The tracker series from the US company Backcountry Access, part of the K2 Group, has been a firm fixture on the avalanche transceiver market for years. Although the trackers are not as widespread in Europe as they are in the USA, their owners in the old world still appreciate them for their ease of use and speed. With the Tracker 3, BCA has had a current 3 antenna avalanche transceiver on the market since last season, which should once again shine with the proven features and some enhancements. We got an impression of the Tracker 3 in an extensive practical test and learned to appreciate its strengths, but also found some weak points.
First impressions
The external redesign of the Tracker appears to have been a success. The yellow and red colors used on models 1 and 2 have disappeared; black is now the dominant color. The shape and design are simple but appealing. The feel is right: The surfaces feel good and the two control elements (on & switch and option button) are easy to operate. The very simple display consists of a few symbols and two 7-segment displays. One disadvantage of this display, however, is that only predefined symbols and numbers can be displayed, but not any graphics. The advantage is that digits and symbols are actively illuminated and not, as with many other displays, only passively displayed without active illumination. This red glow stands out well against the black surroundings and can be easily recognized even in strong sunlight.
The tracker's supplied carrying system is immediately understandable and easy to use. With several adjustment options, it can be adapted to the person wearing it. Compared to other carrying systems (e.g. the padded fabric bag of the old Pieps models), it looks a little more purist, as it only consists of fabric straps and a simple bag. However, the workmanship is good and all the buckles and straps look robust. The curled connecting cord between the carrying system and the avalanche transceiver is easy to attach and remove (e.g. to stow the transceiver in a trouser pocket). It is long enough to give you enough room to move the beacon away from your body during a fine search.
Caution is advised when switching on for the first time. The sounds of the Tracker 3 are shrill and reminiscent of the soundtrack of computer games from the 80s. Of course, this has no effect on the function and you won't even notice it in an emergency. While the sound sequence usually elicits a smile at the beginning, it can become somewhat annoying after a while. However, these sounds are sure to elicit astonished looks at the parking lot (note: the sound design of the tracker can also be adapted with a software update from 2016).
To change the three AAA batteries, the compartment on the back of the Tracker 3 must be opened using a flat-head screwdriver. Unfortunately, the screw cannot be opened with a coin. This means that quick changes in the gondola or in the hut are not possible. A practical feature is that the tracker emits a warning signal after a few hours if you forget to switch it off in the evening. You can update the software of the Tracker 3 yourself using software available on the web and a mini USB cable.
Practical test
The Tracker 3 sits well with the carrying system. However, a significant improvement due to the small size advertised by the manufacturer is not noticeable compared to other avalanche transceivers on the market. If you prefer to carry your avalanche transceiver in your trouser pocket (it is important that this is not just sewn on, but must be inside your trousers, otherwise there is a risk that the pocket with the transceiver will be torn off your trousers in an avalanche), this is also not a problem. The slightly flatter design is a positive feature here. Even when wearing gloves, the option wheel, which is secured with a slider, is still easy to operate, even if it is a little more cumbersome than other devices on the market.
When searching, the Tracker 3 once again plays to the proven strengths of the Tracker series. Switching from send to search is very fast and updating the distance display and direction arrows is also quick as usual. Changing the search mode from coarse to fine search is noticeable by a change in the tones. As when switching on, the tones are very shrill but loud and easy to hear. The range is comparable with other 3-antenna devices on the market. With a good coupling position (the alignment of the antennas of the two avalanche transceivers to each other is referred to as the coupling position), we were able to receive the first signals at a distance of well over 40 m in the test. With a poor coupling position, we were still able to receive signals at a distance of approx. 25 m. This means that a single burial can be carried out quickly (assuming appropriate practice as with all avalanche transceivers). When searching for multiple burials, BCA goes its own way.
A multiple burial is indicated on the display by its own symbols (multiple burial symbol), but no "classic marking function" has been installed. Instead, there is a "signal suppression mode" (similar to a marking function) and an overview mode (could be compared to the function of analog avalanche transceivers, where all received signals are displayed as a beep of different volume "displayed").
For an explanation of the two modes, we refer to the manufacturer's description:
The signal suppression mode suppresses the strongest signal in a multiple encryption and shows the searcher the second strongest signal along with direction arrows. Always remain in standard search mode when searching for the first victim. As soon as the first victim has been found and the fine search has been completed, you can use the signal suppression mode (this is activated by pressing the Options button and indicated by the flashing multiple victim symbol). ... The strongest signal is suppressed for about one minute so that the searcher can move away from this signal and search for the next VS device. After one minute, the Tracker 3 automatically switches from signal suppression mode back to standard search mode. In standard search mode, the multiple beacon symbol stops flashing and the Tracker 3 searches for the strongest signal again.
The overview mode (called Big Picture Mode and therefore abbreviated to BP) shows the distances and directions of all transmitting VS devices that are within range. The BP mode quickly provides an approximate overview of the direction and distance of the other devices. The overview mode is activated as long as the option button is held down. If the option button is released in BP, the Tracker 3 returns to normal search mode.
Signal suppression mode and overview mode are also explained in the following product video from BCA.
In practice, both modes work as described and make it easier to search for several buried victims. However, in order to be able to use these functions as support in the hectic pace of an emergency situation, you will certainly need more practice than with a classic marking function, otherwise there is unfortunately a risk that you will lose the overview due to the additional modes. However, if you have practice and know how to use the two modes correctly under stress, you can also master multiple burials with them.
Note/supplement:
Multiple burials can of course also be mastered with analog avalanche transceivers and some "old hands" in mountain rescue will perhaps be even faster with their analog device than a beginner with a 3-antenna device and marking function. In any case, the prerequisite is the appropriate practice with the respective device and since the Tracker 3 deviates here from the "quasi-standard" marking function, we would like to point out here again the necessary examination of signal suppression mode and overview mode!
In addition, the Tracker 3 has an automatic switching mode. In automatic switching mode, the Tracker 3 automatically switches back to transmit mode if the device is not moved for one minute or if the searcher moves but remains in search mode for more than five minutes. This mode must be activated by pressing a button combination each time the device is switched on.
Conclusion
The Tracker 3 from BCA has inherited the positive features of its predecessors. It is fast and easy to use in simple search mode. The design has no frills and the workmanship is good. The additional modes for multiple burials work and are a good addition to its predecessors. However, it takes practice to use these modes skillfully in an emergency situation. The Tracker 3 did not show any weaknesses in the long-term gear review. If you regularly take the time for the necessary training, the Tracker 3 has all the prerequisites to become an integral part of your personal safety equipment when freeriding.
Here you can buy the Tracker 3 from our partner store Bergzeit.de, here is the link to the BCA website with further information.
Technical data
Frequency: 457 kHz
Batteries: Three AAA/LR03 alkaline batteries
Battery life: at least one hour in search mode after 200 hours in transmit mode (250 hours in transmit-only mode or 50 hours in search-only mode)
Search strip width: 50 meters
Weight: 340g with carrying strap and batteries (measured)
Dimensions: 11.6 cm x 7.1 cm x 2.3 cm
Minimum temperature range (at 66.7 percent battery capacity):
Transmit mode: -20°C to 40°C
Search mode: -20°C to 40°C
