27,000 Avalanche Transceivers Recalled
The Ortovox avalanche transceivers have been recalled because they 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.
About 27,000 avalanche transceivers have been recalled because they 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.
The 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.
They were made in Germany and distributed in the United States and Canada. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled transceivers and return them to Ortovox for a free repair, including free shipping. No injuries or incidents have been reported from the defective products as of June 27, according to the manufacturer.
The devices were sold at outdoor specialty stores, ski shops nationwide, and directly to avalanche professionals, search and rescue personnel, and mountain guides from July 2010 through April 2018 for about $350. The U.S. importer was Deuter USA, of Longmont, Colo.; Ortovox Canada Ltd. was the Canadian distributor.
Consumers should contact Ortovox toll-free at 877-384-9252 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Thursday, email at [email protected], by visiting www.ortovox.com and clicking on RECALL 3+ for more information. To contact Ortovox Canada, call 403-283-8944 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST weekdays.