Accurate velocity measurements are important when an athlete is aiming to become the best in their sport. This is especially true for baseball, hockey, tennis, and any other sport where speed is the key asset. Sometimes, a single second can make a difference in the final result of the game.
In baseball, for example, trainers measure the velocity performance of their star baseball pitchers during training to estimate feasible speed goals. Some radars have a ±3% accuracy reading, meaning the pitcher’s speed of 100 mph may range between 97 and 103 mph.
Let’s take a look at what might affect the performance of the radar.
What Affects Radar Performance?
Range, accuracy, reliability, and availability are just some reasons the radar performance may be affected. Sports radar guns may seem easy to use, but it’s not rare that some issues may arise.
Interference
The readings of the radar guns may be affected by the interference of outside factors. This may include devices like other radars, cell phone towers, and power transformers. Professionals find these interfering signals a hassle. Luckily, they are usually able to identify and work around them.
Receiver Noise
Radar receivers are sensitive devices and can be regulated by reducing undesired noises and enhancing the desired signals. The receiver often generates noise detectability; so-called matched filters are used to maximize the weak signals.
Antenna Range
The antenna size and transmitter power are responsible for the range of radar guns. Some sophisticated radar models use fixed antennas with a distance range of over a mile — more than the typical 100 feet. The average power of some radars is around 1 megawatt.
Angle Error
Placing the radar gun at the wrong angle will provide incorrect information. Radio waves are directed in a focused and narrow beam. This means that the radar gun must be placed in the direction of the ball movement. The beam should be aimed along the line the ball travels; the position may be in front or behind the ball.
Nature Interference
Natural factors like echos or atmospheric density may affect the radar’s performance. Echos have always been a nuisance for radars because they limit their operation. This includes occurrences like rain, bird noise, and land echoes. Nature occurrences and radar performance have often clashed, so choosing a better radar model may help avoid interference.
Choosing the Right Radar Gun
It’s important to use a top-scale radar that will provide you with a seamless experience during training. To help with that, Radar Sports offers only the finest brand names of sports radar guns and related products.
Our team of experts will offer advice on purchasing the highest quality products from brands like Jugs, Stalker Radar, Sports Radar, and more. Whether it’s for baseball, golf, hockey, car racing, or any other sport, we will provide the best radar guns and additional accessories you need for the best experience.
Reach out to our team today to learn more about our products and find the best radar gun for your needs!