ACR&Artex Vecta3 - Manual (Page 14)

Y1-03-0235-1C 14
Follow the strengthening signal. If it starts to fall or weaken, STOP!
Slowly move the Vecta™
3
in a circle to clearly establish the strongest
signal direction.
LAND SEARCH: A cross-directional search pattern is useful when there
are a lot of false signals. Start the search heading in a straight line until
the signal weakens (Figure 8, A). Stop, and take a signal strength
reading at 90° from the current heading (Figure 8, B). Choose the
stronger signal (Figure 8, C). Continue in that direction until the beacon
is found (Figure 8, D), or the signal becomes weak. Repeat the process
crossing the straight path at 90° intervals when the signal starts to
weaken. Move in a straight line as the NUMBERS screen displays
strengthened readings. Do not deviate from the straight-line course as
long as the signal is strengthening.
Stop at the instant the
signal peaks and starts to
weaken. The beacon will
be laying close to a line
perpendicular
to your
current course. Take
signal strength readings
at 90° angles from your
current
straight line
course and heading and
try to determine if the
signal is stronger in one
direction or another. Turn
exactly 90° and repeat the first step of walking in a straight line as long
as the signal strengthens, stopping as soon as it begins to fall. If the
signal begins to weaken steadily from the moment you turn and start
moving, you are headed in the wrong direction. If signal is weakening,
turn around and work in the reverse direction.
When the signal strength peaks on the second leg of the search pattern,
the beacon will be closer. If visual contact isn’t made with the beacon, or
if there are still a lot of signal reflections, an additional 90° signal check
is performed. The new course is now parallel to the original course
heading.
5. Search Tips
Signal reflections, or false signals, can be a problem at any time during
the search. Signal reflections can be caused by large or metallic objects
such as buildings, bridges, airplanes, cars, trees, towers, ships, hills,
etc. or by being in a close or confined area, such as in a hangar. Signal
reflections can become more pronounced as you get closer to the
beacon.
Figure 8