Operating Instructions
Figure F
Signal search path with one searcher
(slide wider than 40 meters).
20 m
40m
20 m
40m
20 m
Signal search path with multiple searchers
(slide wider than 40 meters).
20 m
40 m
If the slide is wider than 40 meters and there is no last seen point, cover
the entire slide area by using switchbacks in the search pattern (Figure F).
If multiple rescuers are available, establish a search pattern where the
space between searchers is no more than 40 meters and the distance to
the edges is no more than 20 meters.
Prior to the signal search, be sure that all transceivers are turned to search
mode. Rotate Tracker S slowly back and forth (Figure G) while moving
along your signal search pattern. While searching, be aware of other
physical clues, such as equipment or extremities protruding from the
snow surface. When no signal is detected, "SE" will flash in the distance
indicator. Once a signal is detected consistently, mark this spot and begin
the coarse search.
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20 m
40m
20 m
40 m
20 m
Figure G
Slowly rotate the Tracker horizontally in
your hand, but move rapidly during the
signal search. Do not abandon your search
path until you have captured a strong,
steady signal. Ignore irregular signals,
which can sometimes be caused by
electrical interference.
Coarse Search: The coarse search is the portion of the search from where
you have detected a steady signal to where you are close to the victim.
Once the signal is consistently detected, rotate Tracker S slowly on a
horizontal plane until the center direction light
Tracker S is now pointed in the direction of the strongest signal. The four
lights on either side of center tell you which way to rotate Tracker S to
engage the center light. The distance indicator
meters, how far you must travel (1 meter = 1.1 yards or 3.3 feet). If the
number on the distance indicator is increasing, you are on the same axis
as the victim's signal, but moving in the opposite direction. Turn 180
degrees, engage the center search light again, and continue your search
in the direction Tracker S is pointing. If you are stationary, but the distance
is significantly changing, you are probably detecting the signal of another
rescuer. Make sure all rescuers are in search mode before continuing.
You may find that, while following the directional lights, your route follows
an arc. This is because Tracker S follows the shape of the electromagnetic
signal coming from the transmitting transceiver's antenna. The distance
displayed is the distance to be traveled along that signal, not the straight-
line distance from you to the victim.
Operating Instructions
p
is blinking.
k
tells you, in approximate
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