Fast Electric Addict!
                • Sep 2012
                • 1486

                #8
                Originally posted by pescador
                Waiting for the IPhone version :)


                Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
                Just buy a cheap android to go with the unit!
                NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
                2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
                BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

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                • fweasel
                  master of some
                  • Jul 2016
                  • 4284

                  #9
                  Radar involves geometry, another factor that can lead to inaccurate readings. At your price range, a high sample rate GPS wil likely be your most accurate option.
                  Last edited by fweasel; 09-28-2018, 12:21 AM.
                  Vac-U-Tug Jr (13mph)

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                  • Prodrvr
                    Senior Member
                    • Jul 2015
                    • 701

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Peter A
                    Why not get an RCM telemetry set from here? You can get speed from it straight to your phone, also other data. No need to untape untill battery change.

                    https://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pr...d=ose-83279-v2
                    That looks like a lot of added weight and it probably won't work in a carbon hull...so I'm out.

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                    • Thunder29
                      Senior Member
                      • Apr 2017
                      • 155

                      #11
                      The rcm telemetry works really well, but weight does become an issue with it especially for smaller hulls. Adding the telemetry gear and battery for it significant weigh things down. For larger hulls it's perfect. Anything under 40" hull I wouldn't use the rcm.

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                      • Johnc
                        Senior Member
                        • Aug 2015
                        • 199

                        #12
                        Just call the sheriff patrol and he will do it with his gun lol (maybe), Just had that happen, was running the boat at a Sams club pond, had a few cars stop to watch when the cops showed up (figured I was going to get kicked out) He asked if I was chasing the geese, said "there are none here at the moment". Asked how fast? said "no gps so not sure, but running great" He said "hold on", retrieved his radar gun and said lets see what my gun says. 56mph by his gun (mc,v3, ss 3460? 2075kv, 6s3p, 120amp esc, m445b/s) Cop said "good going, I will get these cars out of here and you can continue on, while I watch"
                        If it was 56 great, but I'm only after a decent speed/time to start offshore in the upcoming year, Need to run on 4s with decent times/mph with acceleration and motor compatible with local club.

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                        • Peter A
                          Fast Electric Addict!
                          • Sep 2012
                          • 1486

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Thunder29
                          The rcm telemetry works really well, but weight does become an issue with it especially for smaller hulls. Adding the telemetry gear and battery for it significant weigh things down. For larger hulls it's perfect. Anything under 40" hull I wouldn't use the rcm.
                          I have used it in my Pursuit, so it will work fine in smaller hulls, and I have the unit set up in a small plastic food container. As for battery, you can just tap into the main battery balance lead, then you get a 2 cell voltage reading on the telemetry as well. The weight of the unit is only a few grams, and the extra weight has next to no impact on a boats performance.
                          NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
                          2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
                          BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

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                          • Brushless55
                            Creator
                            • Oct 2008
                            • 9488

                            #14
                            Originally posted by pescador
                            The boats have to be coming towards you or going away from you for radar to work, from our pits it can reach both ends of our course on the front straight. There are a couple guys using them now usually for speed at the end of the straight into turn one.
                            So to answer your question I’d say it’s about 150’, from the pits to turn one.


                            Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
                            That has been my observation when using a hand held speed gun.. angles show a higher MPH reading IMO
                            .NAMBA20...Caterpillar UL-1, P-Spec OM29, P-Mono DF33, P-Spec JAE, Aussie 33" Hydro-LSH, Sprintcat CC2028 on 8s, PT SS45 Q Hydro, PS295 UL-1 power, OSE Brothers Outlaw QMono 4-sale, Rio 51z CC2028 on 8s

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                            • fweasel
                              master of some
                              • Jul 2016
                              • 4284

                              #15
                              Some radar guns have an off axis setting to account for an angled approach. Still another potential source of error though.
                              Vac-U-Tug Jr (13mph)

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