Quote Originally Posted by Flyin Farmer View Post
I have an Ameri- King AK-450 ELT which came with my model 111 project I see there has been an AD issued on this model as well as the newer 451 what would be my best option as far as getting an safe operational elt? Take this one to a shop and have it gone over, or being rather old scrap it and lay out the money for a new one I do not have an antenna for this one and before spending money on one I would like to hear your opinions about it.Thanks Greg
You can not repair the AmeriKing 450 and 451's. they must be continuously inspected and tested per the AD starting no later than October 24, 2018. If they fail, they must be replaced. They are 121 only so I would just replace it anyway - 121 is useless unless being ground tracked from real close.

The ACK E-04 can use the same remote and and wiring as the AmeriKing and has a harness that meets the new TSO 126b (not hook and loop) and includes an antenna.

Tha Kannad retrofit is about $400 more, has an integral backup 406 antenna, does not include an external antenna and uses the older hook and loop mounting.

The NTSB wanted the new TSO 126b to require replacement of all hook and loop fastening on all existing and new ELT installations. The FAA TSO though allows hook and loop on "existing" elts and only requires a better mounting for new elt designs (not to be confused with new elt installations) occuring since the TSO 126b effective date. Kind of defeated the purpose as the manufacturers can still make, sell and you can install the hook and loop type!

Also, if you replace an old 121 elt with a new 121/406 elt without replacing the antenna - you are assuming the old antenna will operate correctly on 406. Maybe/maybe not - that is why ACK sells their unit with the antenna and requires it to be used.

Just my take on it all, Greg