HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER?
Whether we're talking about an avalanche transceiver or an ARVA transceiver, we're discussing equipment that is essential for any off-piste outing as it allows you to quickly locate a buried person or be found. Here's how to choose your avalanche transceiver to enjoy the powder with maximum avalanche safety.
Choosing a digital avalanche transceiver: a must
As recently as 20 years ago, analogue avalanche transceivers—then referred to as ARVAs—were the norm. While they still function well, they have become obsolete, and if you own one, it's important to choose a digital avalanche transceiver to improve survival chances in an avalanche. Newer models are incompatible with these old ARVAs, meaning you won't be able to detect or locate a person caught in an avalanche, compromising avalanche safety.
Today's digital avalanche beacons are also much easier to use. They feature a screen that numerically indicates progress toward the victim and provides direction via a diode or arrow display. This faster rescue capability increases survival chances, as searches should ideally be completed within 15 minutes for effective avalanche rescues.
The choice of simplicity
For optimal avalanche safety, the first criterion when choosing your avalanche transceiver is ease of use. It should be instinctive, as the stress and anxiety of an avalanche emergency make even simple tasks harder. You should easily set your ARVA to transmit mode at the start of your outing, and in a search, switch to receive mode quickly. For effective searching, the screen should be large and provide clear indicators of proximity and direction. Only in this way will your avalanche transceiver be an effective avalanche safety tool.
To practice using your transceiver, some resorts have designated areas, or you can simulate searches in an open area nearby. Place a transceiver in a location and follow the device's directions to locate it. Practicing in snow is especially beneficial, as it more closely mimics real-life conditions. If you often go off-piste, remember that practice is key to avalanche preparedness.
What is the useful range?
All avalanche transceivers specify their useful range—the maximum distance at which they can receive a signal. Don’t confuse this with search bandwidth, which is twice the useful range. For example, if your transceiver has a useful range of 20 meters, you can detect a signal within 20 meters on each side. Choosing your avalanche transceiver with a greater range improves the likelihood of picking up a signal sooner, with some models able to detect skiers buried up to 35 meters away. Transmission power is standardized across most transceivers.
How many antennas for your avalanche transceiver?
Choosing a transceiver with multiple antennas facilitates easier searching. The first antenna has the longest reception range and is used for both receiving and transmitting. The second antenna helps orient you in space, guiding you toward the victim. Some transceivers only have these two antennas, offering reliable avalanche safety but potentially lacking precision in locating a victim’s exact position. A third antenna allows more accurate vertical positioning over the victim, enhancing probe work and overall rescue efficiency—a critical feature in avalanche safety.
Useful options on avalanche transceivers
While the transceiver is a central part of avalanche safety equipment, additional features can prove helpful in victim searches. However, ensure these options simplify rather than complicate use. For example, the marking function can be very useful in multi-person searches, as it allows you to block the strongest signal after locating a victim, enabling you to move on to the next. A GPS-equipped transceiver can also be valuable, provided you've practiced with it; GPS can guide you through search steps, showing the search perimeter or even a map of potential victim positions.
Good to know: don’t go without a shovel and probe
For a complete avalanche safety equipment setup, you need to choose your transceiver along with a shovel and probe. The probe will confirm the victim's location and burial depth, while the shovel will enable quick rescue.
Maintaining your avalanche transceiver for optimal avalanche safety
To extend the life of your avalanche transceiver, store it in a dry, cool place. At the season’s end, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and ensure a fully charged battery next season.
Have your transceiver checked by the manufacturer or a specialized shop within five years of purchase, and then every two years afterward. This ensures recalibration of antennas and verification of electronics. Before each outing, conduct transmission/reception tests with your group to confirm functionality.
As with all safety equipment, choosing your avalanche transceiver requires special attention. Ultimately, regular practice is essential to optimize its effectiveness. Once chosen, don’t forget to practice!
THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR CHOOSING YOUR AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER:
- To ensure compatibility with all transceivers, opt for a digital model that receives signals from other devices.
- For choosing your avalanche transceiver, prioritize ease of use and readability.
- The transceiver is crucial for avalanche safety. Practicing with it will maximize its potential in emergencies.