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 Cell
phones and electrical devices can interfere with avalanche transceivers. This page contains preliminary advice based on informal testing and the manufactures' instructions. Do not
rely on this information--read your user manual.
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Electronic devices (cell phones, radios, headlamps, MP3 players, etc.) can effect transceivers. The electronic devices affect the
searching beacon more than the transmitting beacon.
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In search mode, irregular readings and decreased range can also be caused by other sources of electrical interference, such as
power lines, lightning, and electrical generating equipment. Ortovox also mentions ski lifts.
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It is preferable to turn off your electronics when transmitting. If it is not practical to turn them off, always keep them
at least a few inches away from your transceiver. Metal objects should also be kept away from your transmitting beacon (e.g., pocket knifes, additional transceivers, etc).
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When searching, the electronics and metal objects should be further away from your transceiver. Tracker says at least 15 cm (6
inches), Ortovox says least 30 cm (12 inches), and Barryvox says at least 50 cm (20 inches). My informal testing leads me to feel that Ortovox's 30 cm (12 inches) is a
reasonable minimum. Of course, it is best if you turn the devices off (which is what most manufactures suggest), but turning off radios and cell phones
during a search is not always realistic.
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Remember that a cell phone that is not being used still transmits a signal to the cell service periodically (I have heard that this
occurs every 3 to 15 minutes).
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Some transceivers use a magnetic compass while searching (e.g.,
Barryvox Pulse and Ortovox S1). It is especially important that you keep magnetic items away from these
transceivers while searching. Be especially wary of magnetic buttons on jackets.
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Some transceivers use a magnetic on/off switch. It is possible, although not easy, to turn these transceivers off with a magnet.
This is another reason to avoid jackets with magnetic buttons.
Jonathan Shefftz did informal testing of interference in his review of the Ortovox S1, Pulse Barryvox, and Pieps DSP.
If you have additional information or articles regarding interference with avalanche transceivers,
please send it to me.
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Pulse Barryvox
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Pieps DSP
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