ACK E-04

[rleffler]

I purchased an ACK E-04 not long after it started shipping. Unfortunately, medical and build delays caused me not to install it right away. Mine was in the aircraft a year, but was three years old when I developed an issue.

I won't bore everyone with the details, but it turned out to be a problem with the lithium battery. This was an experience in it's own right due to learning how to ship hazmat materials and the cost. I ended up shipping UPS ground, which was less expensive, but with a time penalty to ship from one coast to another.

ACK was very helpful is diagnosing my issue, even though I was technically out of warranty. They even upgraded by board and provided a filter to attach to the antenna. Apparently, they are experiencing some issues with damage caused by static charges on units with a serial number less than 4500. Mine was 1026. They made a mod to the circuit board and supplied a filter to install inline with the coax at the antenna.

I assumed that the only test that was required was at the annual conditional. ACK brought to my attention that they recommend a quarterly test. I just happened to test mine for other reasons, when I discovered my unit was non-functional. If I hadn't tested, I would have probably flown until conditional not knowing I had a non-functional ELT.

So the morale of the story is to test your ELT quartely per ACK's recommendations. Also ACK provides great technical support. Call them if you have questions.

bob

[Bevan]

MY ack-04 also has a serial number less than 4500. Called them. The tech recommended the filter which goes inline at the antenna is better than the PCB mod. Sent it out at no charge. A great company to work with.

Bevan

[Noah]

Thanks for the heads up. I've got serial number 153.