How to Train on Transponders

Transponders are radio signal devices that work by transmitting and receiving a signal between one another to make locating a person or thing easier. One the most common uses of transponders is in avalanche transceivers or beacons. When enjoying snow sports in an avalanche-prone area, all participants generally wear transponders to increase the chance of survival in the event of burial. Training to use a transponder proficiently will further increase the chance of saving a life. The best way to train is to practice locating buried transponders to maximize your efficiency and minimize avalanche response time.

Things You'll Need

  • Blindfold
  • Friend
  • 2x avalanche transponders (minimum)
  • Avalanche shovel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn all avalanche transponders on and turn the center dial to the "In" position to make the devices send out a signal. Blindfold yourself and have a friend bury one of the transponders in the snow in an undisclosed location.

    • 2

      Turn the center dial of the unburied transponder to the "Out" position to receive a signal. Have your friend point out, in a wide, sweeping motion, the location of the avalanche debris path to give you an idea of where to search; in the event of an actual avalanche, the debris path is your first clue as to where to begin searching.

    • 3

      Practice the signal searcher primary method to locate the buried transponder by walking horizontally across the width of the top of the imaginary debris path, turning down to walk 10 to 20 meters toward the bottom of the path, turning to walk horizontally across the width again, and repeating until you receive a strong signal. Continue walking past the strong signal; rotate 180 degrees when it begins to weaken, and turn back to where it was the strongest.

    • 4

      Practice the signal searcher primary method to pinpoint the dig site by walking in the direction indicated by the LED lights on top of the transponder in a straight line, and mark the location where the signal is strongest. Repeat this procedure 180 degrees to the marked line and mark where the signal is the strongest to create an "X."

    • 5

      Dig at the "X" using the avalanche shovel to uncover the buried transponder. Practice the signal searcher primary and secondary methods until they become second nature and you can find the transponder within a few minutes. Have your friend bury the transponder at different depths and distances for added challenge. Have a friend bury multiple transponders and practice locating two or more transponders with interfering signals.

    • 6

      Practice the parallel searching method by locating a buried transponder with multiple searchers. Walk down the debris path next to your fellow searchers with roughly 10 meters between each other until one person receives a strong signal. Practice preparing to dig while the person with the strongest signal pinpoints the dig site to maximize efficiency.