bca TRACKER2 User Manual page 3

2. Micro Search Strip Method:
Most effective in complex multiple burials in a reduced, or
smaller search area
This method allows a searcher to use a simple, systematic
approach to solve a multiple burial. It works well in small
scenarios (such as guiding exams) since it involves making
many small passes through the entire debris pile.
This method is beneficial in situations where you have three
or more victims buried in close proximity: for example,
three victims within 12 meters of each other. Remember,
these techniques all assume there is only one searcher
available. With additional searchers you would search in
parallel (see www.backcountryaccess.com/research).
Based on the number of buried victims you will determine
how wide your search strips need to be (this is usually an
estimate as you're "thinking on the fly"). The width of your
search strip will decrease as the number of victims increases.
This technique is used with your beacon in standard search
mode. For this method to be successful the searcher must
rely heavily on the distance readings on the searching
beacon, not so much the directional arrows. This is because
it requires bracketing rather than following the flux lines.
Do not leave your micro-search strips and start bracketing
until you see distance readings that are less than or equal to
your search strip width. When this occurs, find the lowest
distance reading and begin probing. Always mark the point
at which you departed from your search strips and return to
that point to resume searching for the next signal.
Figure C
3m
3m
1.5m
3m
x x
3m
3m
Micro Search Strips
A search strip width of
2-5 meters is common
3m
in guiding exams and
other small scenarios.
3m
1.5m
3m
3. Tracker Special Mode:
great for scenarios of 2-3 burials and solving
"close proximity" burials
This mode enables the Tracker to display the distance
and direction of signals other than those of the closest
beacon. It also reduces the Tracker's search "window"
to the center three directional lights, enabling the searcher
to mask out beacon 1 to differentiate it from beacon 2.
SP mode is used to determine approximately what
direction and distance to go to get closer the beacon 2.
Once you are closer, always switch back to SE mode.
Remember, SP mode can be susceptible to the same
hang-ups as beacons with marking features.
To use SP mode, hold the Tracker steady at the lowest
possible distance reading. Switch the Tracker to SP mode,
then rotate (do not sweep) the Tracker slowly until another
signal is detected (beacon 2), most likely with a larger
distance reading. If the Tracker is rotated more than about
40° away from the signal of beacon 1, that signal will
disappear, allowing you to focus on the signal from beacon 2.
However, it is possible to capture more than one signal in
SP mode. If no other signal is captured in SP mode and you
suspect victims are nearby, stand up and try again at chest
height. If still no other signal is detected, take three steps
back and repeat (or revert to SE mode and use the three-
circle method).
Figure D
Special Mode
In special mode (SP), all signals are
shown, but Tracker2 acts as a "spotlight"
with narrowed vision: approximately 75°
in front and in back of the searching
beacon. Only the signals within this
angle (beacon 2) are shown. This 75°
angle corresponds to the Tracker's
center three lights.
Always switch back to search mode
(SE) when you're more than halfway
from beacon 1 to beacon 2.
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