406 ELT... keep waiting?

Lionclaw · #1 03-04-2009, 06:47 PM

After watching this video, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to be installing a 406MHz ELT. In fact, if the video is accurate, I can't imagine anyone not having one.

But the real question for me is when to buy. There is no doubt in my mind that these units will eventually be available for far less $$$ than they are now. ACS has the ACK 406 for $585, but it won't be available until April 1. I'd like to begin chopping up my baggage floor so I can make a mount, but I'm not sure which ELT I'll end up buying, and have no idea what size access hole to make.

I feel almost like I have to sit on my hands and wait until the right ELT comes along. Should I just cleco the baggage floor down and move on to something else?

breister · #2 03-04-2009, 09:00 PM

Prices will come down.

bullojm1 · #3 03-04-2009, 09:07 PM

From what I have researched, the most affordable 406 Mhz ELT out now is the Artex ME406 (around $1000). However, if you want the Artex to broadcast your exact GPS location, you need to add the ARTEX ELT NAV box at a whopping $1600.

The ACK ELT that is supposed to come out soon for $600 has a NMEA GPS serial input on it, so all you have to do is connect it to a handheld or panel mount gps. I say wait the month or so for the ACK ELT. There will always be something else to work on until the ACK ELT is available.

guccidude1 · #4 03-04-2009, 09:35 PM

Don't be in too much of a hurry, I have a -9A and I put my ELT in the tail between the forward and aft spars of the horizontal stab, I needed the weight back there to lighten the load on the nose wheel. Keep in mind that there are approximately 2000 airliners airborne at any one time during daylight hours and many military airplanes, they all monitor guard, 121.5/243.0. Additionally, how many hundreds if not thousands of GA with a second radios set to 121.5 and all the SAR units that have only 121.5 directional gear. You can use flight following, APRS, or Spot if you really want people to know where you are. Be patient, the prices and techonology wil only get lower and better, respectively. Dan l

dhall_polo · #5 03-04-2009, 09:42 PM

The Van's ELT/Strobe mounts are a no-brainer.

I have the ACK 406. The elt mounting holes didn't exactly line up with the ones on Van's bracket, but it still works.

frankh · #6 03-05-2009, 08:46 AM

About a month before your ready to fly..Even better find an old 121.5 ELT from Ebay and slap that in there for your 40 hours.

Wait as long as possible.

Frank

allbee · #7 03-05-2009, 03:17 PM

I have an elt in my flying airplane, put one in my 7a. I plan on buying a plb. If I even need it, it will be with me in either airplane. Push the button and that's all. A good unit that is self contained with its own gps is just under 600. Will take care of both airplanes.

Don't really want to bring this up, but Fossit had a 406 and it didn't work. An accident like his and it's all over with and the 406 will probably not work anyway.

N941WR · #8 03-05-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allbee

I have an elt in my flying airplane, put one in my 7a. I plan on buying a plb. If I even need it, it will be with me in either airplane. Push the button and that's all. A good unit that is self contained with its own gps is just under 600. Will take care of both airplanes.

Don't really want to bring this up, but Fossit had a 406 and it didn't work. An accident like his and it's all over with and the 406 will probably not work anyway.

And neither would the PLB. But then with Fossit's accident, the only reason to find the body, or what was left of it, was for the family (and their attorneys).

allbee · #9 03-06-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N941WR

And neither would the PLB. But then with Fossit's accident, the only reason to find the body, or what was left of it, was for the family (and their attorneys).

What I was trying to say is, with the type of accident, Fossits 406 didn't work. So you can get the latest and greatest and chances are, it still won't be enough. I was thinking last night that it would be great if they came out with a PLB that activated when a hard force was put on it. I don't know, just thinking here.

N941WR · #10 03-06-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allbee

... I was thinking last night that it would be great if they came out with a PLB that activated when a hard force was put on it. I don't know, just thinking here.

They would be going off all the time. I can see them bouncing around in someone's truck, in the bottom of a flight bag that gets tossed in a closet, etc. Unlikely they will do something like that.

BTW, check out this thread on the ACK 406 ELT. The price should be in line and they are getting close to releasing it.