Recco R9 User manual

DETECTOR
QUICK GUIDE
RECCO THEORY &
SEARCH METHODS
R9

2
PAGERECCO THEORY
1. RECCO R9 DETECTOR CONTROLS ..................................... 5
2. RECCO R9 DETECTOR............................................................ 6
2.1 BATTERIES .............................................................................................6
2.2 CHARGING ............................................................................................6
3. RECCO REFLECTOR ............................................................... 7
4. RECCO TECHNOLOGY ........................................................... 7
5. RECCO BASICS ........................................................................ 8
5.1 RANGE ................................................................................................... 8
5.2 FACTORS AFFECTING RANGE ....................................................... 8
5.3 DETECTOR FUNCTION CHECK.....................................................10
5.4 DETECTION ZONE .............................................................................11
5.5 DETECTING A RECCO SIGNAL ..................................................... 13
5.6 REFLECTORS ON DETECTOR OPERATOR................................. 15
6. DISTRACTING SIGNALS ........................................................16
6.1 SOURCES ............................................................................................. 16
6.2 MANAGING DISTRACTING SIGNALS........................................... 17
RECCO THEORY

3
SEARCH METHODS PAGE
1. 1. BASIC RECCO SEARCH .....................................................19
1.1 PREPARATION TO SEARCH ............................................................. 19
1.2 SIGNAL SEARCH ............................................................................... 20
1.3 COARSE SEARCH ..............................................................................22
1.4 FINE SEARCH......................................................................................24
1.5 PINPOINT SEARCH ............................................................................24
2. ADVANCED SEARCH TECHNIQUES ................................. 25
2.1 SEARCHING AMONGST RESCUERS.............................................25
2.2 SEARCHING ON SKIS.......................................................................26
2.3 SEARCHING FOR MULTIPLE BURIALS ........................................27
2.4 SEARCHING FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES .................................29
2.5 SEARCHING WITH MULTIPLE DETECTORS.............................. 30
3. 3. SEARCHING FOR 457KHZ TRANSCEIVERS .................31
4. ARE YOU RECCO PROFICIENT? ......................................... 33
5. 5. SUMMER STORAGE .......................................................... 34
6. 6. ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND INFORMATION ........... 34
SEARCH METHODS

4
RECCO THEORIE

ON
457
< 5 m
4 - 20 m
18 - 60 m
OFF
ON
ALT
SENSITIVITY
OFF
RECCO
2
4
5
3
7
13
10
9
12
11
8
6
XXXX  XXX
1
5
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
1. RECCO R9 DETECTOR CONTROLS
1. RECCO power control
2. Blue LED light
3. RECCO on/off
4. ALT (channel) switch
5. Serial number
6. 457 Sensitivity
7. 457 ON/OFF
8. Handle
9. Internal speaker
10. Battery
11. Headphone jack
12. Charging port
13. Security strap holder

6
Batteries should be checked on a
regular basis according to the de-
tector check form.
Additional batteries can be
purchased from RECCO AB.
▸ Charging time: 2 hours
▸ Operating time: 2 hours
▸ Battery life: 5 years / 400 charging cycles
▸ Battery warning: Short beep = change/recharge battery immedi-
ately
2. RECCO R9 DEDECTOR
The R9 Detector uses a lithi-
um-ion battery pack which provi-
des fade free power for its entire
run time. This means power from
the battery will drop from full
to zero once the full charge has
been drained. An audible warning
alerts the operator when battery
needs to be recharged.
After every use, plug the R9 De-
tector back onto its charger. To
restart the charging process, flip
the RECCO On – Off switch from
off to on for about 1 to 2 seconds
and then back to off. This ensures
the battery accepts a maximum
charge.
Charging Status
Red LED light indicates charging
mode.
Green LED light indicates charg-
ing complete.
2.1 BATTERIES
2.2 CHARGING

7
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
2. RECCO R9 DEDECTOR
3. RECCO REFLECTOR
4. RECCO TECHNOLOGY
▸ Diode fixed to a copper an-
tenna, molded into plastic.
▸ Passive — no battery.
▸ Virtually unlimited lifespan —
no maintenance.
▸ Works with all RECCO de-
tectors.
The detector’s directional an-
tenna uses harmonic radar to
generate a directional signal.
The detector and reflector work
together to direct the rescuer to
reflector’s exact location.

ON
457
< 5 m
4 - 20 m
18 - 60 m
OFF
ON
ALT
SENSITIVITY
OFF
RECCO
8
▸ Steady blue LED indicates
full power.
▸ Click the +/– slider to adjust
power level.
▸ Flashing blue LED at less
than full power.
POWER
When turning on the detector the
default power level is always at
full power.
Only the latest version of
detectors indicate a low
power level by a flashing
blue LED.
Relative affects on range caused by different mediums.
Air
Snow - dry
Snow - wet
Water
up to 120 m
up to 20 m
up to 10 m
up to 0.2 m
5. RECCO BASICS
5.2 FACTORS AFFECTING RANGE
5.1 RANGE
!

90º
9
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
POLARISATION
The RECCO system is polarized
to achieve the best signal.
When the antenna is parallel with
the reflector the range and signal
are at maximum.
Therefore, rotate the detector
slightly from side to side to seek
the maximum signal.
TERRAIN AND DEBRIS OBSTACLES
Differences in the buried terrain and the irregular surface of the de-
bris can mean different depths of snow to search through.
5. RECCO BASICS

10
Prior to the start of winter and during the winter, routinely check the
detector’s range and battery.
BATTERY CHECK
The battery should operate for
about 2 hours at temperatures
below zero (0ºC) before the low
battery alert sounds.
RANGE CHECK
80+ m with reflector 1.5 m above the ground
10+ m with reflector on ground
Refer to the detector
check form.
5.3 DETECTOR FUNCTION CHECK
!

11
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
The detector’s area of best
detection is basically a diamond-
shaped area. At distance the sig-
nal is very directional. Closer to
the detector the signal is less di-
rectional; a reflector can be off to
one side.
The signal can be lost either
because the operator moved past
the reflector, or when the signal
cone is no longer pointed at the
reflector.
5.4 DETECTION ZONE

!
12
The detection zone shape is 3-dimensional, and its vertical shape is
similar to its horizontal shape.
Be sure to aim the detector toward the snow to
get the best combination of signal range and signal
depth.

90º
12
39
1
2
11
10
13
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
There are three key detector mo-
vements that are used to detect
and follow the RECCO signal.
SWEEP
The sweep movement is anytime
the detector is moved from side
to side. The sweep is used to de-
tect the signal and to establish
direction.
ROTATE
The rotate movement is used to
detect the best signal.
Detector orientation is rotated
from 45° to the right and then
45° to the left (90º total).
Typically the detector operator
sweeps from the 10 to 12 to 2
o’clock positions.
5.5 DETECTING A RECCO SIGNAL

14
TURN
The turn movement is a slight
turn of the wrist
The turn is used to to re-aim the
detector’s signal cone back to the
reflector when the signal has ini-
tially been lost.
When the signal has been lost –
and power was not changed:
stop, turn only your wrist slightly
to point detector to both sides
(left and right) and ahead and
behind to regain the signal and
the final direction to the reflector.
Check to see if the signal is in
front or behind you.

15
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
Reflectors on rescuers provide
rescuers with an important back-
up rescue system, and detector
operators can have reflectors.
Some uniforms have removable
reflectors.
Moveable reflectors may be re-
moved, or moved to the opera-
tor’s back. If producing a
distracting signal, use a RECCO
Shield or Vest.
Fixed reflectors (boots, clothing,
helmets, etc.) should be covered
by a RECCO Shield.
An avalanche transceiver
with an integrated
reflector should be worn
snuggly against one’s back.
5.6 REFLECTORS ON DETECTOR
OPERATOR
!

16
6. DISTRACTING SIGNALS
Do not attempt to search if you are immediately
receiving a RECCO signal. This signal is likely coming
from something on you or from close by rescuers. You
need to identify and eliminate distracting signals before
searching.
Arrive early. The earlier the
detector arrives on site,
typically the less distracting
signals experienced.
Weaker signals are also sent out
to the rear and sides, which may
result in distracting (false) sig-
nals from radios, cell phones, GPS
units, cameras, transceivers, car
keys, and reflectors. Mixed me-
tal objects – locking carabineers,
keys, multi-tools, ice screws, boot
buckles, etc. may create a weak
RECCO signal.
Therefore, the operator should
move offending devices and gear
to one’s back, or shield with REC-
CO Shields or Vest. Or if not nee-
ded, remove and leave behind.
Be alert for nearby rescuers pos-
sibly wearing reflectors. Keep
these rescuers behind the opera-
tor and use your body as a shield,
or do not aim the detector to-
ward these rescuers.
6.1 SOURCES
!
!

17
RECCO THEORYSEARCH METHODS
6. DISTRACTING SIGNALS
With well organized rescuers on the avalanche field a
combined search with RECCO detectors and probing
team is possible.
The following five techniques will
minimize distracting RECCO signals
in all situations.
▸ Manage: Keep rescuers behind the operator.
▸ Aim: Aim the detector downwards into the snow and away from
other rescuers.
▸ Position: Keep your body between the detector and rescuers.
Wear your transceiver and other electronic devices on your back.
The closer and more secure to your back, the better. If interfe-
rence continues, shield the device.
▸ Shield: If necessary, cover the device or reflector with a RECCO
Shield or Vest. These products are made from special electro-
magnetic shielding fabric that blocks the RECCO signal but does
not block the 457kHz transceiver signal.
▸ Train: The more time training in situations that cause interfe-
rence, the better prepared you will be on real rescues.
6.2 MANAGING DISTRACTING SIGNALS
!

SEARCH METHODS

19
SEARCH METHODS RECCO THEORY
SEARCH METHODS
1.1. BASIC SEARCH
5 SEARCH PHASES:
Goal: To identify and manage dis-
tracting signals so you are quiet
when searching.
Move 10–15m away from others
to avoid potential distracting
signals.
At full power point the detector
Self Scan
▸ Reduce powerto lowest level and then increase power 2 steps (clicks.)
▸ Perform a self scan from head to toe to identify personal sources
of distracting signals.
▸ Eliminate distracting signals by moving devices (transceiver, GPS,
radio, etc.) to your back, covering with RECCO shields or vest, or
removing and leaving behind.
▸ When aiming the detector on max power toward a clear horizon
and have no distracting signals you are ready to search.
towards the sky or toward an
open area and you should hear
only static. If you hear a RECCO
signal, investigate. It is likely a dis-
tracting signal on your person.
Take time before getting called for a
rescue to practice self scans to identify
problem gear so you know what causes
and how to eliminate distracting signals.
1.1 PREPARATION
!

20
Goal: To detect a strong signal.
The use of headphones is recom-
mended
Debris Scan
Stand in one place – preferably at
top or side of debris – and with
the detector scan the debris.
If no signal, start the systematic
Signal Search in corridors.
Search Corridors
FIRST PASS: 20 m wide (search 10m to
right and 10 m to left).
When searching for a signal
combine the sweep and rotate
movements. After each sweep
across the body rotate the
detector.
1.2 SIGNAL SEARCH
Sweep and Rotate
!