ELT Unit and Antenna locations
I'm planning on putting my ELT somewhere in or just aft of the rear baggage compartment. Have to figure out how it and the strobe power supply will both fit in that same general area while keeping the associated wiring runs simple.
Slightly off topic to the original question. I know, I know, there have been a MILLION threads on the ELT antenna location question. What I've learned from reading most of them is that most folks place the antenna near the front seat support brace or under the empennage fairing.
I'm building a 8A. If the ELT goes off due to accident then there's a high probability its resting on it's top with belly up. In this situation, having the ELT antenna in the cockpit may not be the best location. I'm leaning to putting the antenna under the empennage fairing.
But what about putting the ELT antenna at the end right wing rib under the fiberglass wingtip? Yes, transmission would be blocked by the wing rib but would that be any worse than the blockage from the empennage? If the wings are gone (and ELT antenna with them) would a speedy rescue really matter?
I also carry an compact ACR 406MHz personal ELT w/GPS when flying, and IF I'm consious and can get out of the plane, I'm more confident in that device than I am with the required ELT in the plane.
Al Thomas
N880AT
RV-8A QB (finishing & FWF)