Avionics News December 2013 - 45

406 MHZ ELT

Continued from page 23

MHz E-04 ELT. AmeriKing's 406 models can directly replace older 121.5
MHz AmeriKing units, and one can be
connected to a panel-mounted GPS for
more-accurate referencing. One of Artex's many models is the ME406 ACE
(absolute cost efficiency), a single-output ELT employing the same radio frequency output and coax cable to connect
to a new series of Artex single-input antennas to transmit 121.5 and 406 MHz
emergency signals to the Cospas-Sarsat
satellites.
In general, all minimum specifications
of 406 MHz ELTs are set by the TSO -
such as the 5 watt power, minimum battery duration and triggering standards;
these companies' units all qualify.
And they also help buyers by making many of their units able to use the
existing mounting hardware of the older
TSO-C91a units, up to and including the
required panel-mounted switch-and-test
controls.
Options available include GPS-informed and non-GPS units, as well as
beacons with an integral GPS source.
Emerging Lifesaving Technologies
This is a relatively new company that
came on the scene in late 2009 to introduce the ELT406GPS, its first product, at
that year's AOPA Summit - at that time
the first ELT equipped with an integral
GPS and approved for general aviation.
Along with the new standard 406MHz
emergency signal, Cospas-Sarsat satellites will read current GPS position. The
GPS unit automatically updates your
present position every 15 seconds while
in flight. Upon activation, a 5 watt signal bursts every 50 seconds to the Global
Satellite System. Your location within 25
meters will then be transmitted to search
and rescue in less than one minute.
The ELT406GPS mounts like most
standard ELTs. The transmitter and the
panel-mounted remote switch/indicator
can often utilize existing hardware and
cutouts from your outdated unit. With

the built-in GPS module, there is no need
to install an expensive interface to an external GPS system. Maintenance also is
easy with an owner/operator replaceable
five-year battery pack.
The ELT406GPS comes with both
406MHz broadcast and GPS passive
antennae combined in a single sleek
blade configuration for easy one-place
installation.
Kannad
This manufacturer offers several
models, including the designed-for-retrofit Kannad 406 AF-Compact. A nonGPS ELT, the 406 AF-Compact pricing
depends on options selected, such as the
appropriate antenna and/or programming before shipping.
The battery's replacement cycle runs
six years, helping lower ownership and
life-cycle costs, and the panel switching

of older ELTs can be used. The ELT also
integrates an audible buzzer to confirm
the ELT's triggering, or to alert the pilot
of an inadvertent trigger of the unit.
AEA's ELT Position

The Aircraft Electronics Association
alone has supported proposals to sunset
the use of the 121.5 MHz ELT technology and supports ending their manufacture - and opposes further installation
of them.
According to Ric Peri, AEA's vice
president of government and industry
affairs, "If you care about your family, your friends and your business,
when the legacy boat-anchor of an
ELT needs a new battery or maintenance, prudence should prevail and
pilots and owners must invest the few
extra dollars to step up to a true, modern ELT." q

avionics news

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2013

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Avionics News December 2013

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