ELT replacement: Options?

I was just informed by my mechanic who is performing my annual that my ELT is
fried and needs replacing. I have two choices: Replace the Artex model with
the same one, or upgrade to a newer unit that transmits on the new frequency.

If I go with the replacing the existing model, it transmits on a frequency
that won't be monitored by satellites starting sometime 2009. Of course,
there is a big discrepancy in price between the two types of units.
Regardless of what one I choose, I have to include the cost of installing a
remote test switch, since my aircraft doesn't currently have one.

Has anyone else faced this decision recently? If so, what model did you
choose?




--
Peter

I sure did..

Just today I ordered the ACK E01 121.5 ELT $215.00 from sky geek to replace
the pointer 3000 installed in my plane.
My reason for replacement was that the pointer unit was interfering (
radiating a harmonic signal on the gps frequency )with the Garmin gps after
the waas upgrade. This is a known problem with elt's in certain
installations. It would knock the gps signal completely out when
transmitting on the com radios on certain test frequencies.

The company that stood out in customer service by a wide margin was ACK.
They helped me to trouble shoot the issue and even sent me an antenna to
test on my plane. That was before even committing to purchase their unit. I
borrowed the ack unit to try and I was able to eliminate the interference.

The reason I went with the 121.5 unit rather than the 406mhz one was due to
the price difference. I will get a few years use out of this unit and as the
other manufactures ( artex is the only one available now ) bring their 406
units to market the price will come down from $1000 that it is at now. I
already own and carry a portable PLB 406 unit with a built in gps when
flying.

Good luck with your purchase.....




"Peter R." wrote in message
...
I was just informed by my mechanic who is performing my annual that my ELT
is
fried and needs replacing. I have two choices: Replace the Artex model
with
the same one, or upgrade to a newer unit that transmits on the new
frequency.

If I go with the replacing the existing model, it transmits on a frequency
that won't be monitored by satellites starting sometime 2009. Of course,
there is a big discrepancy in price between the two types of units.
Regardless of what one I choose, I have to include the cost of installing
a
remote test switch, since my aircraft doesn't currently have one.

Has anyone else faced this decision recently? If so, what model did you
choose?




--
Peter

Peter R. wrote:
I was just informed by my mechanic who is performing my annual that my ELT is
fried and needs replacing. I have two choices: Replace the Artex model with
the same one, or upgrade to a newer unit that transmits on the new frequency.

If I go with the replacing the existing model, it transmits on a frequency
that won't be monitored by satellites starting sometime 2009. Of course,
there is a big discrepancy in price between the two types of units.
Regardless of what one I choose, I have to include the cost of installing a
remote test switch, since my aircraft doesn't currently have one.

Has anyone else faced this decision recently? If so, what model did you
choose?




I upgrade to the Artex 110-406 several years ago. Much better resolution
on location if you need it.

Michelle P

me wrote:
I sure did..

Just today I ordered the ACK E01 121.5 ELT $215.00 from sky geek to replace
the pointer 3000 installed in my plane.
My reason for replacement was that the pointer unit was interfering (
radiating a harmonic signal on the gps frequency )with the Garmin gps after
the waas upgrade. This is a known problem with elt's in certain
installations. It would knock the gps signal completely out when
transmitting on the com radios on certain test frequencies.

The company that stood out in customer service by a wide margin was ACK.
They helped me to trouble shoot the issue and even sent me an antenna to
test on my plane. That was before even committing to purchase their unit. I
borrowed the ack unit to try and I was able to eliminate the interference.

The reason I went with the 121.5 unit rather than the 406mhz one was due to
the price difference. I will get a few years use out of this unit and as the
other manufactures ( artex is the only one available now ) bring their 406
units to market the price will come down from $1000 that it is at now. I
already own and carry a portable PLB 406 unit with a built in gps when
flying.

Good luck with your purchase.....




"Peter R." wrote in message
...

I was just informed by my mechanic who is performing my annual that my ELT
is
fried and needs replacing. I have two choices: Replace the Artex model
with
the same one, or upgrade to a newer unit that transmits on the new
frequency.

If I go with the replacing the existing model, it transmits on a frequency
that won't be monitored by satellites starting sometime 2009. Of course,
there is a big discrepancy in price between the two types of units.
Regardless of what one I choose, I have to include the cost of installing
a
remote test switch, since my aircraft doesn't currently have one.

Has anyone else faced this decision recently? If so, what model did you
choose?




--
Peter




That is really interesting. I have a Pointer 3000. I was getting
interference from FM stations breaking the squelch on the 2 MK12 Ds I
have. I found out that the Pointer is the cause. I contacted Pointer and
they fixed it. That problem went away. I also found out that certain COM
frequencies can upset a GPS. That is published information. (Don't go
asking me to locate it now.) But I never heard that a Pointer would
upset a GPS.

--

Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI

On 3/26/2007 10:39:47 PM, "me" wrote:

Just today I ordered the ACK E01 121.5 ELT $215.00 from sky geek to
replace the pointer 3000 installed in my plane.

That unit was brought to my attention during my research, but I find it hard
to believe that a unit powered by D batteries is certified for install in a
Bonanza. It does seem that it is, though, and I agree with you that the price
difference between this unit and the 406Mhz is dramatic.

I, too, carry a PLB unit that transmits GPS coordinates but of course this
security is only as good as the hope that I or a passenger will be conscience
after a crash to activate it.

--
Peter

Peter R. wrote:
On 3/26/2007 10:39:47 PM, "me" wrote:

Just today I ordered the ACK E01 121.5 ELT $215.00 from sky geek to
replace the pointer 3000 installed in my plane.

That unit was brought to my attention during my research, but I find
it hard to believe that a unit powered by D batteries is certified
for install in a Bonanza. It does seem that it is, though, and I
agree with you that the price difference between this unit and the
406Mhz is dramatic.

I, too, carry a PLB unit that transmits GPS coordinates but of course
this security is only as good as the hope that I or a passenger will
be conscience after a crash to activate it.

I just got the little e-mail promo for this month's Aviation Consumer and it
had this in it.

A NEW ELT
Did you know that in less than two years, the standard 121.5 MHz distress
frequency will no longer be satellite monitored? That means if you want an
emergency locator worthy of the name, you'll need a 406 MHz beacon. Right
now, only one company, Artex, offers an affordable 406 ELT. Here's a review
and buying advice.

So, if you don't get AC you might want to see if you can find an copy of the
next issue.

On 3/27/2007 4:41:13 PM, "Gig 601XL Builder" wrote:

A NEW ELT
Did you know that in less than two years, the standard 121.5 MHz distress
frequency will no longer be satellite monitored? That means if you want an
emergency locator worthy of the name, you'll need a 406 MHz beacon. Right
now, only one company, Artex, offers an affordable 406 ELT. Here's a
review and buying advice.

So, if you don't get AC you might want to see if you can find an copy of
the next issue.

Thanks, Gig, and good timing. I do get AC so I will be sure to check out the
article, perhaps instead visiting AC's website rather than waiting for my
issue to arrive in the mail.

From what I have seen Artex 406 units are pretty pricey, but that is soon to
change. This afternoon I spoke with a representative from ACK who informed me
that their 406MHz unit is about 8 months from being certified. This unit will
be a direct replacement for existing ACK E-01 installs and ACK expects the
price of this unit to be quite a bit lower than the Artex currently
available.

Given the relatively lower cost of ACK's TSO-91a unit and barring any logical
AC advice in that article to which you refer, I think my plan is to purchase
the E-01 now, and then upgrade to ACK's 406MHz unit before 121.5 Mhz
satellite monitoring goes away within two years.

--
Peter

Peter R. wrote:
On 3/27/2007 4:41:13 PM, "Gig 601XL Builder" wrote:


A NEW ELT
Did you know that in less than two years, the standard 121.5 MHz distress
frequency will no longer be satellite monitored? That means if you want an
emergency locator worthy of the name, you'll need a 406 MHz beacon. Right
now, only one company, Artex, offers an affordable 406 ELT. Here's a
review and buying advice.

So, if you don't get AC you might want to see if you can find an copy of
the next issue.


Thanks, Gig, and good timing. I do get AC so I will be sure to check out the
article, perhaps instead visiting AC's website rather than waiting for my
issue to arrive in the mail.

From what I have seen Artex 406 units are pretty pricey, but that is soon to
change. This afternoon I spoke with a representative from ACK who informed me
that their 406MHz unit is about 8 months from being certified. This unit will
be a direct replacement for existing ACK E-01 installs and ACK expects the
price of this unit to be quite a bit lower than the Artex currently
available.

Given the relatively lower cost of ACK's TSO-91a unit and barring any logical
AC advice in that article to which you refer, I think my plan is to purchase
the E-01 now, and then upgrade to ACK's 406MHz unit before 121.5 Mhz
satellite monitoring goes away within two years.



This is almost like HD TV. Those first sets were very expensive. As the
time nears, the prices are coming down.

--

Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI

Peter R. wrote:
That unit was brought to my attention during my research, but I find it hard
to believe that a unit powered by D batteries is certified for install in a
Bonanza. It does seem that it is, though, ...

It certainly is. I think you'd probably be surprised if you opened up
most ELT batteries. They are commonly just a bunch of off the shelf alkaline
batteries that are soldered together inside a box. You'd never know it from
the price tag :-))

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)

--
Message posted via http://www.aviationkb.com

Hi Ross,

I had the same FM radio problem on my pointer about 3 years ago and sent it
in to pointer for the fix. It did fix that problem. With my new gps problem
pointer said that the FM fix was the most they could do to the 3000 unit.
You are right about the com frequencies that interfere with gps they are
published in the Garmin install manuals 121.15 is one that I remember..


"Ross" wrote in message
news
me wrote:
I sure did..

Just today I ordered the ACK E01 121.5 ELT $215.00 from sky geek to
replace the pointer 3000 installed in my plane.
My reason for replacement was that the pointer unit was interfering (
radiating a harmonic signal on the gps frequency )with the Garmin gps
after the waas upgrade. This is a known problem with elt's in certain
installations. It would knock the gps signal completely out when
transmitting on the com radios on certain test frequencies.

The company that stood out in customer service by a wide margin was ACK.
They helped me to trouble shoot the issue and even sent me an antenna to
test on my plane. That was before even committing to purchase their unit.
I borrowed the ack unit to try and I was able to eliminate the
interference.

The reason I went with the 121.5 unit rather than the 406mhz one was due
to the price difference. I will get a few years use out of this unit and
as the other manufactures ( artex is the only one available now ) bring
their 406 units to market the price will come down from $1000 that it is
at now. I already own and carry a portable PLB 406 unit with a built in
gps when flying.

Good luck with your purchase.....




"Peter R." wrote in message
...

I was just informed by my mechanic who is performing my annual that my
ELT is
fried and needs replacing. I have two choices: Replace the Artex model
with
the same one, or upgrade to a newer unit that transmits on the new
frequency.

If I go with the replacing the existing model, it transmits on a
frequency
that won't be monitored by satellites starting sometime 2009. Of course,
there is a big discrepancy in price between the two types of units.
Regardless of what one I choose, I have to include the cost of installing
a
remote test switch, since my aircraft doesn't currently have one.

Has anyone else faced this decision recently? If so, what model did you
choose?




--
Peter




That is really interesting. I have a Pointer 3000. I was getting
interference from FM stations breaking the squelch on the 2 MK12 Ds I
have. I found out that the Pointer is the cause. I contacted Pointer and
they fixed it. That problem went away. I also found out that certain COM
frequencies can upset a GPS. That is published information. (Don't go
asking me to locate it now.) But I never heard that a Pointer would upset
a GPS.

--

Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI