*This article is a partial remake of the article published in the 2023-2024 season
Avalanche beacons (transceivers) are an essential item to carry when heading out into the backcountry. There are a wide variety of models available, from multi-functional, high-performance models used by guides to easy-to-use models for the average user. What should you look for when choosing one?
The role of avalanche beacons
Avalanche beacons are necessary equipment for locating people who have been caught in an avalanche and buried. The survival rate of those caught in an avalanche is 92% within 15 minutes, dropping sharply to 26% after 45 minutes. The beacon identifies the buried point so that the person can be quickly found and excavated within 15 minutes
How beacons work
When the searcher switches to receive mode, it receives radio waves. It is usually set to transmit mode, which emits radio waves, and when an avalanche occurs, the searcher switches to receive mode. In transmit mode, it emits a weak radio wave at 457 kHz, and in receive mode, it identifies the location of the avalanche beacon that is emitting the radio waves (indicating distance and direction).
The receive mode is used to find buried subjects, and the transmit mode is used to help others find them. Performance varies depending on the manufacturer, but they are compatible, and the transmit and receive functions work even between beacons made by different manufacturers. The location is found by capturing the signal emitted by the buried subject's beacon.
Beacons come in digital and switchable digital/analog types. Currently, triple-antenna digital beacons are the mainstream. The more antennas there are, the higher the search accuracy, while analog beacons have higher reception sensitivity and can receive signals over a wider area. Not only do you need to own both, but you also need to practice multiple times to master them
Watch the video to learn how to use a beacon
These are AvSAR (Japan Avalanche Search and Rescue Association). They clearly explain how to use a beacon and how an actual search using a beacon is carried out.
Tips for choosing
For BC beginners, we recommend a digital system or a system that switches between analog and digital antennas. Three antennas are standard, making them easy to use. A 50m reception bandwidth should be sufficient
First of all, devices that require complicated operation can be difficult for beginners.
• Simple operation
• Quick operation even with gloves on
• Large LCD screen for easy viewing
• Easy to hold
• Long battery life
• Lightweight Prices
vary widely, from affordable models with all the necessary functionality for general backcountry users to multi-functional models used by guides and patrols, ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 yen. There are also differences in characteristics, such as those that excel at searching for a single buried subject and those that excel at searching for multiple buried subjects.
Beacons require repeated training before you can use them properly on the snow. If you're planning on trying out backcountry hiking for the first time, it might be a good idea to join a backcountry guided tour and rent one to try it out first