Black Diamond Equipment Issues Voluntary Recall for its Recon LT Avalanche Transceiver
March 23, 2023/April 27, 2023 -- In cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling the Recon LT avalanche transceiver to carry out a required firmware update.
The Recon LT avalanche transceiver may unexpectedly enter search mode, despite the rotary switch remaining in its send position. This malfunction can be resolved if users update their firmware to version v1.3 or later.
Consumers who own the Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceiver should immediately stop using the device and follow one of the options below:
- Update your device by downloading the Pieps App for iOS or Android devices, connect your transceiver via Bluetooth, and then follow a few on-screen prompts. Click HERE for instructions to update via the PIEPS app.
- Send your device to Black Diamond’s service center or take it to a Black Diamond Retail Store to perform the update free of charge. File a claim HERE to send to a service center or click HERE for a list of Black Diamond Retail Store Locations.
- If preferred, Black Diamond will offer a full refund to Recon LT avalanche transceiver customers. To file a claim click HERE.
Affected Products
All Recon LT avalanche transceivers manufactured and sold between May 2021 and March 2023 and having serial numbers with the first four digits between the range of 2119-2239 are addressed with this voluntary recall. The serial number can be identified by connecting your beacon to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth.
This transceiver was sold as a standalone unit and as part of an avalanche safety set. The SKU’s, UPC’s and Descriptions of these products are below:
| SKU | UPC | Style Description |
|---|---|---|
| BD1510070000ALL1 | 793661495475 | BD RECON LT BEACON |
| BD1510100000ALL1 | 793661512837 | BD ALPINE AVY SAFETY SET |
| BD1510110000ALL1 | 793661518532 | BD RECON LT AVY SAFETY SET |
Required Actions
Consumers should immediately stop using the Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceiver. The firmware for the Recon LT avalanche transceivers must be updated through the Pieps App which can be downloaded for free on your IOS or Android device. Alternatively, please contact Black Diamond for a full refund.
Click HERE for procedure update.
Click HERE to begin the recall process.
For further information about the Black Diamond Equipment voluntary recall for its Recon LT avalanche transceiver, contact Black Diamond at 866-306-0865 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or via email at 2023reconLTrecall@bdel.com. You may also reference the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or Health Canada websites for further information related to to this recall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: This issue is related to a firmware problem that can, in rare and unlikely circumstances, be triggered by the presence of nearby transceivers in send mode. We have taken immediate action to correct the firmware. For firmware update instructions click HERE.
A: Through our warranty department, we have received six customer reports of this issue out of approximately 5000 units sold. There have been no known accidents or injuries caused by this issue.
A: No, this current issue is not related to any prior recall.
A: No. There have been no known accidents or injuries caused by this issue.
A: We are launching this recall to inform users of the issue and encourage them to update their firmware. We have developed a firmware update that eliminates the risk of this issue from occurring. This firmware update can be performed by users via the Pieps App. Click HERE for the procedure to update your firmware. We are also working with our retailers that have the Recon LT in stock to ensure that all their transceivers have the most up-to-date firmware.
A: Yes. Black Diamond is pursuing a voluntary recall with CPSC and other consumer protection authorities. All Recon LT users should immediately stop using their transceivers and perform a firmware update. Click HERE for the procedure to update your firmware.
A: Click HERE for the procedures to update your transceiver.
A: The only way to ensure that this issue does not occur is by updating the firmware to v1.3 or later (Update Procedure). You can opt for Black Diamond to perform the firmware update by sending your device to our service center free of charge, or take it to one of our retail locations. Or if preferred, Black Diamond will also offer a full refund to any of its Recon LT customers. To begin this process, click here.
A: Yes. You may visit any of our Black Diamond stores to get assistance to update the firmware.
A: Yes, if you are not happy with the solutions we have provided, we will offer you a full credit or refund. Follow the procedures HERE to file a claim.
A: Firmware is a type of software that is specifically designed to be installed on hardware devices, such as avalanche transceivers. The firmware in avalanche transceivers is responsible for managing the device's hardware components and providing the necessary functionalities, such as transmitting and receiving signals, processing data, and displaying information. Updating the firmware allows improvements to be made to the device's performance and capabilities.
A: If you have updated the firmware, then this issue is resolved. To verify that you have the latest firmware, turn on your transceiver and the firmware version number will be briefly displayed as pictured in the image below. It should be running version 1.3 or later. If not follow the update procedures HERE.
