1. How to ensure quick success with an avalanche transceiver?
- Carefully read the user’s manual. Familiarize yourself with the use of the ARVA transceiver before you enter the backcountry and practice in the field. Take an avalanche safety course. Do not hesitate to ask a mountain professional or a training center (ENSA, ANENA, CAF, FFME, FFS). Many ski resorts are equipped with an avalanche training park. Ask the local tourist office or ski patrol (training parks are compatible with all the transceivers on the market).
2. Does the battery power influence the unit performance?
- For analog devices, the range is directly linked to battery power. Read the user’s manual carefully. For digital devices, the emitting power level and search range is independent of battery power until a battery reaches below a battery level recommended by the manufacturer. When your batteries reach below the lower limit, your beacon warns you with a visual and sound indication. On all our beacons, we warranty 100% emitting power until your batteries drop below 20%. IMPORTANT: do not use rechargeable batteries, because they have a sudden capacity loss. We recommend alkaline batteries that are provided with the unit (we recommend you carry 4 spare batteries).
3. Is the indicated number of buried victims reliable?
- If there are more than 2 victims, consider that the calculated number of burials displayed is uncertain as long as all the found devices are not switched off. During the search, signals may overlap or some interference may disturb the signals. This is why, the “multiple burials” icon does not appear always immediately. It may even happen that this icon does not appear at all. This is why, you must check the entire avalanche path.
4. Are all brands of transceivers compatible?
- Yes all transceiver devices that operate on a frequency of 457 kHz are compatible.
5. Why are the numbers only an indication of distance and not real meters?
- The signal wave is not a straight line. It is a flux line, travelling in a similar way to the magnetic forces of the earth. The device calculates the size of this wave. Furthermore, the emitting/receiving frequency is 457 kHz +/- 100 Hz.
6. Why many antennas?
- 1ST antenna: allows having a large search range. The purely analog devices have only this antenna.
- 2ND antenna: allows for an indication of the direction and makes the secondary search quicker.
- 3RD antenna: is only useful during the final search (last 3 meters) for better pinpoint precision
7. Does my transceiver require an update?
- To date, the only transceivers that have software updates are the Axis, Link, Pro W, and Axio. To update the software, please contact us by filling out the form available HERE.
8. When should I send in my transceiver for inspection / recalibration and how should I go about doing it?
- We recommend having your transceiver inspected every year if you are a professional, otherwise every three years. You can go through your regular shop or contact us directly. We recommend having this done at the end of the winter season, since it takes less time inspect during the summer months than at the beginning of the ski season.
9. How to deal with the interferences?
- Certain electronic devices as well as electrical and electromagnetic installations can significantly interfere with transceiver signals. These sources are :
- Carried : smartphone – analog radio – camera – heart rate monitors – GPS…
Permanent : relay towers – power lines / electrical generating equipment – ski lifts… - In order to reduce the risk of signal deterioration, we recommend that you keep your transceiver as far as possible from sources of electrical and electromagnetic activity.
- IN SEARCH MODE : Move all metallic and electronic devices at least 50 cm away from your transceiver. During an active search, we recommended turning off all devices except analog radio – headlamp without dimmer – watch without a radio function – backup devices in the event of a secondary avalanche.
- MEANS OF COMMUNICATION : We recommend turning off all digital telephones and radios during the active search phase. All calls should be made at least 25 cm away from the individuals conducting the active search.
- IN TRANSMIT MODE : Move all metallic and electronic devices at least 20 cm away from your transceiver.
10. What is the difference between an analog and a digital device?
- With an analog unit, the search is based on sound. The receiving power is generally more important with an analog device. But the searcher needs a great deal of training. A digital device is easier to use. The direction and distance indicators lead to the victim.
