Need New ELT - Suggestions?

Thanks John and Super User. I'm going to buy the ARTEX 345 and will connect it to my Aera 760 to get the 100 meter accuracy. I ordered it with the Baud 4800 to be compatible with the portable 760. The ARTEX battery lasts 6 years, something I like.
Tim

This is from the ACK E-04 installation instructions:

SECTION 6 GPS INTERFACE INSTALLATION
The model E-04 ELT will interface and recognize EIA standard RS 232 data at 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600 baud from NMEA 0183 sources, Garmin panel mount, and handheld GPS’s along with Bendix/King GPS’s. See section 18 for GPS data formats, and connection information, along with other manufacturers GPS’s known to be compatible.

Tim- I have an Aera660 RS-232 output sent to my ACK-E-04 ELT. The advantage of using the Aera's gps signal is it gives a more precise location over the "generic" location provided by the ELT itself.


Depending on which ELT you're replacing, ACK may have a conversion option that would ease the installation. The Artex Keith mentioned may do the same, and also have the same "precise" gps capabilities.


John

Keith,
Thanks for this excellent discussion. I do have GPS (Garmin Aera 760 - mounted in the panel) and ADSB-in with a Garmin GDL-50. I believe I'll buy a 406 Unit.
Tim

If you have a gps or thinking about getting one, Look at the new 406 ELT. I have the Artex.

The old ELT broadcasts after a g-force impact on 121.5 and it really isn’t monitored. If you were really in a crash, they would have to figure out that you crashed and mobilize assets to triangulate on your position.

If you set off a 406, either by g-forces or via a remote button, it will transmit your information in a GPS burst. I was reading where a guy set off his ELT in his hangar and got a phone call a few minutes later asking if he needed search and rescue.

The data includes your GPS position, name and address of the registered owner, N-number, and the phone number on file.

The Artex has a remote button in the dash. If you were having a really bad day and pushed the button, they would probably receive that burst of data before you even before you reached the ground.

The battery in the old 121.5 needs to be replaced every 24 months. The new 406’s are good for 5 years.

There are sone unique mounting features. For example they want the ELT mounted on a firm non skin surface that will deflect less than 1/4” with 100 pounds force applied next to it. It’s a different antenna and wire, but you may be able to use the previous mounting hole. The remote button must be installed on the dashboard as part of the installation.

I bought mine thinking I would mount it my Aircoupe on the hat tray. After reading everything I bought a new battery for my 121.5 ELT and mounted the Artex in my other aircraft.

I’m still waiting for my avionics guy to hook up the Artex and do the full IFR upgrade. But that’ll start this week.

If you don’t want to spend the bucks to ho with the new 406. Check ebay and places like Barnstormers or Vansairforce. I’m sure that the rest of the aviation world will eventually swap in favor of the 406.