Designed as a tool to speed rescue searches, the Pieps Iprobe BT 260 Probe is an electronic probe that provides audible and visual indicators when the probe nears a transmitting beacon (works for all modern 457 kHz beacons). It is not a substitute for a personal avalanche beacon, and only detects signals at close (0.5 to 2 meters) range - it does not transmit at 457 kHz and should be left "off" when not actively searching for a victim. The Pieps Iprobe beeps loudly when digging can commence, and the tone changes as you get closer to the victim. The Iprobe can also be used to suppress the signal of a buried Pieps beacon to lessen confusion in multiple burial situations.