Backcountry Access TRACKER3 Advanced User's Manual - Downloading Tracker3
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DowNLoADiNg tRACkER3
SoftwARE
Using BCA software, you can update the Tracker3’s
programming. Currently this is only possible with a
PC (not Mac). To update:
1. Go to www.backcountryaccess.com/downloads;
2. Download BCA T3 software;
3. Install and start the program;
4. Connect the T3 to your computer with standard
USB cable, using the mini USB port inside the
battery compartment.
Low bAttERy wARNiNg
When the battery power becomes too
low to operate, the beacon will display
the “Lb” sign. When you see this, replace
the batteries before further use. When
batteries are too low to do startup routines,
a simple “0” will blink on the display. Mismatched
batteries can act unpredictably at various
temperatures, and low batteries can die unexpectedly
fast. Therefore, we strongly recommend changing
batteries once the battery power indicator reaches
40 percent.
NOTE: never mix new and used batteries in your
transceiver–or batteries of mixed brands. Never use
lithium or rechargeable batteries. These may all lead
to an inaccurate battery power indication.
SigNAL SUppRESSioN
Signal Suppression mode suppresses the
strongest signal and shows the searcher
the second strongest signal, including
directional arrows. Always stay in standard
search mode when searching for the first
transmitter. Once the first victim has been located
and your fine search is complete, you are ready to
use Signal Suppression.
Signal Suppression mode is activated by pressing the
Options button until “SS” is shown on the display. To
enter suppression mode, the Options button must be
released before “BP” is displayed. The multiple victim
icon will flash while in SS mode.
Suppression of the strongest signal will last for
one minute, giving the searcher time to move away
from the suppressed signal and lock on to the next
transmitter. The Tracker3 will automatically default
from suppression mode to standard search mode
after one minute. When this happens, the multiple
victim icon will stop flashing and the Tracker3 will
isolate the strongest signal.
big piCtURE
Big Picture mode is the closest thing to
an analog beacon in the digital world. It
displays distances and directions of all the
beacons that are transmitting within range.
With Big Picture mode, you can estimate
how many beacons are in the search area along with
their approximate direction. You can also perform a
search in BP mode, but always remember to return
to normal search mode during the fine search when
you’re getting close to the victim.
Big Picture mode is activated by holding down
the Options button until “BP” flashes in the display.
You must continue to hold down the Options
button to stay in “BP” mode. Once the mode
button is released, the T3 will automatically return
to search mode.
Like all Tracker3 functions, Big Picture is a real-time
function, so it updates instantaneously if you are
moving.
iSoLAtiNg MULtipLE ViCtiMS
The following icons help to determine how many
buried victims are within range of the rescuer:
More than
one signal
within range.
Two victims
both within six
meters of the
searcher.
More than
two signals
within
range.
More than
two signals
within range
and at least
two within six
meters.