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Ortovox S1
Links		Antennas	3
Retail Price	$499.00	Dimensions	123 x 80 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 screen 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 using 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.

Primary Search

Searching: To switch into search mode, you press a button and flip open the Star-Trek-like lid. During the primary 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 when the little man does. The S1's recommended search width is 50 meters.

Secondary

A supine man is displayed on the screen when you receive a signal. You then perform the secondary search by turning 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 pinpoint 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 prefer to focus on the distance number which was very responsive.

 

 

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, and Pieps). The ARVA, Pulse 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."

I occasionally see an oddity during the primary search where if I am near the limits of the S1's range when I first receive a signal, and I am pointed 90-degrees to the victim (i.e., not getting closer to the victim as I walk), the S1 will continue to point me straight ahead until I eventually lose the signal. When this occurs, the transceiver prompts me to swing the transceiver from side-to-side (see the illustration to the right) in an effort to relocate the signal. I'd prefer it if the S1 would shorten its range and make sure that when it does display a direction indicator it is locked on solidly. This problem was more pronounced in earlier versions of the S1 firmware and was improved, but not eliminated, in version 2.1. I strongly encourage you to upgrade.

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 turn the S1 on with the twist of a dial. To change to search mode, you press a button and flip the lid open.

	Icon Based User Interface

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 reopening 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 Pieps and 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:

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.