Operating Instructions
(30 cm) away from electrical equipment, including cell phones. Turn
all electrical equipment off if possible.
The search process includes four phases: the signal search, the
coarse search, the fine search, and the probing/pinpointing phase.
Signal Search: The signal search refers to the process of
establishing a search pattern and looking for a signal. The search
pattern will be defined by the victim's last seen area, the size of
the slide, and the number of searchers. Refer to Figures B and C,
below, to establish a signal search pattern. If the slide is less than 40
meters wide, the signal search path will be directly down the center.
If the victim's last seen area is well defined, the signal search will
follow a direct path down the fall line from this point.
Figure B
Signal Search
one searcher/slide wider than 40m
last seen area
20m
40m
20m
20m
40m
20m
Prior to the signal search, be sure that all transceivers are turned
to search mode. Rotate the Tracker slowly in all directions (Figure
D) while moving in the direction as defined by 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.
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 the Tracker slowly
on a horizontal plane until the center direction light
The Tracker is now pointed in the direction of the strongest signal, or
10
Figure C
Signal Search
multiple searchers/slide wider than 40m
last seen area
40m
40m
20m
20m
{
is blinking.
your direction of travel (Figure E). The four lights
center tell you which way to rotate the Tracker to engage the center
v
light. The distance indicator
tells you, in approximate 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 the Tracker 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.
Figure E
Windows
The Tracker is very sensitive. Slight
movement in any direction will actuate
a different search light. Rotate it very
slowly so as not to "skip" over the
center search light window.
In special (SP) mode, signals
are only displayed if they fall
within the center three windows.
You may find that, while following the directional lights, your route
follows an arc. This is because the Tracker follows the shape of
the electromagnetic signal coming from the transmitting beacon's
antenna.The distance displayed is the distance to be traveled along
that flux line, not the straight-line distance from you to the victim.
Fine Search: The fine search is the final part of the beacon search,
which is performed on foot with the beacon positioned at or near the
snow surface. The objective of the fine search is to locate where the
signal is strongest and to reduce the area to be probed.
Operating Instructions
Figure D
Signal search
Rotate the Tracker slowly in your
hand, but move rapidly down the
search path. 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.
{
on either side of
Direction of
strongest signal
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