| If my experience last weekend helps only one person’s beacon to work correctly, then this post will be worthwhile:
One of my guest’s Mammut Pulse transceiver was giving repeated “Calibrate compass now” warnings, despite being calibrated two times and batteries at 55%. When in doubt, reboot. When I removed the batteries, I noticed there was corrosion on the contacts. I scraped this with my knife, but wasn’t able to remove all of it. It looks like the beacon was stored over the summer with batteries inside. We didn’t get the error and warning again after the clean up. I recommend checking beacons and carefully cleaning the contacts with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab and/or light sandpaper. I think it was losing power for a fraction of a second triggering the compass on reboot function. Who knows what scary consequences there could be in a real avalanche situation.
The model of beacon isn’t important, as corrosion complications could occur with any brand.
Ken BÉLANGER ACMG Ski Guide, CAA Professional Member
|
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from
this list.
|