Ortovox S1 is a user-friendly top of the line digital avalanche beacon.
The S1 is a 3-antenna beacon that instantly stands out by its unique design and multiple burial solving functionality:
- Its flip-phone design creates space to accommodate a large LCD screen (much larger than on other avalanche beacons) for easy visual navigation during the search mode.
- The screen shows locations of up to 4 buried beacons with distance indicators. This gives you (and your search party) a great overview of a multiple burial scene.
This sale is a great opportunity to arm yourself with a top beacon for your future winter adventures.
Ortovox S1 basics and Video introduction
Ortovox S1 is very easy to operate even though a lot is going on behind the scenes - inside the beacon's processor.
Turn it on and the S1 goes through a self-check to make sure all is fine. Once you close it the beacon starts to transmit instantly. Wear it by using a supplied comfy harness system.
In case of an avalanche rescue just take it out of its pouch and flip-open the beacon, it will start searching instantly.
If you want just the goods you can skip the first 40 seconds of the overview video.
Searching with the S1
Once opened hold the S1 beacon steady and parallel to the surface. After few seconds it will display a nice overview of the rescue scene.
The Ortovox S1 will lock in on the closest buried beacon and will guide you to it by providing intuitive feedback - directional arrow and distance reading. Just keep walking and follow the beacon's "intuition".
This digital avalanche beacon also provides sound feedback like the older analog avalanche transceivers. Beeps get louder and more frequent the closer you approach the searched beacon.
Once you are within 3 meter (10 feet) radius the screen will switch to pinpoint search. At this stage, beacon's smart interface will help you find the exact location where you can start probing - see "Pin Spot" graphic in the right column.
Multi-burial rescue search
Ortovox S1 is an amazing tool for multiple burials. The search basics are the same as described above, however, this is when the big LCD screen really shines.
After opening the beacon (search mode) you will have a great overview of the whole situation - see "Overview" graphic in the right column.
The beacon will do most of the work, you just need to follow the arrow and focus on the distance reading. Once you pinpoint the first person and mark its position the S1 will lock in on another beacon - the closest from that spot.
Then again, the arrow will guide you to the next person while ignoring the already found beacon(s). At the same time your fellow rescuers can be already digging out victims located earlier.
Additional perks
Backlit display - automatic sensor turns on the backlight illumination when in low light conditions. This is very useful should the accident happen late in the day.
Auto send - beacon will automatically switch back to send (transmit) mode should there be no movement for a period of time which you can specify in the settings (between 30 to 120 seconds).
Analog search - the Ortovox S1 allows you to switch to analog (sound only) search mode should you prefer this method for some situations.
Compass, Inclinometer, Thermometer - these are additional features available to a user. Some of them are used by the beacon during the actual search (compass, inclinometer) while others are simply there for your convenience.
Tech specs for Ortovox S1
| Type: | digital avalanche beacon |
| # of antennas: | 3 |
| Marking function: | Yes |
| Search strip width: | 50m (165 feet) |
| Multi-burial indication: | Yes Displays up to 4 victims at once. |
| Feedback: | Directional arrow, distance indicator, pinpoint, sound |
| Harness system: | Neoprene bag with a body strap. |
| Battery life: | 250h transmit / 10h search |
| Battery type: | 3 x AAA alkaline |
| Size: | 120 x 80 x 30 mm |
| Weight: | 360g with batteries and bag |
| Manufacturer warranty: | 5 years |
