ELT Upgrade

[ZamF16]

I am looking to replace my old AmeriKing AK-450 ELT with an AK-451-6 (121.5, 243.0, 406.0 plus GPS location).  However, I notice the ELT antenna is under the dorsal spine of the M20M and will be hard to replace.  Has anyone done this upgrade?  If so, were you able to reuse the existing ELT antenna under the dorsal spine, or did you have to replace it?  I know there are other ELT options, but I am trying to gain the additional frequencies and GPS location without having to change the ELT tray, antenna, and wiring (except as needed for the GPS signal).

Looking for insight.

Dave

Edited October 19, 2015 by ZamF16

[FoxMike]

ZamF16,

Your AK450 antenna will not work with the AK451.  The only antenna option is an externally mounted one (looks 20kts slower).  AKC makes a 406 ELT that has a whip antenna can be placed indoors (under dorsal fin).  Mooney can supply drawing.  Lots of work no matter how you do it.  Path of least resistance is a PLB with features you want in the cockpit or around your neck  when flying over water.

[ZamF16]

FM,

That's what I was afraid I would find out.  I figured having it be plug and play would be too easy to be possible.

Dave

[Guest]

I am looking to replace my old AmeriKing AK-450 ELT with an AK-451-6 (121.5, 243.0, 406.0 plus GPS location).  However, I notice the ELT antenna is under the dorsal spine of the M20M and will be hard to replace.  Has anyone done this upgrade?  If so, were you able to reuse the existing ELT antenna under the dorsal spine, or did you have to replace it?  I know there are other ELT options, but I am trying to gain the additional frequencies and GPS location without having to change the ELT tray, antenna, and wiring (except as needed for the GPS signal).

Looking for insight.

Dave

Look at Mooney SB M20-116, it covers the 406 ELT upgrade.  Generally the dorsal fairing has to be removed in order to change the antenna.  I've done several, it's not hard to do you just have to be care to not damage the fairing and at the end you'll have to touch up rivets.

Clarence

[ZamF16]

Thanks, Clarence.  I'll take a look at Mooney SB M20-116.