ORTOVOX has announced a recall of their S1+ Avalanche Transceiver because it doesn’t work as intended. The hardware can fail, resulting in an inability to transmit a discoverable signal during an emergency situation, even when the device appears to be powered on and functioning properly. No incidents or injuries have been reported. The recall includes 3,000 units that were manufactured in Germany and sold at outdoor specialty retailers, ski shops and directly in the U.S. from July 2010 through April 2015 for about $490. All transceivers manufactured from 2010 through 2014 are included in the recall. The manufacture date is printed inside the battery door on the back of the transceiver with a two digit number representing the year.
The ORTOVOX S1+ transceiver is used as a beacon to locate an individual in case of an avalanche. The transceiver is black with green accent stripes and a flip-case design. ORTOVOX and S1+ are printed on the top of the device. In the open/receive position the top half of the transceiver displays a screen with that displays an image and distance reading of the buried individual. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled S1+ transceiver beacons and return them to ORTOVOX for a free repair.
