Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Instruction Manual - page 2
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Disclaimer:
No avalanche beacon can save lives without a fully trained
user. Practice frequently with your Tracker before going into
the backcountry. Learn and understand the inherent dangers
of backcountry travel. Become educated in avalanche hazard
evaluation, route selection, and self-rescue. In addition to your
beacon, always carry a probe and shovel—and always travel
with a partner.
Make sure all rescue equipment is functioning properly before
venturing into the backcountry. Perform a beacon trailhead test
every time you use your Tracker. Check that all transceivers
transmit and receive properly—and that all receive a signal at
a minimum distance of ten meters, the international standard
for effective range.
Do not place cellular phones, communication radios, or any
other electronic equipment within 6" (15 cm) of the Tracker
DTS while performing a transceiver search. In receive mode,
irregular readings and decreased range can be caused by these
and other sources of electrical interference, such as power
lines, electrical storms, and electrical generating equipment. In
transmit mode, keep the Tracker DTS at least 1" (2.5cm) from
other electronic equipment. Use alkaline batteries only. Do
not use rechargeable, lithium, Oxyride, PowerPix, or any
other non-alkaline battery.
This owner’s manual covers the basic techniques required
to use the Tracker DTS effectively. To increase your efficiency,
order our training DVD's and refer to the advanced techniques
described on our website: www.backcountryaccess.com. Here
you will also find important resources for obtaining avalanche
education and updates on regional avalanche conditions.
To ensure warranty protection and periodic technical updates,
please return the enclosed warranty registration card.
Conforms to the R&TTE harmonized version of the EN 300
718 and meets or exceeds the requirements of Articles 3.1,
3.2, and 3.3.
Avalanche Awareness
This is a basic introduction to avalanche safety and awareness.
We encourage you to read this manual thoroughly. On our
website, you will also find a list of avalanche instructors and
guides. We strongly suggest taking an avalanche course in your
area before venturing into the backcountry.
Before leaving, call your local avalanche forecast center and
determine the danger level in the area you intend to visit.
At the trailhead, check that each person has a working beacon
probe and shovel—and knows how to use them.
Learn to recognize avalanche terrain:
• Does this slope have a history of sliding?
• What is the angle and aspect of the slope?
• Will recent weather impact snow stability?
Learn to avoid avalanche terrain:
• Is there any evidence of recent avalanche activity?
• Is the slope angle between 30 and 45 degrees?
• Does the slope you plan to use have dangerous terrain
traps? (Rocks, trees, gullies, cliffs, etc.)
Travel with considerate partners:
• Cross potentially dangerous terrain one at a time.
• Identify and practice stopping in safe zones.
• Have an escape route in mind if the slope does avalanche.
• Communicate with your partners before moving on to the slope.
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.