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Thread: elt question

  1. #31
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    The AM radio test not only confirms the 121.5 transmission, but is also a valid test for the integrity of the common antenna. I'm not suggesting that this be done on purpose of course, but if the unit was accidentally triggered for an extended short period, sometime other than the allowed "5 min. after the hour" test period, you should soon receive a phone call and can admit to an accidental triggering event. It happens, and I understand that they are usually very nice & understanding about it. That would be a valid "test" of the transmission to the satellites.
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
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  2. #32
    Senior Member rv9ralph's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    About unintentional activation. One of my EAA Chapter friends flies a Long EZ, he installed a Garmin G3, then he installed an ACK 406 ELT. Twice his emergency contact received a call from SARSAT, his ELT had activated in flight. After some investigation, he found the the transponder antenna coax was in proximity to his ELT test panel/buzzer lead and the transponder triggered the ELT. He had to reroute the transponder antenna coax to resolve it.

    This wouldn't have shown itself during the initial test, but it does show that there can be unintentional activation of 406 ELTs also.

    Ralph

  3. #33
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    Good Lord! All my wires run along side in relative proximity to the coax's. How else would everything fit through the center cowl up into the back of the panel?
    This is why I hate electrical! lol
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  4. #34
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    Don’t worry, Eddie... you’re probably fine. I’ve got everything in close proximity and it has all worked flawlessly so far. My transponder coax (RG400) runs parallel to & in the same bundle as my ACK wiring. Proper grounding and a well shielded coax like RG400 should be adequate to prevent what Ralph described.

    To quote Bob Nuckolls, who was replying to a builder who said he was being diligent about separating antenna wiring from power wiring in a fiberglass airframe... all power wiring on the port side and antenna wiring & pneumatics on starboard, and he was running out of room in his port side conduit and worried about running some remaining wiring in with the antenna wiring -

    “There is no demonstrable value in separating antenna coax wires and other ship’s wiring. The idea that ‘noise’ escapes ships wiring to invade the inner-sanctum of your coax is a popular myth morphed into sage advice.”

    As I said, I haven’t had any problems with inadvertent ELT activation, nor any perceived noise in my headsets, etc. (knock on wood).
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  5. #35
    Senior Member Av8r_Sed's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    Jason Miller had a short, ’The Finer Points’ podcast interview with a member of SARSAT who monitor ELT’s. He states to never, ever activate a 406 unit at 5 min past the hour and only use the manufacturer’s test mode. It was informative but may not address all the nuances you’ve all been discussing.

    Go to: https://www.learnthefinerpoints.com/podcast and scroll down the list to the Jan 20th episode, ‘Staying Found’.
    -- Paul S
    Model III SN910
    582 IVO Med

  6. #36
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    Quote Originally Posted by rv9ralph View Post
    One of my EAA Chapter friends flies a Long EZ, he installed a Garmin G3, then he installed an ACK 406 ELT. Twice his emergency contact received a call from SARSAT, his ELT had activated in flight. After some investigation, he found the the transponder antenna coax was in proximity to his ELT test panel/buzzer lead and the transponder triggered the ELT. He had to reroute the transponder antenna coax to resolve it.

    Ralph
    I had the exact same thing happen once and have the same combo (Garmin G3X & ACK-04). My wife got the phone call from SARSAT while I was still flying. I called ACK and they told me the same thing. ACK said it wasn't their ELT but the Garmin GTX-23 transponder that causes this to happen. My transponder antenna cable was too close to the ELT remote switch cable. They said to move the two cables as far apart as possible. I ended up fabricating a four wire shielded cable for the ELT remote switch and have not had a problem since.

    Eddie, as best I know this is only a problem if you have a Garmin GTX-23 transponder and a ACK-04 ELT. If that is what you have at least you know it before you install everything.
    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  7. #37
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: elt question

    Thx, John and Phil. I don't have that ELT.
    Headed to AS&S to get some wire connector tools. Wish me luck at getting these wire connectors apart safely.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

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