Recall: Atmel Corp. Recalls to Upgrade Software in Microcontrollers of Honeywell® Digital Cellular Communicators

Atmel Corp. Recalls to Upgrade Software in Microcontrollers of Honeywell® Digital Cellular Communicators

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Atmel Microcontrollers used in Honeywell Digital Cellular Communicators

Manufacturer of Microcontrollers: Atmel Corp., of San Jose, Calif.

Manufacturer of Digital Cellular Communicators: The security business of Honeywell International, located in Syosset, N.Y.

Units: About 4,000

Hazard: The microcontroller in the communicator can enter an unrecoverable lock-up state due to a programming issue. The lock-up could result in a service interruption, and fail to transmit an alarm signal in the event of a fire or property invasion.

Incidents/Injuries: Honeywell has received 39 reports of problems with the microcontroller where it reportedly entered an unrecoverable lock-up state. There have been no reports of failure to report an emergency and no reports of injury or property damage.

Description and Models: The digital cellular communicator can be used as a primary means of security communications for a residence or business. The recall involves the Atmel microcontroller AT91SAM7S256 installed in Honeywell digital cellular communicator, Model 7845GSM.

Sold at: Distributors nationwide sold the recalled communicators to commercial installers from July 2006 through October 2006 for about $250.

Manufactured in: The microprocessor was assembled in Taiwan. The communicator was manufactured in Mexico.

Remedy: Customers who have not been contacted directly should immediately contact the firm for information on how to receive a free replacement communicator with updated software. Installers that purchased the communicators have been contacted directly.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honeywell at (800) 573-0154, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's Web site at http://www.security.honeywell.com