*This article is a partial remake of what was published in the 2023-24 season.
One of the items that is said to be essential to carry when going out into the backcountry is an avalanche beacon (transceiver). There is a wide variety of models available, ranging from multi-functional, high-performance models used by guides to models that are easy to use for general users. What should I focus on when choosing?
Role of avalanche beacons
An avalanche beacon is a device needed to locate a person caught in an avalanche. If caught in an avalanche, the survival rate is 92% within 15 minutes, and drops sharply to 26% after 45 minutes. Beacons are used to identify buried spots in order to quickly find and dig them out within 15 minutes.
How beacons work
When the searcher switches to reception mode, radio waves are received. Normally, it is set to transmit mode, which sends out radio waves, and when an avalanche occurs, searchers switch to receive mode. In transmission mode, it emits weak 457kHz radio waves, and in reception mode, it pinpoints the location of the avalanche beacon that is transmitting radio waves (indicating distance and direction).
The receiving mode is for finding buried bodies, and the transmitting mode is for helping people find them. Although there are differences in performance depending on the manufacturer, they are compatible, and the transmission and reception functions work even between beacons made by different manufacturers. The location is determined by capturing the signals emitted by the buried person's beacon.
There are two types of beacons: digital type and digital/analog switchable type. Currently, triple antenna digital beacons are the mainstream. The more antennas there are, the higher the search accuracy is, and analog antennas have higher reception sensitivity and can receive over a wide range. It's not just that you have both, but it takes a lot of practice to master them.
Watch a video on how to use beacons
These are AvSAR (Japan Avalanche Search and Rescue Association). You can understand how to handle beacons and how actual searches using beacons are done.
How to choose
For BC beginners, we recommend the digital type or the analog antenna and digital switching type. It is easy to handle because there are about 3 antennas as standard. If the receiving band is 50m, it will be OK.
First, if the equipment itself requires complicated operations, it can be difficult for beginners.
・Simple operation
・Can be operated quickly even with gloves on
・Large LCD screen makes it easy to see the display
・Easy to hold
・Long battery life
・Light weight
Features required for general backcountry users: The price range varies from 30,000 yen to 70,000 yen, from low-priced ones that can be used in advance to multifunctional ones used by guides and patrols. There are also differences in characteristics, such as some being excellent at searching for a single buried subject, and others demonstrating performance in searching for multiple buried subjects.
Beacons require repeated training to actually use them properly on snow. If you are going to try BC from now on, it is a good idea to first join the BC Guided Tour and try it out on a rental basis.