UltraLyte UL100 Operating Manual Analysis

UltraLyte UL100 Laser Speed Detection Device Manual

Laser Technologies Inc. UL100 Manual (Toronto Police Service Edition, January 1998)
Technical Operating Instructions

Background

The UltraLyte UL100 is a hand-held laser speed detection device used by Toronto Police Service with specific accuracy requirements: ±1/2 kilometer/hour for speed measurement and ±10 centimeters for distance measurement. The device operates using infrared laser pulses with a minimum measurement distance of approximately 15 meters and maximum of approximately 610 meters. It requires two C-cell batteries and features a sighting scope with red dot targeting system.

Issues

1. What are the mandatory testing and calibration procedures officers must follow?
2. What are the technical limitations that could affect measurement accuracy?

Technical Requirements and Limitations

The manual specifies critical operational requirements including: mandatory scope alignment testing before each shift, fixed distance zero velocity testing at permanent locations, proper battery voltage monitoring (device shuts down below 2.0 volts), and specific environmental limitations. The device cannot operate through vehicle windshields effectively due to oblique angles and coatings, requires both transmitting and receiving lenses to be above window frames, and has difficulty with small targets at long distances due to narrow bandwidth.

Key Takeaway

Police officers must follow specific testing protocols and the device has measurable technical limitations that can affect accuracy.

Defendants should examine whether proper alignment tests were conducted, if environmental conditions affected operation, whether minimum/maximum distance requirements were met, and if the device was operated according to manufacturer specifications. Any deviation from prescribed procedures or operation outside technical parameters could challenge the reliability of speed measurements.