Tracker Classic - Proficiency Practice; Sweep Technique and Signal Characteristics

the signal received, either by attenuating (reducing the strength
of the signal) or creating a reflection that will indicate a “false
position” where the signal will “bounce off” an object.
Understanding how the signal is influenced by these factors will
vastly improve your ability to locate your dog.
To become proficient with the operation of the receiver, you
should consider activating a transmitter, and have someone in
your family or group place it in an open area free from obstruc-
tions (where it can be relocated, if necessary). A good distance
to start would be at least several hundred yards. Turn on the
receiver, select the correct channel and reduce the gain setting
so that only 2 to 3 LEDs (green) are illuminated in the direction
of the strongest signal. Once this is completed, keep the receiv-
er on and walk toward the strongest signal sweeping continuous-
ly in a 180 degree arc that contains the strongest signal. As you
approach the transmitter (indicated by the signal becoming
stronger) continue to reduce the gain (turn knob counter-clock-
wise) so that only a few LEDs are illuminated in the direction of
the strongest signal. If any of the red LEDs are illuminated it is a
signal to reduce the gain. You should quickly locate the transmit-
ter after a little practice. After you become proficient in locating
the transmitter in a flat area (line-of-sight), you are ready to prac-
tice in more challenging landscape.
The speed of the sweep is important. If you sweep too fast, it
will be difficult to get an accurate reading. A steady sweep is
best to start in order to get an initial reading. Once you have an
initial bearing indication, verify that your bearing is correct by
making a few sweeps in other directions. Practice will provide
you with the correct technique.
In the line-of-sight exercise, you should have noted several char-
acteristics of the signal:
• The bearing of strongest signal was consistent.
• The signal strength diminished in a consistent pattern as you
varied 30 or more degrees right or left of the true bearing to
the transmitter.
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