HOW TO ENSURE QUICK SUCCESS WITH AN ARVA?

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 avalance 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.e size of this wave. Furthermore, the emitting/receiving frequency is 457 kHz +/- 100 Hz.

ARE ALL BRANDS OF TRANSCEIVERS COMPATIBLE?

Yes all transceiver devices that operate on a frequency of 457 kHz are compatible.