Thread: 406 elt

My AmeriKing AK450 121.5 ELT has quit working and needs replacement. I believe that I'll go with the AK451 406 ELT. It appears that the antenna must be located on the top of the fuselage now that we're communicating with satellites? Just trying to get some advice on this and wondering if anyone has retrofitted the 406 or is now using the new 406 ELT?

Hi Dick,

I upgraded to the AK451 a while back and it was a snap. If my memory serves me, there are at least two different models. One has input for GPS data from YOUR gps, and the other one doesn't use GPS info at all. I have the one without GPS input. Both make it much easier to locate you (vs. the old 121.5 ELTs), but the GPS model gives a (more or less) exact location, while the non-GPS unit narrows the search area down to a 3 Kilometer circle. The old 121.5 ELTs had a 20 Kilometer circle.

The antenna does NOT need to go on the top.... it just needs to be vertical. Of course, this is for optimal propagation of radio waves. Who knows what angle you'll end up after a crash?? The GPS input is fed via a separate wire (rs232), coming from your GPS unit - the ELT does not have its own GPS. I also have a SPOT, and felt I was covered pretty well as far as GPS location goes. I always use the tracking feature on any significant flights.

The kit came with all items to be able to install in about two hours.... including reading a lot of stuff and doing the tests afterward. The antenna swap took just a few minutes. The existing hole worked fine and has the needed metal tape strips used to assure good radio waves. You need to open the panel and add a horn, but it's a simple telephone-like snap-in connector. Otherwise the existing wiring is used. The antenna wire is replaced, but since it's just a foot between the ELT and the antenna mount, your biggest problem is coiling up the extra cable.

I replaced mine several months ago, because of the Mexico/Canada/Caribbean requirements... side benefits were better safety, and a much better battery life.

Tim

Tim, thanks for the information. I was concerned that I needed to relocate the antenna so it is good news that my current antenna location will be OK. I have been looking into the AK451 and also there's a new ELT made by ACK which is the E-04. The ACK has provision for outside GPS input from Garmin, King, etc. GPS. The ACK ELT is waiting for final U.S. approval before it can be released for sale in the U.S. It is approved for Canadian usage. It will accept the AmeriKing remote panel and wiring but will require that one install ACK mounting bracket and clamps. This is being advertised for sale on a "pre-approval" basis by the major supply stores. Since you have verified that the AmeriKing AK451 is a "drop in" replacement for the AK450 this is probably the ELT I will go with.