Klim Alpride E1 Avalanche Airbag System User Guide

Klim Alpride E1 Avalanche Airbag System User Guide

LEGEND

1. Airbag Compartment
2. Trigger
3. Compressor motor
4. Super capacitors
5. 2x AA Battery compartment (batteries not included)
6. Micro-USB port (cable included)
7. ON/OFF switch
8. 3x LED (see section 5)
9. Trigger cable
10. Deflation knob
11. Compressor inlet grid
12. Compressor case and wheel

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM. This manual provides you with information about the function and use of the KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM. It applies to every backcountry snow sport including snowmobiling and snow biking. Please read this manual carefully before you use the device. Pay special attention to the warning notices and strictly adhere to the information within the user manual. In order to be able to easily consult this user manual we suggest that you keep it in a convenient
location.

WARNING & APPROPRIATE USE

1.  DO NOT SUBMERGE THE SYSTEM IN WATER.
2.  THE KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM CANNOT PREVENT AVALANCHES FROM OCCURRING.
3.  AVALANCHES ARE LIFE-THREATENING, NO MATTER WHAT EQUIPMENT IS DEPLOYED.
4.  USERS MUST NOT TAKE MORE RISKS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE WEARING A KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM.
5.  USE OF AN AVALANCHE BACKPACK IS NO GUARANTEE THAT TOTAL BURIAL IN SNOW WILL NOT OCCUR.
6.  THE KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM REQUIRES CAREFUL HANDLING AND PROPER INSPECTION BEFORE EACH USE.
7. WHEN PACKING THE AIRBAGS MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING CAN TEAR OR DAMAGE THE AIRBAG, INFLATOR SYSTEM AND ITS FABRIC COVER. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRBAG CAN OPEN UP FREELY.
8. FOLD THE AIRBAG ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS. IMPROPER FOLDING INHIBITS THE OPENING OF THE AIRBAG, CAN LEAD TO MALFUNCTIONING AND CAN DAMAGE THE BACKPACK.
9.  KLIM USA CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES CAUSED BY AN AVALANCHE INVOLVING

ALPRIDE® E1 SUPERCAP

SUPER CAPACITORS
The E1 Avalanche Airbag System is the first avalanche airbag that does not use lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries to fuel the compressor’s electric motor. The E1 System uses its Super Capacitors to store energy in the form of an electrostatic field. Unlike traditional batteries, there is no need  to create a chemical reaction to generate energy, allowing the E1 System to release its power faster. The E1’s Super Capacitors offer several advantages over batteries. They are not sensitive to changes in temperature, delivering the same performance at -22 ºF (-30 ºC) and +104 ºF (+40 ºC). This saves weight because, unlike batteries, there is no need to boost the Super Capacitors to guarantee outstanding performance at low temperatures.

THE RADIAL COMPRESSOR
The E1 System uses a radial compressor, similar to turbo compressors found in cars. This design allows for high-speed air flow and inflation pressure equal to compressed air cartridge avalanche airbag systems.

2 x AA BATTERIES
The E1 Super Cap System uses two AA batteries for two primary purposes:

1.  To recharge the Super Capacitors
2. To guarantee that the Super Capacitors keep their full power, compensating for their slow loss of charge and ensuring several months of autonomy (see the section on autonomy)

ON / OFF AND AUTO-TEST

To turn on the E1 System, use the ON / OFF switch. This safety switch prevents undesired activation inside the bag. Pull the switch up, turn it clockwise and hold for 2 seconds. Each time it is turned on, the E1 System conducts an auto-test to verify that the motor, Super Capacitors and electronics are functioning properly.

• During this auto-test, the motor completes a first rotation at low speed, switching on the green LED.
• If the auto-test is succesfully completed, the motor rotates a second time and the green / orange LED will blink
  >The system is ready for use.
• If the auto-test detects a malfunction, the motor will rotate 4x and the red LED will remain on. This indicates there is a problem in the system and it is not operational.
• If the system detects a malfunction and it is charging, the red LED will remain on and the orange LED will blink rapidly.
• To turn the system OFF, pull the switch and turn it clockwise (same procedure as for turning ON). The motor will rotate 1 x and the red LED will turn on and off again to indicate that the system has shut down.

TERRAIN USE AND LED STATUSES
To use the E1 System on terrain, you will need to:

1. Turn ON the E1 System (see section 5)
2.  Verify that the auto-test is okay (see section 5)

• • If the green LED blinks, the system is operational with at least six hours of autonomy
  • If the orange LED blinks, the system is operational with less than six hours of autonomy.
  • If the red LED blinks, the system cannot guarantee 100% inflation (but it will still attempt to inflate the airbag as much as possible).
  • If the red LED remains on, the system is defective and should not be used.

AIRBAG INFLATION

In the event of an avalanche, pull hard (between 11 to 22lbs) (5 to 10 kg) on the activation trigger. The airbag will inflate in under 4 seconds. The compressor will operate for 6 seconds and then stop. The airbag will remain inflated for a minimum of 3 minutes and then slowly begin to deflate. Once inflation is complete, the Super Capacitors will automatically recharge thanks to the two AA batteries if installed (see section 4)

HANDLING DURING AVALANCHE INCIDENT
In the event of an avalanche, always try to reach a place of safety or escape from the path of the snowslip. If on your vehicle, try to ride out of the avalanche if possible. Once the avalanche appears to be losing momentum, close your mouth and hold your arms in front of your face to create a life-saving air pocket. Once the avalanche has stopped moving and you can extract yourself, do not remove the airbag and help others. Only remove when you are confident there is no more risk of a second avalanche.

CHARGE AND STATUS OF THE SYSTEM

RECHARGING THE SUPER CAPACITORS
There are two ways to recharge the Super Capacitors:

1. Insert the two AA batteries (not included). The Super Capacitors will be automatically recharged once the batteries are in place. Depending on the type of batteries and the temperature, charging takes 40-80 minutes.
2. Use the micro-USB port and the standard micro-USB cable (provided). The USB port can be connected to a standard charger (5V – 2A) (not included), like those used for cell phones, or to a standard power bank. 5V – 1A chargers will take 40 minutes, 5V – 2A chargers will take 20 minutes.

The charging status is indicated by the rapid blinking of the LEDs (2 x per second).
The level of charge is indicated by the LED color.

• Red: low charge – the charge level cannot guarantee full inflation of the airbag (but it will still attempt to inflate the airbag as much as possible)
• Orange: medium charge – the charge level guarantees 100 % inflation of the a n of the airbag but with less than 6 hours of autonomy.
• Green: charging is complete – the LED blinks slowly (1 x every 3 seconds).

SUMMARY OF LED STATUSES

DEFLATING AND RE-FOLDING THE AIRBAG

The airbag should be deflated using the airbag’s draining knob. This safety knob is designed to prevent the system from accidently activating in the backpack. Press and turn the knob counter-clockwise. Once the knob is released, it returns to its initial position automatically so it won’t be left in the deflated position. To fold the airbag, see the folding scheme.

CORRECT ATTACHMENT & SETTING

Put the backpack on and adjust shoulder straps to fit your body. Always fasten hipbelt, chest and leg loop and fit them according to your body. The KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM will only be of use to you if the backpack stays on your body during an emergency! Most of the weight of the pack should be resting on your hips rather than being carried by your shoulders.

 CHEST BELT BUCKLE/ HIP BELT BUCKLE:

HOW TO ADJUST THE TRIGGER HANDLE:

1. Adjust the height of the trigger handle on the shoulder to best accomadate the riders size and preference. The trigger handle should ideally be at chest height.
2.  Turn up the trigger handle to change the height position.
3. Then slide the trigger handle out of the webbing loop according and slide it back in the correct height.

INSTRUCTIONS

REGULAR CHECKS
Your KLIM avalanche backpack requires no unordinary maintenance but the following points have to be observed:

1.  Deploy the airbag before the new season starts or at least once a year or after the backpack has been exposed to moisture / wet weather. Check its condition, allow it to dry and fold it back together again.
2. Pack the airbag away only when it is completely dry.
3. Prior to every ride, check all the points described in this user manual and inspect the condition of the system’s safety straps and fastenings. Practice deploying the airbag so you have a feel for the amount of force you need to apply. In the event of a real avalanche, you will then be able to deploy it correctly and intuitively.

MAINTENANCE

POST-AVALANCHE CHECK
Every use of the KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM can negatively affect the material. Often the damage is not visible with the naked eye. After a use in an avalanche, contact the authorized KLIM dealer where you have bought your KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM for further inspection. If you are unable to send the KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM, then following points are recommended to check:

•  Check the airbags visually for punctures.
•  Check the airbag fastening straps for tears.
•  Check the shoulder, waist and chest straps as well as the seams for tears.
• Check all buckles (adjustment buckles at the shoulder straps, waist and chest strap).
• Check buckles as well as leg straps for tears and deformation

STORAGE, CLEANING

STORAGE
Store your KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM in a cool, dry environment. For safety reasons, keep the backpack out of the reach of children. Alpride® SA and KLIM USA shall not be liable for any damages and losses due to improper storage.

CLEANING
Use only water (no cleaning products!) to clean the backpack. Ensure that the entire product is dry before storage and before using it again to avoid the risk of icing. KLIM USA shall not be liable for any damages and losses due to improper cleaning.

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL

The KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM uses only 2 x AA batteries. The KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM has no Li-Ion / Li-Po battery, no gas cartridges under pressure and no pyrotechnic trigger. Even though there are absolutely no restrictions for travelling with the KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM, to avoid any misunderstanding with airport security agents, we recommend to announce to the airlines that you are travelling with an electrical avalanche airbag WITHOUT battery. The KLIM ALPRIDE® E1 AIRBAG SYSTEM has a pressure relief valve system.

TROUBLESHOOTING

REFERENCE LINK

https://www.klim.com/