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As a follow-up, here's the applicable paragraph from the Ameri-King manual. This makes it pretty clear - only the Ameri-King part may be used.
2.5.1 ELT MAIN UNIT BATTERY INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT The Ameri-King Corp. Model AK-451 ELT is designed to use only with Ameri-King lithium battery packages which have been tested per TSOC126 and TSO-C142 requirements. The use of any other battery will void any warranties of the ELT by Ameri-King Corp. The ELT does not meet the requirements of TSO-C126, TSO -C142, and TSO-C91a or FAR 91.52 if used with any other type of battery. Additionally, this list shows the components which are required in order to maintain TSO approval of the device: DOCUMENT NO.: IM-451 Rev. 4, Volume 1 of 2 APPLICABILITY AK-451-(AF)(AP)(S): Emergency Locator Transmitter ELT, 406/121.5/243.0 MHz with GPS/NAV Position. AK-451-PLB: Personal Locator Beacon PLB, 406/121.5/243 MHz with external GPS/NAV Position. 451017-1B: Antenna, Whip type, General Aviation aircraft, 250 knots. 451017-2A: Antenna, Rod type, Business Jet aircraft, 350 knots. 451017-3A: Antenna, Blade type, Transport, 1.0 mach. 451017-4S: Antenna, Whip Portable type, 250 knots. 4500010-1: Battery Package, Lithium, LiMnO2, 90 Hrs Lasting. 4500010-2: Battery Package, Lithium, LiSO2, 87 Hrs Lasting. 4500010-3: Battery Package, Lithium, LiMnO2, 92 Hrs Lasting. |
Not knowing the rules and regulations, this whole discussion has me scratching my head. I did read that AK got caught not doing things correctly, screwing all those who have their products.
What I am confused about is, how would anyone know if you changed the batteries to the same battery as was discharged? Is it an "honor" system? Being experimental, does that make a difference? I have an AK ELT purchased years ago and believe it has standard Duracel batteries in it. I will check tomorrow. I imagine the batteries are dead since they are probably 5-6 years old. If they are standard Duracel batteries, can I just replace them? Maybe it is just time to upgrade to current standards - from another company! |
Ameri-King ELT
OK, that is indeed what it lists in the manual and on the case but that # is not on the batteries themselves and these exact batteries are available all over the internet. I have more to do on my annual inspection so I'm going to give it some time. I would rather spend $150 or so than $500+ for a updated version that I will have to modify the mount, remote, wiring, etc.
Thans for everyone's input. |
After four years on the airplane, two failures, and one trip to the factory for warranty work, I threw my AK-451 ELT into the garbage. Dealing with the factory for warranty work was a nightmare. Final straw was finding it had a ruptured case and not functioning during a condition inspection. I suggest if you want a reliable ELT, replace it with another manufacturer's unit.
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What's on the battery case for the 406 elt, the model/part number from Ameri-King? If so, the case is the TSO'd part, right? After all, the 'guts' are sourced from an outside vendor, just like the nuts & bolts in a Cessna. Do you have to buy nuts & bolts from Cessna for the plane to keep its type cert when you replace them?
Charlie That's my story, & I'm sticking with it (since I don't own a 406 MHZ ELT). :-) |
FWIW
Pg 12 of the AK-451 states: "The battery pack consists of four D-size lithium, and is field replaceable. Rated life is 5 years or one hour of use, whichever comes first, as specified by FAR 91.207(c)." Pg 16 of the AK-451 states: "BATTERY REQUIREMENTS: Transmitter Main Unit: "Battery Pack consists of 4 cells LiMnO2 or LiSO2 “D” Size". Pg 135 of the AK-451 (Appendix K) states: "Battery Description, Ultralife D Cell U3356 or U3360." Now what Canada may require is a different issue. Quote:
:cool: |
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Very clear: "The use of any other battery will void any warranties of the ELT by Ameri-King Corp. The ELT does not meet the requirements of TSO-C126, TSO -C142, and TSO-C91a or FAR 91.52 if used with any other type of battery." SO, if you use any other type of battery (like a 1.5v Alkaline "D" cell which actually fits) then the unit does not meet the TSO requirements. :cool: |
Ameri-King ELT
Thanks for all of the support, especially GalinHdz. I have found all of the references, again thank you for doing my research, and it is clear in my mind especially considering AK is done, that I can replace my batteries with the same size, voltage and p.n. They are considered a hazardous material for shipping so tack on another $10-15 / unit.
Happy New Year all! |
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Being experimental does not make a difference. It is pretty much an honor system, you have to be unlucky to have a ramp check go into that detail. But, you open yourself to a legal nightmare: there's an accident, and, due to delayed rescue (due to an ELT that fails, the lawyer will say) a passenger dies. The lawyers will demand everything you own. The insurance company may refuse coverage if you have one of those "must obey the FARs" clauses. |
Thanks Bob.
I am still building and don't have my license yet so I am taking lessons. When I fly now, I have personal beacon that is pretty advanced and probably better than the ELT that is installed or even any of the new ones at locating me. I would have to activate it, but that is quick and easy. I will look into the regulations and specifications for the new units and probably install a new unit before I fly. I may have to to pass inspection anyway! Any recommendations on what has worked for others? Quote:
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