used beacon: yay or nay

**Jonathan S.** · 10-21-2012, 09:17 AM

http://www.wildsnow.com/6031/older-beacon-test-how-to/

Sent from my ADR6300 using TGR Forums

**nickinbc** · 10-21-2012, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by 1000-oaks

The ceramic is likely just an insulator to keep the windings in place (so they have something to wrap the wire around), so a few cracks probably wouldn't hurt anything as long as the wires stay intact and in position.

The ceramic is a ferrite rod and is needed intact for the antenna to work properly. It will probably still pick up a signal with a broken ferrite rod, but the range could be badly affected (both transmit and receive). If it is broken it NEEDS a service.

**PNWbrit** · 10-21-2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by nickinbc

The ceramic is a ferrite rod and is needed intact for the antenna to work properly. It will probably still pick up a signal with a broken ferrite rod, but the range could be badly affected (both transmit and receive).

^ This.

Never trust a dropped beacon unless you've followed Jonathan's testing protocol. Or sent it back for manufacturer to test on the oscilloscope for a bill of good health.

**1000-oaks** · 10-21-2012, 04:32 PM

Deleted my post, clearly I have no idea about how the antennas work in these things.

**LHutz Esq** · 10-24-2012, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by XXX-er

In order for someone to buy a 10 yr old beacon someone has to sell a 10 r old beacon so who has sold off their 10yr old beacon isn't that like selling crack or used underwear should it not be frowned upon by the BC community,

along with outdated ski bindings shouldn't used beacons be refused at ski swaps ?

I kept my F1 for practise/spare/loaner it will never be for sale and while I do loan it from time to time, the borrower gets the "buy digital" sermon when they pick it up

I have an old anolog that I loan out - but more accurately if I am going with, I loan out my brand spankin new one and I carry the oldy.
My thought here is that - I can actually find people with the analog (not as fast as the digital) but I will find them and more importantly if I am buried I want my partners to have the best tech they can get.

Usually after we do a little practice run with the two units, the loanee can't wait to purchase a brand new one as they know exactly how much longer it will take me to find them with the analog.

I also think that if you wish to cheap out on a beacon - your buddies should have the right to trade you as it is their life you are putting at risk as much if not more than your own.