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Quick Reference
This quick reference page is an introduction to proper use of the
Tracker2. For more detailed information, read the entire manual and
consult our website: www.backcountryaccess.com.
Basic functions
On/off
: Turn the on/off switch on the back of the Tracker to the “on”
position. The battery life is displayed in the distance/battery power
display. Change batteries before they reach 40 percent.
Search mode:
Pull down the search tab at the bottom of the unit.
In search mode, the display will show “SE” and “SEARCH” is exposed
underneath the tab. Unit must be in transmit mode to turn it off. After
30 minutes in search mode, the Tracker will beep every 10 minutes.
Return to transmit:
Push the search tab in toward the body of the
transceiver until it clicks into place. The display will flash “tr” and
beep for five seconds before it begins to transmit. After 12 hours in
transmit mode, the Tracker will beep every 2 minutes.
Searching with the Tracker2
The objective is to find the strongest signal (lowest distance reading)
and immediately begin probing the area.
In the event of a burial, switch your Tracker (and all other
transceivers) to search mode. "SE" will flash in the distance window
until a signal is captured.
Signal search:
If there is a "last seen point," start your signal search
there, and search downhill. Otherwise, start your signal search at the
top, bottom or side of the slide path. Allow a maximum of 40 meters
between searchers or between switchbacks if only one searcher.
Slowly rotate your Tracker back and forth until you engage the signal.
Coarse search:
Once a signal is engaged, align the Tracker so
that any of the center three lights are flashing and move quickly in
the direction the Tracker is pointing. Your direction of travel might
be straight or slightly curved. Make sure the number in the distance
display is decreasing. If it is increasing, turn 180 degrees. Inside ten
meters, move slowly and try to keep the center search light engaged.
Fine search:
Within three meters, use your transceiver close to
the snow surface and look for the smallest distance reading. Ignore
sudden fluctuations in distance and direction; the strongest signal is
often just past these fluctuation points. Begin probing at the smallest
reading (strongest signal).
Avalanche Awareness
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.
If you are caught in an avalanche:
• Yell “avalanche” and wave your arms to alert your group.
• Deploy your avalanche airbag if you have one.
• Try to escape the slide by grabbing trees or rocks or ‘swimming’
to the side.
• Try to keep your airway clear of snow.
• When you feel the slide slowing, thrust a hand upward in hopes
of it being seen.
• Place your other hand in front of your face to increase the
air space.
• Remain calm, breathe slowly and conserve your air.
Searching for victims:
• Do not go for help! You are the victim’s only chance of survival!
• Establish a last seen point.
• Confirm you are not in danger of a second avalanche occurring.
• Look for visual clues to the victim’s location.
• Begin your signal search for the victim using your avalanche
transceiver.