bca TRACKER2 Manuel D'utilisation page 7

Operating Instructions
Prior to the signal search, be sure that all transceivers are turned
to search mode. Rotate the Tracker slowly in all directions (Figure
D) while moving along your signal search pattern. While searching,
be aware of other physical clues, such as equipment or extremities
protruding from the snow surface. When no signal is detected,
"SE" will flash in the distance indicator. Once a signal is detected
consistently, mark this spot and begin the coarse search.
Figure D
Slowly rotate the Tracker horizontally
and vertically in your hand, but move
rapidly during the signal search. Do
not abandon your search path until
you have captured a strong, steady
signal. Ignore irregular signals,
which can sometimes be caused by
electrical interference.
Coarse Search: The coarse search is the portion of the search from
where you have detected a steady signal to where you are close to
the victim.
Once the signal is consistently detected, rotate the Tracker slowly
on a horizontal plane until the center direction light
The Tracker is now pointed in the direction of the strongest signal.
The four lights on either side of center tell you which way to rotate
the Tracker to engage the center light. The distance indicator
tells you, in approximate meters, how far you must travel (1 meter
= 1.1 yards or 3.3 feet). If the number on the distance indicator
is increasing, you are on the same axis as the victim's signal, but
moving in the opposite direction. Turn 180 degrees, engage the
center search light again, and continue your search in the direction
the Tracker is pointing. If you are stationary, but the distance is
significantly changing, you are probably detecting the signal of
another rescuer. Make sure all rescuers are in search mode before
continuing.
You may find that, while following the directional lights, your route
follows an arc. This is because the Tracker2 follows the shape of
the electromagnetic signal coming from the transmitting beacon's
antenna. The distance displayed is the distance to be traveled along
that signal, not the straight-line distance from you to the victim.
Fine Search: The fine search is the final part of the beacon search,
which is performed on foot with the beacon positioned at or near the
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is blinking.
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snow surface. The objective of the fine search is to locate where the
signal is strongest (distance reading is lowest) and to reduce the area
to be probed.
Move your beacon slowly in a straight line along the surface of the
snow during the final three meters of the fine search. The directional
lights do not illuminate in the final two meters, so only pay attention
to the distance readings. From the point where you have located the
smallest reading, "bracket" at 90-degree angles to the left and then to
the right in search of a lower reading (Figure E). Repeat if necessary
along both axes. Begin probing at the lowest distance reading.
Figure E
Bracketing: Make sure you go well past
the low reading to confirm it is the lowest.
When bracketing, ignore the directional
lights, which no longer illuminate at less
than two meters. Do not rotate the beacon
during this process, as it can change the
distance readings.
Probing/Pinpointing
At your lowest distance reading, probe in concentric circles, with each
probe hole about 10 inches (25 cm) apart (Figure F). Your probe should
enter the snow perpendicular to the slope. Once you have confirmed
the victim's location, leave the probe in the snow.
Figure F
Operating Instructions
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