BOULDER, CO (June 29, 2020) – Backcountry Access, Inc. (BCA) has announced a software update specifically and exclusively for its Tracker2 avalanche transceivers. The company recommends that all Tracker2 owners take advantage of this T2 software update.
The T2 software update improves functionality during the power-saving mode. After 12 hours without user input, Tracker2 enters into power-saving mode and begins emitting an audible beep every two minutes to let you know you are in lower power mode. In power-saving mode, the Tracker2 transmit pulse can vary slightly from the international standard. All avalanche transceiver brands must operate on the same international standard to ensure interoperability.
To keep your transceiver out of power-saving mode, simply turn the transceiver off and on or check the battery power level at least once a day.
In addition, BCA strongly recommends that all users follow best practices as described in the Tracker2 manual to ensure all transceivers are functioning properly before venturing into the backcountry.
- Performing a transceiver trailhead test every time you use your Tracker2,
- Routinely checking that all transceivers in your party transmit and receive properly, and
- Checking that your Tracker2 has sufficient battery power (greater than 40 percent).
The T2 software update is exclusively available for the BCA Tracker2 model of avalanche transceivers.
T2 SOFTWARE UPDATE – HOW IT WORKS
To obtain the T2 software update, simply fill out the T2 update request form.
This update is only for Tracker2's but in 2021 we released a software update for the Tracker3. You can read more about the T3 Software Update here.
WHERE TO SHIP
Once your form is processed, you will receive an email with information on how to ship your Tracker2 to the distributor in your region. BCA will pay for incoming and return shipping on all units submitted for updates. You will receive your updated Tracker2 back within 10-14 business days from the date we receive your unit.
USA
BCA Warranty
2021 S. 208th St.
Des Moines, WA 98198 USA
Tel: 303-417-1345
Toll-Free: 800-670-8735
T2 update request form
CANADA
K2 Sports Canada
1 Westside Drive, Unit #7
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9C 1B2
Tel: 866-455-2748
T2 update request form
EUROPE
K2 Sports Europe GmbH
Grosse Hohl 6
67354 Roemerberg, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 6232 3145518
T2 update request form
Includes: All European countries, Iceland, and Russia (excluding Norway). See Norway below.
JAPAN
K2 Japan Corporation
6F TMM Bldg.
1-10-5 Iwamoto cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo Japan 101-0032
Tel: +81 6858 2311
T2 update request form
NORWAY
K2 Norway Madshus
Industriveien 29
2836 Biri, Norway
Tel: 0047 61 13 43 00
T2 update request form
ALL OTHER COUNTRIES
Please follow instructions that will be emailed to you after you complete and submit your T2 update request form.
T2 SOFTWARE UPDATE – FAQS
- Why does the Tracker2 require a software update? The T2 software update ensures that Tracker2 transmit pulse meets the ETSI International Standard for avalanche beacons when the Tracker2 is in power-saving mode and ensures interoperability with all brands of avalanche transceivers.
- What will the software update do to my Tracker2 avalanche transceiver? The BCA T2 software update will improve functionality during its power-saving mode by slightly lengthening the pulse width—the length of each “beep”—and slightly shortening the pulse period–the time between the beginning of each beep.
- Why does the Tracker2 go into power-saving mode? The Tracker2 power-saving mode is intended to save battery power for users who forget to turn off their transceivers at the end of the day. Even without power-saving mode, the T2 meets the international standard for battery life, that requires the capability to search for one hour after 200 hours of transmitting.
- Will my Tracker2 still work without the software update? Yes, your Tracker2 will still operate without the software update as long as you use it in accordance with the best practices listed in the Tracker2 manual and BCA’s transceiver usage guidelines. The Tracker2 should be turned off and on before each use, the Tracker2 batteries should have greater than 40 percent remaining power before using, and users of the Tracker2 should perform a trailhead transceiver test prior to each use.
- If my Tracker2 will still work, then why is it so important that I update my Tracker2 software? Your safety and the safety of your backcountry group is the reason the Tracker2 software update is so important. By updating, you avoid the rare occasion when a Tracker2 is mistakenly left on and not checked according to the instructions before going into the backcountry. In this case, there is a remote possibility that another transceiver won’t be able to detect it. This could include other brands or future models of transceivers not yet available on the market, which could potentially be less tolerant of deviations from the standards.
- What’s the difference between a Tracker2 ‘update’ and an ‘upgrade’? Software updates are a way for our software developers to fine-tune your product to make it the best it can be. BCA will modify your software and return your Tracker2 unit back to you. An upgrade is when a Tracker model is switched out for another Tracker model.
- Is this a mandatory “recall” of the Tracker2? No, this software update is a voluntary action that is not being required by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, European Commission, or any other regulatory agency. There have been no reported incidents in which the current software has contributed to a fatality, injury, or other damage.
- Can I update my Tracker2 online without shipping it to BCA or a BCA distributor? No, there is no online update or download available for the Tracker2. You must ship it to the BCA authorized location that contacts you after you submit your Tracker2 Update Form online.
- How long will it take for BCA to make the update and return my Tracker2 to me? You will receive your updated Tracker2 back within 10-14 business days from the date we receive your unit. The software update is exclusively available for the BCA Tracker2 model of avalanche transceivers.
- Where can you find more information on the International Standard for avalanche transceivers? The ETSI specifications are listed here.
- Is there a software update available for other BCA Tracker avalanche transceiver models? No, the software update is exclusively available for the Tracker2 model of avalanche transceivers.