Reference

Glossary of Radar Detector Terms

Plain definitions for the terms used in radar detector quotes and spec sheets: bands, receive-only, CMV, GVWR, AQL, and more.

Quotes and specification sheets use shorthand. These are the terms that appear most often in car radar detector sourcing, in plain language.

Product terms

Term	Meaning
Receive-only	A device that listens for signals and does not transmit. Every product on this site is receive-only.
Band	A frequency range a receiver can monitor, for example X, K, Ka, or Ku.
Laser receiving	Receiving pulsed infrared light used for speed measurement in some areas. A separate receiver from radar.
False alert	An alert caused by a signal unrelated to the driver's situation, such as another vehicle's safety system.
Filtering	Firmware logic that decides which received signals become alerts.
Superheterodyne	A common receiver architecture that mixes incoming signals to an intermediate frequency for processing.
Sensitivity	How weak a signal a receiver can pick up. A meaningful figure needs a stated test method.
Selectivity	How well a receiver separates the wanted signal from other signals nearby in frequency.
Hardwire	A power installation connected to the vehicle's fused supply instead of the 12 V socket.
Cordless	A unit powered by an internal battery or replaceable cells rather than a vehicle cable.

Term	Meaning
Private passenger vehicle	A personal car or light vehicle. The intended use for every product on this site.
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV)	A vehicle used for commerce as defined in transport regulation. United States federal rules restrict detector use in CMVs.
GVWR	Gross vehicle weight rating: the manufacturer's maximum loaded weight. Some state rules key restrictions to GVWR thresholds.
FCC	The United States Federal Communications Commission, which regulates radio-frequency equipment.

Term	Meaning
MOQ	Minimum order quantity: the smallest order a factory will accept, stated per SKU.
Lead time	Time from confirmed order to goods ready, excluding transit.
OEM / private label	Production with the buyer's brand and packaging.
AQL	Acceptable quality limit: a sampling plan setting how many defects an inspection tolerates.
Golden sample	The approved sample that production is measured against.
BOM	Bill of materials: the list of components a unit is built from.