ACK E-01 / E-04 ELT PIREP - WARNING

[OKAV8r]

Originally Posted by dmattmul

...the AK-450 (which looks a lot like the ACK E-01 and ACK E-04) does use the color code red is reset and black turns it on or at least appears this way in some of their pics. Does seem counterintuitive and maybe that is why they changed this in later models. ...

The AK-450 came from a different company than the ACK models

[dmattmul]

Originally Posted by OKAV8r

The AK-450 came from a different company than the ACK models

Yes, Ameri-King but looked almost the same. Don't let that confuse you. It's a much older design and NEVER said it was the same company, said they (ACK) changed the design, but good point.

[rcarsey]

I dropped Steve a note about that, in case nobody else did. Unfortunately this is almost a design problem - could have been completely avoided with a different button size, some tabs on the placard/housing, etc.

Originally Posted by dmattmul

It appears to me (But not 100% positive) this ELT is mounted upside down. The issue is if one presses the "On" labeled now the black button (After an incident) you will turn your ELT "OFF". Red is supposed to be labeled EMG-On, black is supposed to be TEST-RESET.

There is a procedure to test ones ELT and ACK states it should be tested every 3 months. If you press the TEST-RESET button and it does not follow the one second on, then off and the ELT signal stays on (confirmed on 121.5) it is upside down.

[Pilot135pd]

Thank you. The plane I just bought had it on backwards too.

[dmattmul]

Originally Posted by Aer0bat

Thank you for this post! My purchased-flying RV-7 has it backwards and I never would have thought to check this. Proof that posting a tip, no matter how innocuous it may seem, will be valuable to this group.

Kevin, you have the old design and I'm pretty sure it is correct as installed. Do a ELT check and you will know for sure.

[mburch]

I'm working through an ELT installation issue, and noticed that - frustratingly - even the ACK installation manual is confused on this point!

These images are both from the current ACK E-04 installation manual. The second one is correct, but the first one (which appears on the first page!) is reversed.

If even the manufacturer can't get it right, it's a dumb design, sheesh.

[Roadjunkie1]

Originally Posted by mburch

I'm working through an ELT installation issue, and noticed that - frustratingly - even the ACK installation manual is confused on this point! These images are both from the current ACK E-04 installation manual. The second one is correct, but the first one (which appears on the first page!) is reversed. If even the manufacturer can't get it right, it's a dumb design, sheesh.

One would think that it would be more intuitive to push a RED button to turn something ON and a BLACK button to turn something OFF.

While you are in there, take a look at the date on your battery. I'm not sure how often the factory recommends replacement but every 5 years might be a good idea even if it is still a good battery. I just replaced mine and, while I was in there, tested the ELT. It worked! Yes: supposed to be part of the condition inspection but can be overlooked. I put a sticker on mine that is visible while the top fuselage cover is removed that reminds me when I changed it. And pay attention to the orientation of the battery. It is not clearly marked.....

Isn't there a specific time allowed to test ELTs? Like noon on Wednesdays or something silly? A two second test with your radio on to 121.5 shouldn't bother anyone....

[dmattmul]

Originally Posted by Roadjunkie1

Isn't there a specific time allowed to test ELTs? Like noon on Wednesdays or something silly? A two second test with your radio on to 121.5 shouldn't bother anyone....

“Testing of an analog 121.5 ELT can only be done within the first five minutes after the hour, and you may transmit no more than three audible sweeps.”

This is in the US, for Canadians you need to do it in a lead lined hangar or something like that. (Just kidding) Check requirements.

[dmattmul]

Originally Posted by mburch

I'm working through an ELT installation issue, and noticed that - frustratingly - even the ACK installation manual is confused on this point!

These images are both from the current ACK E-04 installation manual. The second one is correct, but the first one (which appears on the first page!) is reversed.

If even the manufacturer can't get it right, it's a dumb design, sheesh.

What is worse is if reversed when you want to manually activate it to insure it’s on (in an off field landing) you turn it off !! Recommend everyone become familiar with the life saving device and insure it’s placarded correctly. To insure and to positively test the “red on button” I activated it (at the proper time) by pushing the red button waited one cycle and then pushed the black button to turn it off. You are suppose to test with the black button which automatically cycles it and turns back off but I wanted to try it once this way.

[Roadjunkie1]

Originally Posted by dmattmul

You are suppose to test with the black button which automatically cycles it and turns back off but I wanted to try it once this way.

I'd push the RED button to test it anyway. That is the one you are going to push if you need it. Falty switches can mess with a day that might have already been messed with....