Avalanche
Gear Review
Back in May Ortovox announced a precautionary recall of its Ortovox 3+ avalanche transceivers running software version 2.1. Internal testing by Ortovox identified a software glitch that could cause temporary lapses in signal transmission, potentially leading to a longer search time in the case of a burial. Ortovox upgraded the device, free of charge to all users.
Yesterday, 10th July, Ortovox issued another recall notice for the same device, stating:
The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of survivors of an avalanche, resulting in delayed search and rescue operations.
Recall Details:
Name of product: Avalanche transceivers
Hazard: The transceiver can fail to work properly due to a software error and fail to transmit the position of survivors of an avalanche, resulting in delayed search and rescue operations.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: July 10, 2018
Units: About 20,000 (In addition, about 7,000 were sold in Canada)
Description: This recall involves Ortovox avalanche transceivers, model numbers 1137000006, 1137000001 and 1137000002. They were sold in black/blue (model number 1137000006), black/black (model number 1137000001) and neon green (model number 1137000002). The transceiver is used as a beacon to locate an individual in the event of avalanche burial. ORTOVOX and 3+ are printed on the top of the device. In the open/receive position, the top half of the transceiver displays a blue screen with green border that displays an image and distance reading of the buried individual. The transceivers measure about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide by 1 inch thick in the closed/transmit position. All transceivers manufactured from 2010 through 2018 are included in the recall. The manufacture date is printed inside the battery door on the back of the transceiver with a roman numeral representing the quarter of the year and a two digit number referring to the year. For example, a manufacture date of IV/17 represents the fourth quarter. The year of manufacture is five years earlier. In this case, the transceiver was manufactured in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free shipping.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: Outdoor specialty stores, ski shops nationwide and direct to avalanche professionals, search and rescue personnel and mountain guides from July 2010 through April 2018 for about $350.
Importer(s): Deuter USA, of Longmont, Colo.
Distributor(s): Ortovox, of Germany
Manufactured In: Germany
Recall number: 18-185
Fast and efficient searches are critical for saving lives, so this is not something to ignore.
