An avalanche transceiver, also known as a beeper, is an important piece of equipment used in skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering to ensure avalanche safety in avalanche terrain. Here is a brief description of avalanche transceivers and their specifications:
- Purpose and functionality: Avalanche transceivers are designed to assist in locating and rescuing people buried in an avalanche. They work by transmitting and receiving radio signals that allow rescuers to accurately locate the location of the buried person.
- Types of search engines: Every avalanche beeper made today is digital, but some also offer analog features. Analog transceivers transmit a signal as a sound that gets louder the closer you get to the transmitted signal. Digital transceivers use a processor to analyse the signal and translate it into clear instructions for the user and display direction and distance on a display. Digital features are much easier to use and, as a result, faster. While old-school analog transceivers have a few minor advantages, such as longer range and better battery life, they are decidedly less advanced than digital transceivers. However, a few advanced digital search engines – such as the Mammut Barryvox S – offer the benefits of both by allowing experienced users to switch to analog mode as needed.
- Number of antennas: Avalanche transceivers have multiple antennas, usually three, to increase search accuracy.
- Search modes: Most modern avalanche transceivers offer a variety of search modes to aid in rescue operations. These modes include signal search, where rescuers locate the signal of a buried transceiver, or multi-burial mode, which helps prioritize search efforts when multiple victims are buried.
- Search range: Avalanche transceivers have a maximum search range, typically 40 to 70 meters. However, it is important to note that the range can be affected by various factors such as interference, depth of burial and terrain conditions.
How does the avalanche transceiver work?
Avalanche transceivers operate on the principle of radio frequency technology. In broadcast mode, they transmit a continuous signal, and in search mode, they can receive signals from other transceivers. Based on the strength and direction of the signal, rescuers can locate buried victims.
How to use the avalanche transceiver?
Using an avalanche transceiver involves a few simple steps: first, make sure the device is turned on and in transmit mode. Before you head out, perform a signal test to make sure it is working properly. In the event of an avalanche, switch to search mode and follow the signal to locate the buried person.
Are all avalanche transceivers compatible with each other?
Not all avalanche transceivers are compatible with each other. It is essential to ensure that the transceivers you use in your group are on the same frequency. The first avalanche transceivers transmitted on a frequency of 2.275 kHz (kilohertz). In 1986, the international standard of 457 kHz was adopted. The Ortovox F2 transceiver (which was launched in 1980) transmitted and received on both 2.275 and 457 kHz. This allowed the F2 to locate both new and old types of transceivers. This was useful in the 1980s, but it no longer makes sense with today's standardized frequency.
