bca Tracker DTS Quick Reference page 7

Operating Instructions
direction of the buried beacon. Once you are within less than
approximately three meters, however, there is a "spike" reading
where the distance and direction lights fluctuate and the distance
display might flash "SE". At this point, the searching Tracker is
temporarily perpendicular to the vertical aspect of the flux pattern
of the buried beacon (Figure G, cross-section view). If you draw
a line in the snow or place a long object on the snow in the direc-
tion you were pointing just before the spike, you can limit your
pinpoint search to that line and then probe along it. If you are
searching with a partner, he or she can probe ahead of you, on
the line you have established. Known as "pinpointing on a line,"
this technique performed properly is the most efficient method for
pinpointing with the Tracker.
In most cases, the buried beacon will be oriented roughly hori-
zontal, there will be two "spikes," and the lowest reading will be
between them, as shown in Figure G. If the transmitter is buried
vertically, there will be only one spike and a low reading on either
side. In either case, probe at the lowest reading. If you do not
strike the victim, then continue probing along the flux line.
Probing/Digging
At the point where the distance has reached a minimum, probe
the area, preferably along the flux line. Your probe should enter
the snow perpendicular to the slope surface. Once you have
confirmed the victim's location, leave the probe in the snow and
begin digging. To monitor your progress during a deeper burial,
continue to use the Tracker inside the hole. Upon reaching the
victim, first uncover his or her face. In the event of multiple buri-
als, turn off the victim's beacon (if possible) before continuing the
search for the next victim.
Multiple Burials
Multiple beacon searches are more difficult and complex than
single searches. They require practice and an understanding of
flux lines. A thorough understanding of the Tracker's special (SP)
mode can also greatly increase the efficiency of the multiple
search, though it is not necessary.
If you begin to receive more than one set of signal data, you
probably have a multiple burial. Stay in search (SE) mode, and
focus on the closest distance reading, attempting to engage that
signal in the center search light. If you are roughly the same dis-
tance from both transmitters, the Tracker will often flash "SE".
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Operating Instructions
Once you are significantly closer to one signal–and within about
10 meters of it–the Tracker DTS (in SE mode) will "lock" onto
that signal and mask out the others. Once you are locked in, the
Tracker will behave very similar to how it does in a single bea-
con search. Pay attention to the readings you last received from
the other beacon; they will give you an indication of where to go
after finding the closest one.
Figure H
Multiple burials
B
20m
10m
2
Once you have located the first beacon (beacon 1), turn it off, if
possible. Even if this is not possible, you might already have a
good idea of where beacon 2 is located. In that case, move in
that direction until the Tracker isolates that signal. If you do not
have an idea of where to look next, then you have three options
(Figure H): A) return to the point at which you had two clear sig-
nals, and start your search for beacon 2 from that point,
remaining in search mode; B) in search mode, perform a prima-
ry search away from beacon 1 until you detect and isolate
beacon 2; C) move directly from beacon 1 to beacon 2 using
special mode. This is the most efficient technique, but requires
the most practice.
T : S M
IP PECIAL ODE
Special (SP) 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
and differentiate it from beacon 2. SP mode is used to determine
approximately what direction and distance to go to get closer to
beacon 2. Once you are closer always switch back to SE mode.
A
1
10m
C
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