Operating Instructions
13
12
Operating Instructions
Tracker to engage the center light. The distance indicator (2) 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 direc-
tion the Tracker is pointing. This is preferable to walking
backwards, in which case the Tracker will often flash “SE” rather
than show a direction and distance. 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 Tracker DTS performs
the fine search using the "flux (or induction) line" method (see
Figure F). It follows the shape of the electromagnetic signal, or
flux line pattern, coming from the transmitting beacon’s antenna.
The distance displayed is the distance to be traveled along that
flux line, not the straight-line distance from you to the victim.
Pinpoint Search
The pinpoint search is the final part of the beacon search, which
is performed on foot with the beacon positioned at or near the
snow surface. The objective of the pinpoint search is to locate
where the signal is strongest and to reduce the area to be
probed.
Move your beacon very slowly along the surface of the snow
during the final three meters of the pinpoint search. It can be
helpful to tilt the front of the Tracker down, although it is not nec-
essary. Ignore sudden fluctuations in distance and direction,
often followed by no distance reading and/or "SE" in the distance
indicator. This means you are very close. The lowest reading will
be near this point.
From the point where you have located the smallest reading, it
can be helpful to "bracket" at 90-degree angles to the left and
then to the right in search of a lower reading (Figure G, bird’s-
eye view). Repeat if necessary along both axes. Begin probing
at the lowest distance reading.
T
IP
: P
INPOINTING
/P
ROBING ON A LINE
Until the Tracker is very close, it will point you in the general
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Figure F
Flux lines
The Tracker follows the shape
of the electromagnetic flux
lines coming from the trans-
mitting beacon’s antenna.
Your path during the fine
search will be either
straight (point A)
or curved (point B),
depending on the
orientation of your
beacon when the
signal is first captured.
Note: the Tracker’s transmit-
ting antenna (10) is oriented
at a 45-degree angle to the
long axis of its case, as
shown.
1.
6
SE
1.
0
SE
1.
6
1.
6
1.
6
low
reading
spike
reading
lowest
reading
(horizontal burial)
spike
reading
(horizontal burial)
90
o
90
o
Snow
surface
Figure G
Pinpoint Search
Bracketing:
From the point where you have located the smallest
reading, it can be helpful to "bracket" at 90-degree angles to the left
and then to the right in search of a lower reading (bird’s-eye view).
Pinpointing on a line:
You will encounter a “spike” reading where
the vertical aspect of the flux pattern is perpendicular to the search-
ing beacon (cross-section view). This is indicated by a suddenly
weaker signal (higher distance reading) and fluctuations or loss of
directional lights, and/or “SE” in the display. Search past the spike for
a lower distance reading along the line you’ve been travelling. If you
do not deviate from this line, it is not necessary to bracket.
Bird’s-eye
view
Cross-section
view
Transmitting Beacon
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