Quick Reference; Basic Functions - bca TRACKER DTS Owner's Manual

Avalanche Awareness
When traveling in a group, be aware of the errors groups
typically make:
• Recreating at an area that's been visited without incident
before and feeling confident in its stability.
• Not speaking out or communicating concerns about a path
or slope, fearing conflict.
• Being overconfident in the groups' abilities.
• Determination to reach a destination without re-evaluating
terrain and conditions.
If in doubt, it is always best to avoid questionable terrain and
return when the snow is stable.
If you are caught in an avalanche:
• Yell "avalanche" and wave your arms to alert your group.
• Deploy your avalanche airbag if you have one.
• Try to escape the slide by grabbing trees or rocks or 'swimming'
to the side.
• Try to keep your airway clear of snow.
• When you feel the slide slowing, thrust a hand upward in hopes of
it being seen.
• Place your other hand in front of your face to increase the air space.
• Remain calm, breathe slowly and conserve your air.
Searching for victims:
• Do not go for help! You are the victim's only chance of survival!
• Establish a last seen point.
• Confirm you are not in danger of a second avalanche occurring.
• Look for visual indicators as clues to the victim's location.
• Begin your signal search for the victim using your avalanche
transceiver.
U.S. www.avalanche.org
Canada www.avalanche.ca
Europe www.lawinen.org
Trailhead Test
To ensure proper transmit and search functions, always perform
a trailhead test before starting your tour. One person should walk
20 meters away and make sure his or her signal is detected by the
others. Then the rest of the group switches to transmit mode and
walks toward the leader, who should confirm their signals can each
be detected from 20 meters away. The leader should always switch
back to transmit mode after the test is completed.
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This quick reference page is an introduction to proper use of the
Tracker DTS. For more detailed information, read the entire manual
and consult our website: www.backcountryaccess.com.

Basic functions

On/off: Push and turn the on/off switch on the back of the Tracker
to the "on" position. It turns on all LEDs, displays battery power in
percent, and enters transmit mode. Change batteries before they
reach 40 percent.
Search mode: Push the red search/transmit button, hold until "SE"
is displayed, then quickly release.
Return to transmit: Press the search/transmit button until "tr" is
displayed.
Searching with the Tracker DTS
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
transceivers) 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 transceiver 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).

Quick Reference

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