Tracker Reset Problems

[FrankZappa]

Anybody else out there havin' a problem with thier Tracker (or any other kind for that matter) "reseting" or re-booting when they smack it?

Talked to warranty dept. at BCA and of course mine is expired.

Also this model is the "old"* one that is hermetically sealed so they can't open it up and fix it. (*old as in NO green gasket band around the seam).

I'm thinkin' it's the battery contacts that are disconnecting and then reconnecting. Might have to fiddle with those myself.

Anyways, just a heads up... Looks like I may be lookin' for a new one.

[~mikey b]

I had an issue with my batteries coming loose on a newer version, and got a new battery door. Never heard of that problem, though.

I'd retire that thing, or just use it for practice.

[lemon boy]

ummmm...don't smack it?

have you tried different brands of batteries? sounds like a practice beacon now though.

[FrankZappa]

Yeah. I tried a few different ones (and thats what BCA asked- they said some have slightly different dia's, but brand names should be OK). Same thing. It's not turnin' off or some other mode, just a re-boot. I can do the same if I pull and replace a battery. And it only does it in the one direction.

It all came about (at least first noticed) when I was hittin' my boot to get the snow off and tapped the beacon too, and heard the "beep, beep" like when you turn it on.

The thing is, those things better be able to take a smack (and it's not like I'm takin' a big fuckin hammer to it) cause they're likely to see a lot worse in the white machine.

[Shredhead]

The receive button on my seven year old, first generation model started to stick. It wouldn't always go into receive mode. I sent it in and the warranty department replaced it with a newer model.

But that was a couple of years ago and I have heard that they aren't as good now. Too bad, that was top notch customer service.

Why don't you just send it in and let us know what happens.

[FrankZappa]

Why don't you just send it in and let us know what happens.

Like I said in the original post, and this is basically what BCA said.

Also this model is the "old"* one that is hermetically sealed so they can't open it up and fix it. (*old as in NO green gasket band around the seam).

So I can already tell that after I pay to ship it back they'll say "well you can "upgrade" to the new model for $174." (but then I loose this old one on the trade in).

I'm thinkin about goin' with the peips DSP instead - Avy tools has got a pretty good deal now and I can pick up another probe for free. At least that way I'd still have this one for like was said above "for practice" which I could use cause I don't hardly know anybody around here besides SAR that I can practice with.

[Shredhead]

What's a couple of bucks to ship it in? I've found it’s often easy for customer service to just say no over the phone, but if you make an effort, sometimes they will too!




Who knows, maybe Neil or some of the other guys at BCA will read this and decide a little PR goes a long way.

[Cruiser]

This is just the sort of situation that really chaps my ass. I mean, things would be different if you had been going around beating the thing with a hammer to "test it's durability". BCA should stand behind their product and do what's right: Fix it or send you a new one.

We can always start an e-mail campaign. Maybe 2 or 3 hundred e-mails from angry maggots would help to change their mind about your warranty claim.

[danhikeski]

ortovox had the same "problem". it's not really an issue of the beacon, but a function of the battery industry not having tight enough tolarences. ortovox sent me a new battery cover that looks identical, but has a small piece of filler (looks like a real small security strip you find at wallmart to protect electronics)

my suggestion, if they won't warranty, put a piece of foam in there so the batteries don't jiggle around

[mntlion]

send it in, but ask that they return the old one so you can use it as a search only beacon (cut off the straps)

Also what do people want the life of a beacon to be? BCA said that this one is too old (3-5years?) but how long should it last. If MY father inlaw has a old peips from 1980 and that stops working should he get a new one?

Is a one year long enough? 3 year? lifetime?

sorry for the hyjack

[Cruiser]

Lifetime. If you are making a high quality product, particularly one with no moving parts, you shouldn't have to worry about too many of them breaking and the warranty costs cutting into your profits. I can see that some items should wear out after "normal use", but not somehting like a beacon. Just my change for a nickel.