Jim,

Thanks! I've never seen the manual for an ELT, so your detailed reply
was very instructive.

I wonder if during the design process engineers ever considered the use
of an integral antenna for ELTs, which would take over transmitting
duties if the main external antenna were damaged or destroyed? Probably
not, since most ELT installations would be in metal aircraft, and as
you point out they could wind up inside a metal ball post-crash.

It's comforting to hear that ELTs seem to work even when damaged.
Guess I'm just making a problem where none exists.

-John