International Snow Science - Montana State University Library

Item: Updating and expansion of a field study to optimize the search strip width of avalanche beacons

• • Title: Updating and expansion of a field study to optimize the search strip width of avalanche beacons

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings

    Authors: Schreilechner, Marcellus1 Eck, Markus2; Schober, Michael2 1Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Leoben, Austria 2PIEPS GmbH, Parkring 4 Lebring, Austria

    Date: 2009

    Abstract: The range of an avalanche beacon depends on certain technical characteristics of the device and the position of the transmitter (or victim) relative to the receiver (or rescuer). To correct the effects of different coupling positions, some beacon manufacturers require various moving activities during a search, such as turning, rotating, and swinging. However, the methodology is unclearly defined by the manufacturer and makes it difficult for the search team to follow. Additionally, search strip widths are defined differently by different manufacturers of avalanche beacons and thus it is difficult for users to know which width to use. As a result of these factors, the devices are often used incorrectly or inadequately. An extensive field study was performed in order to determine the ranges of all commercially available multi-antenna beacons in different coupling positions. The different runs were executed without moving any of the beacons in order to avoid changes in the coupling positions. The search paths, given by the direction and distance indicators of the beacons, were recorded with a differential global position system in sub-decimetre resolution. The results define useful ranges of beacons, independent from personal management of these beacons. The results differ from the manufacturers’ manuals and suggest that further discussion is necessary for the determination of a sufficient search strip width.

    Presenters: Unknown

    Keywords: avalanche beacon, useful range, dgps, search strip width

    Subjects: search strip width avalanche beacons dgps

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