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-   -   Ameri-King ELT (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=145274)

Canadian_JOY 12-30-2016 02:54 PM

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.

rockwoodrv9 12-30-2016 03:18 PM

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!

Tflyer 12-30-2016 03:57 PM

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.

Dan B 12-30-2016 04:16 PM

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.

rv7charlie 12-30-2016 04:20 PM

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). :-)

GalinHdz 12-30-2016 04:51 PM

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:

Originally Posted by rockwoodrv9 (Post 1137871)
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?

Yours hopefully is not a 406Mhz ELT so this entire issue does not apply to your unit. If it is a 406Mhz unit those batteries do not work with the unit and therefore can not meet the performance standards for the TSO.

:cool:

GalinHdz 12-30-2016 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian_JOY (Post 1137867)
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.

True if you are required to maintain the TSO. Except for a few specific pieces of equipment (ELT is not one of them) you are not required to maintain a TSO for use in an experimental aircraft registered in the US.

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:

Tflyer 12-30-2016 06:02 PM

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!

BobTurner 12-30-2016 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockwoodrv9 (Post 1137871)
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!

Well, as the owner/operator, it is your responsibility to know the applicable rules. In particular, you need to test (you may do it yourself) the unit once a year (I'm assuming this is a 121.5 unit since it has Duracel batteries). You also are supposed to check for corrosion. Most ELT's approved for Duracel let you buy replacements at the local store. Read your manual.

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.

rockwoodrv9 12-30-2016 07:20 PM

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:

Originally Posted by BobTurner (Post 1137914)
Well, as the owner/operator, it is your responsibility to know the applicable rules. In particular, you need to test (you may do it yourself) the unit once a year (I'm assuming this is a 121.5 unit since it has Duracel batteries). You also are supposed to check for corrosion. Most ELT's approved for Duracel let you buy replacements at the local store. Read your manual.

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.



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