406 MHz ELT Installation

[seethru]

Howdy,

I've been reading that the NTSB is recommending to the FAA that it should mandate that all aircraft have their ELT's upgraded to the 406 MHz version, which should increase a downed pilot's chances of being found, and reduce the number of false alarms.

I am curious about the installation of this new ELT. Is it pretty much a simple "plug and play" modification, or will this involve a tremendous amount of new wiring, antenae, and power to make these things work (we're flying a Cessna 414A).

I'm not advocating one way or the other for mandating the new ELTs. It's just something that I am interested in for our own aircraft.

AOPA has a nice write up on it here.

Thank you for your help.

Greg

 

[erj-145mech]

It could be the same as a TSO-C91 unit, or it could be a wire bundle addition if you opt to interface with your GPS for position.

Also, some units have a second antenna if it transmits on 406 Mhz and 121.5/243.0 Mhz.

 

[Frozen Ronin]

Seethru,
I just posted on another thread about the PLB I use, and it's built with the 406 transmitter, the 121.5 warble, and an internal GPS receiver.

After lots of reading and looking, I found those without the internal GPS receiver and 121.5 warble are left lacking. Having it all in one package, run off the same battery pack, using it's own antenna for GPS, 406 and 121.5 is the way to go. Being able to remove it and take it with you is a plus, but I'm not sure if they have that available yet.

Good luck!

Ronin

 

[seethru]

From what you're describing, it sounds like a portable unit that you can move from plane to plane (or boat, etc). Am I right or did I read it incorrectly?

I'm wondering if what you are describing would meet the new requirements, assuming that the ELT would need to be hard mounted to the aircraft for its airworthiness certificate to be good.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Frozen Ronin]

Hey, Seethru~

C406HM-1 ELT/ROD ANT/350 KTS (455-5016) The Artex C406 series transmits on all 3 emergency frequencies (121.5/243.0 and 406.025 MHz.) The ELT automatically activates during a crash and transmits the standard swept tone on 121.5 and 243.0 MHz. The C406 also transmits a 406.025 MHz encoded digital message to the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system, which allows for rapid identification and reduces search and rescue response time. The C406 has been tested to meet the rigorous requirements of TSO C126 including 500 G shock, 1000 pound crush as well as flame and vibration tests. The C406 is available for use with Artex's low cost whip antennas, rod antenna, or a blade antenna. The C406 also may be interfaced with the Artex ELT/NAV Interface which enables latitude and longitude data to be transmitted as part of the 406.025 MHz message. The C406 series is available as the C406-1, which uses a single coax cable to accommodate all three frequencies, or as the C406-2, which uses two coax cables to accommodate all three frequencies. The C406 series ELT is available for fixed wing and helicopter (HM) applications.

This was on the Edmo website. This unit isn't removable, but I'm still looking for one that is. It does mention that all three frequencies can share the same antenna.

Hope this helps,
Ronin

 

[seethru]

Cool, thanks Ronin.

The only adventerous thing we do is our flying, and we only have one plane, so moving it around won't be necessary. Just sort of set it up and forget about it.

I believe that there are portable units, in fact I'm pretty sure I remember reading about them. They were pretty small and perfect for people who do a lot of back country hiking, or flying I suspect.

Thanks again!

greg