BCA Tracker 2 software recall?

All I know is what I read in this story in the news and guide, but if I owned one I'd be calling in and checking it out. Fortunately, the software in my Ortovox Dual-Frequency analog beacon is still fine. [and is only used as practice bacon ;)]

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More than 182 popular avalanche beacons used by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrollers have been recalled due to faulty software, with dozens more being taken off retails shelves at the resort, the manufacturer said.

Backcountry Access, which manufactures and distributes the Tracker2 beacon, said Jackson Hole ski patrollers recently alerted the company of problems with the beacon and returned close to 200 devices for a software update, Bruce Edgerly, vice president of Backcountry Access, said.

Ski patrollers at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has been using Tracker beacons for a decade, Edgerly said.

The problem the units experienced caused them to occasionally go into “opticomm” mode inadvertently. Opti-comm is a programming mode which is used to download new software through an optical communication window on the front of the unit. When the Tracker2 is in opticomm mode, it does not transmit.

Other users reported the device making beeping sounds when turned off and otherwise acting erratically.

Many backcountry users also have complained online about problems with the Tracker2 at websites such as TetonAT.com, a backcountry and ski mountaineering site run by Steve Romeo.

“We have recently released a new version of software that addresses the issue,” Edgerly said. “We are offering free upgrades to this software for those who are interested.”

Backcountry Access asks Tracker2 customers who are experiencing problems with their beacon to contact the company at www.backcountryaccess.com or (303) 417-1345 for the free software upgrade.
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Thank You for posting this, kind of scary to think my beacon might decide to just stop transmitting!

My Mammut Barryvox used to start beeping when turned off (and randomly when turned on) but seems to function normally (hijack). I hope the Mammuts don't have the same problem.

I have a Tracker 2 so I was pretty freaked out when I saw that article. The rep I spoke to at BCA said the article in the JH Daily was a little over the top. They haven't initiated a recall and not all Tracker2s are affected. From what I understand the affected beacons don't so much stop transmitting entirely as they do reboot during transmitting from time to time. He said they will pay all shipping costs for anyone that wants to get the upgrade and that the offer is good indefinitely.

I wish there were an easier way to get the software fix. I am really not thrilled about having to wait for my beacon to get through the mail twice. I haven't noticed any weird behavior wearing my beacon or practicing with it, but it seems like it's probably worth dealing with the inconvenience of not being able to ski BC for a while and sending it in for the upgrade.

I sent mine back to BCA this week. They're pretty good so far with it. Sent the call tag to me the same day I contacted them about the the upgrade. They're saying 1-2 days turn around on the upgrade. So hopefully it'll be back next week to me.

I've never seen mine do it, but you never know. Things like that can be a be a bit random. We had something similar happening on a piece of electronics i worked on.

Big props to Kyle and the warranty dept. at BCA. I called them on Wed. and left a message. 2 hrs later Kyle got back to me. We agreed to send in 5-7 T2s that have the 3.0 software. They covered the shipping and sent me 7 DST T1s to cover my staff until they can turnaround our beacons with the 4.0 software.

Excellent customer service!!!!!

yeah talked to kyle also, sent it and and they're saying a couple day turnaround. hopefully get her back next week.

http://backcountryaccess.com/index.php?id=215

BCA is offering a free update to our version 4 software. This update prevents the Tracker2 from entering reprogramming mode if there is an interruption to the power supply. Along with the new software, you will also receive a new front with anti-static material and stiffer action on the return-to-transmit tab.

This update is available to both retailers and consumers. For fastest results, it is best for the customer to work directly with BCA. We will pay for all shipping costs.

To determine if you need this upgrade, disconnect and reconnect one battery while the unit is off. After displaying “t2,” the unit will display the software revision number. If it displays “R01,” “R02,” or “R03,” then you should upgrade to R04. Instructions:

Contact BCA at 800-670-8735, ext. 0 or email info@backcountryaccess.com with your current T2 version, phone number and mailing address.
We will provide you with a return authorization (RA) number and e-mail you a UPS call tag for free shipping.
Please write the RA number on the outside of the box.
Ship the unit(s) to BCA at 2820 Wilderness Place, Unit H, Boulder, CO 80301.
Once we receive the shipment, we can turn it around in one day. Thanks for your support!

sent mine back on like wednesday or thursday, despite the holiday i got tracking info on return shipment from BCA today. they should have been out skiing the front range pow, BCA CS kills it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pault

If it displays “R01,” “R02,” or “R03,” then you should upgrade to R04.

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Interesting. Mine actually says R00. Initiating upgrade sequence...

Anyone else get theirs back yet?

Mine came back today, after a 1 day turn around at BCA in a factory box with all the stuff in it...harness, bat, instructions.

I just got tracking info, I shipped it out Saturday. It should be here tomorrow. I'll update what it looks like when I get it back.

I have to give props to BCA. They really stepped up on this one and did a great job of letting people know what's going on with the Tracker 2 - and also of doing a super-quick turnaround.

Beacon arrived today. Opened the box, it was just wrapped in plastic with some new batteries. Looks like they upgraded the same unit. What sucks is they apparently forgot to ship the harness back with it (I'd included it just in case they needed it to stay with the unit and ship me a refurb/new one, etc.) :mad:

Oh well. I got some stickers out of the deal.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fluxrad

Beacon arrived today. Opened the box, it was just wrapped in plastic with some new batteries. Looks like they upgraded the same unit. What sucks is they apparently forgot to ship the harness back with it (I'd included it just in case they needed it to stay with the unit and ship me a refurb/new one, etc.) :mad:

Oh well. I got some stickers out of the deal.

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That sucks...I'm sure they'll send you a harness if you hit them up...and probably more sticker

They're overnighting a harness - should be here tomorrow (Well, that or since I live in Denver it's just a one-day trip anyway). All in all I'm really pleased with BCA's handling of the whole firmware issue as well as their quick turnaround.

SUPER FAST SHIPPING A++ WOULD BUY GEAR FROM AGAIN!!!!

(But if there aren't more stickers in the box there'll be hell to pay! :cussing:)

I had software version 1 in my Tracker 2. Sent it in on Jan 14 and got it back Jan 27, round trip Via UPS from Seattle. Plus 2 stickers and new batteries.

I just sent in the unit, no harness. I got back what looks like a virtually new beacon. The major difference that I note is that now I hear a faint clicking sound, kind of like a ticking clock, when in the transmitting mode. It clicks at twice the rate of the blinking side light. There is also an even fainter ticking sound when in the search mode.

Anyway, I'm happy to have my beacon back and all is well.

Sent BCA an email and received one 2 days later regarding my info. The next day, the service rep actually called me to discuss the issue - definitely happy with the service. I took the Baker Level 100 avi course on Sunday, and the people there were not fully aware of the issue (one instructor had heard "rumours" and another had heard nothing about it) - maybe they should be on TGR.