406 ELT Canada

prkaye · #1 05-27-2010, 11:05 AM

I am finally at the point where i cannot wait any longer to purchase an ELT. What is my best (most affordable) choice for a 406 ELT certified and programmed for use in Canada?

Bavafa · #2 05-27-2010, 02:39 PM

There is a really good post in the "Review" section which gives you plenty of info. Just a heads up that Artex is coming up with a new interface for GPS connection (ME-183 & ME-232). Neither are available as of today but I was told after talking to the tech this morning that ME-183 should be available in the next 30-45 days. It is currently going thru certification process. I have the Artex ME-406 and like it but don't have really any thing to compare it to

flyboy1963 · #3 05-27-2010, 07:15 PM

Phil, I'm in the same boat ( plane?)
I need to do more research on battery life and cost to recertify.

Last year my local AME avionics guy 'tested' my ELT.
It's supposed to be good for 2 years, and I change the 'D' cell batteries in this Ameri-King 121.5 unit every annual.

The new ones have about a 5 year battery life, and are NiMH if I recall, but some you have to send away for replacement, and possible also for re-cert.

Now is this annually? WHo knows!
gotta find out.

first one with hard facts for Canada please post!

thx

Norman CYYJ · #4 05-27-2010, 08:00 PM

Phil read the latest COPA article on the 406. Don't be in a big hurry to get one yet. They aren't necessary in Canada yet, nobody knows when because they haven't been passed into law yet and the priced may come down. If you get one it will have to be programmed for Canada.

Rupester · #5 05-27-2010, 09:40 PM

The Lead Dog at our local avionics shop just presented to our EAA Chapter ...he spoke highly of the Artex 406Mhz units.

prkaye · #6 05-28-2010, 05:55 AM

I figure I may as well get a 406 now, rather than have to replace my elt later? Or is this reasoning false economy?

A shop in ontario has both the artex and the kannad for good prices - roughly the same when you add the cost of the antenna for the kannad.

http://www.discountavionics.com/elt%...es%20artex.htm
http://www.discountavionics.com/elt%...s%20kannad.htm

Have any of you dealt wiwth Discount Avionics?
Do you think the artex and kannad are roughly equivalent value?

Ron Lee · #7 05-28-2010, 06:46 AM

Maybe it is better to buy a cheap (D-cell) 121.5 MHz unit now then replace when 406 units are well established and POSSIBLY cheaper.

prkaye · #8 05-28-2010, 07:01 AM

thinking about it... my only hesitation is that it is my understanding that there is no more satellite coverage for 121.5. Parts of ontario, especially as far norht as Ottawa (e.g. algonquin park) are pretty remote, and I would be concerned that there many not be adequate coverage by ground stations...
hmmm... certainly a lot cheaper to go 121.5 now, since I won't be doing any flying over those types of remote areas for at least a year... hmmm...

flyboy1963 · #9 05-28-2010, 10:22 AM

Phil,
since this is a bit of a 'canajun' conversation, I'll throw in my thoughts again.
I have a SPOT, and know of it's limitations, post-crash especially.
$150 + annual fee.
am thinking of a McMurdo or similar PLB with better GPS power etc. $500 or so.
Keep the old 121.5 until the bitter end ( 3 years) and hope for a less costly 406mHz ( less than $1000) and find one that will talk to my GPS.

If you really want to put in a 121.5, ask around, there should be a few hundred/thousand on the shelf in people's hangars already, free for the asking.
but, should you have them tested ($50-$100?) and add new Lithium D-cells ( $20?) if applicable.....hmmm, now you're at the price of a new one, eh?

Ron Lee · #10 05-28-2010, 10:45 AM

OK, don't tell anyone reference the following. I am in the USA and at this time we do not have a 406 MHz ELT mandate but do have an ADS-B Out mandate effective Jan 1, 2020 (see recent post on that).

I have ZERO confidence in my 121.5 MHz ELT. Yes there is no satellite monitoring. The main thing is that the activation rate is far below 100%. It is merely mandated dead weight. If I could, I would probably remove it.

I do have a 406 MHz (GPS enabled) PLB. Just sent off for a new battery after having it five years.

If you really want to be protected, Spot or APRS are your two best options now (that I know of). Spot may have a function where you can send periodic positions without the subscription tracking service but verify.

I think I also have seen a 406 PLB that may have some sort of tracking function. I think that it is Acer but don't take my word for it.

As suggested, you may be able to get a used 121.5 MHz ELT dirt cheap. Consult local avionics shops.

Here is the post on ADS-B Out

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=58446