bca Tracker DTS Quick Reference page 5

Operating Instructions
ton (6) for three seconds until "LO" is displayed, then release. To
turn the speaker back on, perform the same operation. "L1" will
be displayed, indicating the speaker is back on.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Searching
The Tracker DTS operates using the 457 kHz international stan-
dard frequency. It is fully compatible with all transceivers
adhering to this standard. The Tracker, however, offers many
advancements in beacon searching and is operated differently
from "older" style (analog) beacons.
The search process includes three phases: the signal (or prima-
ry) search, the fine (or secondary) search, and the pinpoint
search.
Signal/Primary 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
;;;;
Primary Search
Figure B
One searcher/Slide wider than 20 meters
Area last seen
;;;;
20m
10m
;;;;
20m
10m
;;;;
20m
10m
establish a primary search pattern. If the slide is less than 20
meters wide, the primary search path will be directly down the
center. If the victim's last seen area is well defined, the primary
search will follow a direct path down the fall line from this point.
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Primary Search
;;;;
Figure C
Multiple searchers/Slide wider than 20 meters
Area last seen
;;;;
;;;;
10m 20m 20m 10m
;;;;
Operating Instructions
Figure D
Direction
of search
path
Prior to the primary search, be sure that all transceivers are
turned to search mode. Rotate the Tracker slowly back and forth
on a horizontal and vertical plane (Figure D) while moving in the
direction as defined by your primary 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 sig-
nal is detected consistently, mark this spot and begin the fine
search.
Secondary/Fine Search
The secondary search (also referred to as the fine 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 slow-
ly on a horizontal plane until the center direction light (7) is
Windows
Figure E
The Tracker is very sensitive. Slight
movement in any direction will actuate
a different search light. Move 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.
blinking. The Tracker is now pointed in the direction of the
strongest signal, or your direction of travel (Figure E). The four
lights (7) on either side of center tell you which way to rotate the
Primary/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 irreg-
ular signals, which can
sometimes be caused by
electrical interference.
Direction of
strongest signal
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