Winter Operations
Edit on GitHubCold-weather behavior, battery strategy, glove-friendly operation and snow considerations
Winter Operations
Overview
The beacon is designed for backcountry use, and winter is its hardest environment. Cold drains cells, gloves fight buttons, and snow eats signal. This page consolidates the winter-specific guidance.
Battery Strategy
| Factor | Reality | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity at -20 C | 40-60% of nominal | Start at 100%, carry a spare |
| LiFePO4 | Rated to -30 C | Prefer for alpine deployments |
| Internal resistance | Rises as it cools | Voltage sags under TX load |
Keep the beacon in an inside pocket until needed. Body heat is the cheapest battery warmer.
Snow and Signal
- 433 MHz attenuates ~3 dB/m in wet snow.
- A buried beacon at +30 dBm PA still overcomes ~1 m of burial.
- EMERGENCY mode is designed for exactly this case.
Glove-Friendly Operation
| Control | Glove tip |
|---|---|
| MODE short press | Practice the toggle with gloves on before the trip |
| MODE long press (2 s) | Count “one, two” deliberately |
| SEL (3 s for CONFIG) | Use the dashboard for complex changes at home |
| UP/DN | Not needed in the field if configured at home |
Winter Handling
- Do not charge a frozen cell - warm it first.
- Keep the OLED facing away from direct sun glare; invert mode helps in bright snow light.
- Snow on the SMA can detune the antenna; clear the connector.
- After a day out, dry the case before storage to prevent corrosion.