Links		Antennas	3
Retail Price	$499.00	Dimensions	123 x 79 x 30 mm, 360 grams
		Type	Analog and Digital
Steve's Score		Indication	LCD Screen

Overview: The Ortovox S1 is unlike other avalanche transceivers on two fronts. First, it has a flip-phone design where you flip the transceiver open to initiate search mode. Second, the S1 displays multiple burials on a computer-like display which is analogous to seeing the victims on a map. You line-up one of the victims on the screen and walk toward him, rather than following a traditional directional indicator that points to the victim. As you move toward the first victim, you can see other victims pass you on the sides. It is a matter of personal preference if you prefer this design or the more traditional follow-the-blinking-light (or arrow) approach.

A Plus version of the S1 was released in late-2011 (i.e., "S1+"). Changes to the S1+ include:

• The S1+ includes the "smart antenna" technology that was first introduced in the Ortovox 3+. This can improve the ability of other transceivers to locate the S1+. The addition of the smart antenna resulted in a slightly longer "y-axis" antenna which should, theoretically, allow for a slightly wider search strip width than the basic S1.
• The number of batteries was reduced from 3 to 2. Ortovox tells me that the removal of the battery resulted in a longer reception range (due to a reduction of interference).
• The device has a rubberized coating that makes it easier to hold with gloves.
• The S1+ uses an accelerometer, rather than a compass, to sense subtle changes in direction while searching.
• The S1+ does not include a thermometer or navigation compass.
• The S1+ cannot be switched to analog.
• The menus have been redesigned to have fewer icons and be more intuitive. (You can upgrade your S1 to simplify the menus.)
• The S1+ includes a new "deep burial" mode. (You can upgrade your S1 to have this feature.)

The remainder of this review was written for the standard S1 avalanche transceiver. These core features remain very similar between the S1 and the S1+.

Signal Search

Searching: To switch into search mode, you press a button and flip open the Star-Trek-like lid. During the signal search (when you are seeking an initial signal), a little man is shown walking a zigzag path on the screen. This is a good reminder of what you should be doing, although someone completely unfamiliar with the S1 might take the image literally and think they should turn right, or left, when the little man does. The S1 and S1+ have a recommended search strip width of 50 meters.

A supine man is displayed on the screen when you receive a signal. You then perform the coarse search by turning the transceiver until the vertical line that is displayed on the screen is on top of the man. The S1 (and the Pulse) uses an internal compass to help sense when you turn.

Tilt		Warning

If you do not hold the transceiver level while searching, a "tilt" symbol is displayed indicating that you should hold the unit level. Likewise, a triangular "warning" icon is displayed if you should stop moving while the S1 processes information.

When you are within approximately 3 meters of the victim, a "patented circular illustration" is displayed (see below) to complete the fine search. The illustration uses a combination of highlighted circles and four arrows to indicate if you are moving closer to, or away from, the victim. I found this reasonably intuitive, although I tend to focus on the distance number which is very responsive. (An update on 10/2011 enables you to activate this mode sooner for deeper burials.)

"Circular Illustration" During Fine Search

The audio feedback on the S1 increases the cadence of the beep as you near the victim (as do the Barryvox 3000, Ortovox X1, Ortovox Patroller, Ortovox D3, Ortovox 3+, and the Pieps). The ARVA, Mammuts and Trackers increase the cadence and pitch which is a little more intuitive.

"If the S1 again has to determine the initial signal, the instruction to pivot the S1 appears on the display."

Likewise, sometimes the little man will jump from the line in front of me to the horizontal line at the base of the screen (which means the victim is behind you). I've been told that when the man jumps below the horizontal line, you should either keep walking to see if the numbers increase or decrease, or turn around and follow the man (which should now be in front of you) to see if the distance numbers increase or decrease.

Multiple Victims

Multiple Burials: The S1's ability to display the victim on a map is truly unique. As shown in the illustration to the right, up to three victims can be displayed simultaneously with the distances to each. This is a cool display, although during an actual search, the rescuer is focused on the closest victim and doesn't really need to see the other victims.

During my testing, the S1's ability to suppress a victim during a multiple burial was excellent. You press a button to suppress the current beacon and advance to the next beacon. The S1 (as with the Pulse) also allows you to unmark a previously marked beacon. Read the details here.

Spikes: In my testing, the S1 was good at dealing with spikes.

Controls: You power-on the S1 with the twist of a dial. To change to search mode, you press a release button and flip the lid open.

The S1 makes extensive use of icon-based menus. A few icons, like the one shown to the right, were difficult for me to interpret without referring to the user's manual.

You navigate through the S1's menus using two buttons. The bottom button moves through the menu icons and the top button selects the highlighted icon. You can use the pixel-based screen to display a compass, check battery levels, display version information, display an inclinometer, etc. Whether you find the menus and added features helpful or prefer the simplicity of the 3+, Pieps or Trackers is a matter of personal preference.

On startup (or after changing batteries), you are prompted to calibrate the compass. Via icons, you are prompted to rotate the transceiver, flip it over, and flip it right-side-up. The process is relatively easy, but not intuitive (i.e., when you flip over the transceiver, the screen is no longer displayed to give instructions).

Comfort: The S1's pouch-style harness is outstanding. The shoulder strap is actually labeled "shoulder" to help you sort out the inevitable harness tangle, and the waist strap is non-elastic (my preference, as I dislike the constrictive feeling of elastic around my torso).

At 360 grams, the S1 is 13% heavier than the Pulse, 10% heavier than the Tracker2, and the same weight as the Pieps DSP. (Much of the variations in weight comes from the harnesses.)

Other

Revert to Send: The S1 will automatically revert to transmit if there is no motion for 90 seconds. This feature can be disabled or set to 30, 60, or 120 seconds. Quick Test Group Check Mode: S1 has a group check mode (Ortovox calls it a "quick test") which also confirms the transmission frequency, transmission period, and period length. Compass: The built-in compass works well, although it does not allow you to set declination. The compass is not available in the S1+. Inclinometer Inclinometer: Selecting the inclinometer from the menus displays the angle of the S1's top lid. You can use this to measure the angle of a slope for avalanche evaluation. The inclinometer was designed to be read while the unit is resting on the snow. Unfortunately, you cannot sight along the bottom lid while reading the slope (e.g., to measure the slope of an entire hillside). You can, however, sight along the top lid, press the OK button to lock the display, and then read the slope angle. Settings Settings: Using the menus, you can change the volume, the amount of time before reverting to send, and the screen contrast. Updates: The S1 has an infrared interface that allows the firmware to be updated. Learn more about updating the S1.

Summary: The S1 has an innovative interface, a good range, good multiple burial features, and handles spikes. Some people may find the menus confusing during an actual avalanche search while others will appreciate the added control they provide.