Avalanche
Industry News
As of September 27th, 2013 PIEPS is recalling all of their Vector avalanche beacons due to safety reasons.
Here are the latest details about the problem PIEPS Vector avalanche beacons are having:
“This is a voluntary recall based off of battery inefficiencies. The devices work both in transmit and transceive functionality. The issue is due to the actual life of the battery and the % remaining that is displayed on the screen of the device. We are not able to correct these inaccuracies with a software update which means the devices do not meet Pieps high standards for safety equipment . Anyone who has purchased a Pieps Vector has been personally notified of this recall and Pieps has accounted for EVERY device that has been sold to retail or consumers and is in the process of collecting all of these devices. Anyone who has been inconvenienced by this problem will be taken care of above and beyond a standard return.” – Ryan Guess, Pieps North America
The PIEPS Vector avalanche beacon is one of the highest rated avalanche beacons of all-time and it has recently been ranked as the one of the top 2 or 3 beacons on Earth. A Vector costs about $600 and is also one of the most expensive beacons on the market.
If you have a PIEPS Vector avalanche beacon, Return It Immediately. You’ll have to return the Vector before December 1st, 2013 to get a new beacon free from PIEPS.
PIEPS is an Austrian company that was bought by the American company Black Diamond in 2012.
PIEPS VECTOR INFO:
The PIEPS VECTOR is a digital 4-antenna beacon with GPS support for easiest use and best technology support at companion rescue.
GPS Support: Coordinates for emergency calls always available.
New dimension in GPS guided search strip width.
Permanent recording of the GPS tracks during the tour – comfortable download to PC/Mac.
Li-Ion Technology: Exact display of remaining battery power. High performance at very low temperatures.
Maintenance free because of self-checking fourth reference antenna.
Summer mode: Usage as GPS device for summer tours – possibility to deactivate the beacon feature (457 kHz).
Active manual: The description of the selected menu is shown on the display – the manual is exactly and every time available.
Update possibility to newest firmware online on www.pieps.net.
FEATURES
- Frequency: 457 kHz (EN 300718)
- Power supply: Li-Polymer battery 1300mAh
- Battery lifetime min.: 200 h SEND-mode
- Maximum range: 70 m
- Search-strip width: 70 m
- Temperature range: -20°C to +45°C
- Weight: 200 g (incl. battery)
- Dimensions: (LxWxH) 132 x 75 x 26 mm
Pieps Vector features
PIEPS Press Release on Vector Recall:
Effectively immediately, PIEPS is recalling all PIEPS VECTOR avalanche transceivers due to functional issues that may not be readily apparent to the user. This RECALL affects all PIEPS VECTOR transceivers.
PIEPS has discovered that the functionality of the VECTOR does not conform to our quality standards and strict requirements for “Premium Alpine Performance”. Safety and reliability have top priority! In order to prevent any risks to users, PIEPS has decided to implement this recall. Please stop using the PIEPS VECTOR immediately.
This recall applies to the PIEPS VECTOR only. All other PIEPS transceivers are not affected by this recall.
For questions regarding the recall, please contact us: vector@pieps.com
Telephone: +43 (0) 3182 52 556 -30 (Monday to Thursday 9 to 4 pm / Friday 9 to 12)
Some Clarification: This is a voluntary recall based off of battery inefficiencies. The devices work both in transmit and transceive functionality. The issue is due to the actual life of the battery and the % remaining that is displayed on the screen of the device. We are not able to correct these inaccuracies with a software update which means the devices do not meet Pieps high standards for safety equipment . Anyone who has purchased a Pieps Vector has been personally notified of this recall and Pieps has accounted for EVERY device that has been sold to retail or consumers and is in the process of collecting all of these devices. Anyone who has been inconvenienced by this problem will be taken care of above and beyond a standard return.
Ryan Guess
Pieps North America
Ryan, thanks so much for this. We weren’t sure what the exact problem was as it wasn’t specified. If you don’t mind, we’re going to publish what you’ve written here. Thanks a ton, Miles.