I am new to this site and could not figure out how to actually enter an answer to someone else's specific question. Here is some feedback on the question of how the compass, inclinometer, and thermometer hep in rescue. I am addressing more the information about the first two. You need to know that the compass and inclinometer are not jut a few features thrown in for grins. The unit actually uses data provided by them along with the standard flux line info to locate the burials. In other words, the S1 not only uses an antenna to find the signal sent out by buried beacons but it also has digital compass sensors in the unit that also compare the location of buried victims against the magnetic field of the earth. Additionally, the inclinometer helps to keep you keep the unit relatively level in the search which is needed for proper function. I believe too the inclinometer helps to provide distance reading at a straight-line angle to the buried victim/beacon. Rather than giving distance to the spot in the snow directly above the victim. Ortovox decided to give the user/owner access to these tools to be used as a compass and as a slope meter. As long as the tools were there might as well be able to use them. One more thing ... the unit now can basically self set magnetic declination. All in All the S1 is really an advanced tool. As some other have mentioned you can upgrade the software package via infrared ports. In this day of software driven devices you can now keep your transceiver up-to-date and ward off unreasonably short term obsolescence.