User Manual

using the arvaA
The ARVA ADVANCED has two operating modes:
■ Standard (numerical), involving use of the right and left directional
arrows. The device automatically locks on to the closest victim. Follow the indi-
cations given in the form of figures and the direction shown by the red diode. If
pictogram 6 lights up, the device has detected multiple victims.
■ Advanced (analogue with numerical aids), in which receiver sen-
sitivity is adjusted with the + and - buttons. In analogue mode, the Advanced
symbol is displayed on the screen with a sensitivity level value (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
or 9). 9 corresponds to greatest sensitivity (distant search) and 1 to lowest
sensitivity (close search). In this mode, the device shows all the signals received.
If there are multiple victims, it indicates the estimated distances to each one.
description of the unit
■ Top:
1
On/Off strap switch
2
Transmit/Receive switch (SOS / Search)
3
Directional arrows
4
Loudspeaker
5
Receiver intensity/sensitivity adjustment (Advanced=analogue mode)
■ LCD screen
6
Indicator showing simultaneous detection of multiple victims
7
Initial search distance indicator
8
Battery status/distance indicator
9
Battery status indicator
10
Indicator showing use of Advanced (=analogue) mode with sensitivity level
(9=max. sensitivity, 1=min. sensitivity)
■ Underside:
11
Battery compartment cover
12
Reminder: Attachment of straps - Switching on - Switching to receive
mode - Simulation of initial search by one or more rescuers
1
- Secon-
dary search
2
- Final search (last cross)
3
installing batteries
The ARVA ADVANCED operates exclusively with four standard LR03 alkaline batte-
ries. Open the battery compartment cover
11
with a screwdriver or coin. The four
batteries should be of the same brand and be replaced at the same time. Insert
the batteries carefully in the order shown inside the compartment.
N.B.: Do not store the unit at a temperature of less than 0°C to avoid damaging
the batteries. DO NOT USE rechargeable batteries. Remove the batteries if the unit
is not used for any length of time.
switching the unit on
■ Fasten the On/Off strap
1
■ Auto-control: the direction diodes
3
light up from left to right, and
the LCD screen comes on. 3 beeps are emitted if the loudspeaker is in working
order.
■ Check your batteries using the battery life indicator scale levels
8
9
11 levels: 99,90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 0.
■ The LCS screen then goes off and the central diode
3
flashes to
indicate that the unit is in transmit mode.
■ Check Transmit/Receive functions before setting out. The per-
son checking the unit puts his ARVA in transmit mode and all the other members of
the group check that their ARVAs detect the signal properly in receive mode . The
operation is to be repeated in the opposite direction so that ALL the ARVA units in
the group are checked in both transmit and receive modes.
Possible anomalies...
The ARVA ADVANCED performs a self-test every 5 minutes to check the state of
the batteries, frequency setting, transmission power, etc.
If the unit detects an anomaly, a 5-second beep is emitted,
3 times, separated by 5 minute intervals. This means one of two things:
• The battery charge has dropped to 20% (the unit can still transmit for 48 hours
or search for half an hour). After the 5-second beeps, 20% will stay displayed on
the LCD screen to remind you to change the batteries as soon as possible.
• Technical problems connected with transmission or programming: after the
5-second beeps, the LCD screen displays Er (= Error). Do not set out with
any unit displaying this message.
useful information:
Move forward SLOWLY to avoid going too hastily in the wrong direction. The entire surface
of the avalanche must be investigated. When searching for a victim or testing the unit, stay
away from electrical equipment (high-voltage power lines, radios, mobile phones, etc.) or
impose radio silence (these are just a few examples). This is applicable when using any
ARVA-type transmitter-receiver.
The distance indicator indicates progress along a field line and not a distance in metres.
information for your own safety
Whenever you leave marked-out ski runs or trails, you are in an area where there are
certain risks, particularly of avalanches. When moving around in the mountains, you do so
at your own risk:
• Before setting out, check the local weather with a reliable weather station or pro-
fessional mountain guides and carry the right equipment. In particular, take an ARVA
and carry a shovel and a probe. But remember, this equipment will not detect avalanches or
provide complete protection and to be fully effective, you need to familiarise yourself with
the use of the ARVA beforehand!
• Never go off on your own and do not follow any trail you happen to
see: they are no guarantee of safety. If there is any doubt about the stability of a slope you
have to cross, YOU MUST leave a good distance between one another or better, cross it one
by one. Keep a good eye on one another.
• Finally, it is best to give up if you are not sure! Be careful: snow conditions change,
and with them the risk of avalanches. Get to know about avalanches. In France, a free cata-
logue and documentation can be obtained from ANENA (Association Nationale pour l’Etude
de la Neige et des Avalanches, - tel. [phone] / www.anena.org).
Exclusive features of the ARVA Advanced:
• A powerful 457 kHz ±20 Hz transmitter with transmission level inde-
pendent of battery power.
• In numerical (standard) mode, the search band width is 40 m.
• Multiple victim indicator and automatic synchronisation on closest victim.
• In Advanced (= analogue) mode, indication of a scale of progress and,
in multiple victim situations, indication of estimated distances
along field lines.
• Auto-control of frequency adjustment and transmission level every 5 minutes.
• 16 bit processor with extremely fast analysis speed.
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