Worrisome report for those of you with Ortovox beacons

[Spats]

According to this article, Ortovox beacons are often out of spec FROM THE FACTORY at operating temperatures. Here's an article translated from "Snow and Avalanches" #95, September 2001:

http://telemarktips.com/forums/Avy_S...osts/1698.html

What this means is that other beacons will have a hard time detecting yours.

I've also heard (though ) that Ortovoxes drift in frequency over time, and must be recalibrated every few years. If this is also true, I'd be even more worried.

[CaddyDaddy77]

Re-calibrated? Is this something that a user can do, or the manufacturer?

This is a bit worriesome.

[cj001f]

Originally posted by Spats
I've also heard (though ) that Ortovoxes drift in frequency over time, and must be recalibrated every few years. If this is also true, I'd be even more worried.

1) If my beacons next to me, under my clothes, and it's -5C, I'm dead. If it's -30C I'm really, really stone cold dead.

2)All beacons drift over time, not just Ortovox. All beacons are designed for a finite lifetime, not just Ortovox (Barryvox wants you to send yours in every 3 years for calibration).

3) This is why you do a transceiver check at the trailhead everytime - make sure your beacon plays well with others.

[summit]

what cj said

[BanditXXX]

Stay out of the backcountry until spring time. Wait for the corn snow. You'll have a much better stress free time. Let nature work its course. Let the freeze/thaw cycles be your beacon. Consolidated snow is the best friend you can have. Shred the corn boyz!!