Item: Field Tests of Avalanche Beacons at 2275 Hz and 457 kHz
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Title: Field Tests of Avalanche Beacons at 2275 Hz and 457 kHz
Proceedings: 1988 International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, October 12-15
Authors:
- Jeff Dozier
- R. D. Faisant
- Larry Heywood
- Gary Reitman
Date: 1988
Abstract: The transmission frequency for avalanche beacons used almost universally within the U.S. is 2275 Hz, whereas the European community has standardized on 457 kHz. To evaluate whether the U.S. avalanche community should switch to the higher frequency, we have carried out our own tests on a comparison of two beacons: the Skadi manufactured by John Lawton, the best quality beacon among those operating at 2275 Hz, an~ the Barryvox manufactured by Autophon, operating at 457 kHz. Two types of experiments were conducted. The first was to simply establish the distance range at which a searcher can hear the beacon; the second evaluated how quickly a searcher can locate a buried beacon. Because of its greater range, the Barryvox could be detected at a greater distance by all testers, and, thus, the primary search, to first detect the signal, with this beacon is faster. However, most of the tests were carried out in small areas, 50xlOOm at the largest. Thus the shorter primary search did not necessarily contribute to a significantly shorter total search time. The secondary search, Le. the search for the victim after the signal is detected, consumes the largest fraction of the total search time in small avalanches.
Object ID: issw-1988-113-118.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: victims, beacons, avalanche, frequency
Page Number(s): 113-118
Subjects: avalanche beacons transmission frequency avalanche victims
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