Beacon that can't search

Hopefully someone doesn't unknowingly confuse it for a real beacon and head into the BC with it.  

Could also be a cheap beacon to put in a bag, chuck down a mountain, and do beacon practice.

Thanks for immediately proving the point, that the crux of the problem is the foolhardy adoption of the erroneous and confusing term "beacon" by the avalanche industry. Your so-called "real beacon" is actually not a beacon at all, it is an avalanche transceiver. Only. This device is actually more of a real beacon.

We have ALL got to stop calling transceivers "beacons", immediately and forever. Change must start someplace.

Thanks for immediately proving the point, that the crux of the problem is the foolhardy adoption of the erroneous and confusing term "beacon" by the avalanche industry. Your so-called "real beacon" is actually not a beacon at all, it is an avalanche transceiver. Only. This device is actually a real beacon.

We have ALL got to stop calling transceivers "beacons", immediately and forever. Change must start someplace.

Well then - maybe I'll buy a couple of these beacons to practice with my transceiver. 

Really though, $85 for a practice target is a much easier pill to swallow than $300 for an actual transceiver when you just want a beacon.

Was that better Amar??   

Well then - maybe I'll buy a couple of these beacons to practice with my transceiver. 

Really though, $85 for a practice target is a much easier pill to swallow than $300 for an actual transceiver when you just want a beacon.

Was that better Amar??   

Excellent. Change has started HERE, today.

Although perhaps it's best not to call this thing a beacon either, to avoid confusion with personal locator beacons. We can have "avalanche transceivers" and "avalanche transmitters", although even that might confuse a few (there will always be a few). Much better than the current situation though.

..
I don't think it's the worst idea ever for non-touring types skiing in-bounds on a high avy day or skiing in the trees when tree wells are hungry.
...

I was trying to go there, too, but somebody needs to make the search..

And what happens when 30 unknowing spectators show up or whiz by with these things during a patrol search of an inbound avy or other incident.  

Will these things come packaged with your new inbounds skis?  Will ski schools offer them for sale or rent as a safety measure?  Will insurance companies require ski schools to provide them?  How many people will think they are safer (which they may be) and push the terrain choice?  Perhaps some marginal utility, but I just see a yuk factor..

And I have to agree with our resident stickler for accuracy, that it's wise to distinguish between beacon and transceiver, especially given the wide and growing assortment of beacons that are out there..  of course, "transceiver", by itself can refer to any number of devices, too..

Looks like the attention they are getting has them changing their story.

unofficialnetworks.com/?p=98920

Excellent. Change has started HERE, today.

Although perhaps it's best not to call this thing a beacon either, to avoid confusion with personal locator beacons. We can have "avalanche transceivers" and "avalanche transmitters", although even that might confuse a few (there will always be a few). Much better than the current situation though.

More flip-flop than Mitt Romney! Make up your mind!