Analog and Digital Technology Other dual-antenna beacons use both analog and digital technology. Does that make them better?
No. The major advantage of digital technology is that it is easier to use and learn, and faster to search with. By making a beacon both analog and digital, it becomes very confusing and hard to master. The result is that both ease-of-use and search time is greatly compromised. At the same time, the value of the analog is diminished for those few truly practiced with analog. To make an analog beacon have digital capabilities and a digital beacon have analog capabilities compromises the capabilities of both. In an attempt to be everything to everybody, analog/digital products do not have the advantages of either. “Keep it simple” should be a driving design principle for all safety equipment. Sadly, these do-all devices violate that design covenant. The single, true value in analog/digital technology is that it serves as a bridge from archaic analog-only beacons to modern, digital only technology. Those comfortable and practiced with analog technology are often hesitant to embrace change.
Related Questions
- Digital Technology What is the difference between digital and non-digital (analog) beacons and how does that make the Tracker DTS better?
- Analog and Digital Technology Other dual-antenna beacons use both analog and digital technology. Does that make them better?
- Why is digital better than the traditional analog transmission technology?
