upgrade or not to upgrade ELT

moll780 · #1 01-02-2015, 09:45 AM

So i have to buy a new battery for my ELT.
Im thinking of upgrading.
1. is there a 406mhz with gps "drop in" replacement that anyone knows about? (i dont want to rip out wiring)
2. should I even bother and just get a new battery and be done with it?

its mounted behind the left seat on the floor. the antenna is inside the canopy in the baggage compartment and is bent "whip style" protruding above the fuse.

what do you think?

Sam Staton · #2 01-02-2015, 09:52 AM

Of course, this opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it, but I will not upgrade my ELT until I am forced to. There are so many other, much more effective devices on the market that I believe any money spent on a 406 ELT is money wasted.

Walt · #3 01-02-2015, 09:55 AM

The AK-451 is a 406Mhz direct replacement.

flyinga · #4 01-02-2015, 10:12 AM

I disagree with Sam. I think the money spent on a new battery is wasted. If you fly only in well populated areas the 121.5 ELT might be okay but if you fly in remote areas it is pretty worthless.

We had an L-19 Bird-dog crash at our airport about 1/2 mile from the runway. No one saw it and no 406 ELT. The only thing that saved the occupants was that they (1) were still conscious and (2) had cell service and were able, after several tries, to contact 911.

I carried a Spot for a couple of years prior to upgrading to a 406 ELT. The spot (or similar) is fine as long as you can get it activated.

My $.02

Mike S · #5 01-02-2015, 10:17 AM

Pretty sure the ELT shown takes "D" cell batteries----------no need to spend big bucks for the specialized batteries many ELTs require.

Dont forget to check the battery in the remote...........

Ironflight · #6 01-02-2015, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

Pretty sure the ELT shown takes "D" cell batteries----------no need to spend big bucks for the specialized batteries many ELTs require.

I agree with Mike - don't feel rushed into a decision on a new ELT - buy the 8-pack of D-cells at your favorite Big Bix store and then spend time surveying the ELT market pros and cons....

Ironflight · #7 01-02-2015, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

Pretty sure the ELT shown takes "D" cell batteries----------no need to spend big bucks for the specialized batteries many ELTs require.

I agree with Mike - don't feel rushed into a decision on a new ELT - buy the 8-pack of D-cells at your favorite Big Bix store and then spend time surveying the ELT market pros and cons....

Rick_A · #8 01-02-2015, 02:53 PM

I've looked at this Kannad ELT a couple of times.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/...ad_integra.php

It looks like it well could be a "drop-in" for the AK-450. It includes it own internal GPS and can transmit on it's internal antenna if the external antenna is disconnected or broken.

It's not cheap but it's in the same range as other GPS enabled 406 ELTs.

moll780 · #9 01-02-2015, 03:41 PM

Some great recommendations!
I think I'll check to see if I can do the D size battery swap first then go for the AK451 if I have to replace it.. its "only" 600$ compared to 1200 for other combinations.
That being said... any $$ i can save helps keep me in aviation just a little bit longer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick_A

I've looked at this Kannad ELT a couple of times.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/...ad_integra.php

It looks like it well could be a "drop-in" for the AK-450. It includes it own internal GPS and can transmit on it's internal antenna if the external antenna is disconnected or broken.

It's not cheap but it's in the same range as other GPS enabled 406 ELTs.

gyoung · #10 01-02-2015, 04:00 PM

If you want to upgrade make sure you understand the installation requirements of the 406 unit you choose. Although some say "direct replacement", they aren't necessarily if you want all the features. I elected to put an old ACK E-01 in my RV but wire it for the "direct replacement" E-04. I had to run power, GPS signal and ground wires plus provide a maintenance test connection (to set the ID). I expected the GPS and tapped into my 430W but the power was a surprise until I realized the ELT has to process the signal continuously and doesn't want to drain it's own battery. Pre-wiring for the eventual replacement was not a big deal while still building. I'll just need to add a connector to the wires, activate power and replace the ELT antenna when I do upgrade.

Even the ELTs with built in GPS have to get power for the GPS so check their battery life/requirements and other installation needs.