Gear Review
Pieps DSP Advanced Smart Transmitter
Magnetic Switch
By LifeLONGBackCountrySkier
Ranked #1126 - Avalanche Safety
February 17, 2009
The recent findings that a small magnet will switch this beacon from transmit to receive and even off because Piep's uses a magnetic switch inside the beacon makes this beacon a liability for the owners and users of this tool. It also has ghosting issues with older analog beacons perhaps because it narrowed it's bandwidth to increase it's range of find. Lastly because it is not downward compatible with all other beacons on the market it is not a valid tool for avalanche rescue and the software should be redesigned to meet industry standards where a new beacon reads and recognizes all other beacon on the market.
A side note-in beacon trials in the field this beacon came in last for ease of use and speed to find victims, if at all, considering the issues it has with older analog beacons.
View Details: Pieps DSP Advanced Smart Transmitter
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 2 No
Tech Specs:
- Range:
- [Digital] 196ft (60m)
- Digital:
- Yes
- Analog:
- NO
- Battery Type:
- 3 AAA batteries
- Battery Life:
- [On] 200 hr
- Antenna:
- Triple
- Weight:
- [inc. batteries] 7oz (198g)
- Recommended Use:
- Multiple burial avalanche rescue, backcountry snowsports
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 1 Year
- Country of Origin:
- Austria
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: 3 days ago By: tadams2048347
What LifeLONGBackCountrySkier is writing as fact is simply wrong. I'd hate to see someone buy a less capable beacon based on patently wrong information. 1. When worn correctly, with the LCD facing the body, the body of the avalanche beacon shields the switch for anything except a very large magnet. Several beacons use magnet switches since they're durable and completely waterproof, and this is not a new allegation, but it not something which happens in the field when properly used. Beyond that, many beacons have issues with radio, iPods, or cell phones near them (particularly the Ortovox S1) due to how sensitive the receivers on them are, so you should NEVER carry any electronic equipment near your beacon to begin with. 2. The DSP is fully backwards compatible with all beacons which operate on the standard 457mhz frequency. It will pick up even the oldest analog beacon. In fact, old beacons tend to drift of frequency when cold (Google it), and the DSP is one of the best at finding out of frequency beacons. 3. This is simply wrong. The DSP has consistently turned in the highest marks in field test both in range and ease of use. In fact, it's speed and ease of use are it's hallmarks. Don't take my word for it though, go to http://beaconreviews.com or http://www.wildsnow.com and educate yourself.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Completely agree with Zoltan. Pipes DSP is a great beacon with features most of us will never even realize. In fact the DSP paved the way for the Pulse and the S1 which are also grood products. Each one of these beacons have limitations with analog beacons but ONLY if thier frequency have drifted outside of the industry std. that said the Peips DSP has teh widest receiving babndwidth making it MORE compatable with analog beacons. Completely differnt thatn what LifLONG states above.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No