bca Tracker DTS Instruction Manual page 3

Familiarization
Demonstrate the following:
• Wearing the transceiver properly under outer layer
• Deploying and extending for searching
• Turning it on, checking battery power, going into transmit
• Going into search mode
• Going back into transmit mode
Lesson I: Single Burials
A) Explain the three elements of the search:
• Primary/signal/coarse search: detect the signal.
• Secondary/fine search: get close to the buried beacon.
• Pinpoint search: define the smallest possible probe/dig area.
B) Primary search
If time does not permit, then it is not essential for students to practice the primary search during this phase
of the clinic. However, a brief introduction should be provided, and they should become familiar with the
search strip width of their transceiver. Use the diagram on the back side of the vinyl BCA flux diagram to
illustrate the three phases of the transceiver search.
Effective Range: The "worst case," or "effective" range is 10 meters for the Tracker DTS and most other digital
avalanche beacons. Allow a maximum of 10 meters between the searcher and the edge of the slide path.
Search Strip Width: Allow a maximum of 20 meters (or twice the effective range) between searchers or
switchbacks.
1) Demonstrate how to rotate the beacon back and forth on a horizontal and vertical plane while moving
along your primary search pattern. By covering the vertical axis, you are more likely to pick up the signal of
a vertically-oriented transmitter.
2) "SE" will flash in the distance window until the signal is captured.
3) Move as quickly as possible during the primary search. Scan the surface of the snow looking for clues
such as equipment and protruding extremities.
4) Once you receive a signal, rotate your beacon until you engage the center search light. You have
completed the primary search when you have engaged the signal on a consistent basis.
-Tracker DTS Instruction Guide -
2