ACK E–04 Emergency Locator Transmitter
General Description
ACK E–04 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is a 406 / 121.5 MHZ emergency locator transmitter for general aviation. Older generation ELT’s were very limited in their ability to rapidly locate, and identify a downed aircraft. Often it took several passes of the orbiting satellites to get an approximate fix on a downed aircraft. The older generation ELT’s gave rescuers no information on type of aircraft, owner/operator, or contact information. The new generation 406 MHz ELT’s provide much better, and faster location accuracy. Along with providing information to search and rescue organizations about the aircraft type, ownership, and emergency contact information. Location accuracy with older generation ELT’s was limited to about a 15 – 20 mile radius, and could take several hours to provide accurate location data. For new generation 406 MHz ELT’s without GPS position information, the average time to process, and identify the aircraft location is 1–2 hours, with a search radius of about 2 miles or less.
Features
• Accepts GPS position input data from Bendix/King, Garmin, Nema 0183 GPS.• New antenna is swept back 20 degrees, and features a molded plastic base.
• 5 watts @ 406 MHz for 24 hours, and 100Mw @ 121.5MHz for 48 hours.
• New simple plug in audible alert indicator.
• New lithium battery pack offers a 5 year battery life, and makes it substantially lighter.
• Lithium battery pack offers a 5 year battery life, and makes it substantially lighter.
• Can use Ameri–King remote panel indicator.
Installation
Several problems associated with previous TSO C-91, and C-91a ELT installations, is the result of poorly chosen mounting locations. Generally the most suitable location for fixed wing aircraft, is to position the ELT transmitter in the fuselage as far aft as possible. Antenna location, and accessibility for maintenance, are factors that should be considered when choosing a mounting location. The ELT must be mounted with the arrow printed on the battery case pointing in the direction of flight. The ELT should be mounted with it’s longitudinal axis aligned within 10 degrees of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft fuselage.
Avoid mounting the ELT near sources of strong EMI/RFI radiation.
RTCA document DO-204 paragraph 3.1.8. prescribes the mounting requirements which must be met when installing this ELT, these requirements are as follows:
The ELT shall be mounted to primary load-carrying structures such as trusses, bulkheads, longerons, spars, or floor beams. (not aircraft skin) The mounts shall have a maximum static local reflection no greater than 2.5mm (0.1 inch) when a force of 450 newton's (100 lbs.) is applied to the mount in the most flexible direction. Deflection measurements shall be made with reference to another part of the airframe not less than 0.3 meter (1 foot) nor more than 1.0 meter (3 feet) from the mounting location. After selecting a suitable location meeting all of the above requirements. Drill and mount the ELT tray assembly. A doubler plate may be required. Secure latches with tie wrap.
IMPORTANT! The quick release retaining straps which secure the ELT to the tray are slightly different in size. The strap that fits around the front of the ELT, (transmitter assembly) is marked “front.” The strap that fits around the battery case end of the ELT, is marked “Battery.”
About ACK
ACK Technologies, Inc. located in the heart of Silicon Valley was founded by Mike Akatiff in 1972 as ACK Products Inc. to design and manufacturer motorcycle racing parts. In 1974 Mr. Akatiff founded Pacific Coast Cycle Corporation to design and manufacture general motorcycle accessories.
While simi–retired in 1987 Mr. Akatiff designed a low cost altitude encoder using all solid state electronics. ACK Products Inc. was re-named ACK Technologies Inc. and began manufacturing aircraft parts in January of 1988.
All aircraft products produced by ACK Technologies, Inc. are manufactured under FAA TSO Authorization (TSOA). Our manufacturing procedures comply with all requirements of FAR Part 21 Subpart O.
