Quick Reference; Basic Functions - bca Tracker2 Owner's Manual

Quick Reference

This quick reference page is an introduction to proper use of the
Tracker2. For more detailed information, read the entire manual and
consult our website: www.backcountryaccess.com.

Basic functions

On/off: Turn the on/off switch on the back of the Tracker to the "on"
position. The battery life is displayed in the distance/battery power
display. Change batteries well before they reach 20 percent.
Search mode: Pull down the search tab at the bottom of the unit.
In search mode, the display will show "SE" and "SEARCH" is exposed
underneath the tab. Unit must be in transmit mode to turn it off.
Return to transmit: Push the search tab in toward the body of the
beacon until it clicks into place. The display will flash "tr" and beep
for five seconds before it begins to transmit.
Searching with the Tracker2
The objective is to find the strongest signal (lowest distance reading)
and immediately begin probing the area.
In the event of a burial, switch your Tracker (and all other beacons)
to search mode. "SE" will flash in the distance window until a signal
is captured.
Signal search: If there is a "last seen point," start your signal
search there, and search downhill. Otherwise, start your signal
search at the top, bottom or side of the slide path. Allow a maximum
of 40 meters between searchers or between switchbacks if only one
searcher. Slowly rotate your Tracker back and forth until you engage
the signal.
Coarse search: Once a signal is engaged, align the Tracker so
that any of the center three lights are flashing and move quickly in
the direction the Tracker is pointing. Your direction of travel might
be straight or slightly curved. Make sure the number in the distance
display is decreasing. If it is increasing, turn 180 degrees. Inside
ten meters, move slowly and try to keep the center search light
engaged.
Fine search: Within three meters, use your beacon close to the
snow surface and look for the smallest distance reading. Ignore
sudden fluctuations in distance and direction; the strongest signal is
often just past these fluctuation points. Begin probing at the smallest
reading (strongest signal).
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