Pieps and Black Diamond call for the avalanche transceivers PIEPS Pro BT, Powder BT, DSP Sport, DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, Micro Button BT, Micro BT Sensor, Micro BT Race Check Recon BT as well as Guide BT.
With a small number of avalanche transceivers an electronic malfunction was detected. In this case, the unit may not switch from transmit mode to search mode. All customers who are in possession of the devices mentioned below are therefore requested to check them using the instructions below.
Affected Devices
Mode check instruction
The following instructions from the manufacturers are intended to help you carry out this check yourself. If it turns out that a mode is not working properly, the affected devices may no longer be used and must be contacted for free service immediately BEEP / BLACK DIAMOND sent.
PIEPS Micro BT Button / Race
- Turn on the device. Wait for the software version and self-test result to appear and for the group check countdown to complete.
- The device is now in SEND mode, the SEND symbol ("X") is flashing.
- Press the SEND/SEARCH button. The display shows a flashing flag and a countdown (3 seconds).
- Confirm the switch to SEARCH mode by pressing the MARK button once (do not hold down) during the countdown.
- If your device is now in search mode (search symbol “–” is displayed), you do NOT need to submit the form.
- If your device cannot be switched to search mode, please enter your data in the form and we will contact you.
PIEPS Micro BT Button / Race – Additional device check via the PIEPS app
- To enable Bluetooth, press the MARK button during power on. As soon as the Bluetooth symbol appears on the display, the MARK button can be released.
- Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile phone. Open the PIEPS app on your mobile phone and click on "Connect Bluetooth device".
- Select your device.
- Go to the Device Check menu item, press Start and follow the instructions on your mobile phone.
- Make sure that the result of the device check shows "OK".
- If the device check is negative, please enter your details below and we will contact you
Video: PIEPS Micro BT Button / Race mode check instruction
Micro BT sensor
- Turn on the device. Make sure the device's display is facing up and the distance sensor is not covered.
- Wait for the software version and self-test result to appear and for the group check countdown to complete. The device is now in SEARCH mode (search symbol “–” is displayed). If your device is in Bluetooth mode after switching on without pressing the mark button, the electronics are also defective.
- Cover the sensor with your thumb until the countdown appears and keep it covered for the duration of the countdown for the transceiver to go into SEND mode (“X” send icon appears). To stay in SEND mode, keep the sensor covered.
- Now remove your thumb from the sensor to switch to SEARCH mode. The lock symbol appears on the display. SEARCH mode is now locked. It is no longer possible to switch to SEND mode by covering the sensor.
- Unlock SEARCH mode by pressing and holding the MARK button for 3 seconds. The lock symbol disappears from the display
- If switching between modes and unlocking SEARCH mode was successful, you do NOT need to submit the form
- If unlocking SEARCH mode is not possible, please enter your details below and we will contact you.
Micro BT sensor – Additional device check via the PIEPS app
- To enable Bluetooth, press the MARK button during power on. As soon as the Bluetooth symbol appears on the display, the MARK button can be released.
- Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile phone. Open the PIEPS app on your mobile phone and click on "Connect Bluetooth device".
- Select your device.
- Go to the Device Check menu item, press Start and follow the instructions on your mobile phone.
- Make sure that the result of the device check shows "OK".
- If the device check is negative, please enter your details below and we will contact you
Video: Micro BT Sensor mode check instruction
PRO BT / Guide BT / POWDER BT / RECON BT
- Slide the lock knob to the left and the power switch up to the SEARCH position. Wait for the software version and self-test result to appear. Make sure that the SEARCH (- -) icon now appears on the display.
- Slide the main switch down until it clicks into the SEND position. Make sure the SEND icon (X) now appears on the display.
- Slide the lock button to the left and the main switch down to the OFF position. Make sure the transceiver is now powered off.
- If you were able to complete all steps successfully, you do NOT have to submit the form.
- If switching between modes is not possible, please enter your details below and we will contact you.
PRO BT / Guide BT / POWDER BT / RECON BT – Additional device check via the PIEPS app
- To enable Bluetooth, press the MARK button during power on. As soon as the Bluetooth symbol appears on the display, the MARK button can be released.
- Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile phone. Open the PIEPS app on your mobile phone and click on "Connect Bluetooth device".
- Select your device.
- Go to the Device Check menu item, press Start and follow the instructions on your mobile phone.
- Make sure that the result of the device check shows "OK".
- If the device check is negative, please enter your details below and we will contact you
Video: Mode Check Instruction PRO BT / Guide BT / POWDER BT / RECON BT
DSP PRO / Sports
- Press the lock button and slide the main switch up to the SEARCH position.
- Wait until the software version is displayed and the self-test result is complete. The device is now in SEARCH mode. Make sure that the SEARCH (- -) icon now appears on the display.
- Move the main switch down until it clicks into the SEND position. Make sure the SEND icon (X) appears on the display.
- Press the lock button and slide the slider down to the OFF position.
- Make sure the transceiver is now powered off.
- If switching between modes is not possible, please enter your details below and we will contact you.
Video: DSP PRO / Sport Mode Check Instruction
More information / Submit a warranty claim
For more information or to submit a warranty claim, please visit the following page:
- If you based in Europe make
- If they in North America from befor
- If you are located outside of North America and Europe, please contact your local Black Diamond distributor (List of local contacts)
Frequently asked questions
Why is it a Voluntary Recall in North America and not in Europe?
Please note that in North America, the term "recall" is a formality mandated by the "CPSC" (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for any corrective action taken on a product after it has been placed on the market. The previously published "LVS SAFETY ADVICE - REVIEW OF THE MODES" meets this criterion.
As Black Diamond is the distribution partner for PIEPS in North America, we are now required to refer to this as a "Voluntary Recall" there, although the procedure does not change in relation to the previously published "SAFETY CHECK FOR AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER / BEACON MODE FAILURE" notice has changed.
We regret any confusion this may cause. Because we are a global company, we must comply with the local laws and procedures of the country where our products are sold.
For Europe we are in close contact with the "Radio Authority" and the "Ministry for Product Safety". Both authorities confirm that the current "LVS SAFETY NOTICE - REVIEW OF MODES" and the corresponding measures that our company has taken for the relevant Black Diamond and PIEPS avalanche transceivers are sufficient for Europe. We hope this explains the differences in wording.
What is the root cause of the problem?
The overall cause for all issues with the affected avalanche transceivers has been narrowed down to a material handling/assembly anomaly in manufacturing. Below are details on the two specific topics:
- PIEPS Micro BT Button/Race/Sensor: We have identified a specific issue with the Pieps Micro family transceivers. The front foil, which contains the buttons, could be damaged during the manufacturing process, which would affect the electronics of the device. If this is the case, this could result in the avalanche transceiver being unable to switch to SEARCH mode on the Button and Race models, and the marking function on the Sensor model no longer working.
- PIEPS Powder BT, Pieps Pro BT, Pieps DSP Pro, Pieps DSP Sport, Black Diamond Recon, Black Diamond Guide: These transceivers use magnetic reed switches that switch the transceiver into SEARCH mode. We have identified an issue of potential damage to reed switches during manufacture. If the reed switch is damaged, the transceiver may not be able to enter SEARCH mode.
How many devices are affected?
- PIEPS Powder BT, Pieps Pro BT, Pieps DSP Pro, Pieps DSP Sport, Black Diamond Recon, Black Diamond Guide:
As of April 28, 2022, it has been determined that 0,07% of all transceivers sold worldwide have this issue. In North America, the number of cases detected is lower at 0,02%. - PIEPS Micro BT Button/Race/Sensor:
As of April 28, 2022, it has been determined that 0,53% of all transceivers sold worldwide have this issue. 0,22% was found in North America.
What are Pieps and Black Diamond Equipment doing about this problem?
We take this matter very seriously and want to ensure a transparent presentation of the processes, as well as a fast and precise procedure, as well as taking into account the concerns of our community. We are actively working towards a solution by focusing on the following three priorities:
Internal product investigation
- In our regular review of all warranted and/or returned devices, we have identified electronic component failures that were occurring more frequently than expected with the avalanche transceivers listed above. Although the number of affected devices was small, this prompted an internal investigation at our site which narrowed the cause down to a material handling/assembly anomaly in manufacturing.
- We have retired all current stock and conduct a thorough inspection including device testing before placing the devices on the market.
- We are working with our manufacturer(s) to identify and correct the material handling/assembly issue. We are confident that this issue will be resolved shortly.
- We have confirmed that this issue is limited to the avalanche transceivers listed above.
Safety check and repair/replacement
- We have issued a security clearance advisory and urge you to follow the instructions to check if you have an affected device. We are working to repair or replace all affected avalanche transceivers as soon as possible. If you are unsure about having your own transceiver checked, you can send it in and we will check it for you.
- All affected devices that are returned will be replaced or repaired free of charge.
- In connection with our Safety Review Notice, we have notified and are currently in regular contact with global regulatory agencies (including Health Canada, RAPEX and the North American Product Safety Agency (CPSC)); our internal investigation will be continued at the same time.
Communication
- It is our goal to transmit all information as quickly and precisely as possible. We will continue to provide updated information and respond to all questions as quickly as possible.
How do I know that my transceiver is working properly?
A device test (according to the instructions described above) shows whether the avalanche transceiver switches correctly from SEND to SEARCH mode. We recommend that you follow best practices and check the SEND and SEARCH functions on your security device before each use. As we continue to investigate the issue, we will maintain the repair/replacement program in perpetuity and will update the recommendations and communications as new information becomes available.
The slide switch on my avalanche transceiver does not click into the search position. Is this a problem?
No, that's exactly how it should be. The switch does not latch in the Search position. This design feature allows the device to be quickly switched back to send mode in the event of a secondary avalanche.
Is this current issue related to the Pieps DSP recall in 2021?
No, this current issue is not related to this.
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