406 ELT on Ovation

[PMcClure]

I decided to update the ELT on my Ovation to the new standard. The boys that got lost at sea last month got me thinking how valuable such a simple piece of equipment is. 

 

Has anyone done the upgrade on an Ovation? There seem to be two options - one with a GPS and one that connects to my GPS. The 1st is about $1200 and simple to install. The second is about $650 but the installer says he has to run a wire from the panel to avionics bay, which will cost about $600. I would lean toward the 1st option to avoid tearing about the plane to install a wire. Any other options or thoughts?

 

Both require a new antenna. The 121.5 antenna cannot be removed from the dorsal fin. I appreciate any input 

[Jeff_S]

Hi Paul,

 

I've been wondering about this myself. A buddy had this done to his J, and they were in fact able to remove the existing dorsal fin antenna and put a new one in there so there is no exposed antenna. However, he was having his painted at the time so it was less intrusive to current cosmetics.  I'll be curious to know what other folks have to say as well...something to keep in the planning for sure.

 

Jeff

[Seth]

I think a wire has to be run to your avionics panel regardless to turn off/on your ELT in case it turns off on its own.  This may occur anyway even if you remotely mount the ELT in the back with it's own independent GPS source.

 

This is unverified information.  I do know of a Mooney Pilot who was updating his aircraft and ran the wire in advance of having to do it later while his seats and interior were out for annual.  It was a smart move as the panel is now prewired for the on/off switch, he just hasn't made the ELT purchase at this time.  

 

-Seth

[M20F-1968]

You will need to run a wire to you panel in any case.

 

For what it is worth, I have an essentially new three band Artex Model 110-320 ELT rod antenna which new is about $800.  It is on e-bay for $499.

I would like to sell it and would take offers.

 

I have one on my plane if you wish to see pictures.

 

Thanks,

John Breda

[M20F]

I am a big fan on PLB's as well. Whenever I am out in the sticks I always clip mine to the belt loop. Much nicer if they find me, who cares about the plane.

[Guest]

I decided to update the ELT on my Ovation to the new standard. The boys that got lost at sea last month got me thinking how valuable such a simple piece of equipment is. 

 

Has anyone done the upgrade on an Ovation? There seem to be two options - one with a GPS and one that connects to my GPS. The 1st is about $1200 and simple to install. The second is about $650 but the installer says he has to run a wire from the panel to avionics bay, which will cost about $600. I would lean toward the 1st option to avoid tearing about the plane to install a wire. Any other options or thoughts?

 

Both require a new antenna. The 121.5 antenna cannot be removed from the dorsal fin. I appreciate any input

Have your installer look at Mooney SI M20-116. The new antenna is meant to be installed under the dorsal fairing. While it may take a bit longer to install, it is worth it by having the old antenna removed and the new one hidden and out of the slip stream. A bit of careful work and a bit of paint touch up on the new rivet heads is require. No more serious than riveting a new skin doubler and installing the antenna on the tail section.

Clarence

[Danb]

I upgraded my bravo a yr or so ago and the artex has the built in gps, mine was basically a plug and play...no issues

[triple8s]

I went this route, you will need to get a new antenna, the old 121 MHz won't work at 406 mhz, also the existing one is under the dorsal (fiberglass) as was mine and I was not brave enough to let the avionics guys drill out the rivets and put the new antenna under where the original was so I have the 406 antenna mounted out in the breeze. 600$ for running a few cables is pricey, too bad hangar pixies can't don't know how to install cables.

[Shadrach]

Have your installer look at Mooney SI M20-116. The new antenna is meant to be installed under the dorsal fairing. While it may take a bit longer to install, it is worth it by having the old antenna removed and the new one hidden and out of the slip stream. A bit of careful work and a bit of paint touch up on the new rivet heads is require. No more serious than riveting a new skin doubler and installing the antenna on the tail section.

Clarence

Would it be possible to do this entirely from the inside of the tail? It seems conceivable that it might be accomplished with CherryMax rivets and the careful use of a hole saw.

[Guest]

Would it be possible to do this entirely from the inside of the tail? It seems conceivable that it might be accomplished with CherryMax rivets and the careful use of a hole saw.

I've often thought the same.  If you push the antenna up into the fairing then open the hole to remove the old antenna.  Then build a plate with the new antenna attached to it, add a few nut plates to the skin under the dorsal and fasten the antenna and double to the plate nuts.

It would be easier with the dorsal off, but could be done from inside the tail cone.

Clarence

[FoxMike]

I considered doing this several years ago but decided the ADS-B equipment would suffice for finding me when I get it installed.  My recollection is the Artex has a whip antenna that can go under the dorsal fin, mounting near the rear of the fin.  Your installer is required to follow the SB M20-116 as antenna location is critical.  You can also go for an outdoor antenna.  I think you leave the old antenna (121.5) behind but disconnect it.  A 406 ELT is a reasonably good use of funds but I think you will find the purchase and installation surprisingly expensive.