Operating Instructions
Fine Search: The fine
Figure H
search is the final part of
Bracketing: Make sure
the transceiver search,
you go well past the
which is performed on
low reading to confirm
foot with the transceiver
it is the lowest. When
positioned at or near
bracketing, ignore the
the snow surface. The
directional lights, which
objective of the fine
no longer illuminate at
search is to locate where
less than two meters.
the signal is strongest
Do not rotate the
(distance reading is
transceiver during
lowest) and to reduce
this process, as it can
the area to be probed.
change the distance
readings.
Move Tracker S slowly
in a straight line along
the surface of the snow
during the final three
meters of the fine search.
The directional lights do
not illuminate in the final
two meters, so only pay
attention to the distance readings. From the point where you have located
the smallest reading, "bracket" at 90-degree angles to the left and then to
the right in search of a lower reading (Figure H). Repeat if necessary along
both axes. Begin probing at the lowest distance reading.
Pinpointing/Probing
At your lowest distance reading, probe in concentric circles, with each
probe hole about 10 inches (25 cm) apart (Figure I). Your probe should
enter the snow perpendicular to the slope. Once you have confirmed the
victim's location, leave the probe in the snow.
Figure I
14
3.0
2.0
1.0
1.6
2.0
3.0
90°
10"
10"
25 cm 25 cm
Shoveling
Shoveling is difficult and consumes the majority of time during an avalanche
rescue. For best results, start shoveling just downhill of the probe (Figure J).
Make sure your hole is at least one "wingspan" wide. In burials deeper than
one meter, other shovelers should help move snow out the downhill side of
the hole.
Figure J
1.6
Multiple Burials
When more than one transmitting victim is within the receiving range
of Tracker S, the multiple burial icon
(Note: this icon can occasionally illuminate irregularly in the presence
of electromagnetic noise or when detecting older analog transceivers).
If there are more than two transmitting victims within range, then the
"+" icon will illuminate.
If the multiple burial icon is illuminated and/or Tracker S displays more
than one distance and direction, then there are probably several victims
within range. Stay in search mode and focus on the closest distance
reading, attempting to engage that signal in the center search light.
Once you are significantly closer to one signal than the other, Tracker S
will "lock" onto that signal and mask out the others. Once this signal
is isolated, Tracker S will behave very similar to how it does in a single
transceiver search. Once you have located and excavated the first victim,
turn his or her transceiver off if you determine the conditions are safe.
If you have a clear signal, then begin searching for the next victim.
If it is not possible to turn off the first victim's transceiver—and you have
enough people to begin shoveling—then we recommend isolating the
next signal using Signal Suppression.
Operating Instructions
1.5 x
burial depth
will illuminate and stay solid.
q
15