![]() ![]() This doesnt bode well for overall support. Incidentally, our multiple attempts to gather specific information on this product through the manufacturer were unsuccessful.Īfter leaving several messages via phone, we finally made contact but were told that a marketing rep would call us back. The Ameri-King AK-451 P is currently a portable beacon, but it is undergoing certification for use as a fixed beacon, according to Edmo, the companys distributor. Were told the SkyyHunter will be available later this year. But a GPS antenna will need to be mounted on top of the airframe, a prospect thats already difficult on small airplanes, given the number of antennas cluttering up the roof. The ELT mounting tray is roughly the same size as some other common models so in many cases, shops wont have to redrill for the new mounting rack. It has a five-year battery and can interface with an existing 121.5 MHz Pointer remote control, making for an easier retrofit without running new remote wiring. Contact or 40.Įquipped with an internal GPS receiver, the $999 Canadian-made Pointer SkyyHunter 406 AF unit doesnt require a remote interface to transmit position. The E-04 design process is completed, but is undergoing FAA certification and you cant order one until its certified. For new installations, the system retails for $599 and includes everything necessary to start from scratch, while the retrofit kit for dropping an E-04 into existing installations will list for $560. The system uses a lithium battery with a five-year life. The antenna will need to be replaced with a newly designed swept-back antenna with a molded base, but the same mounting footprint can be used.įurther, ACK says the unit can directly accept Garmin and Bendix/King GPS inputs for transmitting position. See As we go to press, ACK announces their new model E-04 ELT for retrofit into existing 121.5 MHz (E-01) installations, using the existing remote control unit. The Kannad is available now, for $865 list plus antenna. An optional navigation interface module allows connection with onboard GPS. It has a six-year battery and can interface with a rod or whip antenna. The French-made Kannad 406-AF-COMPACT is focused toward general aviation aircraft and measures 5.1 x 3.4 x 2.9 inches, making it one of the smallest permanent-mount 406 ELTs on the market. A G406 with the nav interface costs nearly $3000 for an average installation. The GPSs ARINC or RS232 serial bus is utilized for such interconnect, so shops will need to access the existing wiring to make the connections. The Artex Nav Interface Unit, which ties the ELT with an onboard GPS for transmitting lat/lon data along with the distress signal. This unit might be a serious consideration for helicopter applications. The G406 model offers more rigorous TSO C126 certification (500 G shock, 1000-pound crush and more rigorous flame and vibration testing). The ME406 can connect with a familiar whip-style antenna or with a fiberglass rod-style antenna for faster airframes. The ME406 ACE (for Absolute Cost Efficiency) model is targeted toward directly replacing an existing ACK E-01 unit, using the existing remote switch, which could reduce overall installation costs. In most cases, the two-pound ME406 can drop into an existing 121.5 MHz interface and use the same wiring, although Artex recommends replacing non-shielded antenna cabling with new low-loss twin-shielded coax. ![]() ![]() But, with a $1000 price point, they dont sell a ton of them. Shops embrace the Artex because of its made-in-America status and ease of retrofit. Artex was first on the block with an affordable (if you can call a $1000 ELT affordable) 406 MHz system through the entry-level ME406 and it remains a popular seller. Historically, there have only been a few key players in the light aircraft ELT world, but were surprised that more manufacturers havent jumped at the chance to capitalize on the 406 frenzy. These beacons are the way to go the question is when. To review, 406 units are smart ELTs that transmit digitally encoded aircraft tailnumber, pilot information and beacon serial number and some have the ability to transmit the last recorded GPS-derived position data. We covered 406 MHz units in the July 2007 issue of Aviation Consumer and since then, the market has advanced. Perhaps an inexpensive personal locator beacon is the best. Model selections are still limited and prices are high. Right up front, well say dont get in a hurry to buy. Several readers have contacted us for advice on buying, so heres a brief update. With the feds set to pull the plug on the monitoring of 121.5/243.0 MHz ELTs in just four months (by February 2009), the market for 406 MHz technology is still in the wake-up phase. ![]()
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