Ortovox S1 User manual

Scanning the avalanche track for
transmitters and locating each
signal quickly and exactly are the
decisive advantages of the ORTOVOX
avalanche transceiver S1. An imme-
diate search with an avalanche
transceiver and a rescue using ava-
lanche shovels and a probe that is
carried out by the tour participants
themselves offers the best chance
of survival for an avalanche victim.
When third party help has to be cal-
led to the scene it usually arrives too
late! Pay attention to the avalanche
report and select safe routes.
Always take the avalanche trans-
ceiver S1 with you together with
the necessary ORTOVOX SAFETY
PRODUCTS such as an avalanche
shovel and a probe. Read the S1
operating instructions carefully and
practice both the handling of your
avalanche transceiver S1 and ava-
lanche search procedures.
Information on ORTOVOX products
and safety notices can be found
on the ORTOVOX website at
www.ortovox.com
Contact us by e-mail at
[email protected]
ORTOVOX wishes you wonderful,
safe tours!
CONTENT
Operating elements 01
Technical data 32
EU Declaration of
Conformity 32
QUICK REFERENCE 33
Coarse search, refining
location and pinpoint
location
Emergency equipment 38
Exdended operating
instructions 39
MENUE 40
Daily function test 43
Locating several
avalanche victims 45
Acoustic emergency
reception 50
Interference 52
Battery change 53
Protective case and
wrist strap 53
Guarantee /service 54
Index of key words 56
Service addresses 144
www.ortovox.com
Current avalanche warning
service information!

TECHNICAL DATA
DEVICE DESIGNATION: ORTOVOX S1
FUNCTION: digital with acoustic emergency operation
CASING: ergonomic, waterproof, impact-resistant
DIMENSIONS: 120 x 80 x 30 mm (closed);
215 x 80 x 30 mm (open)
FREQUENCY
Transmitting: 457 kHz +-80 Hz
The S1 can receive signals from any standard
avalanche transceiver with no limitations
DIGITAL RECEPTION RANGE: up to 60 m
SEARCH STRIP WIDTH: up to 50 m
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 SUCH A DIRECT MANNER MAY PERMANENT-
LY DAMAGE THE DEVICE BEYOND REPAIR.
POWER SUPPLY:
3 alkaline AAA Mignon 1.5 V LR 03 batteries
OPERATING TIME
TRANSMITTING: about 250 hours
RECEIVING: about 15 hours
WEIGHT: approximately 245 g incl. batteries,
carrying case approximately 120g
SELECTABLE; ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
• Infrared interface
• Compass
• Inclinometer: 0 – 60°
• Thermometer: -20° to +45°C
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer:
X-log Elektronik GmbH
Responsible person:
Johann Nowotny,
Bahnhofstr. 95,
D-82166 Gräfelfing
declares that the product:
Type: ORTOVOX
Model: S1
Intended Purpose:
Searching for avalanche victims
when used as intended satisfies the
basic requirements in accordance
with Article 3 of the R&TTE guide-
lines, Directive 1999/5/EC, and
that the following standards have
been applied:
1. Health
(Article 3.1.a of the R&TTE guidelines)
ETS 300 718 issue: 05/01
2. Safety
(Article 3.1.a of the R&TTE guidelines)
ETS 300 718 issue: 05/01
3. Electromagnetic compatibility
(Article 3.1.b of the R&TTE guidelines)
ETSI EN 300 718-1
issue: 05/01
4. Efficient use of the radio
frequency spectrum
(Article 3.2 of the R&TTE guidelines)
ETSI EN 300 718-2
issue: 05/01
5. Electromagnetic compatibility
and radio spectrum matters
(Article 3.3.e of the R&TTE
guidelines)
ETSI EN 300 718-3
issue 2004/02
Gräfelfing, 09/07/2008
(City/date of the Declaration of Conformity)
p. p. Andrea Reintges
(name)
INFORMATION FOR THE USER:
Changes or modifications to this device not approved by ORTOVOX can void the users authority to operate the equipment.
FCC ID KF5ORTOVOXS1
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 protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequen-
cy energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio com-
munications. 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 determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference 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.
The ORTOVOX S1 surpasses the high requirements of European standard EN 300 718.

33
ENGLISH
QUICK REFERENCE FOR THE ORTOVOX S1 AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
WEARING THE PROTECTIVE CASE
Hold the shoulder strap on the protective
case by the silver-coloured application
and place this over your head and shoul-
der. Pull the free end of the strap around
your back and connect to the case using
the snap buckle.
SWITCH ON AND OFF
SWITCH ON
Turn ON/OFF switch (1) clockwise 90°.
The transmission monitoring lights (6)
are now flashing. When the battery capacity is between 99 and 75%,
3 short acoustic signals are emitted; between 74 and 50% battery
capacity, 2 short acoustic signals are emitted; between 49 and 25%
battery capacity, 1 short acoustic signal is emitted and if the battery
capacity is less than 25%, a continuous alarm signal is emitted. If the
equipment selt-test was not able to be completed positively, a warning
signal is emitted at regular intervals.
SWITCH OFF
Turn ON/OFF switch counter
clockwise 90°.
QUICK REFERENCE FOR THE ORTOVOX S1 AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
nt.
ng
for
on
en-
m-
ent
off

QUICK REFERENCE FOR THE ORTOVOX S1 AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
34
TO OPEN
Take the S1 from its protective case,
press the release button (5) on the
left side and then open the S1 unit.
TRANSCEIVER SELF-TEST AND
TRANSMISSION MODE
When the device is opened up, once the S1 has
been switched ON the transceiver self-test can be
watched on the display. Symbols for transmission,
reseption, additional functions and battery capacity
are confirmed with ticks. The sensors on the S1
for measuring temperature, slope and the earth’s
magnetism are calibrated.
Close S1 after a positive transceiver self-test. This
switches the S1 to transmission mode.
If an error function or fault is detected, the war-
ning triangle appears.
The S1will now transmit and the transmission indi-
cation lights on the side (6) will flash.
RECEIVE = SEARCH
Press the release button (5) on the left side of
the beacon and open the S1. The search situation
will be displayed automatically on the screen (7).
ORTOVOX recommends switching off mobile
phones and radio equipment when locating!

QUICK REFERENCE FOR THE ORTOVOX S1 AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
35
ENGLISH
COARSE SEARCH:
Hold the S1 in a horizontal (flat) position during
the search!
If there is no transmission signal being received
then the screen will automatically display instruc-
tions to carry out a coarse search. Search the ava-
lanche track in search strips of 50 m !
REFINING LOCATION:
At approximately 60 m distance from the victim the
victim symbol will appear on the display screen (7)
with the digital measurement (i.e 55).
The searcher aims the vertical line to the middle
of the victim symbol and then moves towards the
victim. The acoustic signal from the loudspeaker
will sound faster as the distance reduces and
thus confirm the measurement result.
If the S1 again has to determine
the initial signal, the instruction
to pivot the S1 appears on the dis-
play.
The distance to the victim is now 20 m. Two furt-
her victims are shown at distances of 25 m and
30 m by a small icon. The nearest victim (large
icon) at a distance of about 20 m remains targe-
ted. When there are several people searching,
each of the signals displayed can be targeted and
simultaneously located by the other searchers.

QUICK REFERENCE FOR THE ORTOVOX S1 AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
PINPOINT LOCATION WITH TENDENCY
INDICATION:
The patented circular illustration with tendency
indication on the S1 makes pinpoint location consi-
derably easier, faster, and more precise.
The process of pinpoint location begins automatical-
ly at a distance of 3m. The searcher is approaching
the victim: the arrows show towards the center of
the circle (tendency indication). The closer he comes
to the victim the faster the acoustic signal sounds.
Hold the S1 steady in front of you.
Do not turn the S1 during pinpoint location!
The searcher is approaching the victim: the distance
is 2m, the circle becomes smaller and the arrows
are pointing to the center of the circle.
The searcher is moving away from the victim.
The circle becomes larger, the arrows are pointing
outwards as the distance increases.
The previously achieved, closer position is stored
and is referenced by the inner, lighter circle shown
on the screen.
The searcher is once again approaching the victim.
The circle is becoming smaller, the arrows are
pointing to the center and the distance to the victim
is reducing.
36

QUICK REFERENCE FOR THE ORTOVOX S1 AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
ENGLISH
The victim has been located at a depth of 0.3 m.
No smaller numbers and no smaller circles
are visible.
To mark the located person, the “OK- button” (2) is
pressed once. The marking flag appears in the dis-
play where the located person is buried.
Cancelling marking
The marking of the last person located can be can-
celled by pressing the “OK-button” (2) again. A new
pinpointing can be started immediately.
If a second (third) victim is within a 3 m radius, the signal first found
cannot be cancelled. In this case the pinpoint location of other victims
continues in a consecutive manner as circle icons appear giving their
specific respective distances, should the situation arise.
If the victim is shown behind where you are stan-
ding, then change direction by 180°, home in on
the victim again and walk towards the victim.
37

Average time needed to free a person from a snow depth of approximately 1m:
The illustration shows the
effect of useful equipment in
rescuing an avalanche victim
from a depth of 1m.
You should check the EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT on the day before the
tour to ensure that it is complete and functional (e.g. avalanche trans-
ceivers).
Avalanche transceiver, probe + shovel
11 minutes
Avalanche transceiver + shovel
25 minutes
Only avalanche transceiver, hands, ski, snowboard
1–2 hours
Illustration: Dominique Stumpert
38
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING BASIC EQUIPMENT:
Avalanche transceiver
Mere possession of an avalanche transceiver does not suffice. Each member
of the group must be familiar with his device and practise with it regularly.
(See www.ortovox.com for practice opportunities).
Avalanche shovel
Rescuing avalanche victims is only possible with a shovel.
Avalanche probe
A probe is required for fastest possible precise location with the pinpoint
search procedure.
First-aid kit
For administration of first-aid to the injured
Bivouac sack
Protects against hypothermia and can be used as a transport aid.
Supplemental equipment for added safety
Mobile phone for organizing professional help
Each member of the group has an avalanche transceiver on their person
and a shovel and probe in the backpack.
Decision-making strategies are necessary when planning a tour.
For more information contact the avalanche warning services and
Alpine organisations in your country.

ENGLISH
EXTENDED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER ORTOVOX S1
TRANSMISSION AND AUTOMATIC SAFETY SWITCHBACK
FOR TRANSMIT (MOTION SENSOR):
If the S1 is motionless for 90 seconds while open then the transmis-
sion mode will be automatically activated from every function depen-
ding on the setting selected. In the event of a subsequent avalanche
the S1 switches to transmission after 90 seconds (factory setting;
time can be set at 30, 60 and 120 seconds via the “settings” menu).
COURSE SEARCH (= search for first signal):
Move through the presumed search area in strips with a width of 50 m
while ensuring 25 m distance from the side edge of the avalanche.
Several searchers:
The distance between
searchers is 50 m.
39

40
MENU
• Accessing the menu: Press
• Select function: Press several times
• Confirm function: Press
Search
Search for more
than 3 victims
Compass
Temperature
and inclination
Quick test with
limited range (approx. 5 m)
Acoustic search
Settings

41
ENGLISH
STATUS DISPLAY
If the S1 detects 4 or more victims (=multiple burials), the "4+" icon
appears on the status line of the display
The searcher is
requested to select the
function from the menu.
Warning in case of
low battery
Warning in case of fault
Warning: Automatic
transmission switch
over is switched off.

42
SOFTKEYS
The keys and have several functions.
The softkeys show the respective key function:
Adjust contrast
Scroll forward in menu
Select menu
Note of marking
in pinpoint location
Remove marking of
all located transmitters
Query transmission fault
during partner test
Access submenu
Confirm a selected function
Temperature and
slope measurement
The S1 allows the temperature
and the slope angle to be
measured.Measuring the slope:
Lay top cover of the S1 exactly
flush with the snow/ski surface.

43
ENGLISH
DAILY FUNCTION TEST BEFORE STARTING A TOUR!
Checking the receivers:
• All participants set their S1 to ‘RECEIVE’.
• A group member (preferably the group leader) sets his/her S1
to ‘TRANSMIT’.
• If all group members have acoustic and optical reception then
the group members’ receivers are working, as is the transmitter of
the group leader.
• The group leader now moves away from the group until no group
member is still receiving a signal.
• The group members see the increase in distance of the group
leader on their displays and can thus test the reception range
of their S1.
Checking the transmitters:
• The group leader opens his S1 (=reception position). The group
members close their S1 (transmission position) and pass the group
leader's receiver ONE BY ONE at a distance of 20 m.
At the same time, the pinpoint location is tested approaching under 3 m !

44
If a fault turns up on the checked device then the
warning triangle appears on the display. The war-
ning triangle signals a serious device fault on the
checked device.
Possible faults can be queried by pressing
the -button (2).
Deviation from the
• Transmission frequency (457 kHz)
• Transmission period
• Period length
Go back to the short test using the -button (2).
If a fault is displayed please send your transceiver directly to your ORTOVOX
service office for inspection (see page 144).
QUICK TEST with limited range (test of the transmitters)
The group leader sets his/her S1 to “trans-
mit test” via menu item
(= limited range).
If the S1 receives an audible (via the loudspeaker)
and visible signal (circle with 2 persons) from each
individual avalanche transceiver then the transmis-
sion function of the units to be tested and the re-
ception function of the group leader are in order.

45
ENGLISH
The S1 separates the signals automatically.
I Once the pinpoint location of the first victim is
finished, this signal can be marked by pressing the
“OK-button” (2). Instead of the victim symbol, a flag
now appears where the victim is buried. At the
same time the symbol for the next nearest victim is
enlarged.
This marking can be cancelled by pressing the "OK" button (2) to check
the pinpoint location again if necessary. (This is not possible if several
victims are transmitting within a 3 m radius.)
It is necessary to have a short pause between the signals. It may take
slightly longer to be able to separate three or more signals due to
signal overlap. The receiver needs adequate time to differentiate bet-
ween each additional transmitted signal.Thus it is practically impossi-
ble to separate more than 3-4 signals within a reasonable time
and to show them on the display. The S1 therefore automatically redu-
ces its range until the number of signals has been reduced to a quan-
tity that can be displayed in a reasonable time.
Important notes regarding signal separation:
Thank you for purchasing the Ortovox S1 employing the most innovative technolo-
gy amongst today's avalanche beacons. You will find its unique visual representati-
on and the advanced signal separation technology very helpful while searching for
one or even more buried persons. Nonetheless, we want to draw your attention to
some important aspects of search, especially in multiple-burial scenarios, and their
physical background:
In real avalanche accidents, frequently two or more persons are buried with there
beacons transmitting at the same time. Sometimes, and unpredictably, two or even
LOCATING SEVERAL AVALANCHE VICTIMS (SIGNAL SEPARATION):

When several transmission signals interfere with
one another, a location procedure is not possible.
Therefore the stop sign appears for a few seconds.
Wait until stop hand disappears and then continue
to locate!
When there are more than 3 to 4 transmission
signals, you will see “4+” top left. Access this
function with the “menu” button (3).
46
more beacons are transmitting their impulses exactly simultaneously for a longer
period of time. The transmitted signals of two analog beacons with long pulse dura-
tions or digital beacons transmitting simultaneously overlap and mix up. Frequent-
ly they can no longer be separated for physical reasons. In such an overlap state,
a single transmitter's signal cannot be measured, neither using analog nor digital
technology. Unfortunately, such an overlap state can continue for 30 or more
seconds in some cases. It is necessary to wait until two overlapping impulses are
drifting apart. Using the Ortovox S1, you can solve this physically determined pro-
blem applying the following three search strategies:
1. Switch to the 4+-Mode and use micro search stripes with a width of at most
5 m or 16 ft (cf. p.47)
2. Use the Ortovox sector search strategy (cf. p.49). You can combine this
strategy with the 4+-mode.
3. Switch to the acoustic search mode (cf. p.50)
Advice: If the number of buried persons is not known or unsure, for safety reasons
it is required to use one of the aforementioned methods to detect and locate poten-
tial further buried persons. For detailed information please visit our website at
www.ortovox.com
Select “4+” mode to locate more than 3 transmitters
Access the menu with the key and select the function

47
ENGLISH
There are three methods available for locating victims:
• micro-search stripes
• 3 circle method
• ORTOVOX sector method
MICRO-SEARCH-STRIPS
Once the 1st victim has been located and rescued by helpers,
the search stripes have to be set at 5 m intervals. The avalanche area
is searched for victims in this way. The S1 now scans
circular areas with a diameter of max. 10 m and every victim in this
circle is shown.
After confirmation, the reception sensitivity on the
S1 is continually limited to 5 m. Consequently the
search strips should be reduced to a width of 5 m.
The restriction to a 5 m search strip width is
shown by two black bars on the side of the display.

48
3 CIRCLE METHOD
• After locating the first victim, helpers rescue the person.
• To find additional signals the searcher moves in successive circles
with radii of 3, 6, and 9 meters respectively. The center of each
circle is the point where the first victim was found. In this process
the searcher must pay close attention to the display.
• When the searcher receives no further signals in the smallest
circle, he moves to the next circle.
• Important: Walk the circle completely!

49
ENGLISH
ORTOVOX-SECTOR-METHOD
1st sector: Once the 1st victim has been located and rescued by
helpers the surrounding area is searched by sectors.
2nd sector: approaching from left.
3rd sector: approaching from right.
4th sector: approaching from underneath.
Before each approach in a new sector, the “4+ mode” must be restar-
ted via the menu.
Caution:
It is, of course, possible to get a bearing on signals that have already
been located. The searcher should then concentrate on signals that
have not yet been marked in the avalanche area.

The ORTOVOX emergency safety setting allows an acoustic search when
battery capacity is low. Use this function like a basic acoustic analog beacon.
If batteries have been allowed to run too low (remaining capacity less then
25%) the microprocessor and the display will switch off automatically to
conserve the battery power. Now only acoustic reception is available. Emer-
gency acoustic reception can, however, also be switched on via menu (acou-
stic search) for practice purposes. Switching off emergency acoustic recep-
tion: close the S1 and open it again or hold down both buttons (2 and 3)
for 5 seconds.If the battery capacity is very low the S1 is automatically swit-
ched to the highest possible reception level for emergency acoustic recep-
tion. The ‘OK‘ button is used to reduce the signal. The ‘menu’ button is used
to increase the volume level. After initial reception the loudspeaker will
sound the transmission signal. TURN the S1 in order to determine the
direction with the strongest reception. Now the searcher will move in this
direction for 5 m, reducing the volume if necessary. Then the sear-
cher once again turns the S1 to the direction with the highest
volume and again moves 5 m in this direction. The volume
increases as the searcher moves closer to the avalanche
victim. During the pinpointing phase (= lowest recepti-
on level) do not turn or tip the S1. Now mark the
point in the longitudinal direction with the loudest
signal. A search is also made for the lou-
dest signal to the right and left of this
point. The avalanche victim is located at
the point with the loudest signal.
ACOUSTIC EMERGENCY RECEPTION (SAFETY SETTING)
50
–
+
Volume
Increase Deacrease
Receiver Transmitter