![[EDGE]ucation - Does my cell phone affect my avalanche transceiver? @BackcountryAccess](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aCy4ja2sUVM/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
[Edge]ucation meets myth busters: cell phone interference edition. In this video, BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly demonstrates the effects of a cell phone when searching with an avalanche transceiver. He uses an old analog transceiver to illustrate what electromagnetic noise sounds like, then replaces the analog transceiver with a Tracker4 to show the effects on a modern, three-antenna digital transceiver.
When your beacon is in transmit mode, there are no tangible effects of a cell phone on a transceiver search, even if they are very close together. In search mode, you can experience loss of receive range and even false readings if your cell phone is within a few inches (or several centimeters) of your searching transceiver.
The bottom line? Follow the “20/50” rule. Store any electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches—or one “hand width”—away from your transmitting beacon. In search mode, keep your searching beacon 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronic devices. This is one arm’s length, which is good search technique anyway!
Learn more about avalanche transceivers and shop here: backcountryaccess.com/en-us/c/rescue-gear/avalanche-beacons
[Edge]ucation meets myth busters: cell phone interference edition. In this video, BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly demonstrates the effects of a cell phone when searching with an avalanche transceiver. He uses an old analog transceiver to illustrate what electromagnetic noise sounds like, then replaces the analog transceiver with a Tracker4 to show the effects on a modern, three-antenna digital transceiver.
When your beacon is in transmit mode, there are no tangible effects of a cell phone on a transceiver search, even if they are very close together. In search mode, you can experience loss of receive range and even false readings if your cell phone is within a few inches (or several centimeters) of your searching transceiver.
The bottom line? Follow the “20/50” rule. Store any electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches—or one “hand width”—away from your transmitting beacon. In search mode, keep your searching beacon 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronic devices. This is one arm’s length, which is good search technique anyway!
Learn more about avalanche transceivers and shop here: backcountryaccess.com/en-us/c/rescue-gear/avalanche-beacons
![[EDGE]ucation - Does my cell phone affect my avalanche transceiver?](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aCy4ja2sUVM/mqdefault.jpg "[EDGE]ucation - Does my cell phone affect my avalanche transceiver?
[Edge]ucation meets myth busters: cell phone interference edition. In this video, BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly demonstrates the effects of a cell phone when searching with an avalanche transceiver. He uses an old analog transceiver to illustrate what electromagnetic noise sounds like, then replaces the analog transceiver with a Tracker4 to show the effects on a modern, three-antenna digital transceiver.
When your beacon is in transmit mode, there are no tangible effects of a cell phone on a transceiver search, even if they are very close together. In search mode, you can experience loss of receive range and even false readings if your cell phone is within a few inches (or several centimeters) of your searching transceiver.
The bottom line? Follow the “20/50” rule. Store any electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches—or one “hand width”—away from your transmitting beacon. In search mode, keep your searching beacon 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronic devices. This is one arm’s length, which is good search technique anyway!
Learn more about avalanche transceivers and shop here: https://backcountryaccess.com/en-us/c/rescue-gear/avalanche-beacons/")
![[EDGE]ucation - Turn the Beacons Off in Multiple Burials](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aW3fxRR3VsQ/mqdefault.jpg "[EDGE]ucation - Turn the Beacons Off in Multiple Burials
Dont be overwhelmed by the multiple burials functions on your transceivers. Rather, keep it simple. In most cases of a multiple burial scenario, start by digging out the victim until you can get to their airway, make sure they are breathing, and TURN OFF their transceiver. Your transceiver in search mode will then take you to the next signal. Remember: your transceiver will always bring you to the closest signal. Use your last-seen points to begin, and narrow the search from there.
BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly suggests you learn how to conduct a multiple burial search both ways: by using the functions on your transceiver, AND by learning how to turn off your partners transceivers.
Learn more and shop transceivers here: https://backcountryaccess.com/en-us/c/rescue-gear/avalanche-beacons/")
![[EDGE]ucation - Hacks for Easy Transitions](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/caDgv2d65Gs/mqdefault.jpg "[EDGE]ucation - Hacks for Easy Transitions
When youre on the skintrack, a faster transition means more laps, more snacks, and more time to hang out while your friends fumble around with their stuff. In this video, BCA Co-Founder Bruce Edgerly reveals his method for a lightning-fast transition—without ever taking his backpack off.
Shop Edges Float E2 Avalanche Airbag Pack featuring the transition-ready Side Stash pocket: https://backcountryaccess.com/en-us/floate2")
