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Ortovox safety notice

We have received Ortovox Public Service Announcement from Ortovox Canada that is regarding avalanche beacons/transceivers Ortovox m1 and m2 models. Specifically, it discusses battery compartment lid issues.

According to the announcement Ortovox is offering a free exchange of battery lids. Also note that avalanche beacons/transceivers Ortovox x1 and f1 models are OK, no problems there.

For more information read a copy of the announcement or visit www.ortovox.com website. Also, if you know anyone that owns or uses Ortovox m1 or m2 models please let them know about this important issue.

Since avalanche beacons are the most effective devices in accomplishing a successful rescue we suggest that you follow Ortovox instructions.

Ortovox m1 and m2

All m1 and m2 models are in concern, regardless of the colour and year of manufacture:

m1 model

m2 model

Original copy of the announcement we received:

September 12, 2005

Ortovox Public Service Announcement

New battery lids for the Ortovox m1/m2 avalanche transceivers

Battery Sizes
We have recently determined that under certain circumstances, due to variance in the size of AA (LR6) batteries, there is a chance that the batteries in an m1 and m2 avalanche transceiver may become dislodged as a result of a severe blow, resulting in a loss of power. Unfortunately the international standard for AA (LR6) batteries allows for a significant variance in both the length and diameter of the battery. These variances allow for batteries that meet the standards, but which may lack a prominent negative terminal, which could cause the battery to dislodge.

While the ORTOVOX m1 and m2 passed the European EN standard for shock resistance, battery dislodgment has been observed under testing conditions different from the European testing standard. There have been 3 reports of failure in the field – out of the nearly 100,000 beacons manufactured and sold world-wide. There have been no reports of injuries as a result of an Ortovox m1/m2 transceiver failing in the field.

Free Battery Compartment Replacement Lid
In light of the foregoing, ORTOVOX is offering a free exchange of the battery compartment lid for all m1 and m2 units. The new lid reduces the tolerance and movement of the batteries within the battery compartment.

This retrofit applies to all m1 and m2 units regardless of the colour and year of manufacture. The retrofit does not involve the Ortovox x1 or f1 units. We highly recommend that you replace the battery compartment lid of your beacon and that you choose batteries with a prominent negative terminal. ORTOVOX will send you a new battery compartment lid at no cost. This retrofit battery compartment can be easily installed on your own.

For further details please go to www.ortovox.com.

You can also contact us directly.

Ortovox Canada Ltd.
4610 Bowness Rd N.W.
Calgary, Alberta T3B OB3
403-283-8944
info@ortovox.ca

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