False ELT alerts

[edclee]

I had an unintended activation of my ACK Elt two weeks ago and got a call from the air force looking for me on a voicemail at the end of my trip. Somehow the ELT got activated on a dead-smooth flight and one of the best landings I have made. Until I read this thread today, I wondered how it could have gotten turned on...my remote panel for it is somewhat hidden by the bezel of my comm radio and the red LED would not necessarily be in my view while flying. I think the Cosmic Rays set it off It has not happened since or previously.
Ed

[fixnflyguy]

Some good Intel here on the suppressor..hadn't seen that before. I will look at that for my dilemma, as I don't want to keep having false trips, or buy a new one at this point. Just seemed odd I had no problems for 8 years.

[Raymo]

Originally Posted by smt6

I installed the static suppressor after having many false alerts. It did nothing. The ACKs are junk. Buy an Artex

My ARTEX had false alerts on different days. Replaced with ACK-E04. Buy ACK, ARTEX are junk

My antenna is mounted internally, so the static buildup issue can't occur.

[RV6_flyer]

I had one FALSE ACK E-04 alarm after a smooth landing during engine shut down.

What upset me was the ACK E-04 FAILED it's 1-year 91.207(d) test and had to be returned to the factory. They replaced the transmitter for FREE but I did purchase a new battery that was NOT needed.

It appears that they may be using a "static sensitive" RF transmitter chip that now requires the static suppressor on the antenna. Now that I am aware that the transmitter can be damaged easily, I will use the ESD training I had at work before I retired when ever I do anything with the ELT.

What worries me more than false ELT alarms is my iPhone has TWICE called 911 without me touching it. Started airplane, went flying, and when I landed, I had a voice message from the 911 operator about 911 call from my number. 2nd time, I started airplane, and when I powered on avionics, the phone was ringing in my headset and 911 operator was at other end. There were several months and many flights between these two occurrences.

My iPhone now goes into airplane mode before I get in the airplane.

[fl-mike]

It must Gary or Gary’s plane causing all this! LOL

You’ll also note that there was no ESD testing claimed the table. Rather disturbing, because that is a very easy and fast test to run...unless you fail.

[smt6]

Originally Posted by jmra72a

Yes I had similar problems with mine. I called ACK and they advised it was water in the batteries or RF interference. My batteries were fine. A friend advised me to remove the ELT and wrap it in aluminum foil. Clamp it back in the holder making sure that the wrap was well grounded.

I did this 6 months ago and have not had a false activation since.

Give it a try.

As wild as this sounds, I did this...and so far so good. I’ve fought this subpar ELT for four years. Numerous calls from Air Force, Coast Gaurd, ect. If I’d have known all I had to do was wrap it foil...wow

[RV7 To Go]

Originally Posted by Canadian_JOY

I'll second this recommendation that the ACK's are a substandard device.

My first recommendation remains the Kannad, despite their expensive battery pack replacement. Their in-service record is at the top of the pack.

The Artex comes next in line.

The ACK E-04 is at the top of my list of "do not install" equipment.

Totally agree. My ACK didn't pass this year. Only 3 years old. Bought the Kannad after talking to a couple of shops that do the ELT testing. Both said the Kannad fails the least of any. Also has a 10 year warrantee.

[steve murray]

I have ACK E-04 ELT, in phase one in smooth air in flight it activated, saturated all my comm frequencies. I installed the static suppressor ( Now at 120 hours and have not had 2nd occurrence.)

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[calpilot]

i have had my hangar door transmitter set off my ELT, changed transmitters.

gary