Need new ELT, recomendations?

[AndreiC]

Hello all,

my new (to me) 1970 M20E has one of those portable ELTs that mount behind the pilot seat. Small, yellow, with antenna coming out of it. I hate it. The battery is due for replacement at the end of this month, so instead of getting a new battery I'd rather install a modern 406 MHz fixed unit in the back of the plane. 

Any suggestions? Where can I buy one for a good price? The most commonly recommended was the Artex 345, which I can get for about $840. I don't know how much it will cost to install. I would rather keep the installation price to a minimum. Any other models which people recommend?

Thanks.

Edited September 10, 2023 by Andrei Caldararu

[PT20J]

I've got an ACK E-04 installed by the previous owner. It seems to be solid. I would check the cost of replacement batteries when comparing ELTs.

[Marc_B]

I have the ACK E-04 as well.  Seems solid.  There are three batteries (main, remote, alert) and the main just came up for replacement.  Lithium $273, 5 year duration.  Of course the ELT may be one piece of equipment to avoid the cheapest available.  YMMV.

[hubcap]

I had the Artex 345 installed during my panel upgrade. It mounts in the fuselage and has a good battery life of 5 years if I am not mistaken. 

[47U]

6 hours ago, Andrei Caldararu said:

Any other models which people recommend?

The amount of available panel space might influence your decision… The ACK E-04 control panel has a pretty small footprint.  

But, wow, the 406 ELTs have gone up a lot in price the last few years.

 

[Bolter]

Assuming that all ELT's are similar enough, consider which model ELT your installer has done in the past, and feels comfortable with.  If they are learning different install instructions and GPS connection instructions, etc, that adds install cost.  I went with the Artex 345 because my A&P had done them in Mooney's before.  Cannot really say much about it...have not used it yet...

[EricJ]

14 hours ago, Marc_B said:

I have the ACK E-04 as well.  Seems solid.  There are three batteries (main, remote, alert) and the main just came up for replacement.  Lithium $273, 5 year duration.  Of course the ELT may be one piece of equipment to avoid the cheapest available.  YMMV.

I just repaced mine in February, was $268 at AS, so that sounds right.    They're easy to swap out, and ACK stuff is generally easy to work with.    I don't hesitate to recommend the ACK-04 as a good modern 406 MHz ELT.