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We did some preliminary testing on Vail Pass a couple of weeks ago to see how much a 2 stroke and 4 stroke snowmobile would interfere with a beacon if you did the beacon search from the snowmobile. The results are at: www.backcountryaccess.com/blog
The two stroke used was a 2006 Arctic Cat M7 efi. The 4 stroke was a 2008 Yamaha Nytro MTX. Beacons used in the test were the Tracker DTS, Tracker 2, Pieps DSP, Ortovox S1 and Ortovox D3.
Bad news: All beacons were affected significantly by both the 2 stroke and 4 stroke. Some beacons were rendered unusable. Average decrease in beacon range on the two stroke was 87%. Average decrease in range on the 4 stroke was 69%.
Good news: Preliminary findings showed that if you moved away from the running snowmobile by 3' or more the beacons would function properly. If you turned off the snowmobile (like you should with any electronic device when doing a search) the beacons functioned properly.
When would you ever search from a snowmobile? If you had a large area to cover with minimal searchers and wanted to check for visuals and beacon signals. Also if you had to check debris piles up on the hill, the snowmobile could be used for faster access. A snowmobile can be used to cover a large area in a short time.
Conclusion: If you use a snowmobile for searching, stop well within the range of the beacon and step away from the snowmobile at least 3' (1 meter) or turn off the snowmobile to do a beacon search. The running snowmobile will interfere with the beacon in the search mode just like many electronic devices will.
Hope this helps.
Mike Duffy
avalanche1.com
Affordable, effective and proven snowmobile specific avalanche classes.
The two stroke used was a 2006 Arctic Cat M7 efi. The 4 stroke was a 2008 Yamaha Nytro MTX. Beacons used in the test were the Tracker DTS, Tracker 2, Pieps DSP, Ortovox S1 and Ortovox D3.
Bad news: All beacons were affected significantly by both the 2 stroke and 4 stroke. Some beacons were rendered unusable. Average decrease in beacon range on the two stroke was 87%. Average decrease in range on the 4 stroke was 69%.
Good news: Preliminary findings showed that if you moved away from the running snowmobile by 3' or more the beacons would function properly. If you turned off the snowmobile (like you should with any electronic device when doing a search) the beacons functioned properly.
When would you ever search from a snowmobile? If you had a large area to cover with minimal searchers and wanted to check for visuals and beacon signals. Also if you had to check debris piles up on the hill, the snowmobile could be used for faster access. A snowmobile can be used to cover a large area in a short time.
Conclusion: If you use a snowmobile for searching, stop well within the range of the beacon and step away from the snowmobile at least 3' (1 meter) or turn off the snowmobile to do a beacon search. The running snowmobile will interfere with the beacon in the search mode just like many electronic devices will.
Hope this helps.
Mike Duffy
avalanche1.com
Affordable, effective and proven snowmobile specific avalanche classes.
