Anyone Switch Over To a 406 ELT Yet?

[GeorgePerry]

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FCCBans1215ELTs_202760-1.html

Now that the FCC has essentially made 121.5 ELT's illegal...Has anyone already switched over to the 406 ELT?  And if so what brand did you go with and what was the cost?

A quick scan of Aircraft Spruce shows that the prices vary wildly - $550 up to $3K+.  Basically I'm interested in the least expensive quality unit that will satisfy the 406 requirement.

Thoughts...

 

 

 

[The-sky-captain]

George,

I bought the portable unit made by ACR Electronics for about $300. It has to be manually activated of course but I am able to use it skiing, biking and backpacking as well. I carry in in the pocket of my front seat for quick access if need be.

[Barry]

I like the E.L.T. 406 that Aircraft Spruce sells. It has a GPS built-in that transmits your exact position on the ELT signal. I don't believe it transmits on 121.5 ... or at least the read does not state that it does. The price is certainly right considering the capabilities !!

[danb35]

The "holy grail" will be the ACK Avionics unit, if COSPAS/SARSAT and the U.S. Army Proving Grounds can ever perform a mutual rectal craniectomy and get around to certifying it.  Price <$600, 406 MHz unit with a GPS input.  Less than half the cost of the next closest competitor.

AFAIK, all of the 406 units also transmit on 121.5 MHz, but I don't read the FCC rule as prohibiting all transmissions on that frequency, just prohibiting use of 121.5-only units.

[OR75]

Installed the Artex ME406.  Adcvertised as having the same footprint as previous Artex (Artex 200), but that turned out not to be the case.

The foot print needs a slight modification. Also you will need to pull an extra wire between the remote switch and the ELT (which is behind the battery).

 

[rdav]

If your ELT complies with TSO-C126, then when it is triggered it will send one signal on 406 MHz to the orbiting satellites and another low-power signal on 121.5 MHz to allow SAR to home in on your location.  I believe the FCC rule is meant to prohibit ELTs that are certified against TSO-C91 or –C91a, but they need to clarify the requirement.

 

AOPA and the Aircraft Electronics Association are actively working to quash this regulation, or at the very least postpone it to give owners enough time to install TSO-C126 compatible ELTs on their aircraft.

[Piloto]

If your ELT transmit on 121.5MHz does that mean you will get a quicker response because you are violating the law?

José

[Mac201]

The current issue of Aviation Consumer reviews 406 ELT's.  They like the Kannad and the upcoming ACK, but they caution of the installation costs mainly running the wiring to the remote panel switch.  For those who have installed the 406, was this expensive?  Also, I have understood that the cost of replacing the antenna in the dorsal fin on the J model is a job, otherwise you have to install an external antenna.

[mjc]

Quote: Mac201

The current issue of Aviation Consumer reviews 406 ELT's.  They like the Kannad and the upcoming ACK, but they caution of the installation costs mainly running the wiring to the remote panel switch.  For those who have installed the 406, was this expensive?  Also, I have understood that the cost of replacing the antenna in the dorsal fin on the J model is a job, otherwise you have to install an external antenna.

[Magnum]

The Kannad is available with a two wire switch, which brings down the installation cost.

[Mooney_Allegro]

I switched over to the Artex ME406 ELT almost 2 years ago.  I'm very happy with it, and I chose to go with an external mounted rod antenna vs the cheaper whip.   I believe the total cost was almost $2000 not including installation.  I thoroughy researched the external antenna vs hiding a new antenna in the dorsal fin, and found by talking to many engineers that the better & cheaper method would be to go w/the external antenna even though it means mounting another antenna on the fuselage.  Artex will have an adaptor soon available that links the 530W or 430W w/the ME406 so you will be located within about 30 feet.  Amazing!  Artex tech support was always there very informative.  I would recommend the Artex ME406. 

[jax88]

Will one of the PLB models satisfy the requirements for flying in Mexico?

[jax88]

Didn't answer my own question, but . . .

According to AOPA, the Mexican DGAC has granted another extension to the requirement for 406 MHz ELTs which gives aircraft used exclusively for private flights until December 31, 2011 to comply.  Guess that means I can put off upgrading until the FAA figures out what they want us to do.

 

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2010/100324mexico.html