K9NZ - Making Even More Efficient The Traditional Ways Of Search And Rescue

View of all components that make up a Find Minder® unit. This view shows an avalanche transceiver attached to subject "tag" port.

Equipment carried in Find Minder® jacket in Avalanche search configuration: Long range transmitter "tag" (Dog) , Avalanche transceiver set to receive (attached to subject "tag" port) , GPS Interface , Handheld GPS. A signal received by the receiving avalanche transceiver mimics the removal of the "tag" therefore logging the position of the transmitting transceiver's signal.

Transmitter "tags" are externally rechargeable, they can be supplied with several antenna lengths. Transmitters (including strobe and beep) will run continuous for 40hrs on a single charge.

Long range tracking equipment, information from the GPS gives the operator a direct line to locate the transmitter "tag" signal. Here an Icom IC-10 is being used as the receiver which functions very well. More dedicated and sensitive equipment can be supplied. The fold down antenna is directional, when pointed in the direction of the transmitting "tag" the signal is strong, pointed away it is weak. The GPS information combined with the directional equipment is a very effective method of relocating the "tags".

The transmitter "tag's" key function is to allow the dog to activate the system (indication). As well as this they also define exactly where the dog "must have been" and gives the operator a definitive point of reference. The "tag's" transmit a direction finding signal once removed from the jacket as well as strobe and beep. These tags can be supplied with an audio link that allows the operator to hear sounds from the vicinity of the "tag" (i.e. someone talking). Removal of one of the "tag's" logs that position into the GPS waypoint list where it is given a name "Tag 1" or "Tag 2" depending on which has been removed. "Tag 1" is the dog and "Tag 2" is the subject or avalanche transceiver.

Handheld GPS (Currently Garmin Etrex), any number can be supplied with a unit. If a dog returns from a search area and a "tag" has been removed the GPS can be removed from jacket and someone tasked to locate the "tag". A fresh GPS can be attached and the dog re-deployed elsewhere therefore saving time and resource.

Another view of Find Minder®.

Another view of Find Minder®

Another view of Find Minder®.