MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver User Manual

June 3, 2024
MAMMUT

Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver
User Manual

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver

EXTENDED REFERENCE GUIDE

Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver

The Extended Reference Guide contains hyperlinks and cross-references. To use these navigation functions, we recommend that you open the document with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
These functions may not be available if you use your web browser to view the content. Clicking on a chapter in the table of contents or on the underlined references in the text leads you to the relevant content in the manual. Clicking on the Barryvox® S symbol highlighted in red at the bottom left of each page will bring you back to the table of contents.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Barryvox® S .
The Extended Reference Guide explains the functionality and use of the Barryvox® S. The Barryvox® S is a revolutionary, sensor-controlled avalanche transceiver, which is very easy to use.
Register your Barryvox® S and get a 3-year warranty extension!
Register your Barryvox® S today at www.Barryvox.com, to get important information such as announcements about the availability of software updates. After successful registration, your device is covered for 5 years by warranty.
Barryvox® Transceivers – Made in Switzerland
Our heritage is compelling. Mammut and Barryvox® follow the time-honored tradition of world-class precision products made in Switzerland. From its design to its engineering and production, this device is completely made in Switzerland. This device is compatible with all avalanche transceivers that comply with the EN 300718 standard and operate on a frequency of 457 kHz.
The following documents for the Barryvox® transceivers are available at www.mammut.com/BarryvoxManual:

Barryvox® S User Manual
This user manual describes the SEND and group check functions as well as the standard search mode. In addition, you will find all information regarding basic maintenance, warranty, and repair as well as the technical specifications.

Barryvox® S Extended Reference Guide
The Extended Reference Guide is a comprehensive resource of information for your Barryvox ® S. It includes additional information that augments the user manual concerning device settings, advanced search, and rescue techniques, and in particular the alternative search mode. It is an important and valuable resource for advanced recreational and professional users – and all educators.

Approval / Conformity
All information concerning approval and conformity is available at the very end of this booklet.

HANDLING THE BARRYVOX®

Like all transceivers, the Barryvox® contains shock-sensitive ferrite antennas. Therefore, you should handle it with utmost care! Store the device and the carrying system in a dry spot that is protected from extreme cold or heat and direct sunshine. Always check the result of the self-and battery test, pay attention to alert messages, and carry out the group check. It is your responsibility to frequently check your Barryvox® for mechanical damage of the casing, proper function of the main switch, and battery compartment cover as well as cleanliness and mechanical integrity of the battery contacts. To ensure the proper performance of the transceiver, it is highly recommended that you send your device to an official Barryvox® service center once every three years for a functional test. The recommended date of the next check can be viewed under “Maintenance” in the shutdown sequence of the device. (See „Periodic check by a Barryvox® Service Center“. )

Interferences
Always avoid having other electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones, radios, headlamps, cameras), metal objects (pocket knives, magnetic buttons), or other transceivers close to (20 cm in SEND; 50 cm in SEARCH) your running avalanche transceiver.
You should not wear clothing with magnetic buttons! Users of pacemakers are advised to carry the device in a secure pants pocket (no vital data detection). Consult the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to the impact on pacemakers.

INITIAL SETUP

Batteries
Only use alkaline (LR03/AAA) or lithium (LR92/AAA) batteries of the same type. Always insert 3 new batteries of the same type. In case these batteries need to be removed, the same 3 batteries or 3 new batteries must be reinserted. Never use rechargeable batteries and always replace all the batteries at the same time. Make sure the lid is properly closed and that the device and the batteries stay dry.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 1

Use a fingernail or the leash clip to slide the battery door to the left, and it will swing open. Periodically inspect the battery compartment. Clean or dry it, if needed, since moisture can cause corrosion. Avoid touching the contacts with your hands, use a clean cloth. A reliable power supply is crucial for safe operation.
When storing or not using the transceiver for an extended period of time (summer, traveling, shipping), remove alkaline as well as lithium batteries. The warranty becomes void if batteries have leaked!

  • Caution: Risk of damage if you use batteries of the wrong type.
  • Lithium batteries must be compliant to the following IEC standards:
    IEC 60086-4 and IEC 62281.

Main Switch OFF / SEND / SEARCH
The main switch is located on the top side of the device. In the left position OFF, the device is turned off, in the center position SEND the device is in SEND mode, and in the right position SEARCH, the device is in SEARCH mode. For safety reasons, it is required to press the hinged unlock button to leave the SEND mode. To return from  SEARCH to SEND, simply push the main switch sideways. Always make sure that the switch locks into position mechanically to avoid an undesired change of mode.

User Interface and Use of Buttons

The Barryvox® S uses easy navigation based on three buttons: The two scroll- bar buttons located on the side and the orange button on the front. To scroll up or down in any menu or list, use the up and down buttons on the side. To confirm your selection, use the orange button on the front. The action triggered by pressing the button is shown in the menus or in the softkey bar at the bottom of the screen.

Samples:
Press the button to… …confirm your selection.

SETTINGS

Access to the settings menu is only possible during the initial start-up sequence. For safety reasons, there is no access to the settings once the device is in group check, SEND or
SEARCH mode.
The main purpose of the settings is to allow users to adapt the user interface and available functions of the device to best fit their individual requirements and capabilities.  However, even if you configure your device for a typical “pro-user”, it will still be possible for a novice to use it efficiently as the fundamental elements of group check, SEARCH and SEND intentionally follow the same principles and user interaction. The current choice of setting is always marked with the -symbol. While scrolling the available settings, allows you to see what remains stored if you simply exit the menu.

Language
This setting allows you to select the language of your transceiver’s user interface.
When turning the device on for the first time and switching to SEND, the user language must be selected. Use the scroll bar to scroll up or down in the list and confirm your selection by pressing the button on the front.

Owner
The Barryvox® S allows you to enter your name, address, and other information, such as your phone number or e-mail address. This information is displayed every time the transceiver is turned on.

Beware of the meaning of the following icons:

| Save and exit
---|---
| Backspace
| Space
| New line
| Change cursor position
**ABC**| Uppercase letters
**abc**| Lowercase letters
| Uppercase special characters
| Lowercase Special characters
| Symbols
**123**| Number

Pro Settings
The factory settings of the device are optimally preconfigured for a basic user, directly proceeding to „Self- and Battery Test“ for further information on basic use. For advanced and professional users, it is advised to adjust these settings to best fit their requirements and abilities.

Pro Search
The factory default setting is OFF. If you turn “Pro Search” ON, the device will allow you:

  • to hear the analog tone in all search phases in standard search mode (see „Analog Tone“).

  • enables access to the Pro Check function within group check (see „Pro Check“)

  •  to scroll the list of buried subjects which allows more efficient group searches and triage decisions (see „List of Buried Subjects“)

  • to see the vital data of the buried subjects you are searching in order to take triage decisions (see „Vital Data“)

  • to access the alternative and extended range search modes (see „Extended Search Strip in Extended Range Mode“ and „Alternative Search Mode“)

  • to mark deep burials up to a distance indication of 6.0 (see „Deep Burials“)

  • to unmark a buried subject (see „Erase Mark“)

  • BarryTip: The analog tone allows you the ability to identify signal-overlap or other difficulties encountered during multiple-burial searches, so the searcher has a definitive indication of when an alternative search strategy (micro search strips, micro box, 3-circle method) is required. Furthermore, analog tone allows you to reliably differentiate between “false positives” and “real signals”, which is particularly important if you are searching in heavily disturbed areas such as ski resorts or when you are searching with a  radio or other electronic equipment turned on in parallel.

Audio Guidance
Choose between digital or analog tones. The setting is valid for all search phrases in standard search mode.

Visual Guidance
Choose between standard and classic visual guidance. The standard setting is suitable for all user groups, including advanced and professional users. The standard setting with animated search support and intelligent fine search guidance provides useful and user-friendly search clues for each search phase and yet still allows focusing on numbers only. In the “classic”, simple user interface the fine search is carried out by manual bracketing.

Pro Check
The „Pro Check“ verifies the transmit frequency, the pulse duration as well as the period lengths of the tested device (see „Group check“).

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 9

Auto-Revert SEARCH to SEND
The Auto-Revert SEARCH to SEND function switches the transceiver from SEARCH mode to SEND mode if there is no user interaction or major motion for a specific amount of time. In case of a secondary avalanche burying rescuers or a device being unintentionally left in SEARCH, this function increases the chance of being found in time.
This function is critical for your personal safety! If you disable this setting, you will see the warning symbol during a signal search in SEARCH mode.

Group Check
The group check setting allows to definition the test distance during the group check. Choose «Sledding» (5m) for the motorized application and «Touring» (1m) for all other cases.

Time for Auto-Revert to SEND
Auto-revert to SEND switches the transceiver from SEARCH mode to SEND mode or from Rescue-SEND mode to SEND mode if there is no user interaction or major action for a specific amount of time. The default setting of 4 minutes is appropriate for most users, shorter times tend to lead to more frequent, involuntary switchovers. As rescuers who inattentively switch to SEND mode may cause a severe distraction to an ongoing search, only change this setting if you have an important reason to do so.

Vital Data
Your Barryvox® S detects slight motion of the body, such as a pumping heart or breathing lungs. Any motion is interpreted as a vital sign, for further information on vital data see „Vital Data Detection“. While you are buried, the device transmits your vital data via the W-Link radio connection to the rescuers (default setting). In SEARCH mode, the Barryvox® displays the vital status provided the sender has enabled the W-Link and the ability to transmit vital data. If you do not wish to have these data transmitted, you can disable this feature. Utilizing vital data as one triage criterion can increase the ratio of survival in a search where rescue resources are stretched – for this reason only change this setting if you have an important reason to do so.

W-Link Regions

  • Europe and neighboring countries (W-Link Region A) [= light grey]
  • US, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian Version (W-Link Region B) [= dark grey]
  • Countries without W-Link [= black]
  • Countries with unknown region allocation [= white]

Frequency regulations do not allow the user to modify the frequency setting. To enable the user to take his Barryvox® with him when traveling into another region, it is possible to switch the W-Link off and on again when returning home.

Please note that the W-Link setting has no effect on the signal which is used to locate a buried subject.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 15

If the W-Link is switched off, location information is not affected, but transmission and reception of vital data is not possible (see„Triage Criteria and Vital Data“).

Device-to-Device Update
Thanks to the device-to-device update you may share the new functions of your firmware with older Barryvox® S devices.

Requirements for the device-to-device update:

  • Battery charge in both devices is greater 30%.
  • Only one upgrade can be done at a time in the same building or within 50m radius.
  • Only devices of the same w-link region (no device-to-device upgrade for devices purchased in Japan).
  • Follow the instructions on the screen.
  1. Turn both devices OFF

  2. On the device with the newer firmware, select “Device to Device Update” by pressing the button in the settings menu.

  3. Press the button to start the update procedure. In case you do not want to perform the update, exit the menu by canceling the update.

  4. Press and hold the button on the device which needs to be updated and slide the main switch simultaneously from OFF to SEND. Release the button after 2 seconds.

  5. While the firmware is being installed, the progress is shown on the screen of the device with the newer firmware.

Adjusting the Screen Contrast
Adjust the contrast of the screen for best visibility in different ambient light conditions. In the dark, the Barryvox® S automatically turns on the screen backlight.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 20

Reset the device to factory settings
The function «Reset device to factory settings» allows you to restore all default factory settings. All modified settings, except the owner information, are lost.

SELF- AND BATTERY TEST

Start-Up / Self- and Battery Test
While starting, the device conducts a self-test. The result of the self-test is shown the first time the device enters a SEND mode.
If the battery power falls below 30% (alkaline) or the battery icon is displayed, the batteries must be replaced as soon as possible!

Battery Test and Battery Level Indicator
The following table gives you average values for the battery levels. The remaining battery level can only be displayed correctly if batteries are used according to „Batteries“. Low
temperatures, age, and brand can have a negative impact on the battery life and the accuracy of the battery level indication.

  • BarryTip: As the risk of a battery failure increases towards the end of the battery life, we recommend replacing the batteries already 10% before reaching the emergency reserve of the normative requirement. Please replace alkaline batteries at 40% and lithium batteries at 30%.

100%:
Normative requirement (=minimum requirement):
min 200hrs SEND at 10°C followed by 1hr SEARCH at -10°C
Typical values for the Barryvox® S with alkaline batteries: 300hrs SEND at 10°C (measured with PULS Power). Typical values for the Barryvox® S with lithium batteries: 400hrs SEND at 10°C (measured with Energizer ULTIMATE and ADVANCED).

less than: 30% (alkaline) / 20% (lithium)
The batteries must be replaced as soon as possible!
Emergency reserve at 30% (Al) / 20% (Li):
Max. 20 hrs in SEND mode at 10°C and max. 1 hr in SEARCH mode at -10°C left.

Battery capacity unknown
The battery capacity cannot be reliably determined.
The batteries must be replaced as soon as possible!
The transceiver sounds a warning if the battery level is running on emergency reserve or unknown at startup.

Change between Alkaline and Lithium Batteries
As soon as one battery is removed and reinserted or replaced, the device tries to recognize the battery type (alkaline or lithium).
Be aware of the following important details when answering the questions:

  • 3 new
    Only confirm this question if you really inserted 3 new lithium batteries, which have never been used before in any other device.

  • The same
    Only confirm this question, if you have removed one or multiple batteries and reinsert now the same, in the meantime never for any other purpose used batteries (i.e. batteries you removed over the summer).

  • Unknown
    You must take this choice when you have mixed alkaline and lithium or inserted lithium batteries that you have used before, or in the meantime, in other devices.
    If you mix alkaline and lithium batteries or try to use lithium batteries that have already been used in other devices, it is impossible to determine the battery capacity. In this case, the alert message “Battery capacity unknown!” will be shown.

Batterie Contacts
A reliable contact between the battery contact in the battery compartment and the individual battery cell contact pole is crucial for the safety, good performance, and reliability of the unit. Sufficient spring pressure and a clean contact surface are important to maintain this contact. Testing of battery contacts is part of the visual and mechanical checks as described in „Handling the Barryvox®“.

Testing Battery Contacts for Mechanical
Integrity and Spring Pressure
Do not bend battery contacts. If there is a bent/damaged contact or the spring force is low, the unit must be sent to a service center for replacing the battery contacts (see
„Maintenance and Repair“).
To verify if the spring force of the battery contacts is within tolerance, visually check the distance between the back wall of the battery contact and the lower end of the spring. The spring must not touch the back wall, otherwise, there is no more flex. If the spring has collapsed (permanent deformation), which may happen when the device is exposed to a major fall, the spring force is too low and the battery contact needs to be replaced. If the distance between the lower end of the spring and the back wall is much greater than normal or the spring is mechanically deformed, the battery contact has been mistreated and also needs to be replaced.

Cleanness and Corrosion
Battery contacts need to be clean and free of any corrosion.
If a battery contact is corroded, the unit must be sent to a service center for replacement of the battery contacts (see „Maintenance and Repair“). Corroded contacts lead to a high probability of eventual power supply problems.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 23

Battery contact with clear signs of leaked batteries which require the contact to be replaced.

A contaminated single spring battery contact. Compared to the double spring battery contacts, the single spring battery contact can only be replaced if the main power connector behind is not contaminated with battery acid. The two main power connectors, which connect directly to the circuit board, are for safety reasons not replaceable. Therefore, if battery acid has contaminated not only the single battery contact, but as well the main power connector, the entire device must be replaced and not be used any longer.

A battery contact is contaminated by residue from a source other than battery acid. To the extent, as shown in this picture, the battery contacts may be cleaned as described below. However, if the residue cannot be removed easily or is stubborn and persistent, the contact needs to be replaced by an official Barryvox service center.

Battery contacts with a very low, acceptable level of contamination. Such contacts do not need to be cleaned or replaced at this time.

Battery Contact Cleaning Procedure
Only battery contacts which show no battery acid residue or mechanical damage may be cleaned. For leaked batteries, there is zero tolerance and the contacts must be replaced.
Battery contacts may be cleaned by the user. The procedure as described below needs to be carried out with care, in a clean, dry working environment with sufficient ambient light to clearly see the surface of the battery contact. Use a slightly damp cloth. Do not use any chemicals or tools to scrape the surface. Only use as much liquid that there is no water flowing into the case. Gently clean the battery contacts by rubbing from top to bottom as shown in the photo. Do not rub up and down as the cloth may hook onto the contact during the upward motion which leads to outward bending of the contact and potentially destroy it. Only apply as much pressure as the spring force flexes the contact
back into the original decompressed position. Only clean one contact at a time.

In particular, after cleaning, check that the battery contacts are still properly locked in position. The contact is laterally properly inserted in the guiding rails and locked by the locking knob.

Leaking Batteries
The acid of leaking batteries is very destructive to battery contacts and can easily cause corrosion. Even if the currently installed batteries do not show signs of leakage but leaked battery acid is visible on the contacts (see photo on page 20), they need to be replaced as previously used batteries may have caused the damage (see „Maintenance and repair“). In case the acid has also damaged one or both main battery connectors to the circuit board as shown in the photo below, the entire device must be replaced as it might
stop working properly at any time in the future without prior warning. Therefore, there is a strict ZERO TOLERANCE policy concerning devices with any signs of battery leakage.

Battery Contact Replacement
Send your device to an official Barryvox Service Center (see „Maintenance and Repair“) where it will be tested and the battery contacts as well as other parts replaced if required.

CARRYING POSITIONS

Adjust the BarryMount to fit your body. Regardless of the carrying position, the display should always face your body!
The detection of vital data is only possible if you carry the device in the BarryMount. (See „Triage Criteria and Vital Data“).

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 30

BarryMount (Recommended Carrying Position)
The BarryMount should be put on over your innermost layer of clothing prior to beginning the trip (see illustration) and must be worn on your body for the duration of the trip. The transceiver must always remain covered by one layer of clothing. The device itself is inserted into the BarryMount according to the illustration. It should always remain attached to the holster using the clip of the BarryLeash.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 31

Carrying the Transceiver in a Pocket
(without vital data detection)
If you carry the Barryvox® in a pants pocket, the zipper must remain closed for the duration of the trip. Always use a secured pocket (see illustration). The wrist loop should be secured to your pants or around your belt.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 32

COCKPIT – OVERVIEW OF FUNCTIONS

Turning the Device ON and OFF

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 33

Settings and Navigation in Lists

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 34

Group Check

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 35

SEND

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 36

GROUP CHECK

Single Group Check

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 37 Before a party takes off, the transceivers of all party members must be checked. The participants switch their devices to SEND mode.

The group leader activates the group check by switching his device from OFF to SEND and pressing the button within the first seconds.
The test is successful if you can clearly hear beep sounds from each participant‘s transceiver within the range indicated on the display.

The members of the party must be spread out appropriately to avoid mutual interference.

The indicated test distance must not be shortened, or the group check becomes very unreliable.
Once all the participant‘s devices are tested, the group check is concluded. The group leader’s transceiver must be switched to the SEND mode.

If no tone is heard within the indicated range, the device must not be used.
Further procedure:

  1. Check if the device is switched to SEND.
  2. Replace the batteries.
  3. Has the device been checked by the manufacturer?
    See „Maintenance and Repair“.

If your Barryvox® S detects that the transmit frequency of the tested device is out of tolerance, a warning message will be shown. Such devices must be checked by the manufacturer.

SEND Confirmation

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 40

In case a regular group check is impossible due to limited space, it is possible to perform a basic verification if the transceivers of all participants are turned on.
The leader holds his transceiver in group check as close as possible to the transceiver of each participant. By doing so, the distance indication must decrease to the point where it is impossible to mix up the result due to close proximity presence of other participants.
As the test distance is too short for a regular group check, there is no affirmative confirmation. Apply regular group checks the next time you check your group to confirm the proper function of the transceivers of the participants.

In case the indicated distance in immediate proximity to the transceiver of a participant does not decrease to a value that excludes with certainty the possibility of a mix-up the result with one of the other participants in close proximity, the proper function of the device must be checked by a regular group check.

Double Group Check

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 41

We recommend performing a double group check once a week and in general when a new group gets together. The double group check individually tests the SEND and  SEARCH functions of all devices. The members of the party activate the group check on their transceivers or set them to a low receive volume. The leader switches his or her transceiver to the SEND mode and ensures that all party members can receive.
Subsequently, the party members switch their transceivers to SEND, and the leader activates the group check or sets the transceiver to a low receive volume. The SEND mode of all transceivers is checked, and ultimately the leader switches his or her transceiver to SEND.

Pro Check

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 42

The “Pro Check” analyzes additional parameters of the tested transmitter and displays them. In case a measured value is out of tolerance, an alert is shown for the respective parameter. We especially recommend performing the “Pro Check” on older 1- and 2- antennae devices and in general for devices that have not been tested by the manufacturer for a prolonged period of time. The “Pro Check” function must be turned on in the “Pro Settings” (see „Pro Settings“).
The Pro Check verifies the transmit frequency (Freq: deviation +/- in Hz from 457’000 Hz), the period lengths (Period: duration of the period in milliseconds ms) as well as the pulse duration (Pulse: duration of the signal in milliseconds ms). The device which needs to be tested is set to SEND mode, the distance between the participants must be increased to 5m for the pro check. The group leader activates the group to check on his device and scrolls down with the side key to the function “Pro Check”. Wait until the device has performed the test and the test results are shown. To increase the measurement accuracy, hold both devices vertically while performing the “Pro Check”.

  • BarryTip: Please be aware that the measurement accuracy of an avalanche transceiver does not match the accuracy of test- or laboratory equipment and that the “Pro Check” cannot replace the periodic check of the transceiver by the manufacturer. In case the “Pro Check” discovers problems, the tested device should not be used and has to be checked by the manufacturer (see „Maintenance and Repair“).

How to Interpret the Parameters Measured by the Pro Check
All avalanche transceivers worldwide adhere to the same legal standard or “norm”. This norm ensures compatibility between all transceivers worldwide, thus every transceiver is able to search for others and to be found by others, independently of the transceiver brand and model. Although all manufacturers operate under the same standard, there are still many older transceivers in use and every manufacturer applies slightly different transmit parameters within the legal framework. Rescuers should be aware that each different signal within the norm parameters will always work with other transceivers. Some differences between individual signals, in particular in pulse rate, is even an advantage in multiple burial situations as it reduces the likelihood of persistent signal overlap. At the same time, each different signal can create different scenarios when in combination with various other beacons.
The three parameters you‘ll see tested in Pro Check are defined by the international norm for avalanche transceivers.

Frequency: This is the transmit frequency of an avalanche rescue transceiver: 457kHz. The legal standard allows a tolerance of +/- 80 Hz. For additional safety, the Barryvox digital signal processor receives a wider range of frequencies than the norm allows transmitters to send within, but a transceiver that is out of transmitting tolerance always leads to a lower probability of detection and thus unnecessary complexity and uncertainty when every minute counts to save your life! As devices often shift out of tolerance over a longer period of time and not as a sudden event, features like Pro Check may be used to detect developing problems before they show a serious impact.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 43

Period duration: This is the duration of time of a full cycle of one pulse [“on time”] plus the length of gap (pause) in between transmitted signals [“off time”], measured in milliseconds (ms). The norm is 1000ms +/- 300, in other words, 700ms – 1300ms. There is a risk that a period under or over the norm length could be interpreted by the searching beacon as “not a signal from an avalanche transceiver” or even as “two signals” (although you would still hear the analog tone with Pro Search activated). Also of note, a signal with a shorter period will always cause overlap more frequently than one with a longer period when in combination with any other transmitter, especially in combination with a longer pulse.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 44

Pulse duration: This is the length of time that each transmitted signal lasts – The [“on time”]. The norm dictates the pulse must be a minimum of 70ms. Very long-lasting pulses, as you would see with older analog-only transceivers, result in more frequent and long-lasting signal overlaps when in combination with any other transceiver. This means that having one older transceiver with a long pulse in your group can make searching more difficult for every other transceiver in that group should they become buried within range of each other. On the other hand, a pulse shorter than the required 70ms minimum doesn’t allow sufficient signal acquisition time for the searching transceiver, which may lead to issues like inaccurate distance and direction indication or even failure to be recognized as a signal by another avalanche transceiver.

SEND

The SEND mode is the normal operating mode outdoors or in all other situations in which there is a risk of avalanches.

Each time the SEND mode is activated, this is confirmed by an ascending triple-beep sound. Each individual signal pulse is tested. If the test is successful, this is confirmed by
a blink of the red SEND-Control LED.

If the device detects that the SEND function is compromised, the red SEND- Control LED stops flashing and the SEND indication on the screen shows an alert sign.

To save battery power, the LCD screen is automatically deactivated in the SEND mode but can be activated at any time by pressing any button.

Vital Data and Burial Data
For further information see „Vital Data Detection“.
SEND Mode, person not moving or in a state of burial.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 47

Rescue-Send Mode (Rescue-SEND)
The rescue send mode is used by all rescuers who are involved in the rescue operation, but do not perform a transceiver search themselves (shovelers, probe line, surface search,
search with other search devices, etc.). The rescue sends mode monitors the motions of the rescuer and only activates the transmitter if, within 4 minutes (default setting) the movement of the rescuer is on low enough to assume the lack of motion is caused by burial in a secondary avalanche. Prior to reverting, the device will sound an audible alarm.
Reverting can be avoided if the key is pressed within 30 seconds of the alarm. To activate the rescue send mode, switch the device to SEARCH and revert to SEND.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 48

During the 5 sec. count-down, “Rescue-SEND” is now shown at the bottom of the screen. Press the key within this peri- od of time, the activation of the rescue send mode is confirmed by 3 descending beep sounds and the double flashing of the red SEND-Control LED. If you switch between Rescue-SEND and SEARCH during the ongoing rescue operation, the device will always go into a rescue-send mode when the main switch is in the SEND position. To activate the regular SEND mode, scroll up to the SEND icon in the menu bar and confirm the activation of SEND mode within 5 sec. Alternatively, turn the device off and on to return to the normal send mode.

Although the avalanche transceiver is easy to use, its effective use requires proper training. We recommend that you practice transceiver searches regularly.
Be aware that electronic devices including mobile phones used by other rescuers may disturb the search. Therefore it is highly recommended to switch off phones which are not absolutely required!
Consider enabling analog tone when searching in circumstances where interference cannot be avoided (see „Analog Tone“).
At the beginning and during the search, pay close attention that the rescuer’s transceivers are not transmitting and do not switch to SEND unintentionally. It does not make sense to remove your backpack and assemble the shovel and probe at the edge of the avalanche debris. Keep your backpack with all the equipment on you! The assembled shovel and probe are only a hindrance during signal and course search. Only remove your pack to assemble the probe and shovel once you have successfully concluded the fine search.

An elementary understanding of transceiver search
The 457kHz transmitter of the transceiver has a kidney-shaped transmit distribution, which is visualized with field lines in the illustration below. The searching transceiver’s arrow leads the rescuer along the field lines and therefore usually in a curved line to the buried subject.
Search Along the Field Line: Flux Line Search

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 49

Search Phases
In an avalanche search, the following phases are distinguished:

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 50

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 51

  1. Signal Search
  • BarryTip: Move swiftly.
  • Emergency plan, search strategies, and search strip widths: please see the back side of the device.
  • Search avalanche surface systematically.
  • During the signal search, the rescuer has his visual focus on the surface of the debris in order to look for visual clues on the snow surface. The first signal is indicated by a distinct double-beep sound.

From the start of the search, until you clearly hear the first tone, you are in signal search.
MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 53The avalanche surface is searched systematically until you pick up a signal. During the acoustic signal search, the rescuer has the visual focus on the surface of the debris in order to be able to see body parts or objects protruding from the snow surface.

If your Barryvox® detects an increase of complexity in SEARCH mode, it reduces the signal search strip width in order to ensure that the buried subjects may be found efficiently. Interference from other electronics, transmitters transmitting outside the standard frequency, old transmitters with very long pulse duration as well as a high number of buried subjects is all factors leading to additional complexity in a search.

Reduced signal search strip width due to a device transmitting outside the standard frequency.

Reduced signal search strip width due to a high number of buried subjects, old transmitters with very long pulse duration, or devices transmitting outside the standard frequency.

Regardless of the operating mode, the following search strategies apply:
Search strategy if the last seen point is known. The signal search strip extends downhill from the last seen point in the direction of the slide.

Search strategy if the last seen point is unknown.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 58

Extended Search Strip in Extended Range Mode
The search strip width can be extended from 70m to 100m by experienced users. For this, the setting “Pro Search” must be turned “ON” (see „Settings“). For the signal search with extended search strip width, scroll to the magnifying glass by using the lateral keys and press the button to activate “Extended Range Search Mode”. The screen is now blank, the green LED is illuminated and the search strip width is extended to 100m. Search the avalanche systematically. When you receive the first signal, follow it based on the analog sound in the direction of the strongest signal (tangent search). When the signal clearly rises, the screen switches back on automatically. Conclude the remaining search by following the distance and direction indications.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 60

To optimize the range, rotate the transceiver slowly around all axes. Hold the device with the loudspeaker facing your ear next to your head.

2. Coarse Search

  • BarryTip: Move swiftly, move in the direction of the arrow.
  • Hold the transceiver with the extended arm horizontally in front of you.
  • If the distance increases, then you are moving away from the victim. Continue the search in the opposite direction.

Distance below 10

  • BarryTip: Reduce search speed, by precisely following the arrow.

3. Fine Search

  • BarryTip: Follow the arrow!
    Step slowly forward, backward, left, or right while holding the device at knee height.

In case the arrow indicates that you have deviated from the axis, reorient yourself so that the arrow is in line with the axis.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 65

The point where the device indicates the final probing indication usually corresponds with the point of the lowest distance indication. The greater the remaining distance to the buried subject (burial depth), the more repetitions of fine search crosses may be required to reach sufficient search precision. The device tries to determine these parameters and guides the rescuer accordingly through one or multiple fine search crosses – until the optimal point to start pinpointing with the probe is reached. This spot is indicated by the probe indication.

Immediately place an indicator, i.e. a ski pole at this spot as an important reference with applying the probing spiral. Open your backpack now and assemble the probe and shovel. It is recommended to put your backpack immediately back on your shoulders, in particular, if you use a backpack with an airbag. In the unusual case of a secondary avalanche, this allows you to take advantage of the safety gear. By strictly keeping the equipment (i.e. first aid kit, radio, or mobile phone) with you in your backpack, you will always have it available when you need it while rescuing the subsequently buried subjects.

4. Pinpointing

  • BarryTip: Place a visual reference at the point where the Barryvox® S shows the probing spiral. The visual reference is important to probe in a systematic pattern.
  • If the buried subject is hit with the probe, leave the probe in the snow.

Probe Indication
Indication to proceed from fine search to pinpointing. Stash the device in search mode on your body (i.e. pocket) in order to have both hands available to probe. Begin probing in a spiral at a 90° angle to the snow surface. In particular, if the debris is hard, guide the probe with two hands, one pushing from the top, the other guiding the probe closer to the snow surface in order to avoid bending the probe. Keep in mind that the remaining distance shown on the screen indicates the maximum possible distance to the buried subject. I.e. if you see 1.1 on the screen, the buried subject must be within 1.1m probing depth and spiral probe radius. In case there is no probe hit within this area, you have missed the buried subject. Repeat probing with a slightly offset probing pattern.

Mark
Mark the buried subject as «found» by pushing the button after you have successfully located it with a probe strike!

Automatic Revert to SEND
For the safety of the rescuers, the device automatically switches into SEND mode after 4 minutes without user interaction or motion. To modify the automatic revert to SEND time: see„Settings“.

Leaving SEARCH Mode

After 4 seconds the device automatically switches into SEND mode.
Press the button during these 4 seconds to go into Rescue-SEND mode.

Multiple Burials

The marking feature allows continuing the search for further buried subjects by marking the previously located ones as found. Excavate the buried subjects already found while the search continues, unless the burial depth is particularly deep.

Fast overview with multiple burials
Using the side buttons, you may always scroll the list of buried subjects to quickly gain an overview (see „Mental Map of the Burial Situation“).

In Complex Situations Slow Down The Search
If the signal of the buried subject you are currently searching for temporarily overlaps with another signal, the device tries to guide you along the optimal search path. If the signals overlap for a long period of time, reliable guidance is limited. The device indicates this with a flashing distance indication. Radically slow the search until the distance indication stops flashing, indicating the signal overlap has cleared.

Search Tones in Fine Search
Within the fine search range, thus in the immediate vicinity of the buried subject (approx. <3m), the Barryvox® assists you with an artificial, distance, and action-related sound while fine searching in a cross pattern.
For rescuers who can interpret the analog tone, it is helpful to enable “Pro Search” ahead of time, as the more meaningful analog tone will then be available to identify signal overlaps (see „Pro Search“ and „Audio Guidance“).

Erase Mark (requirement: activated „Pro Search“ setting) A mark can be removed by selecting the buried subject in the burial list and selecting “Unmark” with the key. You can only remove the mark if you are in the immediate vicinity (<6 m) of the buried subject.

Deep Burials
The transceiver tries to detect high burial depth and, if required, dynamically increases the fine search range. Marking a buried subject at greater than 6 meters depth is not possible. For further information, please see „No Probe Hit“.

Search for Multiple Buried Subjects Using the Standard Search Mode
In standard search mode, the transceiver attempts to analyze all the detectable signals and to determine the number of buried subjects. This is possible because the signals from each transmitter have characteristics that are distinguishable from the signals of other transmitters. The more unique the signal characteristics are, the more accurately the signals can be distinguished and separated (pattern recognition). By automatically associating the signals with their respective sources, multiple burial situations can be solved without applying special search tactics. Transceivers that also transmit W-Link information can be detected particularly fast and reliably. The W-Link information includes a unique identification as well as the transmit pattern.

List of Buried Subjects
The buried subjects whose transmit patterns can be identified are inserted in the list of buried subjects based on their signal strength, usually corresponding with distance. The closest buried subject on the avalanche is shown at the bottom, the furthest at the top of the list. The selection mark ( ) shows the buried subject you are currently searching for. By searching for one buried subject after another and marking them as found, you work through the list of buried subjects from the bottom to the top. Accordingly, the buried subjects already marked as found are shown behind the current position of the selection mark.

Procedure for Multiple Burials

  1. The device favors the closest subject first. Locate the various buried subjects using the transceiver and probe pole.

  2. As soon as you mark an individual subject, the transceiver takes you to the next closest, unmarked buried subject.

  3. Continue this procedure until all subjects are located and marked.

  4. The rescuer now searches for additional buried subjects while the display shows the symbol for the signal search phase to indicate that the rest of the avalanche surface must be searched (see „Signal Search“).

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 75

Analog Search Tone
Interpretation of the Analog Sound:
Just as in traditional analog transceivers, the analog tone is received by only one antenna. The change in the distance indication can therefore deviate from the change in tone volume. Depending on the relative orientation of the transmitter to the receiver, it is possible for the tone volume and the distance indication to decrease while approaching the buried subject. The volume of the analog tone is automatically adjusted by the transceiver. Therefore, the volume of the tone cannot be used to tell if you are moving closer or farther away from the buried subject. However, an increase or decrease in the distance can be easily derived from the distance indication.

“Sound Check”
The analog tone is very useful and important to easily and reliably determine the number of buried subjects: Counting the number of beep sound sequences gives the number of buried subjects. Use this “sound check” to easily and reliably determine the number of buried subjects, between 1 and 3+.

  1. Is it possible that I hear only one buried subject?
    No: at least 2.

  2. Is it possible that these are only two buried subjects?
    No: at least 3

  3. Only for advanced rescuers:
    Is it possible that these are only three buried subjects?
    No: More than 3.
    The number of buried subjects needs to be interpreted in conjunction with the distance indication/sensitivity level.
    Example: You hear three beeps and the distance reading shows 3.0. Therefore, three buried subjects can be expected within a radius of approx. 4.5 m (indicated distance + ~50%). Always apply the “Sound Check” at the distance indication of 10 and 3.0!

Mental Map of the Burial Situation
The “Sound Check” provides the required information to build up the “mental map” of the burial scenario, which is critical base information for determining the best search strategy. Knowing the number of buried subjects within a given distance from myself (rescuer) and from each other allows the rescuer to determine when an alternative search strategy is required due to signal overlap or other difficulties, versus when the standard search mode can continue to be used.

Vital Data and Triage
If not enough rescuers are available to simultaneously search and excavate all buried subjects, buried subjects with increased survival chances, indicated by the – symbol should be searched and excavated with first priority.

Use the -key, to purposely select in the list of buried subjects one which indicates “increased survival chances” by showing the symbol. You can find more information on triage criteria and vital data in „Triage Criteria and Vital Data“. The actual prioritization of certain buried subjects over others is up to the rescuer.

Search With Multiple Rescuers
When the search is conducted with multiple rescuers searching at the same time, avoid searching for the same buried subject as another rescuer. Use the scrollbar, to choose in the list of buried subjects which buried subject you are searching for.

Situation 1: Two rescuers receive two buried subjects.
One rescuer continues the search for the buried subject closest to him, the other rescuer should directly search for the second buried subject, without having to mark the first one. Therefore he presses the key, the second buried subject which is slightly further apart is now highlighted in the list and the rescuer will be led to its position.

Situation 2: The two rescuers only receive one buried subject.
One rescuer continues the search for the buried subject closest to him, the other rescuer should search the remaining of avalanche for more buried subjects. Thus he presses the key, the selection mark is now on -signal search. The signals of the buried subjects who are already in the list of buried subjects are now purposely ignored.
The device is now searching for buried subjects who are not yet in the list of buried subjects and leads the rescuer to those as soon as they are recognized.

Limitations
The larger the number of buried subjects, the more difficult and time- consuming the exact analysis of the situation gets, because of overlapping signals. The more signals there are, the longer the signal overlaps can last. Single antenna transceivers whose technology is more than 25 years old, usually transmit very long-lasting signals. Long-lasting signals considerably increase the probability of long-lasting signal overlaps. The capability to automatically detect and isolate signals from multiple buried subjects is therefore limited.

If your Barryvox® detects an increase in complexity in the search, it reduces the signal search strip width. Reducing the search strip width often lowers the complexity as the device only takes a smaller range and thus a smaller number of buried subjects into account. When fewer transmit signals of fewer buried subjects need to be processed at once, they may be found more efficiently and reliably. While the search strip width is reduced, the list of buried subjects contains only the buried subjects within the reduced range.

Number of Burials
With Pro Search “ON” the calculated number of burials is displayed below the list of buried subjects (to activate Pro Search: see „Pro Search“).

Symbol
The Symbol indicates that an additional signal is received that cannot be fully isolated and entered in the list of buried subjects yet. Such a buried subject may be searched, but it is not possible to mark it as found until it is fully recognized. Once the transmit pattern of the buried subject is fully recognized, it will be shown with the symbol in the list. The symbol is only indicated when the setting “Pro Search” is turned ON, otherwise, these buried subjects are shown by the regular symbol.

Analog Tone
With the setting “Audio guidance” set to “Analog“, the Barryvox® S always provides the analog tone allowing the rescuer to verify the number of signals received by the device. Counting the number of different tones provides the number of buried subjects.

Use Analog Tone in Circumstances of Interference
Analog tone allows you to reliably differentiate between “false positives” and “real signals”, which is particularly important if you are searching in heavily disturbed areas such as ski resorts or when you are searching with a radio or other electronic equipment turned on in parallel. When the transceiver indicates only distance and direction, but no analog tone is audible, filter out the information as “false positive”. In cases of severe interference, i.e. power lines in close proximity, use an alternative search mode and reduce search strip width.

Criteria to Switch to Alternative Search Mode
If the rescuer detects problems with the digital analysis of multiple burial situations, he or she can always switch to the alternative search mode (see „Alternative Search Mode“). The list of buried subjects is deleted at this time. If you recognize a discrepancy between your “mental map” of the avalanche and the indications on the transceiver, this is an unquestionable indication that not all buried subjects can be located using the standard mode. In this case, it is advised to switch to the alternative search mode, which is optimized for search strategies such as the micro search strips, the micro box or the 3-circle method.
Furthermore, use an alternative search mode to search in heavily disturbed areas (interference) when problems occur.

Alternative Search Mode
In the alternative search mode, the transceiver shows a distance and direction to the subject with the strongest signal and provides an analog tone. The alternative search mode is mostly used when a clear separation of multiple burials is no longer possible in the digital standard mode. Switching from standard mode to alternative search mode is achieved by scrolling to the magnifying glass symbol and selecting “Alternative”.
Leave the alternative search mode by pressing the -key.

Multiple Buried Subjects in Alternative Search Mode
If multiple burials are detected in alternative search mode, an icon symbolizing multiple burials is shown on the display . Additionally, you can also hear the analog tones.  These are helpful in distinguishing the signals acoustically. The device favors the closest subject.

The detection of multiple burials may vary based on the subject’s orientation and distance relative to the rescuer. Turn off the transceivers of the excavated subjects to facilitate
further search. If you don’t know the number of buried subjects, you must search the entire avalanche path using the search patterns described in „Signal Search“.

Search Tactics with Multiple, Widely Scattered Burials

  1. Mark the location on the avalanche where the «multiple burial» icon appeared on the display or where you left the signal search pattern.
  2. Search for the first buried subject using the information on the display along with the analog tones. Once this subject is located, you or other rescuers should dig him or her out immediately.
  3. Continue to search for other buried subjects by returning to the previously marked point.
  4. Strictly adhere to the signal search pattern and continue down the avalanche path until you are led to the next subject. Initially, the transceiver will want to take you to the previously located subject, because he or she is still the closest. Ignore these indicators until you notice that the transceiver is pursuing a new subject.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 80

Search tactics with multiple, widely scattered burials in the alternative search mode

Search Tactics with Multiple Burials in Close Proximity
The interpretation of the acoustic signals is extremely important in this situation. These must be interpreted in connection with the distance readings.
Example: You hear three beeps and the distance reading indicates 3.0. Therefore, the closest buried subject is maxed 3m away from you, and the second and the third buried subject are maxed 3.0 +~50%, thus approx. 4.5m away from you.

Search Using Micro Search Strips
If you have multiple burials within an indicated distance of 10 or less, search using micro search strips.

  1. Locate the first buried subject.
  2. Back up until the display shows 10 and searches the area in front of you in parallel search strips.
  3. As soon as the distance indication reads 10, you have reached the side of the search strip. Advance 2 to 5 meters and return on the next parallel search strip until this search strip ends as well (distance indication > 10).
  4. Maintain the orientation of the transceiver during this phase and concentrate on the increase or decrease of the distance indication as well as the volume of the analog tones.
  5. At each point with the lowest distance reading, you leave the micro search strip pattern to fine-search the buried subject through bracketing. At a low point of distance indication on a micro search strip, always check by bracketing behind and in front of you for further buried subjects. As burial depth is unknown, every low point in distance indication must be checked! Once the subject is located, you return to the location where you left off in order to continue the pattern.
  6. The more buried subjects there are and the closer these are, the tighter the micro search strip grid on the potential search area should be. As a rule of thumb, the search strip width should be between 2 and 5 meters.
  7. Continue the pattern, until the distance reading in an entire strip never drops below 10. Then revert to the signal search pattern and search the rest of the avalanche. As long as the signals of the buried subjects you have just found in the micro search strips are audible, only apply 50% of the regular signal search strip width. Exit alternative search mode and use full search strip width when those signals have faded out by distance.

The avalanche probe is very helpful in locating multiple buried subjects in close proximity.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 81

Search tactics with multiple burials in close proximity in alternative search mode

Micro Box
The Micro-Box method is used when there is more than one buried subject within a fine search range. In these very close proximity cases, the micro search strips (or the 3-circle method) may not provide a sufficient resolution to reliably separate and thus detect all of the closely buried subjects. Apply the micro-box when more than one sound is audible at the sound check at a distance of 3.0. Find the point of lowest distance indication of the closest buried subject and visually mark that spot. Then, slowly back up holding the device as close to the surface as possible until the second tone can be heard – this is the range at which to conduct the box search. Holding the transceiver in exactly the same orientation and onto the snow surface, walk a square (box) around the marked spot (center) maintaining that range, until the distance indication changes to show the signal has jumped to the second transmitter. From there the second subject is located using a traditional bracketing method. In case there is no second low point of distance indication on the box, the second buried subject might be below the first. Probe the surface of the micro box with full probe length.

Further Search Methods
There are further methods to search for multiple buried subjects in close proximity. The 3-circle method uses concentric, circular search strips with radiuses of three, six, and nine meters around the first located subject. As with the micro search strips, the locations with the strongest signal strength are of interest. From there the subjects are located using a traditional bracketing method.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 83

Manual Volume Control in Alternative Search Mode
The user can manually change the sensitivity by pressing the up key for + and the down key for –. M1 represents the shortest, and M9 the greatest distance to the buried subject.
As soon as the volume is set manually, the volume bars are shown in solid black color. Press the button to return to automatic volume control. If the volume is set too high or too low, the distance and direction indications become unreliable. The distance indication blinks and a double arrow symbol ( ) prompts the user to adjust the volume.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Problem Solving
The transceiver doesn’t turn on No self-test at startup

  1. Check and replace batteries.
  2. If this doesn’t help, have the device checked by the manufacturer.

Alert Messages
Batteries are weak! Battery capacity is unknown!
The batteries must be replaced as soon as possible. Refer to the instruction in „Batteries“ and „Battery Test and Battery Level Indicator“.

457 SEND failure!
SEND LED doesn’t blink

  1. This alert message is usually triggered by external interference. Make sure that no metal objects or electronic devices are close to the transmitter.
  2. Check and replace batteries.
  3. Turn the transceiver off and turn it back on after it has properly shut down.
  4. If this does t help, have the device checked by the manufacturer.

457 SEARCH failure!

  1. Make sure that no metal objects or electronic devices are close to the transmitter.
  2. Turn the transceiver off and turn it back on after it has properly shut down.
  3. If this does t help, have the device checked by the manufacturer. In case of emergency, try to search anyway, but with reduced search strip width.

Sensor failure!

  1. Turn the transceiver off and turn it back on after it has properly shut down.
  2. If this does t help, have the device checked by the manufacturer.

Use in the Dark
If you use the transceiver in the dark, the display is automatically backlit.

Maintenance and Repair
Barryvox® transceivers, which do not function correctly, despite full and properly inserted batteries (e.g. no signal during the group check, mechanical defects) must be sent to a service center listed at the beginning of this manual.

Maintenance
In the maintenance tab, accessed by pushing the button when shutting down the transceiver, the date of the next check as well as the software (SW) and hardware (HW) version is displayed.

Use in combination with the Barryvox® Maintenance Software
The Barryvox® Maintenance Software allows one to efficiently manage, configure and maintain transceiver fleets with a computer. The Barryvox® S automatically connects to a  service device (Barryvox® tester, W-Link Adapter/Stick) within the w-link range (approx. 50m). In service mode, the serial number is shown on the screen. While in service mode, the SEND mode is deactivated and the red SEND-control LED is double flashing.

Periodic check by a Barryvox® Service Center To check the proper function of the device it is highly recommended that the device be sent to a Barryvox® service center every 3 years, or when reaching 3000 hours of operation or have it checked by a Barryvox® service point (service charge will apply). The functional test is much more comprehensive and precise than the self and group check. As part of this service, the electronics and the mechanical components such as the case, the main switch and the lateral key, the battery contacts, the battery compartment, and cover as well as the wrist strap will be checked. In case the check shows abnormal wear and tear due to incorrect or long, very intense use, the service center may recommend that you replace the device. We recommend that you have your device checked during the summer months so that your Barryvox® is tested and ready to use at the start of the next winter season. In the “Maintenance” tab which you may access when shutting down the transceiver, you can see when the next check is due.

Warranty
There is a 2-year warranty on the Barryvox® transceiver (excluding the batteries, the carrying system, and the leash) from the date of purchase shown on the purchase receipt. If you register your device on www.Barryvox.com by completely filling in the required information, the existing warranty duration, starting from the date of purchase shown on the purchase receipt, will be prolonged by an additional 3 years of warranty. In case of a warranty claim, all parts that can be shown to have material or production defects will be replaced free of charge. Damage that can be traced to incorrect handling or normal wear and tear is excluded. The warranty is voided if the buyer or any non-authorized third
party opens the device. This is also the case for devices that have been used with spare parts or accessories which are not original and are not recommended by the manufacturer. A fee will be charged for the diagnostic test of a transceiver not need any repair. Warranty repairs do not extend the duration of the warranty. There is a six-month warranty on replaced spare parts. Warranty repairs will only be conducted if the device is sent in along with the receipt.
The owner will be charged for the shipping. No other warranty shall exist. Any liability for any kind of loss or damage including but not limited to any direct, indirect, or consequential damage is explicitly excluded.

Technical Data

Device: Digital analog device with 3 antennas.
Transmit frequency
Transceiver: 457 kHz (International Standard).
W-Link Region A: 869.85MHz (Europe)
W-Link Region B: 915 … 926 MHz (North America)
Field strength / Transmitting power
Transceiver: max. 7 dBμA/m (2,23 μA/m) at a distance of 10 m
W-Link Region A: max. 5mW / E.R.P.
W-Link Region B: max. 5mW / E.R.P.
Power supply:
3 x LR03 1.5 V Alkaline (AAA) or 3 x LR92 1.5 V Lithium (AAA).
Battery life with alkaline:
typical 300 h SEND, min 200 h in SEND mode
followed by 1 h in SEARCH mode.
Battery life with lithium:
typical 400 h SEND, min 200 h in SEND mode followed by 1 h in SEARCH mode.

Maximum range:
up to 70 m in standard search mode.
Search strip width:
70 m in standard search mode,
100 m in extended range search mode.
Operating temperature range : –25° to +45° C.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 115 x 67 x 27 mm.
Weight: 210 g (incl. batteries).

Disposal Information
At the end of its lifetime, this product may not be disposed of with regular waste. It must be recycled by a specialized facility for recycling electronic devices.

All information is provided without liability.
Status July 2020.
Technical data and specifications are subject to change without notice.
© Copyright by Mammut Sports Group AG
All rights reserved. Text, text excerpts, images, and diagrams are all subject to copyright. No part may be reproduced or copied without written permission from the publisher. For further use and publications for educational purposes, please contact Mammut Sports Group AG. Mammut and Barryvox® have registered trademarks of the Mammut Sports Group AG. All rights reserved.

COMPANION RESCUE

Companion rescue means that buried subjects are located and excavated by members of their party immediately after the avalanche slide. Avalanche rescue is a race against time!
While most buried subjects can be rescued within the first 18 minutes, the chances of survival decrease rapidly afterward. Companion rescue, therefore, provides the greatest chances of survival for a buried subject.

If an Avalanche Occurs
As a Victim:

  • Escape to the side
  • Discard skis, snowboards, and poles
  • anchor effect
  • Try to stay on top
  • Close your mouth; place your hands in front of your face
  • clear airway when the avalanche stops

Separate instructions apply for the use of specialized safety equipment, such as the highly efficient avalanche airbag.

As a Witness:

  • Memorize the last seen point as well as the direction of the avalanche
  • signal search strip (See „Signal Search“).

Personal Rescue Equipment
Carrying the proper personal safety equipment is critical for effective companion rescue. A transceiver, a shovel, and a probe pole are necessary to localize and excavate a buried subject quickly and efficiently. Mammut offers a variety of suitable probe poles and shovels. The use of an airbag system (flotation device) significantly reduces the risk of complete burial and therefore leads to considerably higher survival chances.

The use of the transceiver precedes the use of the probe pole and the use of the probe pole precedes the use of the shovel. Carrying a radio or a mobile phone to call for help is highly recommended.

Emergency Plan
CALL FOR HELP

  1. Scene assessment

  2. If possible, use the snow sports equipment until you reach a fine search.
    Keep your backpack with gear with you at all times.

  3. I am searching with my transceiver: SEARCH
    I am not searching: Rescue-SEND

  4. At least one rescuer immediately starts the transceiver SEARCH, while looking and listening at the same time

  5. Assemble the probe and shovel only when the fine search is concluded

  6. Transceiver search finished: all transceivers to SEND

  7. Excavate – First Aid

The emergency plan shows the elementary steps for successful companion rescue.
Depending on the situation at hand, the procedure must be adapted.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 89

Triage Criteria and Vital Data
Triage
With limited resources (few rescuers) it is not possible to locate and dig out all the buried subjects at the same time. The question arises in which order the buried subjects shall be rescued. Subjects with higher chances of survival should be located and dug out first. Besides simple terrain factors, e.g. drop over a cliff, in seracs or crevasses, collision with trees etc., the burial depth and vital data are important triage criteria.

Vital Data Detection
The Barryvox® S contains highly sensitive sensors (g-sensor) that can detect slight motion of the body, such as a pumping heart or breathing lungs. Any motion within a certain time is interpreted as vital data. The buried subject with a heart icon indicates a high chance of survival. It can be assumed that buried subjects, which have survived the first 35 min, are still able to breathe (air pocket), and therefore have increased chances of survival. At the same time, the detectability of vital data decreases due to hypothermia. Therefore, buried subjects who have transmitted vital data for the first 35 min are considered to belong to the category with high chance of survival for the rest of their burial duration. All the buried subjects, whose transceivers are technically not capable of detecting vital data or cannot detect any for whatever reason, belong to the category of unknown chances of survival.
If you carry the transceiver in a trouser pocket, the detection of vital data is not possible due to the almost non-existent movements.
The data are displayed on the buried subject’s transceiver and also sent across the W-Link radio connection to the transceivers of the rescuers. Based on the list of buried subjects, the rescuer decides in which order he or she will locate and dig them out. Using vital data as a triage criterion shortens the burial duration for those subjects having higher chances of survival This improves the overall rescue efficiency.

The vital data do not provide an assessment of the health of the buried subject. They do not substitute an assessment by medically trained personnel (physicians).
Only rescuers using a transceiver with a W-Link radio connection are able to receive vital data.
The range of the W-Link depends on terrain and body interference, on the physical characteristics of the avalanche debris as well as on the orientation and distance to the buried subject. The range of the W-Link is therefore limited.

Burial and Vital Duration
In case of a burial, the transceiver records the burial duration and detects vital data. The Barryvox® S automatically displays the burial duration as soon as the transceiver stops being moved.

The burial duration is displayed in hours and minutes along with the time during which vital data was detected. The display of the burial duration is also activated if the Barryvox® S stops moving outside of an avalanche.
By pressing any key in the SEND mode, you can see at any time the current burial data of the buried subject. In case the device of the buried subject has been immediately switched off when it has been found, or the patient has been moved (i.e. transported) over a longer period of time, you can recall the burial data of the four last resting periods of the transceiver by scrolling down with the lateral key and opening the burial data overview.

The resting periods are in chronologic order:

**** The current recent resting period
 last resting period
 second last resting period
 third last resting period
 oldest resting period

No Probe Hit
If the buried subject cannot be found by the probe, place the probe at approx. 1.5 meters above the point with the lowest distance indication. While digging, enough space is now made available to allow a further fine and pinpoint search within the excavation site.
For further information concerning the search and excavation of deep burials, please consult publications on “Fine Search in a Circle”.

Excavating the Buried Subject
The first rescuer positions him/herself directly at the probe. The first two rescuers position themselves at a distance of one shovel length, all other rescuers are two shovel lengths apart from each other.
The rescuer at the tip of the conveyor belt digs directly following the probe to the buried subject, thus avoiding any chance to miss it.

  • BarryTip: in hard snow, cut blocks with the shovel.
    In case of multiple burials, switch off the transceiver of the buried subjects as soon as possible.

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 92

DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY

USA/Canada/New Zealand/Australia
In this region the Barryvox®
W-Link operates in the 915MHz band.
Type / Model: Barryvox® S 7600.0033
IC: 8038A-BARRYVOXS
FCC ID: ARN-BARRYVOX-S

Canada: IC Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference and 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that causes undesired operation of the device

USA: FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residual installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, 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 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 of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
  • Connect the equipment to 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
  • To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including in- interference that may cause undesired operation.

In this region the Barryvox®
W-Link operates in the 868MHz band.
Type / Model: Barryvox® S 7600.0032 (W-Link enabled)
Barryvox® S 7600.0034 (W-Link disabled)

For additional information concerning the «EU Declaration of Conformity», please visit: www.mammut.com/BarryvoxManual

Europe – EU Declaration of Conformity

Hereby, Mammut Sports Group AG declares that the radio equipment type Barryvox® S is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: www.mammut.ch/BarryvoxManual

MAMMUT Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver - Fig 93

BarryHeart 3.4 07/2020
mammut.com

North America:
Mammut Sports Group Inc.
458 Hurricane Lane
Williston, US-VT05495
Phone +1 800 451 5127
info@mammutusa.com| Europe:
Mammut Sports Group GmbH
Mammut Basecamp 1
DE-87787 Wolfertschwenden
Phone +49 (0)8334 3620 0
germany@mammut.com| Switzerland (Head Office):
Mammut Sports Group AG
Birren 5
CH-5703 Seon
Phone +41 (0)62 769 81 81
info@mammut.com
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References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

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