Need ELT help
 

I need some advice on a 406 ELT for my RV8. First, can anyone recommend one that wont break the bank? Second, where are you guys mounting the ELT, and where should I put the external whip antenna on the -8? Does it need to point vertical? On top of the fuselage isnt really an option with the sliding canopy. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

-Matt

Matt,

I purchased a Kannad for about $900, and I felt at the time I got a good deal because they were well over $1000 when I had to buy.

I mounted my antenna at the most rear part of the right armrest in the rear seat in hopes that this "vertical" placement will help make the signal transmit.

I know people who place them in the emp fairing, but when I saw a friend place his in this location I decided to do that too.

I mounted the ELT on a shelf behind my rear mounted battery.

Matt

Bought the Kannad also. Mounted ELT on upper floor of rear baggage compartment and the antennae on right side of of rear cockpit just forward of rear seat back. Antennae is vertical with slight curve to conform to curvature fuselage frame.

Dave Casey
RV-8

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If either of you guys get a chance, can you get me a picture of your antenna location? The antenna doesnt need a clear view of the sky?

Ameri-King AK-451
 

The basic (non GPS) AK-451 sells for about $700. I don't have any experience with it but since I already have a AK-450 installed, this would be the easiest, cheapest way for me to upgrade to a 406 ELT.

Here is where I placed mine...
 

ELT Antenna
 

Here is mine...I fabricated a small bracket with and angle similar to the mid cabin cross bar. When the canopy is closed it does not touch the bubble. I position so that none of the antenna assembly touches the mid cabin brace as well....

I did the same, the upper floor, right side of the rear baggage hold the yellow box.

Van's Had Them and Low Price
 

Got my ACK-406 from Van's and after lots of reading and searching like you're doing, I'm mounting both the ELT and the anntennae on the outboard rib of my right wing. The stiffness from the skin and spar satisfied me for the mount of the ELT and the anntennae should always have visiablity to the sky thru the fiberglass wing tip.

Awesome guys thanks for the pictures and advice. This really helps.