Pieps DPS issue

this has probably been posted here before. But I didn't see it, and I just got this notice from NSP (which means this is probably 6 months old). So here it is anyway...


Warning for all Avalanche Transceiver Users
January 22, 2009
PIEPS GmbH of Austria, one of several manufacturers of avalanche rescue transceivers, has become aware of a potential issue involving carrying the PIEPS DSP avalanche transceiver in close proximity to the Motorola Model GP340 radio transceiver. Although the GP340 radio is a European version, it is very similar to the Motorola HT750 series used in North America.

Avalanche rescue transceivers are extremely sensitive devices, and can be affected by the magnet found in a radio speaker. If the radio, or even a speaker-microphone, comes in close proximity with the avalanche transceiver, magnetic fields are present that can activate magnetic switches in the PIEPS DSP to turn it off or change it from transmit mode to search mode. This is NOT a Motorola radio issue-this is NOT a radio frequency issue-it doesn't matter if you are using VHF, UHF, or 800 MHz radios-it's a magnetism issue that apparently affects other transceiver brands and models as well.

The manufacturers of avalanche rescue transceivers also caution users against wearing clothing containing permanent magnets (e.g. magnetic button closures, magnetic nametags) while operating avalanche rescue transceivers.

The issue is being investigated and is of no immediate cause for alarm. It does not appear to affect transceivers that are carried according to the separation criteria already specified in the PIEPS DSP owner's manual (at least 15 cm [6"] from other devices while in "send" mode, and 1.5 m [approx. 5 feet] while in "search" mode).

However, the situation should serve as a reminder for all users of avalanche transceivers to read their owner's manual, and observe the criteria specified for separation distance between their transceiver and other potential sources of magnetic interference, regardless of brand or model.


Mike Laney Dick Woolf
National Avalanche Program Director National Telecom Advisor