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Avionics Technology Analysis

406 ELT Update: More Choices, But…Wait

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. Several readers have contacted us for advice on buying, so heres a brief update. Right up front, we'll say don't get in a hurry to buy. Model selections are still limited and prices are high. Perhaps an inexpensive personal locator beacon is the best-value fill-in option for a year or so. We covered 406 MHz units in the July 2007 issue of Aviation Consumer and since then, the market has advanced. 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. These beacons are the way to go; the question is when. 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. 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.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

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. Several readers have contacted us for advice on buying, so heres a brief update.

Right up front, we’ll say don’t get in a hurry to buy. Model selections are still limited and prices are high. Perhaps an inexpensive personal locator beacon is the best-

The Artex ME406

value fill-in option for a year or so. We covered 406 MHz units in the July 2007 issue of Aviation Consumer and since then, the market has advanced. 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. These beacons are the way to go; the question is when.

Artex For Now

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. 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.

Shops embrace the Artex because of its made-in-America status and ease of retrofit. But, with a $1000 price point, they don’t sell a ton of them. 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.

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. The ME406 can connect with a familiar whip-style antenna or with a fiberglass rod-style antenna for faster airframes.

The G406 model offers more rigorous TSO C126 certification (500 G shock, 1000-pound crush and more rigorous flame and vibration testing). This unit might be a serious consideration for helicopter applications. The G406 can also connect with –

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.