Ortovox 3+ User manual

24GB
ORTOVOX 3+
TECHNOLOGY AND FUNCTIONS
Being rescued immediately by your
companions with the 3+, avalanche
probes and shovels is practically the
only chance of survival after being
buried by an avalanche. Read the in-
structions of use for the 3+ avalanche
transceiver carefully, practice how
to handle it and train how to rescue
your companions effectively! You can
find valuable information about help-
ing your companions, preventing ac-
cidents and about the current safety
products from ORTOVOX at
www.ortovox.com
The ORTOVOX 3+ avalanche trans-
ceiver does not protect you against
avalanches.
Never go backcountry skiing and
freeriding alone – always do these
types of sport in a small group.
You can reach us by email at
[e-mail]
ORTOVOX wishes you wonderful, safe
tours!
Here are the benefits of the ORTOVOX
avalanche transceiver 3+
ENGLISH
Automatic switch over to the
best transmission antenna
(“Smart Antenna”
USA: „patent granted“)
3-antenna technology
Signal analysis (scan the ava-
lanche debris and locate every
signal quickly and accurately)
Marking function (3 signals)
Only 1 ALKALINE battery
AA 1.5V
Partner check
Automatic transmission switch
over (secondary avalanche)
Update

25 GB
CONTENTS
OPERATING ELEMENTS 26
TECHNICAL DATA 27
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 28
QUICK GUIDE 29
SWITCHING ON/ OFF 29
SELF TEST 29
PARTNER CHECK 31
SEARCH 32
SIGNAL SEARCH 33
COARSE SEARCH 33
FINE SEARCH 35
FLAGGING 36
PINPOINT SEARCH AND PROBING 36
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SWITCH OVER 37
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 38
MULTIPLE BURIALS 38
INTERFERENCE 40
SERVICE 41
INDEX 43
GUARANTEE 45
SERVICE ADDRESSES 112

26GB
OPERATING ELEMENTS
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
10
SLIDING SWITCH
(SEARCH MODE)
TRANSMISSION SWITCH
OVER (TRANSMISSION MODE)
DIRECTION ARROW
DISTANCE INDICATOR
BATTERY CAPACITY
NUMBER OF SIGNALS
MARKING BUTTON
LOUDSPEAKER
ON/OFF SWITCH,
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
LOCKING SLIDE
Subject to changes (08/ 2012)

27 GB
TECHNICAL DATA
NAME: ORTOVOX 3+
FUNCTION: digital
CASING: ergonomic, waterproof, impact resistant
SIZE: 119 x 71 x 25mm
FREQUENCY: 457 kHz
The 3+ receives transmission signals from every avalanche transceiver con-
forming to standards without restrictions.
DIGITAL RECEPTION
RANGE: 40m
SEARCH STRIP WIDTH: up to 40m
TEMPERATURE RANGE: -20° C to +45° C
If the transceiver gets wet, do not use direct heat, i.e. such as a hair dryer
to dry it out. Heat applied in a direct manner may permanently damage the
device beyond repair.
POWER SUPPLY: 1 Alkaline AA 1.5 V LR 06 battery
OPERATING TIME: Transmitting: approx. 250 hours
Receiving: approx. 15 hours
WEIGHT: approx. 189g incl. battery
(Comfort carrier bag approx. 98g)
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Partner-Check
SMART ANTENNA, USA: (“patent granted”)
Update
The ORTOVOX 3+ exceeds the high requirements of the European Standard
EN 300 718.

0682

28GB
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer: X-log Elektronik GmbH
Person responsible: Johann Nowotny, Balanstraße 55, D-81541 München
declares that the product: type: ORTOVOX, model: 3+
(Intended purpose: avalanche victim search device) when used properly meets
the essential requirements according the R&TTE regulations 1999/5/EC and
that the following standards have been applied:
1. Health (Article 3.1.a of the R&TTE regulations), ETS 300 718 edition: 05/01
2. Safety (Article 3.1.a of the R&TTE regulations), ETS 300 718 edition: 05/01
3. Electromagnetic compatibility (Article 3.1.b of the R&TTE regulations)
ETSI EN 300 718-1, edition: 05/01
4. Effi cient use of the radio frequency spectrum (Article 3.2.b of the R&TTE
regulations) ETSI EN 300 718-2, edition: 05/01
5. Electromagnetic compatibility and radio band matters (Article 3.3.e of the
R&TTE regulations) ETSI EN 300 718-3, edition:
Munich, August 28, 2012, Johann Nowotny
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS DEVICE
NOT APPROVED BY ORTOVOX CAN VOID THE US-
ERS AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Registration Number:
FCC ID No. KF5 ORTOVOX 3
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) the device may not cause harmful interference
and
(2) the device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for an intentional radiator
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be deter-
mined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
R&TTE regulations) ETSI EN 300 718-3, edition:
Munich, August 28, 2012, Johann Nowotny
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS DEVICE
NOT APPROVED BY ORTOVOX CAN VOID THE US-

29 GB
QUICK GUIDE
SWITCHING ON/ OFF
SWITCHING ON
Undo the LOCKING SLIDE (10) and
turn the SWITCH-ON LEVER (1)
counter-clockwise. The SWITCH-
ON LEVER is now secured from be-
ing switched off unintentional. The
10-digit serial number is indicated,
the self-test starts and the remaining
battery capacity is shown in %.
SWITCHING OFF
Undo the LOCKING SLIDE (10) and
turn the SWITCH-ON LEVER (1) clock-
wise.
SELF-TEST AND
TRANSMISSION MODE
The self-test is visible on the display.
The remaining battery capacity (6) is
shown: 99 (%).
The software version, for example 1.1,
is displayed immediately after.
After a successful self-test the
ORTOVOX 3+ starts transmitting and
the transmission elements fl ash on
the display. The battery symbol shows
the remaining battery capacity.
If a fault is detected during self-test,
a warning appears on the display:
E1, E2, E3 or E4.
on
off
battery
10
1
10
1
6

30GB
QUICK GUIDE
WARNING
on
off
WARNING
During the self-test the TRANSMIT
and RECEIVE functions, the sensors
and the battery capacity are tested. If
a fault is detected during this function
test, then this is indicated with E1, E2,
E3 or E4.
A warning can be triggered in the
immediate vicinity of a transmitting
avalanche transceiver, mobile phone,
wireless appliance, large metal ob-
jects or particularly strong magnetic
fi elds.
WHAT THE MOST IMPORTANT
WARNINGS MEAN DURING
THE SELF-TEST
E1: Transmitter/ receiver
E2: X or Y antenna (reception)
E3: X or Y antenna (transmitter)
E4: Memory
If one of the above warnings or any
other is displayed during the self-test,
then carry out this test again out-
side in interference-free surround-
ing. When doing so, it is essential to
make sure that no other transmitters
are nearby. Switch off all sources of
interference (mobile phones, wireless
devices etc.) or move them well away.
If this warning is shown again, the ap-
pliance must be sent to the ORTOVOX
service department.
People with pacemakers should wear
the 3+ on the right side of their body. It
is essential to observe the pacemaker
manufacturer‘s instructions or con-
sult with your physician!

31 GB
QUICK GUIDE
PARTNER OR GROUP CHECK
PARTNER OR GROUP CHECK
Switch the ORTOVOX 3+ to SEARCH
(= RECEPTION).
Push apart the two sliding switches
(2) simultaneously; the transmission
switch (3) appears.
Now turn on the device; the self-test
begins.
During the self-test, press the flag-
ging button (8) until „PC“ appears.
The display „PC“ means: The appli-
ance is in the Partner-Check func-
tion, but there is no transmission
signal.
The display „E0“ means: The tested
transmission signal is fine.
In Partner-Check only one trans-
mission signal can be tested. The
minimum distance for the Partner-
Check is 0.5 m; the distance to other
transmitters must be at least 5 m.
Warnings and defects of the inspec-
ted transmitters are marked with
„E1 - E7“.
1
8
3
Exit Partner-Check by switching to
the transmit function: Press trans-
mission switch (3).
· To enter search mode from the Part-
ner-Check: Press the flagging button
(8).
2

32GB
QUICK GUIDE
SIGNAL SEARCH
WHAT THE WARNINGS MEAN
DURING THE PARTNER
CHECK
The warnings E1 to E7 signal that one
or more of the measured parameters
on the transmitter do not meet the
standard for avalanche transceivers.
If one of these warnings is shown,
then the transceiver must be sent to
the service department.
E1: Frequency
E2: Width of the transmission signal
E3: Frequency and width of the trans-
mission signal
E4: Transmission cycle
E5: Frequency and transmission
cycle
E6: Transmission cycle and width of
the transmission signal
E7: All tested parameters defective
SEARCH
Slide both SWITCHES (2) outwards
simultaneously – the TRANSMIS-
SION SWITCH OVER (3) pops out.
The search situation is automatically
shown on the display.
ORTOVOX recommends switching off
mobile telephones and radio equip-
ment during the locating process!
32
2

33 GB
QUICK GUIDE
SIGNAL SEARCH/COARSE SEARCH
SIGNAL SEARCH
(ONE SEARCHER)
When searching for a signal
(= searching for the first signal), pan
the 3+ left and right at an angle of 30°
and tilt moderately up and down. This
compensates unfavourable positions
of the transmitter antenna and the
transmitting signal can be picked up
even earlier. Search strip width: 40m!
SEVERAL SEARCHER:
The distance between people search-
ing is 40m; the distance to the edge of
the avalanche must not exceed
20m.
COARSE SEARCH
Use the 3+ in a horizontal position
during the coarse search process!
At a distance of approx. 40m to the
avalanche victim, the direction arrow
(4) and distance indicator (5) appear
on the display. The acoustic signal
from the loudspeaker gets faster and
louder as you approach. The distance
indicator goes down and confirms
you are getting closer.
DIRECTION
DISTANCE (44m)
NUMBER OF
SIGNALS (1)
4
5

34GB
DIRECTION
DISTANCE (44m)
DISPLAY EXAMPLES
Two transmitters (7) are displayed; the
nearest transmitter is 44m away.
Direction: straight ahead!
Three transmitters are displayed; the
nearest transmitter is 15m away.
Direction: keep slightly to the right!
Three transmitters are displayed; the
nearest transmitter is 10m away.
Direction: straight ahead!
QUICK GUIDE
COARSE SEARCH
7

35 GB
QUICK GUIDE
FINE SEARCH
FINE SEARCH
Fine search starts automatically when
you are 2m away. The direction arrow
is switched off. The tendency indica-
tor (= semicircle shaped segments)
formulates the fine search process
simply, quickly and precisely. The
searcher is approaching the victim:
the tendency indicator points to the
centre of the display. The closer you
are to the victim, the faster and louder
the acoustic signal beeps.
The searcher is now going away from
the victim. The semicircles get small-
er and the distance indicator number
will get larger.
The victim has been located. Burial
depth: 0.2m. No smaller numbers
and no stronger tendency indicator
appear.
The precise location of the buried
victim is determined by deliberately
moving the 3+ on the snow surface in
systematic cross lines. The smallest
distance measurement on the display
corresponds to the burial depth.
DO NOT TURN THE 3+ DURING
THE FINE SEARCH!

36GB
QUICK GUIDE
FLAGGING/PINPOINT SEARCH AND PROBING
FLAGGING
At a distance of 5m transmitters can
be flagged. To flag a located trans-
mitter, the FLAGGING BUTTON (8) is
pressed once. Removal of the flagging:
The flagging of the transmitter can be
removed by briefly switching to trans-
mit and then switching back to the
search mode.
The flagged transmission signal now
appears as a white symbol on a black
background.The distance to the next
transmitter is 22m; the direction to
the next transmitter: left.
If 4 or more than 4 transmitters are
detected, the “4+” symbol appears on
the display. ORTOVOX recommends
the Sector Method for locating 4 or
more than 4 signals.
PINPOINT SEARCH AND
PROBING
Mark the exact point with the probe.
Always insert the probe at 90° to the
surface of the slope.
MARKIERUNGS-
TASTE
8

37 GB
QUICK GUIDE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SWITCH OVER
For exact determination of the loca-
tion directly at the spot with the smal-
lest distance measurement, carefully
probe in a systematic grid of 20 cm.
Conduct the probing perpendicular to
the surface of the snow. After deter-
mining the location, the probe should
remain in the snow.
For low burial depths (up to 1 m) im-
mediately start to dig out along the
probe and expose the air passages.
For large burial depths, digging out
starts down the slope in accordance
with the burial depth.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SWITCH OVER IN CASE OF A
SECONDARY AVALANCHE
If the 3+ is not moved over a period of
120 seconds, it automatically switch-
es over to transmission mode from
any operating mode.

38GB
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
MULTIPLE BURIALS
STRATEGY IN THE EVENT OF
MULTIPLE BURIALS
With the ORTOVOX 3+ avalanche
transceiver, at least 3 victims can be
located and flagged in one search op-
eration. For multiple burials (= more
than 3 victims), we recommend the
use of the
ORTOVOX SECTOR METHOD
1st sector: After the 1st victim is lo-
cated and excavated by searchers,
the victim‘s avalanche transceiver is
switched off and the avalanche debris
field is searched by sector.
2nd sector: Approach from the left.
3rd sector: Approach from the right.
4th sector: Approach from below.
Before any approach in a new sec-
tor, the 3+ must be briefly switched
to TRANSMIT and then immediately
back to RECEIVE. Switching over
briefly to transmission mode causes
the previously marked transmitter to
be deleted.avalanche debris field.
Attention:
Already located signals can then
naturally appear again. The search-
er should then concentrate on sig-
nals that have not yet been marked
in the avalanche debris field.

39 GB
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
SIGNAL SEPARATION
SIGNAL OVERLAP -
SIGNAL SEPARATION
The transmission signal is measured
and analysed by the ORTOVOX 3+. If
several transmission signals are re-
ceived and these transmission signals
are transmitting at the same time (si-
multaneous transmission signal and
simultaneous transmission break),
then a signal overlap occurs.
This signal overlap is illustrated with-
out a direction arrow (e.g. “44m” and
3 transmission signals).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT SIGNAL SEPARATION
Signal separation helps you when
searching for one or especially sev-
eral avalanche victims. We would like
to inform you, however, about impor-
tant, physically contingent aspects of
searching for victims:
When accidents happen, several per-
sons are often buried and transmit a
signal at the same time. In this case
– depending on the rhythm of the in-
dividual transmitters – it is possible
for two or even more transmitters to
transmit simultaneously over a long
time. This can lead to signal overlaps,
particularly with analogue appliances
with a long pulse and digital applianc-
es that transmit synchronised pulses.
The signals are overlapped and can no
longer be technically distinguished.
The signal from an individual trans-
mitter cannot be measured either by
analogue or digital means in such a
phase. This can last for up to 30 sec-
onds and longer in the worst cases.
It is necessary to wait until there is a
signal break. This physical phenom-
enon can be solved with the ORTOVOX
3+ using locating strategies:
Applying the ORTOVOX sectors
method (Page 38)

40GB
ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
BATTERY CHANGE / INTERFERENCE
BATTERY CHANGE
(WHEN THE APPLIANCE IS
SWITCHED OFF)
Turn on-off switch (1) until the battery
symbol is in line with the index point.
Now pull the battery compartment out
of the 3+ and insert a new AA alkaline
1.5V battery. When changing the bat-
tery, bear in mind the correct polarity.
Only brand batteries that conform to
standards should be used.
INTERFERENCE IN TRANSMIT-
TING AND RECEIVING PERFOR-
MANCE
Interference in the transmis-
sion and reception performance
can occur through atmospheric
forms of interference such as
storms, through lifts and power
systems, radio equipment, mo-
bile phones and other electronic
equipment. Mobile phones and
radio equipment should be
switched off whilst searching.
The distance between two ava-
lanche transceivers and metal,
radio equipment, mobile phones,
magnetic objects, etc. should be
at least 50cm.
battery
1

41 GB
WARRANTY/SERVICE
WARRANTY
When purchasing a new ORTOVOX
transceiver, on submission of the
filled out guarantee card (see instruc-
tions for use) and dealer invoice we
grant the 5-year ORTOVOX guaran-
tee from the date of purchase, but no
longer than 6 years from the date of
manufacture. The number 2017 on
the seal in the battery compartment
means e.g.: ORTOVOX guarantee valid
until 2017; the device was produced
5 years before in 2012. The seal also
reminds you of the recommended
transceiver check in 2017. As part of
the ORTOVOX guarantee, faulty parts
are repaired free of charge or the
avalanche transceiver is replaced by
a device of the same design. Dam-
age caused by improper handling and
natural wear is excluded. In case of
damage due to battery leakage, the
ORTOVOX guarantee lapses. Batter-
ies are excluded from the guarantee.
Any further warranty in the event of
consequential damage is expressly
excluded. Enforced guarantees do not
extend the guarantee obligation nor
does a new guarantee period begin.
SERVICE
The ORTOVOX 3+ is a rescue device,
on whose fault function someone‘s
life can depend. Electronic compo-
nents can fail – we therefore recom-
mend that the appliance is sent for the
factory check without fail on the date
recommended on the test seal.
For repairs or the factory check,
please send the ORTOVOX 3+ direct to
our service centre (see Page 112)
Warranty seal in the
battery compartment

42GB
NOTES
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
The batteries should be removed from
the avalanche transceiver during the
summer break. In case of damage due
to battery leakage the ORTOVOX war-
ranty lapses. Never use rechargeable
batteries (such as Ni-Cd batteries).
Rechargeable batteries have a much
lower operating voltage and hence a
lower range and a limited operating
period. In addition, faulty recharge-
able batteries are not immediately no-
ticeable. After recharging they show
the full operating voltage to start with,
only to severely drop off again after a
very short operating period (danger to
life!).
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
ORTOVOX avalanche transceivers are
designed to support help from com-
panions in the event of avalanche
burial! Stopping in an unsecure area
is potentially risky and should only be
done with experienced participants.
The effective use of an avalanche
transceiver requires suitable training
and repeated practice. Wear your ava-
lanche transceiver close to your body
and under your top layer of clothing.
ORTOVOX urgently recommends that
you carefully read the instructions of
use for the avalanche transceiver. Al-
ways take a shovel and a probe with
you when you are off-piste in an un-
secured area and never wander off on
your own. Plan your off-piste activities
using the current avalanche report:
www.ortovox.com
Before you enter an area at risk of an
avalanche, you should make sure that
all avalanche transceivers are work-
ing properly and all batteries are in
good condition.
The ORTOVOX 3+ fulfils the maxi-
mum safety requirements and is
characterised by its simple opera-
tion!
Warranty seal in the
battery compartment

43 GB
INDEX
A
Additional functions (P 27)
Advanced instructions for use (P 38)
Appliance number (P 29)
Automatic Transmission
Switch Over (P 37)
B
Battery (P 27)
Battery change (P 40)
Battery status (P 29)
C
Coarse search (P 33)
D
Declaration of conformity (EU) (P 28)
Digital reception range (P 27)
F
Fine search (P 35)
Flagging (P 36)
Frequency (P 27)
G
Group test (P 31)
Guarantee (P 41)
Guarantee card (P 45)
I
Interference (P 40)
L
Loudspeaker (P 26)
M
Multiple burials (P 38)
O
Operating elements (P 26)
Operating duration receiving (P 27)
Operating duration transmitting (P 27)
ORTOVOX Sector method (P 38)
P
Partner check (P 31)
Pinpoint search (P 36)
Q
Quick guide (P 29)
S
Searching (P 32)
Search strip width (P 27)
Sector Method (P 38)
Self-test (P 29)
Service (P 41)
Service addresses (P 112)
Signal separation (P 39)
Signal overlap (P 39)
Signal search (P 33)
Switching OFF (P 29)
Switching ON (P 29)
T
Technical data (P 27)
Tendency indicator (P 35)
Transmission check (P 29)
Transmitter test (P 29)
Transmitting (P 29)
U
Update (P 27)
W
Warnings (P 30)
Warranty (P 41)