
6
lar portion of the backpack, use the following procedure:
1. Locate both Booster Pack Zipper Pulls (8c) on the main cargo compartment of the
pack.
2. Open the zippers all the way around the pack until they come off of Booster Pack
Zipper Ends (8d) at the bottom of the pack.
3. Remove the Zip-On Booster Pack (8a) from the JetForce BT Base Unit (8c).
4. Align the replacement Zip-On Booster Pack (8a) with the zippers on JetForce
BT Base Unit (8b) and engage both Booster Pack Zipper Pulls (8c) with the
corresponding Booster Pack Zipper Ends (8d).
5. Pull the Booster Pack Zipper Pulls (8c) around the pack to the desired position for
use as the main access zipper to the cargo compartment of the pack.
A WARNING! Do not use JetForce BT without a Booster Pack attached.
TROUBLESHOOTING
In any system state (armed, charging, calibration), the JetForce BT system provides
comprehensive self-diagnosis. Warnings or errors are indicated with the red System
Status Light (1e), in conjunction with the blue Charge Status Lights (1f) for differenti-
ation (Figures 6-7):
1. Permanent solid red: Malfunction, initial deployment is not guaranteed – do not
enter avalanche terrain!
2. Permanent blinking red: Warning, battery charge insufficient. Deployment is
possible, but may cause damage to the battery.
3. Temporary blinking red for 3 seconds after arming then system proceeds as usual:
self-test error with deployment-unrelated malfunction, deployment cycle is not
affected.
To troubleshoot the system, follow these steps in order. Check for normal operation
after each step:
1. Turn the system off and turn it back on.
2. Connect the Charging Plug (1h) to the Charging Power Supply (1o) and leave
system connected until you see 4 solid blue Charge Status Lights (1f). Afterwards
disconnect and arm the system.
3. Confirm that the battery attachment screws are tight. Tighten if battery is loose.
4. Use “System Check” in the Pieps app for detailed troubleshooting. The app
also provides a detailed explanation of status light indications. Follow the
instructions and advice in the app. To connect the system to a device with
Bluetooth technology, refer to “BLUETOOTH CONNECTION” section of this
manual.
5. Contact your pack manufacturer´s service center for assistance.
WARNING/ERROR INDICATIONS:
Type Indication Required Action
Battery charge
warning
Blinking RED
No GREEN
Blinking BLUE #1
(RED & BLUE alternating)
Recharge battery
Battery charge
temperature
warning
Blinking RED
No GREEN
Blinking all 4 BLUE
(2x blink, 2x pause)
(RED & BLUE
synchronous)
Make sure that the system is
charged at room temperature.
Leave the system connected
to power supply until the bat-
tery temperature is inside the
allowed charge temperature
range and charging starts
automatically.
Calibration result
error / battery
health not
acceptable
Solid RED
No GREEN
Solid BLUE #1
Battery needs to be replaced
Bluetooth
activation error
Solid RED
No GREEN
Blinking Blue #1, 2
alternating
Stop the indication by using
the disarming process and
activate Bluetooth again. If
you continue to see this error,
contact your pack manu-
facturer´s service center for
assistance.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• The JetForce BT Backpack must not come into contact with corrosive materials
such as battery acid, battery fumes, solvents, chlorine bleach, antifreeze,
isopropyl alcohol or gasoline.
• If you need to clean your pack, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to spot clean
the specific area. Take care to not get the pack overly wet. When finished cleaning,
open any affected pockets, hang the pack, and allow to air dry prior to use.
• Do not crush, puncture or subject the battery to excessive mechanical shock or
vibration.
• Inspect the Lithium-Ion Battery (1g) regularly for cracking, swelling or other
physical damage and replace damaged units immediately.
• The JetForce BT battery has been engineered to perform optimally at very cold
temperatures and has an internal charging circuit that maintains the health
of the battery; however, all Lithium-ion batteries, no matter how well they are
controlled, are subject to deterioration over time and with use. Storing the
battery for a long period of time at full charge and/or at high temperatures are
the easiest ways to permanently decrease the capacity and health of the battery.
Additionally, do not allow your battery to deep discharge. Running the system
when the battery is showing no blue lights may damage the battery.
• Battery health can be greatly extended by doing the following:
1. Disarm the system whenever not in avalanche terrain.
2. Charge the battery frequently during normal, regular use. As with all Lithium-
ion batteries, it is ideal to maintain a charge of 100% (4 blue lights) when being
used regularly. Avoid full discharge
3. Store the JetForce BT pack in a cool (< 23°C/73°F), dry environment at 75%-
90% (3 blue lights) battery charge when not being used regularly.
4. While the overall system will function up to 45° C [113°F], battery deterioration
is accelerated at temperatures higher than 23°C [73°F].
• System Check: The Pieps app can be used at any time to verify that your JetForce
BT system is functioning properly.
• Battery Calibration: It is recommended to perform a battery calibration once a
year, after the skiing season. Battery calibration allows you to evaluate battery
health and helps to provide the most accurate charge level indication.
1) Start calibration with a low battery charge level (1 blue light) as the system
needs to empty the battery before recharging.
2) Connect the Charging Plug (1h) to the Charging Power Supply (1o) and wait for
system to begin charging.
3) Press and hold (~3 seconds) the red Power Button (1d) until you hear the motor
running with low power. The lights indicate Calibration => no red, blinking
green, cycling blue outside/inside.
4) The calibration routine ends with a result indication:
• Very good: no red, blinking green, solid blue #1-4
• Good: no red, blinking green, solid blue #1-3
• Acceptable: no red, blinking green, solid blue #1-2
• Not acceptable: solid red, no green, solid blue #1
(recommendation for battery replacement)
STORAGE & TRANSPORT
Storage
• Always store the JetForce BT Backpack and all components (battery, charger)
in a cool (< 23°C/73°F), dry location, out of direct sunlight, and away from heat
sources.
• Prevent damage from sharp objects, animals, corrosive materials and mildew.
• When storing the pack for 1 day to 5 weeks, the pack should be disarmed with a
100% battery (4 blue lights).
• When storing the pack for 5 weeks and longer, the pack should disarmed and put
into Storage mode (see Disarming the system) with 75% - 90% battery (3 blue
lights).
Transport
• Ensure the system is disarmed and the Deployment Handle (1c) is stowed before
riding a ski lift, tram, airplane, helicopter, snowcat or any vehicle and before
entering small, confined spaces.
• Protect the JetForce BT Backpack from sharp objects, abrasion and crushing
forces during transportation.
• The JetForce BT Backpack uses a Lithium-Ion battery similar to most laptop
computers. For commercial airline travel, always check current travel regulations
before your trip.
• http://safetravel.dot.gov/index_batteries.html
• http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Pages/lithium-batteries.aspx
• Transporting a damaged Lithium-Ion Battery (1g) may be prohibited and is not
recommended. Always inspect the battery according to the guidelines outlined in
these instructions and be sure to heed the specific warnings.
INSPECTION, RETIREMENT AND LIFESPAN
Inspection
Inspect your gear for signs of damage and wear before and after each use. If you
deploy your airbag in an avalanche, perform a thorough inspection before using the
system again.
1. Inspect the airbag for punctures or tears.
2. Inspect the Fan Housing (5a) for cracks.
3. Inspect the Deployment Handle (1c) for dents, cracks or exposed wires.
4. Inspect the Lithium-Ion Battery (1g) for dents, cracks or signs of swelling.
5. Inspect the wiring for exposed conductors or weakened connections with the
other components.
6. Inspect the backpack for punctures or tears.
7. Inspect the backpack shoulder straps, leg strap, and waist belt for tears or
damaged stitching.
8. After repacking the airbag, arm the system to confirm proper operation.