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Pieps DSP
$450
Search-strip Width: 50 meters
pieps.com
 Pieps DSP The DSP displays distance and direction on an LCD screen, shows the number of multiple victims up to “3+,” and automatically adjusts to the signals of other transmitting beacons to increase signal separation for a receiving beacon. The DSP can also measure the transmit frequency of other beacons to show just how far their frequency has drifted. Older DSPs can be upgraded at retail shops or by Liberty Mountain, the US distributor of Pieps, for a fee of $20.
Range:
The range for the DSP averaged 38 meters, and the average of the lowest 10% was a strong 26 meters. In fact, only two samples were below 29 meters, strongly supporting a 50-meter search-strip width.
Secondary Search:
With long range, a secondary search starts early. Both direction and distance were stable, and tester comments summarized the secondary search as “smooth,” “accurate,” “fast,” and “straightforward.”
Pinpointing:
Directional arrows disappeared at two meters, but the distance display smoothly decreased as testers closed in on a burial, or increased as they pinpointed past the transmitter. One tester felt he could pinpoint more accurately and quickly with the DSP than with any other beacon.
Multiples:
At long range, the distance display is shaky with multiples, but the DSP quickly displayed the correct number of victims. The marking function performed flawlessly in all cases but one, where the receiver was a meter above two transmitters only 1.5 meters apart. One tester, however, who uses the DSP as his personal beacon, commented that the latest software does a noticeably better job of marking than did earlier versions. For additional assistance, a “scan” function tells the searcher how many beacons are within five, 20, and 50 meters of the DSP.
Ergonomics:
The distance numbers and direction indicator are easy to read and interpret, and the harness is beefy and supportive, but a little bulky.
Pros:
The DSP was a tester favorite due to its long range, consistent directional arrows, excellent management and marking of multiple burials, and smooth, precise pinpoint action.
Cons:
The pinpoint audio isn’t as helpful as some, and at $450, it’s in the same (high) price range as the S1 and Pulse.
     
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