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Ortovox d3
$315
Search-strip Width: 30 meters
ortovox.com
 Ortovox d3 The digital, three antenna d3 features a multiple-signal indicator, but no masking or marking function. It displays direction and distance with an LED display. The d3 is not software upgradable.
Range:
Average range of the d3 was 32 meters, and the average of the lowest 10% was 15.6 meters, placing the d3 slightly ahead of the Tracker DTS.
Secondary Search:
One tester wanted to see more directional indicators than three LEDs, but the eight-year-old countered that the system is simple and easy to understand. “I like the three arrows: they’re simpler; they don’t jump too much, and stayed on when I was going in the right direction.” The professor noted that the distance display response was fast and smooth.
Pinpointing:
All testers felt the d3’s pinpoint performance was good. Tester C liked the “Geiger counter” impression of the audio feedback during pinpointing, and felt it sped her searches. The eight-year-old, too, liked the audio. When combined with the simple direction arrows, it made the d3 her second favorite beacon to the Pulse.
Multiples:
The multiple-indicator light lit consistently when two or more signals were present and flashed when two or more beacons are within about 10 meters. Without a masking function, testers needed to use the Three Circle Method to find multiple beacons, but the d3 locked onto the strongest signal most of the time, which helped significantly.
Ergonomics:
Securing the harness powers on the beacon, a design favored by the absent-minded professor since he once completed a tour only to find out his beacon had been turned off the whole time. The green LED arrows are very bright, which is an advantage in sunlight, but annoying in darker conditions.
Pros:
The d3 has a solid and simple design, adequate range, smooth pinpointing, helpful audio, and the price is reasonable.
Cons:
With only a multiple-indicator light, the d3 has no counting or masking/marking capabilities for multiples.
     
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