Snowsafe Blog

What are the differences between the Tracker 2 and Tracker 3?

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between the BCA tracker beacons? Snowsafe have broken this down for you

BCA DTS Tracker 2 

• The BCA DTS Tracker 2 displays signals from any distance and will only ever guide you to the strongest signal
• The tracker 2 uses its 3rd antenna during the last stage of the search to pinpoint the accuracy by the distance indication to eliminate the spikes, this occurs when receiving the antenna is perpendicular to the flux field direct. This makes the tracker 2 much smoother in the final search stage.

• The Tracker 2 only has a reception range greater by 10m which is really very little difference.

• The antenna in the Trackers 2, on startup and periodically, balance themselves against each other whilst taking into account temperature to make the directional information more accurate.

• The Tracker 2 has a slightly slower display then the tracker 3, the processors still input signals instantly and update the display at the same time.
• The Trackers 2 allows you to lock on from any distance and will only ever guide you to the strongest signal or the closest victim, You can override this by going into a special mode.
• The Tracker 2 has multiple burial lights, the lights will constantly alert you that although you are only seeing one transceiver, there are other signals present in the proximity (This will only show more than 1 and not show a ballpark figure). If the lights flash in time with the beeps it will mean that the signals are very close together.
• The Tracker 2 is quick to put back in to transmit mode in the case of a secondary avalanche.

BCA Tracker 3 

• The BCA Tracker 3 uses the same antenna system as the tracker 2 but is 30% lighter, smaller and faster.
• Tracker 3 also has extra options of suppressing any of the multi-burial signals in any direction or distance
• During startup, the antenna in the Tracker 3 balance themselves against each other whilst taking into account temperature to make the directional information more accurate.
• The Real Time Display on the Tracker 3 is slightly faster than, the 3 processes the input signal instantly and updates the display at the same time.
• The Tracker 3 also allows you to lock on from any distance and will only ever guide you to the strongest signal or the closest victim, You can override this by going into a special mode or the tracker 3 has an extra option of suppressing any of the multiple burial signals in any direction or distance.
• The Tracker 3 also offers the multiple burial lighting, lights will constantly flash to alert you that you are currently only seeing one transceiver signal but there are other signals present in the proximity.
• The Tracker 3 is slightly quicker to put back in to transmit mode in the case of a secondary avalanche.
• The BCA Tracker 3 is featured within the BCA Tracker 3 package. this package also includes the Terrawest Core Light Shovel and Terrawest Core 240 Probe.

BCA Tracker Comparison Table

Snowsafe Blogs:

It’s important to stay safe and have the correct training when skiing or snowboarding off-piste please check out further blogs below :  

• History of Avalanche Transceivers and how they have evolved
• Be Brave – Adventure Beyond The Piste

If you would like to feature a blog about your organisation or experience in the snow please feel free to contact us on info@snowsafe.co.uk or 01273 737676. We are happy to take guest blogs linking back to your website.