ELT antenna question

[schaplerrh]

Robert: The antenna hit the fuselage skin and the ELT alarm began beeping and the armed light on the panel lighted. I never touched the ELT.

All: I'd rather the antenna remain inside 1) to avoid another hole in the skin and the drag of a whip antenna, and 2) more importantly because I don't want my survival dependent on my crash attitude. Any suggestions where I can find an antenna expert who might be able to recommend an alternative arrangement to the manufacture's guidance?

Thanks all,
Robert

[Tankerpilot75]

I am getting ready to install a new ACK-04 ELT in my RV7A. Like several other people on this thread I?m replacing a 121.5 MHz ELT which has an internal antenna mounted under the rear fiberglass fairing. Not wanting to drill a hole for the new ELT antenna (necessitating adding a doubler plate for the antenna installation) I asked the vendor I ordered the new ELT from about my dilemma. He suggested putting the new antenna where the old antenna was.

I then mentioned the installation instructions require antenna mounting within 30 degrees of vertical and he asked me the question: ?In most accidents where will the nose of the aircraft be?? I responded, ?likely nose down.? He then said, ?if the antenna is mounted in the horizontal position during non-emergency conditions but within 30 degrees of vertical during an aircraft accident where do you think it best?? He further said, ?If mounted vertical during flight but horizontal when you need it then my choice would be to mount the new antenna in the same location as your old one under the fiberglass fairing.? He indicated that?s where is was in his RV. I?m not mentioning the vendor?s name for obvious reasons.

[Floog]

CRAPshoot?