Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Instruction Manual - page 4
8
9
10m
10m
10m
avalanche path
20m
Objective: Locate signal
•If no "last seen point," search entire path
•Rotate Tracker horizontally
•Max 20m between searchers or switchbacks
Objective: Locate smallest distance reading
(strongest signal)
•Use Tracker close to snow surface
•Ignore fluctuations in distance and direction
•Begin probing at lowest distance
•Probe in concentric circles 10in (25cm) apart
Objective: Move quickly to 10m,
slowly to 3m
•Keep flashing light within center 3 windows
•Move quickly in direction Tracker is pointing
•Make sure distance is decreasing
•Slow down at 10m
SIGNAL
SEARCH
>40m
FINE
SEARCH
< 3m
Probing/Pinpointing
At your lowest distance reading, probe in concentric circles,
with each probe hole about 10 inches (25 cm) apart. Your probe
should enter the snow perpendicular to the slope. Once you
have confirmed the victim’s location, leave the probe in the snow.
Shoveling
Shoveling is difficult and exhausting and consumes the majority
of time during an avalanche rescue. Do not take shoveling
skills for granted. For best results, start shoveling just downhill
of the probe. Make your hole at least one “wingspan” wide and
excavate downhill about 1.5 times the burial depth (this can be
determined by noting the depth marking on the probe).
Multiple Burials
Complex multiple burials are quite rare in recreational
settings and usually can be treated as a series of single
burials. For more information on multiple burial search
technique, see page 16.
Quick Reference
cut this page out for reference in the field
COARSE
SEARCH
3–40m
Familiarization
Thank you for choosing the Tracker DTS, the world's first
digital avalanche beacon, and the first beacon with a high-
precision multiple antenna system.
Remember, beacon searches are only part of the avalanche
rescue process. It is equally important to practice the probing
and shoveling techniques found later in this section.
FAMILIARIZATION
Adjustment/Fitting
The Tracker DTS can be worn with or without its harness.
The manufacturer recommends securing it with the harness.
When used with a harness, the Tracker DTS should be worn
underneath your outer garments, as shown in Figure A.
Distance/directional display should be against your body, on/
off switch should be exposed and visible.
To search, remove Tracker from pouch, but keep harness and
lanyard attached to your body. If using without harness, keep
Tracker in a secure pocket, preferably in your pants or other
garment that won't be removed. Attach lanyard clip to zipper
or other solid fixture. If lanyard is removed from harness or
clothing for searching, keep attached to your wrist with loop
provided.
Shoulder Strap
(blue)
Waist Attachment
Buckle
Waist Strap
(black)
Lanyard
Figure A
Harness
Waist Attachment
Buckle
Shoulder Strap
Lanyard
Waist Strap