However, the FINE SEARCH still has a tendency to befuddle all but the most practiced users. Common errors include failing to check all four sides of the grid, erratically waving the beacon, and moving from standing to kneeling positions.
PULSE 4.0 Intelligent Search (labeled "assisted" in the settings) provides a fast, accurate, and efficient assisted FINE SEARCH which makes it much more difficult to fall into one of the aforementioned traps. In fact, it performs so well, that I believe professionals will also find the new update to be of great use.
There are, however, some guidelines to using Intelligent Search properly.
4.0 Intelligent Search compares information received from three different antennas to determine the approximate distance and depth of the buried subject. Accordingly, it will ask you to retrace your steps from time to time to ensure accurate information. If you refuse to do this when asked, you will throw the Intelligent Search mode off--Intelligent Search will now do its best to re-calibrate its destination (much like a GPS in a car when you refuse to follow its advise) but after 2 minutes of failure to find a new route, it will defer to the default CROSS icon, meaning it is time to perform a standard grid-search. If you have used Intelligent Search properly, you will be given a probe icon when you arrive at your destination--you have completed the Fine Search and it is now time to perform the Pinpoint Search with the probe.
So, here are some simple tips to keep you on track.
Trust the system:
1. Follow the arrows until they instruct you to change directions or backtrack (even if the numbers are going up!) The beacon is acquiring information that will save you time eventually. Accordingly, be sure to change directions when indicated.
2. Don't try to outsmart the beacon or you will simply waste time and have to do a standard grid search after said time is wasted. If this is your preference, turn Intelligent Search off. When familiarizing yourself with the new firmware, give it a chance. For it to work, you must trust it.
3. Keep your distance above the snow surface consistent. Especially when backtracking.
4. Keep the orientation of the beacon consistent. Do not turn the beacon at all (even rotating the unit 180 degrees will cause problems.)
If you refuse to follow the arrows, if you fail to keep your grid lines consistent and perpendicular, you will throw the system off. The system will give you several attempts to search correctly before defaulting into the CROSS icon, at which time you must revert to a standard grid search.
Of course, if you prefer to use traditional methods, you can go to the START MENU and change the settings so that below 3 meters you have a CROSS icon, or the ARROW, or the LANDING STRIP.