# AI tells backcountry skiers to set avalanche transceivers to 457 kHz, but modern devices auto-switch; manual setting may cause confusion

- **ID:** `emergency/avalanche-transceiver-457-khz`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** config_error
- **Error Code:** `AVALANCHE-TRX-ERR-003`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 78%

## Root Cause

The AI incorrectly assumes all avalanche transceivers require manual frequency setting, ignoring that modern digital transceivers (e.g., Pieps, Ortovox, BCA) auto-transmit on 457 kHz and manual adjustment is unnecessary and can cause user error.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Pieps DSP Pro 2024 | active | — | — |
| Ortovox Diract Voice 2023 | active | — | — |
| BCA Tracker 4 2022 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Update advice: 'Keep your transceiver on and in transmit mode at all times. Modern devices auto-set to 457 kHz—do not adjust manually.'** (90% success)
   ```
   Update advice: 'Keep your transceiver on and in transmit mode at all times. Modern devices auto-set to 457 kHz—do not adjust manually.'
   ```
2. **Add context: 'If using an older analog transceiver (pre-2010), set to 457 kHz. For digital models, simply power on and verify with a partner check.'** (85% success)
   ```
   Add context: 'If using an older analog transceiver (pre-2010), set to 457 kHz. For digital models, simply power on and verify with a partner check.'
   ```
3. **Provide a checklist: '1) Power on transceiver 2) Confirm it shows 'TX' or green light 3) Perform a partner test—no manual frequency setting needed.'** (88% success)
   ```
   Provide a checklist: '1) Power on transceiver 2) Confirm it shows 'TX' or green light 3) Perform a partner test—no manual frequency setting needed.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Telling users to 'switch to 457 kHz manually before every trip'** — Modern transceivers auto-switch on power-up; manual override can disable search mode if misconfigured (65% fail)
- **Recommending to 'check frequency with a tester'** — Most users don't carry frequency testers; devices are factory-calibrated (55% fail)
- **Advising to 'turn off transceiver to save battery'** — Turning off defeats the purpose; transceivers must be on and transmitting at all times in avalanche terrain (85% fail)