How to Choose an Avalanche Transceiver

By Steve Tischler

Last updated: Jan. 1, 2007

In This Article

• How Do Avalanche Transceivers Work?
• Types of Transceivers
• What Are Recco Reflectors?
• Transceiver Search Methods
• Frequencies and Compatibility
• Range
• Which Transceiver Is Right for You?

If you spend any time skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing in the backcountry, you and your companions must each carry three vital pieces of gear: an avalanche transceiver (also known as a beacon), a probe and a shovel. A transceiver, along with regular practice, can mean life or death in the event of an avalanche. But beware of the false sense of security that people sometimes have while wearing transceivers. They are not a substitute for thorough understanding of snow conditions, smart route finding and a willingness to turn back if necessary.

How Do Avalanche Transceivers Work?

Avalanche transceivers are devices worn on the body that emit a signal. If one is buried in an avalanche, other transceivers in the party pick up the signal being emitted from under the snow. The receiving transceivers interpret the signal into a visual and audible display that guides the searcher towards the transmitting beacon.

Transceivers work by sending out and receiving electromagnetic signals. In one mode, they send the signals. Switched to another mode, they receive them. So when your group heads for the hills, you should all be wearing transceivers and have them set to "transmit" or "send". Transceivers should be strapped around the waist and over the shoulder, worn underneath the outer layer of clothing. If anyone is buried in an avalanche, that person's transceiver will be sending out a signal to tell the others where he or she is. The other transceivers then need to be switched to "receive" to pick up the signal.

WARNING: Avalanche victims can die from either asphyxiation or trauma. For those victims who are buried alive, transceivers can be highly effective tools in saving lives. There are no guarantees, however. First and foremost, you must recognize and avoid dangerous avalanche conditions.

Types of Transceivers

All avalanche transceivers transmit and receive electronic signals in the same way. How they process or interpret that signal for the user to read differs among models.

• Digital — Digital transceivers use multiple antennas and a microprocessor to translate the electronic signals into a beeping tone and a visual display. The display is either an LCD or LED panel that shows distance and direction of the transmitting transceiver. The audible signal on these transceivers changes the closer you get to your target. Digital transceivers light up or show direction on a display panel to help point you to the buried transceiver.
• Analog — Analog transceivers respond by emitting audible beeps that get louder as they get closer to the buried transceiver. Some models also use a visual indicator. Visual indicators are useful because it is often difficult to detect changes in sound volume when there is high wind or multiple buried transceivers.

What Are Recco Reflectors?

Recco® reflectors are different from transceivers. They are thin, card-size units that are embedded by some manufacturers into ski products such as jackets, pants, boots or helmets. Recco reflectors complement—but do NOT replace—the use of avalanche transceivers. These passive transponders reflect and enhance the radio signals sent by the Recco detector units used by many search-and-rescue organizations. This may mean quicker acquisition of position in an avalanche.

The Recco system offers many benefits:

• The reflector is a passive, battery-free device that requires no action or education on the part of the wearer.
• The reflector is imbedded in the gear, so it's likely to stay with the person buried in an avalanche.
• When a signal is received, Recco detectors lead the operator in a direct line to the victim; this directional signal can save precious search time.
• Recco signals can be picked up by either ground- or helicopter-based searchers.
• Recco signals are not related to, nor do they interfere with, transceiver searches, so both approaches can be used in the same area at the same time.

Transceiver Search Methods

Speed really matters, so it's critical that you understand your avalanche transceiver and practice using it. Each manufacturer provides detailed instructions on how to search quickly and efficiently using its technology.

Whatever transceiver you use, the basics are these: Once you identify a buried transceiver, you will save time if you positively identify the location using a probe, then dig down using a sturdy shovel designed for moving snow quickly.

Frequencies and Compatibility

• All transceivers currently on the market are compatible with one another and with dual-frequency models.
• All transceivers manufactured today operate on the 457kHz frequency.
• Up until the 1980s, 2.275kHz beacons were standard. These models use outdated technology and should be retired.
• Dual frequency (both 2.275kHz and 457kHz) transceivers were common up to 1996 when manufacturers made the shift to all 457kHz. These old models should be retired because they 1) Have a lower range, and 2) Use ceramic resonators, which over time are more likely to drift off the 457kHz signal.
• Always do a pre-trip check to ensure all transceivers in your party are transmitting.

Range

This distance is given by the manufacturer and often represents the strongest antenna alignment/signal possible. This measurement may not be the same in the field. Transceivers with a greater range may allow you to pick up a signal from a farther distance, but range is completely dependent on the orientation of the transmitting transceiver to the receiving transceiver.

Which Transceiver Is Right for You?

Digital transceivers have a slightly smaller range in which they will pick up a signal, but once they get one, they are generally faster to the victim's transceiver. If you are new to avalanche transceivers, a digital model is the easiest to learn.

Analog transceivers can generally pick up a signal from a greater distance, but they require more user practice to yield reliable search accuracy. If you are familiar with the search methods used with these models, or are willing to take the extra time to learn and practice, then an analog transceiver is a good choice.

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