For use during activities that may expose the user to risk of snow avalanche. Avalanches are deadly. Understand
and accept the risks involved before participating in activities that may expose you to avalanche danger. You are
responsible for your own actions and assume the risks of your decisions. This pack may increase your chances for
survival, but it does not guarantee safety in the event of an avalanche. This pack should be used along with other
avalanche safety gear including an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe. Avalanche education is essential before
heading into avalanche terrain. Learn how to avoid avalanches and what to do in case you are caught by one. In
addition to deploying your airbag, swim and fight to stay on top, and attempt to create an air pocket as the slide
begins to slow. Before using this product, read and understand all instructions and warnings that accompany it,
familiarize yourself with its capabilities and limitations and obtain proper training in the use of the equipment.
Practice periodically. Contact Pieps if you are uncertain about how to use this product. Do not modify this product in
any way. Avalanche control workers using explosives are advised that this pack contains electronic equipment which
has not been tested for all conditions and which may expose the user to risks that are not yet known. Be aware of the
potential risks of using electronic equipment including, but not limited to, risks related to overheating, flammability,
explosion, electrical interference and static electricity. Check the manufacturer's website for updated instructions
and firmware. Failure to read and follow the warnings and instructions can result in severe injury or death!
This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made
by children without supervision.
WARNING! Only charge the battery using the provided JetForce BT Airbag charger (type:
GlobTek, Inc. GTM91120-3024-T2).
JetForce BT Backpack
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE – KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
JETFORCE BT BACKPACK INTRODUCTION
The JetForce BT Backpack is designed for use in and around areas with the chance
of snow avalanches. This backpack incorporates the JetForce Avalanche Airbag
System, which is designed to improve the chances of surviving an avalanche. By
increasing the total volume of the person caught in the slide the airbag helps keep
the victim on the surface, decreasing the chances of a complete burial and allowing
for a faster rescue.
JETFORCE BT SYSTEM COMPONENTS
See also: Figure 1
1a: Main Cargo Compartment
3b: Right Side Buckle
1b: Deployment Handle Pocket
3c: Leg Strap
1c: Deployment Handle
3d: Leg Strap Storage Pocket
1d: Power Button
3e: Leg Strap Clip
1e: System Status Lights
3f: Leg Strap Loop
1f: Charge Status Lights
3g: Sternum Strap
1g: Lithium-Ion Battery
5a: Fan Housing
1h: Charging Plug
5b: Air Release Button
1i: Airbag Pocket
5c: Deflate Access Port
1j: Airbag Release Post
5d: Airbag Pocket Zipper Pull
1k: Release Clip
5e: Zipper Warning Label
1l: Release Flap
8a: Zip-On Booster Pack
1m: Electronics Access Flap
8b: JetForce BT Base Unit
1n: JetForce BT Backpack Instructions
8c: Booster Pack Zipper Pulls
1o: Charging Power Supply
8d: Booster Pack Zipper Ends
3a: Left Side Buckle
SYSTEM FUNCTION
When the airbag is deployed by pulling the Deployment Handle (1c), the Release Clip
(1k) is forced open, allowing the Release Flap (1l) to open, and then the inflating air-
bag opens the airbag zipper. The airbag can then fully inflate (Figure 2).
SELF-DIAGNOSIS
To ensure that your JetForce BT Avalanche Airbag will function properly, the
JetForce BT electronic system performs a comprehensive self-diagnosis on every
system startup. The system checks the battery charge level, motor and fan opera-
tion and all critical electronics such as status lights,
trigger electronics and the battery electronics. The system also performs frequent
diagnosis while armed. A properly working system indicates a pulsing green System
Status Light (1e), located on the Deployment Handle (1c). Warnings/malfunctions are
indicated with a red System Status Light (1e), in conjunction with the blue Charge
Status Lights (1f). Refer to Troubleshooting section of this manual for details.
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WARNING
BATTERY CHARGING
Always make sure the system has a full charge before heading out into avalanche
terrain.
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WARNING! Charge Lithium batteries only under supervision!
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WARNING! The airbag may deploy if the Deployment Handle is pulled
anytime the lights are illuminated, even during charging.
1. Locate the Charging Power Supply (1o) and install the correct international plug.
2. Locate the charging connector inside the Deployment Handle Pocket (1b).
3. Unzip and expose the Charging Plug (1h).
4. Plug the Charging Power Supply (1o) cable into the Charging Plug (1h).
5. Plug the Charging Power Supply (1o) into an electrical outlet.
6. The Deployment Handle (1c) will illuminate a solid green light within the System
Status Lights (1e). The charge level is shown by the solid blue Charge Status Lights
(1f) with one blue light blinking to indicate charging state.
7. Charge until the Deployment Handle (1c) shows full charge with 4 solid blue lights.
a. First time charging can be as long as 12 hours.
b. Typical charging time is less than 6 hours.
8. Charge the Lithium-Ion Battery (1g) at room temperature. Do not charge at
temperatures outside of range (0°C to 45°C / 32°F to 113°F). At these extremes,
the system will indicate a charge temperature warning (refer to Troubleshooting
section of this manual) until the battery temperature is inside charge range again
– then charging starts automatically. It can take up to one hour until the battery
temperature reaches the required level.
9. Discontinue charging and refer to the Troubleshooting section of this manual
when you see a solid red System Status Light (1e).
CHECKING THE BATTERY STATUS AND WHEN TO RECHARGE
1. Tap the red Power Button (1d) briefly at any time to illuminate the Charge Status
Lights (1f and Figure 6).
a. 4 blue lights: full charge (maximum number of deployments available).
b. 3 or 2 blue lights: partial charge (multiple deployments available).
c. 1 blue light: at least 1 deployment remaining at -30°C (-22°F).
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WARNING! After checking the battery status, wait until the Charge Status
Lights (1f) have turned off before arming the system.
2. A blinking red System Status Light (1d) with a single blinking blue light indicates
the battery is not sufficiently charged for a deployment. Do not enter avalanche
terrain.
3. Check the battery status the night before you intend to use your JetForce BT
backpack, and charge the battery if there is less than a full charge. Best practice is
for the battery to be fully charged before heading out.
WEARING THE PACK (FIGURE 3)
Proper fit and secure attachment to your body is critical.
1. Put the backpack on your back with both arms through the shoulder straps.
2. Insert the Left Side Buckle (3a) through the Right-Side Buckle (3b), then tighten
the straps for a secure fit.
3. Locate the Leg Strap (3c) stored inside the Leg Strap Storage Pocket (3d). Wrap the
Leg Strap back around the back of your right leg, then between your legs. Clip the
Leg Strap Clip (3e) through the Leg Strap Loop (3f).
4. If the leg strap is too tight or too loose adjust it at the metal adjustment buckle at
the base of the right shoulder strap. Ensure the strap is doubled back through the
buckle.
5. Buckle and tighten the Sternum Strap (3g).
6. Adjust the shoulder straps to distribute the load between the shoulders and
waist.
ARMING THE SYSTEM (FIGURE 4)
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WARNING! It is critical that the system be armed before entering avalanche
terrain.
1. Unzip the Deployment Handle Pocket (1b) in the shoulder strap and expose the
Deployment Handle (1c).
2. To arm the system, press and hold (~3 seconds) the red Power Button (1d) on
the bottom of the Deployment Handle (1c) until the fan briefly runs. Release the
button upon hearing the fan run.
3. Be sure to disarm the JetForce BT system when not in use.
SYSTEM STATUS LIGHTS
1. After arming, the system should show a pulsing green System Status Light (1e)
indicating the system is armed and ready for deployment. Also see Figure 7.
2. 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). For error indications, refer to the Troubleshooting
section of this manual.
DEPLOYING THE AIRBAG (FIGURE 4)
With the backpack on and all straps securely fastened and the system successfully
armed and showing a pulsing green light, the airbag can now be deployed.
1. Grasp the Deployment Handle (1c) and firmly pull downward to turn the fan on.
2. The airbag will begin to deploy immediately. The fan will run at full power for
9 seconds, followed by lower speed operation and short refilling bursts for 3
minutes.
3. The airbag will deflate after 3 minutes and then automatically switch back to
armed mode.
4. To interrupt the inflation/deflation process after the initial 9 second deployment
period and return to armed mode, press and hold the red Power Button (1d) for ~3
seconds.
REPACKING (FIGURE 5)
1. Prior to repacking, the airbag must be fully deflated.
2. To manually deflate the airbag:
a. Locate the Deflate Access Port (5c) near the Fan Housing (5a) near the mesh on
the lower right side of the pack.
b. Locate the round finger-sized Air Release Button (5b) on the end of the Fan
Housing (5a).
c. Press the Air Release Button (5b) to open the valve, then compress the airbag
to squeeze out the remaining air.
3. Locate the Airbag Pocket - Zipper Pull (5d) underneath the Release Flap (1l) and
move it to the opposite side of the pack.
4. Connect the zipper ends together and zip closed while stuffing the airbag into the
Airbag Pocket. Pack as much as possible towards right-hand side to minimize unin-
tended opening of release flap. Do not roll or fold the airbag while stuffing it.
5. Close the zipper all the way to the bottom of the left side of the pack.
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WARNING! It is imperative that the zipper pull (5d) go past the end of the
short side of the zipper, otherwise the airbag will not deploy. The zipper pull
must be disengaged from the short side of the zipper (see label 5e).
6. Snap the Release Clip (1k) located on the Release Flap (1l) onto the Airbag Release
Post (1j) and tuck the perimeter of the Release Flap under the surrounding
weather shield.
DISARMING THE SYSTEM
There are two stages of manual disarmament:
• Short Term Storage (Sleep) – Less than 7 days without use
• Long Term Storage (Storage) – More than 7 days without use
1. To disarm the system (short term storage) hold the red Power Button (1d) until the
red light begins blinking (~3 seconds), then release the button. No light indication
after the button has been released indicates that the system has properly
powered down.
2. To put the pack in Storage (long term storage), arm the pack per the "ARMING THE
SYSTEM" section of this manual. With system armed, hold the red Power Button
(1d) until you see a red blinking light and then a red solid light (~10 seconds),
then release the button. No light indication indicates that the system has been
properly powered down.
NOTE! There will be a 4-second wake-up delay after the system has been in
storage mode.
3. Store the Deployment Handle (1c) inside the shoulder strap Deployment Handle
Pocket (1b) and zip the pocket closed.
The JetForce BT system also provides automatic disarmament for battery protec-
tion reasons:
• Auto-Sleep: Automatic switch from armed state to sleep mode after 12 hours
without movement. The 12 hours timeout can be changed or disabled (=> Pieps
app => settings).
• Auto-Storage: Automatic switch from sleep mode to storage mode after 7 days or
if the battery reaches a critical charge level.
SPECIFIC WARNINGS
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Disarm the system and stow the Deployment Handle (1c) before riding a ski lift,
tram, airplane, helicopter, snowcat or vehicle and before entering small, confined
spaces.
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Do not strap anything across the airbag pocket zipper.
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Do not overtighten the helmet carry.
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Armed, with the fan motor NOT running, the JetForce BT Backpack does not affect
either a transmitting or receiving avalanche beacon.
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When the JetForce BT's fan is running, the system may interfere with avalanche
beacons.
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All avalanche beacons are very sensitive to electrical and magnetic influence.
To minimize interference, carry the beacon on the front side of your body,
maximizing the distance between the beacon and the JetForce BT motor.
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Do not store any items in the Airbag Pocket (1i). Small items might damage or stop
the fan.
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Modifying the design in anyway, using the design for unintended purposes, or
failing to read and follow any of the instructions may result in serious injury or
death.
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Disarm the JetForce BT and stow the Deployment Handle (1c) before shipping or
storing the device.
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The Leg Strap (3c) prevents the backpack from being ripped off your body during
an avalanche. We strongly recommend its use.
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Always check the Deployment Handle (1c) for a pulsing green light when
approaching avalanche terrain.
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As with all protective equipment, it is important to practice its use to ensure that
you are capable of using it properly when necessary.
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We strongly discourage acquiring second hand equipment. In order to fully trust
your gear, you must know its history of use.
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Only charge the battery using the provided JetForce BT Airbag Charging Power
Supply (type: GlobTek, Inc. GTM91120-3024-T2)
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Do not submerge the system in water.
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Do not crush, puncture or subject the Lithium-Ion Battery (1g) to excessive
mechanical shock or vibration.
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Do not insert any item into the battery terminals or deliberately short the
contacts.
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Do not subject the JetForce BT Backpack to temperatures higher than 55° C
[130°F].
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Do not attempt to disassemble the Lithium-Ion Battery (1g) or the Airbag Control
Module.
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Only the battery can be removed. Do not attempt to remove any other component
of the JetForce BT Backpack.
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Physical damage to the JetForce BT system or battery may result in non-function
or excessive heat or fire.
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Use caution when removing/installing the battery or storing it outside of the pack.
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The JetForce BT Backpack will not increase survivability outside of the intended
application and design.
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Do not allow this device or any other protective equipment to change your
perception about the dangers of avalanches.
BLUETOOTH
®
CONNECTION
The JetForce BT system can be wirelessly connected to the Pieps app, which is
available for both Android and iOS devices with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. The app
provides system information and allows you to install updated firmware, adjust
system parameters, and troubleshoot the system. The system can be connected to
your Bluetooth device using the following procedure:
1. With the system disarmed, press the red Power Button (1d) 5 times within 3
seconds to enter Bluetooth mode.
2. When the system is in Bluetooth mode and is searching for a connection, the first
and second blue Charge Status Lights (1f) will alternate.
3. When the system has successfully connected to your device, the first and second
blue Charge Status Lights (1f) will still alternate, while the third and fourth Charge
Status Lights (1f) will go solid.
4. Follow the instructions in the Pieps app to make the required system checks and
updates.
5. To exit Bluetooth mode, disconnect the system using the app and wait 30
seconds. The system will return to a disarmed state. Alternatively, you can use
the normal disarm process.
5