The Tracker DTS is a dual antenna digital transceiver and is one of the best selling to use models on the market. First released in 1997, it has since undergone a number of changes, most notably with the improved search button and new harness. Being a digital transceiver, it processes the distance and direction information to give a clear display using the 5 LED directional arrows and distance reading. This makes it much simpler to use than an analog transceiver which requires the user to follow a beeping sound that gets stronger or weaker based on radio wave intensity.
To turn on the Tracker DTS there is a switch on the back, designed in such a way that it won't be accidentally turned off while skiing or boarding. To change to search mode you press and hold the large red button until the letters "SE" appear on the display, at which point you release. When you switch to search mode the Tracker will lock onto the strongest signal in its search strip. The Tracker will pick up a signal within a range of 40-50 metres. While this isn't as long as some other models, it compares to most similarly priced digital transceivers. Within this range you will start picking up a signal as soon as you switch to search mode. If the victim is further away you will have to criss-cross the search area (a specific technique that you should know or learn) until you pick up a signal. When the Tracker DTS receives a signal it will show a distance reading and one or two of the directional lights will be lit, accompanied by a beeping sound. You now rotate the transceiver until the central LED is lit and then proceed in that direction, checking the distance reading. The Tracker will lead the searcher along the flux line to the victim. Should the distance indicator be increasing the searcher should turn 180 degrees as he is following the flux line along its longest path. The other direction arrows indicate the direction the searcher should turn should he deviate from the flux line.
The Tracker DTS is a dual antenna transceiver - the two antennas are positioned at 90 degrees in an 'X' format within the case. Some newer models now have three antennas. The advantage of the third antenna is in eliminating spikes in the reading as you get close to the victim. In the case of deeper burials the strongest signal is often not directly above the victim. The dual and single antenna transceivers will lead you to the strongest signal - this will be near, but not directly above, the victim. The third antenna is used to analyze the flux lines and direct you to the point directly above the victim. If your transceiver leads you to a spike, you should still find the victim with good probing technique. Probing technique is a vital part of any avalanche search and should be practiced along with transceiver use and shoveling techniques.
The yellow button on the front of the Tracker DTS narrows the range to help find multiple burials. This works well, but requires practice. To locate other beacons within the search area you press this yellow "multi-victim" button. This removes the lock feature so the beacon will display all signals that are within range. Rotate the beacon slowly until you see a second signal. An experienced user can use this function to filter out the first signal and determine the approximate distance and direction to the next victim even before recovering and turning off the avalanche transceiver of the current victim. This can speed up search and rescue where there are multiple victims.
The Tracker DTS uses the international standard frequency of 457 kHz. The design and newly modeled holder make it comfortable to wear even after hiking in the backcountry for days. The design is robust and the transceiver can be operated with gloved hands. The harness and bungee cord mean the Tracker is always attached to you - so it won't be separated from you in the event of a secondary avalanche. The Tracker takes 3 AAA batteries which will give a life of about 250hrs in transmit mode or 50hrs in search mode. Typically you will get about one hour in search mode after 200 hours of transmitting.
Obviously any transceiver requires familiarity and frequent practise, but the simpler and more accurate the device the better you will be in a pressurized emergency situation. For this the Tracker DTS' clear display and fast processing have made it the world's best selling digital transceiver.
BCA are currently in the process of releasing the new Tracker 2, though release has been delayed. The Tracker 2 will feature a third antenna, faster "real-time" processing, new search/transmit switch, multiple burial indicator and should be slightly smaller and lighter than the Tracker.