Does anyone know about this?
Does anyone have it?
Does it work?
How much does it cost?
Tech talk, bitch?
Printable View
Does anyone know about this?
Does anyone have it?
Does it work?
How much does it cost?
Tech talk, bitch?
More popular in Euro resorts. Uses different receivers than pieps do, I believe. What happens if your buddy (truth?) gets slid in an avie and you don't? You gonna use your little Recco wafer as a probe to find him?
Smacks of "false sense of security," says this cynic.
yesQuote:
Originally posted by iceman
Does anyone know about this?
Does anyone have it?
Does it work?
How much does it cost?
Tech talk, bitch?
yes
yes
$24.95
http://www.reccona.com/
yes
phunk has some good points there, it is on the small dinky piece of metal side so when I went out in bc I just used a different reciever, it is only 25 bucks though so its kinda hard to go wrong
They use it to find bodies. That's about it. Seriously, it's just a chip imbedded in your jacket. It requires the patrol to come out with a big radar thingie to find you. It won't save your life. Unless you get in an avalanche right next to the patrol shack.
Ya. Seems like they would only be good close to a patrol shack. My boots have them and they put them in our work coats.
yup.
what ripzalot said.
recco "chip" is a small metal foil piece plastered to your pants or some other object that you dont loose (well, propably..) in an avalance.
it´s passive and the system recuires a "active" transmitter/reciever unit,
thats about pigsized,pigweighting unit. so it practilally "bings" the reflector
and aquires your position that way.
benefits of this system is that you can plaster theese reflectors to,lets say, rental boots. and when günther the gaper skis after your track and gets into an avalanche, there is at least some marginal chance to find him before the spring..
and other benefit is that in many parts of the alps (swizerland,frace,austria)
the recco has been attached to helicopters too. so a low flying helicopter
can try to pick up a initial signal if they are called upon a large avalanche,
where the might be some victims. it MAYBE can reduce the search time by few minutes.
the downsize of the system is that the portable units are very large and cumbersome, they are not that widely used, and well. its more of a curiosity.
just some places in the alps and sweden/norway use them.
but, having a reflector sewn up in your panthyhose doesnt weight that much,
so there no harm in having one.
unless you decide to take a leap of faith into some scechy slope thinking,
"now i have two avalanch blingbling systems..."
Ice,
It comes in most high end jackets now.
Cheap alternative to a beacon; however as others have indicated - unless Patrol is right there it most always means a body recovery as oppose to a rescue.
Alta has had it the last two years among other "top" resorts.
When I did all my AV training (up to Level III) they told us that if it is snowing over 1"/hr you might want to seriously think about wearing your transceiver and really practice the buddy system.
There are at least a half dozen days a year where I get reminded mildly that this is a good practice to get into. Better to always be safe on those days than get into that ONE time when the numbers catch up to you.
Thanks. I saw a sign at Solitude that they have it, and then I saw an ad for a jacket that had it built in. I was just wondering what the deal was.
The Recco system is the method by which the government, which as we all know, controls the weather, tracks Iceman in order to maintain proper precipitation in particular areas.
Its not the gouvernment, ITS THEM ! THEY control everything.Quote:
Originally posted by phUnk
The Recco system is the method by which the government, which as we all know, controls the weather, tracks Iceman in order to maintain proper precipitation in particular areas.
I don't understand how people can pick and choose the days they do or don't wear their transceiver. I mean, if its snowing or there is any new snow, why not wear it? I can't even tell I have mine on.
My buddies Session clothing has the Recco stuff sewn in on it, and the Mt. Baker patrol has a Recco receiver thingy somewhere.
Screw putting it in clothing. If they can put a light on a ski or attach bullet shells or studs, why not integrate the chip into a ski or binding and they'll be no more lost skis in deep snow. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people spend a whole day digging (in killer ski conditions) and end-up with nothing.
i thought i remember hearing last year somebody had this or was developing this...Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
Screw putting it in clothing. If they can put a light on a ski or attach bullet shells or studs, why not integrate the chip into a ski or binding and they'll be no more lost skis in deep snow. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people spend a whole day digging (in killer ski conditions) and end-up with nothing.
But, but, but,......could I still keep my 10 foot long neon green ribbons.Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
Screw putting it in clothing. If they can put a light on a ski or attach bullet shells or studs, why not integrate the chip into a ski or binding and they'll be no more lost skis in deep snow. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people spend a whole day digging (in killer ski conditions) and end-up with nothing.
Orotovox has had this for years; called the "mouse"Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
Screw putting it in clothing. If they can put a light on a ski or attach bullet shells or studs, why not integrate the chip into a ski or binding and they'll be no more lost skis in deep snow. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people spend a whole day digging (in killer ski conditions) and end-up with nothing.
Plus I don't think they'd want to put this Recco thing on skis in case you got buried and your ski was separated from you. They'd be digging up your skis while you stayed buried.
Not to be confused with the Ronco [Hair] Rescue System.
http://store.ronco.com/includes/images/glh200x224.jpg
http://store.ronco.com/shop/glh/
They could find them just as easily with a metal detector. No need for Recco wafers.Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
Screw putting it in clothing. If they can put a light on a ski or attach bullet shells or studs, why not integrate the chip into a ski or binding and they'll be no more lost skis in deep snow. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people spend a whole day digging (in killer ski conditions) and end-up with nothing.
Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
Screw putting it in clothing. If they can put a light on a ski or attach bullet shells or studs, why not integrate the chip into a ski or binding and they'll be no more lost skis in deep snow. I can't even count the number of times I've seen people spend a whole day digging (in killer ski conditions) and end-up with nothing.
well....ermm...and what happens when mr.meatdrink gets caught in an avalanche, his two skis depart from rest of his carcass, and the cavalry arrives, just in time to find a blue noodle with a robot drawning, with no passanger aboard?
erm. you loose minutes.
maybe.
Oh wow, deja vu.
ohdammit.
echo
cho
ho
o
But what if I've got a transceiver on my person and the recco thing on my boards? It sounds like anybody who has any desire to be found alive wouldn't bother with recco for anything more.
Just an idea. The metal detector is probably the best idea, but obviously there are times when the metal detector wouldn't be present (last year at the Valhallas) and something like this could save a ski.
I don't think you would ever consider just using one sysytem for each aspect of your gear, but if you used both it would make a lot of sense.
Recco doesn't work with avie pieps. They use an entirely different system.Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
But what if I've got a transceiver on my person and the recco thing on my boards? It sounds like anybody who has any desire to be found alive wouldn't bother with recco for anything more.
Just an idea. The metal detector is probably the best idea, but obviously there are times when the metal detector wouldn't be present (last year at the Valhallas) and something like this could save a ski.
I don't think you would ever consider just using one sysytem for each aspect of your gear, but if you used both it would make a lot of sense.
Totally agree. It's a body recovery system. Won't be anyone remotely close to most avies with one of those humungous units they use to find a signal. Any idiot that thinks they might actually be saved with a Recco is banking on a one-in-a-billion chance.Quote:
Originally posted by Ripzalot
They use it to find bodies. That's about it. Seriously, it's just a chip imbedded in your jacket. It requires the patrol to come out with a big radar thingie to find you. It won't save your life. Unless you get in an avalanche right next to the patrol shack.
Turn your binders up to manly, from girl-manly. Sloves your pre-ejecto problem, eh.Quote:
Originally posted by meatdrink9
But what if I've got a transceiver on my person and the recco thing on my boards? It sounds like anybody who has any desire to be found alive wouldn't bother with recco for anything more.
Just an idea. The metal detector is probably the best idea, but obviously there are times when the metal detector wouldn't be present (last year at the Valhallas) and something like this could save a ski.
I don't think you would ever consider just using one sysytem for each aspect of your gear, but if you used both it would make a lot of sense.
Also, beacons and the Recco are for rich kids, I do all my BC with 30 feet of rope trailing behind me.
Go back up and read what ripzalot wrote. that's all you really need to know.
I hear many european clothing manufacturers include them in the jacket. I think it is common to have them stuck into boots in europe too.
the reflectors are cheap, around 20, and recco supplies the portable radar to ski resorts for free.
I would NEVER bank my life on that system, unless I knew that my spotter had the radar turned on and ready to go. under those circumstances, however, I think recovery might be even better (since they also display burial depth).
don't be a dumbass. wear a 457.
Kirkwood has just one, it's at the top of caples crest chair. take a guess what the deployment time would be for a slide at the top of palisades.
I seriously hope you're joking. A good (the best!) beacon cost only about $300. Are you really THAT cheap? My life is worth way more than that. I even just bought myself an avalung (another $100 bucks) to buy me a few more precious recovery minutes. Considering an ABS pack too.Quote:
Originally posted by Greydon Clark
Also, beacons and the Recco are for rich kids, I do all my BC with 30 feet of rope trailing behind me. [/B]
There's no way he was joking about that, man.
Recco is a highly directional hand held microwave emitter that hits a specific recco diode or can work with any other electronics with appropriate diodes.Quote:
Originally posted by phUnk
They could find them just as easily with a metal detector. No need for Recco wafers.
The recco transmitter will work work at 100 yards.
A avvy beacon or a cellphone might only work at 20ft.
It's not just for body recovery. If you have a recco system, a chopper can find you with it simply shooting around.
Recco units are a lot smaller than a GOOD metal detector and a lot more likely to be sent in on the first team responding.
A lot of US resorts have them recco transceivers and the Summit County Rescue Group operates with it at times. Several Summit County resorts operate them.
Recco diodes will be installed in high end clothing, most helmets, and many ski boots starting next season.
Recco is no subsitute for a beacon.
Be assured that hte above will be corrected.
I've got both Recco and a transceiver. Not because I am paranoid but because as mentionned in Europe it's common to have the Recco reflectors embedded in clothes and mine are like that. I don't see why it would hurt and it'd be nice if manufacturers did that here too. I am sure that the wholesale cost is far less than $20. By the way if you buy some for yourself, you want one close to your boots and one close to your head.
drC
Yeah, I was joking, it's really 45 feet of chord, but I cut the straps off my poles so I'll float to the top of the slide.Quote:
Originally posted by Ripzalot
I seriously hope you're joking. A good (the best!) beacon cost only about $300. Are you really THAT cheap? My life is worth way more than that. I even just bought myself an avalung (another $100 bucks) to buy me a few more precious recovery minutes. Considering an ABS pack too.
Pretty funny my friend bought a Prada jacket and could not figure out what the piece of metal in the jacket was thought it was a security device returned it & the Store could not explain what it was (Needlesss Markups). Any way I could not stop laughing my ass off as I tried to explain to her what it was and the Recco's purpose,She then went on to ask me if I knew of anyway to get it out of her sleeve!!
Yes she is blond & I am sure I will get jonged but I am still Laughing about the whole subject that the Gapers had no clue and thought the jacket was defective!!!:rolleyes:
I will get Recco flavored clothing so the choppers can find me when they do their Random Recco Recon Runs. Or not.Quote:
Originally posted by SummitCo 1776
[B]Recco is a highly directional hand held microwave emitter that hits a specific recco diode or can work with any other electronics with appropriate diodes.
The recco transmitter will work work at 100 yards.
A avvy beacon or a cellphone might only work at 20ft.
It's not just for body recovery. If you have a recco system, a chopper can find you with it simply shooting around.
You'll also note that my post about a metal detector was specific to finding lost skis. Putting these magical Recco wafers on skis, on the other hand, brings us back to the "what will they dig out of the avie, your skis or you?" question.
Also, buy a better beacon. Preferably one with a range greater than 20 ft. :rolleyes:
Do the wafers placed in ski bounce the same signal that the ones in the coat do? or do they have a different frequency that gets bounced off?
I WROTE THE LAST POST IN HASTE
I was on my way out. here are some corrections:
The recco transmitter will work work at 100+ feet.
A avvy beacon or a cellphone might only work at 8ft.
END
Still once again:
Recco is no subsitute for a beacon.
I want to expand on this... by the time SAR comes looking, only about 13% survive (trying to remember that statistic from the powerpoint presentation). Companion or self rescue is what you should concentrate on. That is why it is no substitute for a beacon.
Recco is not *just* for body recovery, but a becaon is only a fancy corppse locator if your buddy doesn't have one too.
HOWEVER
As people have mentioned, implementation is still minimal in the US. Recco units are often given away free to resorts or rescue groups to speed the implementation by gear manufacturers of recco diodes. That is why many places have hte units. But, for example, Summit County Rescue Group currently does not deploy the recco units unless other search methods have failed due to the current rarity of recco diodes. We would much rather get a dog in there than a recco unit. This will probably change in the future as more things get recco diodes.
All points here are on the spot.Quote:
Originally posted by phUnk
I will get Recco flavored clothing so the choppers can find me when they do their Random Recco Recon Runs. Or not.
You'll also note that my post about a metal detector was specific to finding lost skis. Putting these magical Recco wafers on skis, on the other hand, brings us back to the "what will they dig out of the avie, your skis or you?" question.
Also, buy a better beacon. Preferably one with a range greater than 20 ft. :rolleyes:
Especially on the skis since they are prone to come off (and you should lose them if possible).
I personally didn't hear anything about recco wafers in skis at the seminar I was just at (Dale Atkins, CAIC, gave a cool presentation of avalanche rescue technology, i'll make a post on the conference in a bit).
I think maybe the ski thing is a rumor?
It only makes sense to put the diode/reflector in items that rarely come off: boots, jackets, helmets. It makes no sense to put them in skis, poles, or packs (on that note... FOR GODS SAKES DON'T EVER WEAR YOUR BEACON IN YOUR PACK (i know you know but people still do it anyways and packs get found in 5 minutes with nobody attatched, the corpse gets found two hours later with a probe line)
If recco can more or less eventually eliminate the need for probe lines, SAR types will be very happy. Probe lines suck balls.
On the metal detectors... those are used in search missions as well... so is ground penetrating radar.
As to the dog beacons, I think those transmit on a different frequency just like the old ortovox ski maus ski beacons. If not, good point.
Dr. Crash... how much was that recco gun unit?
Without having read anything of the above thread except the original question I`ll enter this from my experiences of working with french mountain security over the years.
Recco works really well in order to recover corpses! Seldom (though it does happen) are the rescue people at the scene with Recco gear fast enough to recover anyone alive. But when the Recco people show up the find people really fast and efficient. Therefore I have recco thingies on all my boots and on my transceiver straps; it`ll make it easier to recover me should anything serious happen. Mostly because I don`t fancy spending a lot of years being deepfrozen should I end up somewhere stupid, so it`s mostly as a sort on consolidation to tose around me. I wouldn`t expect the Recco thingies to ever save my life. But at 20usd a pair, why not have them?
FYI, the Recco Systems website address is:
www.reccona.com
Cheers,
Halsted
Recco was used to locate people in the last year in Europe.
I person was found at ~17ft by Recco reflecting off diodes in their cellphone.
Another person was found at less than 15ft by Recco reflecting off diodes in their digital camera.
SUMMIT COUNTY SKIERS: SUMMIT COUNTY RESCUE SOP NOW IS TO DEPLOY RECCO ASAP ON ALL AVALANCHE CALLS
So get something with a Recco reflector!
why? i normally have a cell phone AND a digital camera. i'm already double-covered. :cool:Quote:
Originally posted by SummitCo 1776
Recco was used to locate people in the last year in Europe.
I person was found at ~17ft by Recco reflecting off diodes in their cellphone.
Another person was found at less than 15ft by Recco reflecting off diodes in their digital camera.
SUMMIT COUNTY SKIERS: SUMMIT COUNTY RESCUE SOP NOW IS TO DEPLOY RECCO ASAP ON ALL AVALANCHE CALLS
So get something with a Recco reflector!
but hey, wait a minute! that means if i have them in my pack, and my pack gets separated from me in an avy (like you're supposed to do), you guys are going to be digging out my pack first. :eek:
Why? Because a Recco diode is detectable at TEN TIMES the range of the diodes in your diigital devices.
We would dig up whatever we hear...
Recco is another component of the search...
visual search, beacon search, scuff search, dog search, hasty probing, and oral search will be employed as always!
edited to add:
Your pack may be ulled off of you by the forces of the slide but...
YOU SHOULD NEVER DITCH YOUR PACK IN AN AVALACHE! EVER!
ALL OF YOUR GEAR IS IN THERE!
Shovel and probe to find your buddies incase you aren't fulyl burried...
medical, clothing, food, and water to sustain you until help arrives if you or your buddy are hurt. commo gear to summon help
The pack also provides spine protection!!!