Avalanche technology has improved in recent years and all changes have been made with the sole purpose of making rescuing avalanche victims faster and easier.
When looking to buy a transceiver many people may be overwhelmed by the different models and the specifications that each model has to offer. The table below shows the differences and similarities between each transceiver that we sell at snowsafe.co.uk
| Avalanche Transceiver | Function | Frequency | Range | Dimensions | Battery Life | Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmitting | Receiving | ||||||
| Ortovox S1 | Digital (3 antenna) | 457kHz | up to 65m | 120 x 80 x 30mm (closed) 215 x 80 x 30mm (open) |
250 hours | 10 hours | £335 |
| Ortovox D3 | Digital (3 antenna) | 457kHz | up to 40m | 130 x 80 x 25mm | 300 hours | 40 hours | £239 |
| Ortovox F1 | Analogue | 457kHz | up to 80m | 130 x 80 x 25mm | 350 hours (approx) | 40 hours (approx) | £145 |
| DTS Tracker | Digital (dual antennae) | 457kHz | up to 70m | 140 x 80 x 30mm | 250 hours (approx) | 50 hours (approx) | £199 |
| Ortovox patroller | Digital and analogue (3 antenna) | 457kHz | up to 70m | 130 x 80 x 25mm | 300 hours | 40 hours | £219 |
Transceivers essentially transmit and receive an analogue signals. Analogue transceivers convert the radio signals into an audible tone and the tone gets louder as the signal gets stronger. Digital transceivers usually refer to a transceiver that uses more then one antenna. Digital transceivers have inbuilt microprocessor which combines information from the antenna and provides the distance and direction to the buried victim. Digital transceivers usually display visual signs through LED arrows.
Whereas most analogue transceivers operate with one antenna, the newer digital models now feature two or even three antenna.
The advantage of extra antenna is in the search mode. Transceivers with 2 antennas show when you need to adjust your position to line up with the flux lines of the transmitting transceiver as you search. The Tracker DTS has arrows that light up to point you in the right direction along the flux lines. When the middle arrow lights up, both antennas are receiving equal signal strength, and you are along the flux line or the path of the strongest signal. Side arrows light up to point you in the correct direction when one antenna is getting a greater signal than the other.
This makes searching far easier than the grid search pattern given by the single antenna analogue models. Single antenna transceivers, however, do typically have a longer search range.
The inclusion of a third antenna is for use in the final phase of the search as you approach close to the victim. The reason is to eliminate "spikes" - the phenomenon where you receive the shortest distance reading at a point close to but not directly above the victim.
The third antenna typically comes into play about 2m from the victim, such as with the Ortovox D3 and Ortovox S1 models, and analyses the flux lines in order to lead you to that point directly above the victim - saving valuable time in the search.
All transceivers operate on a 457kHz frequency, some older models may operate on a different frequency. The International standard frequency is 457kHz and if you have an older model which operates on a different frequency get it changed as it will be no use to you when venturing into the backcountry!
If you have used transceivers before and you are confident with them then you would find then the M2, frequently favoured by snow patrols, is a great model. For ease of use look at the Tracker DTS and Ortovox D3. The F1 Focus remains a popular choice for its reliability and price, though novices will find it harder to use.
If its ground breaking performance you are looking for, the new S1 from Ortovox is one of the most sophisticated on the market.
Remember that an Avalanche transceiver is useless you are equip with an Avalanche Probe and Avalanche Shovel to locate and dig the victim out of the avalanche.
In 1997, the Tracker DTS revolutionized the transceiver market by introducing digital, dual antenna technology. Since then, it has become the world's best-selling transceiver. That's for a simple reason: it's the easiest to use.
The dual antenna technology gives the searcher the precise distance and direction to the buried person(s) rather then the searcher having to use a "grid" or "tangent" search pattern. The transceivers dual antenna captures the victim(s) signal and the microprocessor then uses straightforward visual signals (keeping the centre light on and the distance decreasing) to the buried victim.
Ortovox are all on 457 kHz frequency.
The decisive advantages of the Ortovox Transceiver are:
A Transceiver on its own is not going to complete a rescue: there was an obvious need for products that would compliment the transceiver and facilitate rescue. Ortovox developed Avalanche Shovels, probes and 1st Aid Bags.