Ameriking ELT / replacement advice

Maverick972 · #1 11-25-2018, 08:24 PM

My RV7 have an Ameriking AK-451 and it needs a battery, the previous owner did not comply with the AD and I am certain did not even know about it?s.

I have used the search, read the posts and even thought about putting new D cell batters in the unit. BUT with such a critical piece of equipment I guess have come to the conclusion I need to replace the ELT.

What would the group suggest I replace it with, reasonable price wise.

Thanks

mciaglia · #2 11-25-2018, 09:04 PM

In the same boat with my Eagle
Decided on this
https://m.aircraftspruce.com/catalog...d_amerifit.php

Timberwolf · #3 11-26-2018, 05:38 AM

For almost half the price of the above, you can get an ACK E-04. It will require a little more effort to install the ack bracket, but it isn?t a bad job.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...ges/elt406.php

RV6_flyer · #4 11-26-2018, 05:44 AM

There are lots of options out there. WHEN my old ELT no longer passes the 91.207 required yearly inspection, I plan to get one of these.

330drvr · #5 11-26-2018, 06:37 AM

I put in the ACK unit 2 or 3 years ago for peace of mind. However, with the advent of ADS B out, the "system" will know where you are anyway!

txshan130 · #6 11-26-2018, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330drvr

I put in the ACK unit 2 or 3 years ago for peace of mind. However, with the advent of ADS B out, the "system" will know where you are anyway!

Lol... You are assuming the "system" talks to each other. I'm going with the assumption that if search and rescue ever needs to find me, they won't have that ADS-B data available to them.

I went with a new Artex unit... Like the wiring and setup much better than the rest.

Canadian_JOY · #7 11-26-2018, 08:22 AM

This comment is not intended to find fault or cause argument... The ACK product is a decent ELT, however there are some shortcomings that should be highlighted so that those who are making a purchase decision do so with knowledge.

There have been several instances where the ACK E04 has been triggered inadvertently. ACK has added a static filter to the installation kit to help with some of these undesirable activations, particularly in composite aircraft. We've seen several instances where the E04 is also triggered through EMI/RFI picked up from other devices on the aircraft, in particular transponders. The telephone-style interface cable seems to be the major culprit in these undesired activations. One should give consideration, if installing an E04, to using proper twisted shielded (Mil-C-27500) cable to wire the EO4 to its buzzer and remote control panel.

While my experience with the Kannad products has been fantastic, the company has drastically increased the pricing of their replacement battery packs. I haven't yet had an opportunity to talk with them directly on this point but will be taking this concern to them as it is a significant cost driver in the overall ownership costs of the unit.

One ELT that has caught my attention of late is the new ARTEX unit, the 345. I've long been a hater of ARTEX and have made no attempt to hide that strong dislike here in this forum. After spending some time with ARTEX reps I'm starting to believe the company, after having been bought and sold several times, is finally back on track. I've also seen several reasons to believe their product is also back on track after having been off in the weeds for a decade or so.

With respect to ADSB out, keep in mind that while we might believe Big Brother is watching us, the reality is that Big Brother only knows the position updates from ADSB have stopped. That could be because we've landed at a buddy's grass strip, or because we've inadvertently turned our airplane into a lawn dart. The ELT still provides a huge benefit in terms of its ability to sound the alert when something has gone wrong. That's why it's still mandated for installation and why there's no plan on the books to remove that mandate.

RV7A Flyer · #8 11-26-2018, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick972

My RV7 have an Ameriking AK-451 and it needs a battery, the previous owner did not comply with the AD and I am certain did not even know about it?s.

I have used the search, read the posts and even thought about putting new D cell batters in the unit. BUT with such a critical piece of equipment I guess have come to the conclusion I need to replace the ELT.

What would the group suggest I replace it with, reasonable price wise.

Thanks

Wait, why does it have to be replaced? Why not just put new D cells in, run the test to ensure it operates, and put it back in?

Not saying you *can't* buy a newer or better ELT, but I don't believe you *have* to...just IMHO.

airguy · #9 11-26-2018, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV7A Flyer

Wait, why does it have to be replaced? Why not just put new D cells in, run the test to ensure it operates, and put it back in?

Not saying you *can't* buy a newer or better ELT, but I don't believe you *have* to...just IMHO.

See this thread for explanation - http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=136212

This falls under the difference between "could" and "should". Your particular preference is, of course, yours.

thinkn9a · #10 11-26-2018, 10:05 AM

While the initial cost looks good,.... I?m not a fan of the DETAILED requirements for annual check,.... including mention of dummy loads, frequency check,.. use of 406test.com,.... etc.

Meanwhile, the Kannad units have had battery prices raised considerably,...and now show replacement by Kannad approved maint facility. (At least that is how I read the latest document revisions they issued)

Rather frustrating all in all