The Barryvox avalanche transceiver is one of the newest additions to the avalanche transceiver market. The Barryvox transmits on the international standard frequency of 457 kHz and is compatible with all analog or digital transceivers sold today. What distinguishes the Barryvox from the rest is that it is capable of performing as either an analog or digital beacon.

To fully appreciate the Barryvox you must first understand the difference between a digital transceiver and an analog one. A digital transceiver has a microprocessor that analyses the signal from a transmitting transceiver. In the case of the Barryvox, it picks up this signal from two receiving antennas pointing in different directions (these antenna are fully enclosed in the body of the transceiver as they are with all transceivers). Once analyzed the microprocessor displays information on the direction and distance to the victim. The operator follows arrows towards the victim until the distance display stops decreasing. At this point the operator or others in the party probe for the victim.

With an analog transceiver the rescuer upon receiving a signal, walks in the direction in which the signal gets stronger. As the signal gets stronger the rescuer needs to manually reduce the sensitivity of the receiver by pushing buttons or turning a dial. Once the receiver is in one of its lowest sensitivities, a form of grid search is undertaken to pinpoint the victim. Again, the rescuer or other party members then probe for the victim.

There are some well-known strengths and weaknesses of each system. Typically the receive range of digital transceivers is much less than analog, about half in fact. Analog transceivers, on the other hand, while having a greater receive range typically require more training and experience in order to orient the transceiver, follow the strongest signal, and for the operator to know when it is time to turn the sensitivity down. The analog transceiver, however, allows a rescuer to always receive multiple signals from a multiple burial and therefore can be more reliable in finding multiple victims. Digital beacons will very often work fine in a multiple burial situation, but occasionally, depending upon the orientation of the victims, will fail to pick up all the signals. The bottom line is that there are strengths and weaknesses for both the digital and analog transceiver. The Barryvox is the only transceiver we know of that can be used both in a digital and analog mode. This can be a great advantage.

This feature of being able to switch from digital search mode to analog search mode allows the experienced user to use the most beneficial method when appropriate and allows the new user to have the simplicity of a digital transceiver. For example, experienced users know that all digital beacons need to be closer to a victim to receive a signal. This is not a major concern if you are searching a debris field where you know someone is buried. But, if you came upon a scene or don't have a point last seen to work from, the Barryvox allows you to use an analog search mode thereby extending your range and allowing you to feel more confident that you covered the search area and have not missed anyone while doing your primary or coarse search pattern. Once a signal is acquired the user could revert back to a digital search mode to speed up the secondary or fine search. The capability to switch from digital to analog search mode will allow experienced transceiver users the ability to find multiple victims in even worst case multiple, close proximity burials or pick up distant, weak signals.

For the inexperienced transceiver user the Barryvox comes out of the box as a simple to use digital transceiver. If you are new to transceiver searches or you are not likely to be able to practice as much as you would like, going digital is the way to go. In the digital search mode the Barryvox provides indications that are quick and easy to interpret. This makes for a very intuitive and fast search. If at some point you're ready to or need to use the Barryvox in the analog mode it only requires some simple programming. As we all know anyone venturing out in avalanche terrain should be comfortable with and trained in avalanche search and rescue procedures. But, the Barryvox stacks the odds in your favor if you are not well practiced yet in beacon searches (though this shouldn't be used as an excuse not to practice) and gives a very quick search in its digital search mode.

The Barryvox comes with a number of other features, such as an option to automatically revert back into transmit mode after a period of inactivity, which can be very useful and provide an added measure of safety when used and set up properly. This transceiver can also be set up and customized in more ways than any other beacon on the market. You can set it up in a number of different ways to match its visual and audible indications to what your senses pick up on and respond to best.

The Barryvox is a great addition to the transceiver market and has features and benefits for novices and professionals alike. If you've been putting off the decision to buy an avalanche transceiver until you could decide between digital or analog models, no need to wait any longer. The Barryvox gives you the features of both.