Avalanche transceivers · Test magazine 2024
Tech talk with Didi Kotlaba, ORTOVOX
LVS Product Manager · Print page 143
Who is Didi Kotlaba? Avalanche Transceiver Product Manager at ORTOVOX
Didi Kotlaba is Avalanche Transceiver Product Manager at ORTOVOX, responsible for developing and improving avalanche transceivers. He oversees the entire product cycle from concept to market launch and works with research teams, engineers and outdoor professionals. A keen mountain sports enthusiast, he tests equipment himself in the Alps. He also volunteers with the Austrian Alpine Club as a tour leader and avalanche course instructor.
In his interview for the BACKLINE 2024 test magazine, Kotlaba explains the priorities of transceiver development: introduced in 2021, the DIRACT VOICE is designed to reduce stress in emergencies through voice navigation. ORTOVOX focuses on a stable initial reading and reliable guidance throughout the search. According to Kotlaba, GPS plays no role in the devices at the time of the interview. He cites potential positioning inaccuracies in mountain terrain and high power consumption, seeing insufficient practical benefit at present.
For maintenance, Kotlaba recommends a service inspection no later than five years after purchase, then every two years. A mutual group check should take place before every tour. ORTOVOX offers inspections, repairs and updates. He specifies minimum distances from portable electronic, magnetic and metallic sources of interference: 20 centimetres in transmit and standby modes, and 50 centimetres in search mode. Electronic devices that are not needed should remain switched off.
How has Ortovox LVS device technology evolved over the last 5 years?
The introduction of the DIRACT VOICE in 2021 significantly simplified searching with voice navigation. It is the first device dedicated to "stress reduction in emergencies." With the DIRACT VOICE, we also placed particular emphasis on an extremely stable initial indication. We consciously decided against the device displaying "something" too early, which would be useless on an avalanche cone in a real emergency. We focus on stable guidance from the first meter to the last centimeter.
What role does GPS integration play in Ortovox devices currently and potentially in the future?
Currently, GPS integration does not play a role in our devices. However, we are closely monitoring technological developments in this area and continuously evaluating to what extent they could be relevant for our products. GPS can show relevant deviations on steep slopes, near rock faces, and in forests, as line of sight to multiple satellites is always required to update the position. Additionally, GPS chips have high power consumption, requiring large, heavy batteries. Fundamentally, we are always open to new technological approaches. However, they must offer a positive added value across all practically relevant aspects. We do not currently see this with GPS-based approaches.
What services and customer support does Ortovox offer for Ortovox LVS devices?
All relevant information and instructions for end-users can be found in the Ortovox Help Center: https://help.ortovox.com/hc/de. LVS devices can be inspected, repaired, or updated by our service center. Information on the possibilities and procedures is also summarized in the Help Center.
What regular maintenance measures does Ortovox recommend for its LVS devices?
The device should be checked by our service center at the latest 5 years after the purchase date, and then every 2 years. If you turn off your DIRACT VOICE or DIRACT LVS device or connect it to the Ortovox app, the device will remind you of the next recommended inspection date. For all other LVS devices, there is no reminder function. Before each tour, we recommend a mutual group check. In addition to the technology, this also checks whether everyone has actually switched on their device.
What factors can negatively influence the functionality of Ortovox LVS devices?
Naturally, electronic, magnetic, and metallic objects can interfere with all LVS devices. A distinction can be made between permanently installed sources of interference such as ski lifts or power lines, and portable sources of interference such as smartphones, digital watches/bracelets, or (action) cameras. When using an LVS device, it is essential to maintain sufficient distance from potential sources of interference. In transmit and standby mode, potential portable sources of interference must be at least 20 cm away from the LVS device; in search mode, it is 50 cm. Since search mode is significantly more sensitive and susceptible to interference than transmit mode, potential sources of interference on the hand and wrist (e.g., digital watches) should particularly be avoided. Generally, electronic devices that are not absolutely necessary should remain switched off while the LVS device is in use. The DIRACT VOICE clearly warns the user (in both transmit and search mode) if a source of interference is too close to the LVS device.
