Ortovox 3+ avalanche transceiver

Ortovox proudly presents the newest member of its family: 3+, a three antenna avalanche transceiver with great feature that you'll find only when you speak about avalanche scanners like Ortovox S1 or Pulse Barryvox from Mammut: automatic switchback to transmit mode(in case of a following avalanche). But the best thing about 3+ is that it can analyse its own position and it can operate using the optimal transmitting antenna, feature that will considerably shorten the search. 3+ is pretty light, with only 190 g and it runs on a single AA baterry, providing aprox. 250 transmiting hours and about 15 hours on search mode.
Here's a video released by Ortovox about 3+:



You get better found
The 3+ is a three-antenna device with a special extra function to first enhance your own safety. The intelligent position recognition system analyses the position of the antennas and automatically switches to the optimal transmitting antenna. There is no longer any such thing as the 'worst position'.

You find faster
The circular display lets you focus on the essentials. The distance to and the relative position of a victim. Always align the device to the arrow. The solid arrow and the central distance value keep you going in the right direction.

You find more exactly
The patented circular display shows you at a glance whether you are getting closer to the signal or moving away from it. With the precise distance value you can very effectively determine the distance to the buried victim and limit the area to be probed.

You find more victims
The 3+ allows you to maintain an overview even with multiple burials. The number of victims is shown in the display. As soon as you have found the first one you can blend out their signal with the pin key. The victim is displayed as pinned and you can immediately continue with your search.

Safety features:
Smart antenna technology enhances your own safety. Signal separation with pinning function.
Very easy operation due to: clear control elements, precise real time display with directional arrows and circular display. Rubberized housing for protection and ergonomics. Display lighting for night searches, switchover in case of a follow-up avalanche, clear and optimized search acoustics, updateability.

Product details:
Receive function: digital
No. of antennas: 3
Maximum range: circular up to 41 m
Search strip width: up to 40 m
Microprocessor control: yes
Display: Distance value, directional arrow, battery capacity
Multiple burials: Displays number of buried victims (3 and more), pinning function
Carrying system: Small, comfortable bag with elastic strap for device
Power supply: 1 alkaline AA 1.5 V LR06
Transmission life: approx 250 hrs
Size: 73 x 122 x 27 mm
Total weight: 200 g

More info about 3+ can be found on Ortovox official website: www.ortovox.com

Safety comes first

Winter is finally here, is snowing pretty much everywhere, and the thrill seekers are getting ready for a new adventure. That's nothing wrong in that, but keep that in mind: never ignore the safety issues.
No matter if it is called freeride, skitouring, mountaineering or winter climbing the safety gear must be always handy when you need it. Cos in a matter of seconds the thrill might became nightmare, a cool adventure can turn into disaster.
Our first call when talking about safety in winter is the avalanche gear. There are a several brands that can provide the necessary goodies: Pieps, Barryvox, Ortovox or Arva are maybe the most famous of 'em.
The basic kit means an avalanche transceiver (avalanche beacon), a probe and a shovel. The beacon can be digital, analog or both analog and digital, having up to 4 antennas in order to offer you an ultimate accuracy when looking for a victim. High tech pieces of equipment they all operating the same frequency(standard 457 kHz). Still you should be aware that just wearing one of those devices cannot prevent a burial, but only the time that you'll be under the snow. Remember that proper training in using avalanche beacons is a must.
As an avalanche beacon is not cheap to get but Pieps has a solution for the ones that still want to get the protection without spending lots on it, so, here it is, Pieps Freeride, the lightest and cheapest avalanche beacon on the market, with a size of a mobile phone; not as "smart" as the most expensive transceivers, Pieps Freeride will still be effective with appropiate training.
A cool gadget to have is the Black Diamond's Avalung, special design for breathing when buried under the snow, an ultra light piece of equipment that weights only 265 g (9.3 oz), S/M.
Having a light backpack is a priority for everyone, but make some room for the safety stuff, including a minimalist first aid kit, and when not shore about the details of the activity you're getting into please refer to local mountain rescue info center or hire a certified mountainguide.