What are Radar Bands?

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Doing your research on radar detectors and stumbled upon K bands, Ka bands, and X bands? All this talk about radar detectors has left you wondering what radar bands are. But first, to understand bands, we first must know radar waves.

Generally speaking, a radar wave is a form of electromagnetic radiation in between a certain set of frequencies. Think of when you’re tuning into different radio stations using your stereo – radar basically has the same concept.

Just like a radio or stereo, police radars transmit on various frequencies or bands. X, K, and Ka bands are the names of the frequencies that police radars operate on. Think of them as your top three go-to radio stations that your radar detector is always tuned into and waiting for signal.

What is an X band?

X band falls between 8.0 GHz and 12 GHz, usually operating around 10.5 GHz. It is the oldest type and the least common. It has been mostly phased out of the country except for Ohio, New Jersey, and other rural areas in the US. Most people turn their radar detector’s X band detection off to avoid false alerts from automatic door openers, but it’s still wise to leave them on as few radar guns still operate on the X band.

What is a K band?

K bands are newer technology and are used widely in the country. They are radar waves that range from 18 GHz to 27 GHz, with most police k band radar guns operating at 24.125 GHz and 24.15 GHz. A downside of the K band is that there are a lot of false alerts that are also using it such as speed signs, automatic door openers, and many vehicles with blind-spot monitor (BSM) radar and smart cruise control. As a result, you’ll want to have a radar detector with reliable false alert filtering.

What is a KA band?

Ka band falls between 33.4 GHz and 36.0 GHz. Ka is the most modern and most common band frequency used by police officers. They have small antennas because of the high frequency, and only the best radar detectors can pick them up. Ka false alerts are also rare so beware if you detect them, and slow down immediately!