Avalanche transceivers · Test magazine 2023
Tech talk with Bostjan Sodja, PIEPS
Software Developer · Print page 135
Who is Bostjan Sodja? Software Developer at PIEPS
Bostjan Sodja is a software developer at PIEPS and had been with the company for ten years at the time of the 2023 BACKLINE test magazine. One focus of his work is developing the PIEPS app for avalanche transceivers. A passionate skier and freerider, he also uses avalanche equipment on his own tours.
In the interview, Sodja explains the differences between the PRO and POWDER series. PRO devices generally offer greater range, longer battery life and additional features such as SCAN for coordinated searches by rescue teams. The POWDER series focuses on simpler operation and provides essential search functions, including marking. Both series connect to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth to manage settings, update firmware and practise avalanche searches. During training, paired transmitters can be controlled remotely and their transmitting antennas selected without digging up the buried devices again.
Other topics include the iProbe BT electronic probe, which provides audible and visual signal indications in the immediate vicinity of a transmitter, and the 30°Plus XT inclinometer. Sodja uses the latter on ski tours to practise estimating slope steepness.
Pieps is synonymous with avalanche transceivers. You distinguish between devices for professionals and for everyone. What are the differences between the models?
At PIEPS, we offer avalanche transceivers for both professionals (PRO Series) and everyone else (POWDER Series). The main differences lie in the performance and advanced features of the professional devices. PRO Series devices typically offer a longer range and extended battery life, as well as additional functions such as the SCAN feature, which allows for a coordinated search with a multi-person rescue team in an emergency. Our POWDER Series devices are characterized by somewhat simpler operation, are slightly more affordable, and still offer all the fundamental functions for effective avalanche rescue, including the marking function. Both our PRO and POWDER devices have Bluetooth, for easy settings management, firmware updates, and supported practice of avalanche rescue using the PIEPS App.
The Pieps App offers several training scenarios to improve behavior in an emergency. How does it work?
The Pieps App, with its update and training function, is a valuable tool to improve behavior in an emergency and practice avalanche rescue. The app allows coupled devices to be controlled remotely via Bluetooth, choosing whether the X or Y antenna of the buried device should transmit. This means the device buried for training does not have to be dug out, and the searchers cannot simply follow the footprints in the snow from the previous training run. With just 2 devices, 8 different scenarios can be created, and with 3 buried devices, even 26 different scenarios. The app also provides guidelines on how to effectively set up multiple-burial scenarios to practice critical cases where transceivers are in unfavorable positions.
Pieps offers an electronic probe with acoustic and optical hit indication. How does it work?
The electronic probe from PIEPS, 'iProbe BT', is an innovative tool for avalanche rescue and is particularly suitable for beginners who are unsure how a 'probe hit' feels. Like an avalanche transceiver, it has an antenna in the tip and is equipped with an acoustic and optical hit indicator. When the probe detects a signal from a buried person in close proximity, it emits an acoustic signal and an LED indicator lights up to show rescuers that they have reached the victim's position. This significantly facilitates and speeds up the search, even in deep burials, and the rescue of avalanche victims.
The PIEPS 30°Plus XT can be easily attached to any pole; the small device is an electronic inclinometer and displays the outside temperature. Do you use it yourself?
I like to use the 30° Plus XT on my ski tours and try to use it to train my assessment of terrain steepness. It's my personal tip as a small Christmas gift for ski touring friends and freeriders.
