Problems with Ortovox M1 and M2 transceivers
A subtle variation in battery sizes across several battery manufacturers worldwide has raised an potential important safety issue in America, regarding the battery compartment doors on Ortovox M1 and M2 transceivers. (M2 pictured)
Differing battery sizes mean that the battery may shift in the transceiver if the device receives a blow which interrupts the power supply, turning the unit power off. This is a problem that can affect all battery powered safety equipment, and has been flagged up in relation to the M1/M2 transceivers in the Ortovox range. Users have found that an M2 tested to be working before going out, could potentially appear to be non-functional at the moment it is required to be used, such as being caught in an avalanche.
Ortovox have stated that they know of 3 incidents of failure in the field of approximately 100,000 beacons manufactured and sold world-wide without any reports of injury.
Rather than recalling all beacons, Ortovox are offering a free exchange of the battery compartment lid for all M1 and M2 units, which reduces the tolerance and movement of the batteries within the battery compartment.
Since this is a voluntary recall; however, Ortovox do reccommend that all owners replace the battery compartment lid of their beacons, and to choose batteries with a prominent negative terminal.
