The C406-N has built in navigational capabilities. If you intend on using this feature, then the ELT needs to be programmed for long messaging. If you do not require nav capabilities, then the ELT should be programmed with short messaging.

Long messaging operates with a nav interface. If you have a nav interface of some sort, then short messaging programming should be chosen.

Long messaging transmits longtitude and latitude.  Short messaging does not.

In relation to NE (New) parts, many OEMs change their prices and availability without any notice to dealers or the industry. Therefore, through the REQUEST or RFQ indication, we ask that customers contact us for the most accurate price and availability.

In relation to SV & OH parts, the used parts aftermarket in the aviation industry is not an infinite supply. It is a dynamic, constantly changing market that is significantly affected by and susceptible to highs and lows in supply and demand. Therefore, although we attempt to, at times, we are unable to predict the exact moment when an item may be available. Once again, through the REQUEST or RFQ indication on our website, we ask that customers contact us for the most current and accurate price and availability.

The only indication that new ACR/Artex ELTs have the upgraded G-switch as detailed in SB1000 is the "UPGRADED G-SWITCH" box on the identification plate.  Please see image for reference.

Click here to view the ELT reference guide.

Even though the battery pack expires 5 years from the date the ELT is shipped from Artex, there are other factors that take priority. The Artex manual states that the battery pack must be replaced with a new battery pack in the following situations:

• After use in an emergency
• After an inadvertent activation of unknown duration
• When the total of all known transmission exceed 1 hour
• On or before the battery replacement data as indicated on the battery label

If any of these conditions are met, the battery must be replaced.

Artex batteries contain a microchip that records total activation time and number of activation times. The ELT tester will show this information when the unit is tested.

If a problem is detected in the ELT, the LED will produce a coded signal. The LED will flash in order of importance with approximately .5 to 1 second pulse between each coded signal if multiple errors are present. The coded signal and related problems are as follows:

• 1 flash indicates a G-switch loop open failure
• 3 flashes indicate a 406 MHz transmitter problem such as defective or unconnected coax, low power output or programming error
• 5 flashes indicate no navigation data present for ELTs interfaced to a GPS nav interface unit. This error is most likely due to faulty interface wiring, improper programming, invalid navigation data caused by nav system not powered up or GPS nav interface unit (P/N 453-6500) not being present
• 7 flashes indicate a battery problem. Usually this occurs when the battery usage time is over an hour. A bench test by an approved Artex service center can indicate how many times the ELT has been activated and for how long

Southeast Aerospace has full bench test and programming capabilities for all Artex (Cobham) ELTs. Please contact the SEA Service Dept for any ELT service questions.

Click here to view the guidelines.

An Artex ELT with a part number ending in -999 simply indicates that the unit is not programmed and is intended to be programmed via dongle (DGL-1) or wired into the ELT NAV interface (455-6500). Mostly only fleet operators and airlines request this programming ability to avoid reprogramming an ELT during routine maintenance should the ELT be replaced.

Most Artex ELT systems are received by distributors programmed with the ELT serial number for use in the USA. Thus the P/N ends in -366. If the ELT is programmed for another country, then the appropriate labels are placed on the ELT. However, the original dataplate part number remains the same. Dealer/distributors who are authorized to program Artex ELTs are not permitted to change the part number of the ELT.

Therefore, if someone requires an Artex ELT to actually have the -999 part number then this must be requested before the distributor places the order with the factory. Otherwise, programmed ELTs can be programmed with a default hex address and ID to be equivalent to the -999 status. When this is done by an authorized programming facility, the dataplate remains the same but the separate label with country and three digit code becomes blank and the hex ID label indicates the default hex ID.

SARSAT is an acronym for "Search And Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking". The SARSAT system was developed as a joint effort by the USA, Canada, and France.

COSPAS is an acronym for the Russian words "Cosmicheskaya Sistema Poiska Avariynyh Sudov" . These Russian words translate to "Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress".

The 366 at the end of any Artex 406MHz ELT simply indicates that the unit is programmed for the USA serialized long message format. All Artex 406 ELTs (C406 and G406 series) except for the ME406 are shipped from Artex with the 366 programming unless you specify otherwise. For international applications, once the ELT is reprogrammed, the unit dataplate and box label is updated with the new programming information. An updated FAA Form 8130 is issued at this time as well.

Therefore, if you are searching for an Artex 406 ELT ending in the -366 such as 455-5015-[366], then you can use the base number (ex. 455-5015) in most cases.

Programmed aircraft information is essential for search & rescue, should the ELT be activated. When activated, the ELT will transmit your identifier.

An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) should be programmed with either the aircraft tail #, a serial #, or the aircraft operator designator. The aircraft information programmed is determined by your country's requirements. The information is sent to the government agency responsible for keeping the database of the country in which your aircraft is registered.

The ID is linked to your SAR database, containing valuable aircraft information: Type of Aircraft, Address of Owner, Telephone # of Owner, Aircraft Registration #, and Alternate Emergency Contact, etc.

Keeping this information up to date & accurate is a major concern of the Search & Rescue Centers. Without accurate information, valuable time may be lost in attempting to locate the owner of the aircraft.

Your ELT can easily be programmed by a certified repair station, such as Southeast Aerospace.

Contact Southeast Aerospace today for more information on ELT programming.

After February 1st, 2009, Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) operating on the 121.5 and 243 MHz will not be monitored by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. There are many false distress signals and searches initiated each year with ELTs. The newer 406 MHz ELTs transmit unique aircraft information allowing authorities to contact an aircraft owner before a search is initiated. Therefore, 406 MHz significantly decrease the amount of unnecessary searches.

While 121.5 MHz is the international distress signal, it has limitations in relation to the search and rescue efforts that would follow the activation of this frequency by an ELT. Accuracy to a crash site of an aircraft with a 121 MHz ELT can be up to 20 miles. With the enhanced performance of the 406 MHz ELT and programmed aircraft information, accuracy is improved to 2 miles.

After February 2009, the 121/243 distress signals will only be detected by ground based receivers such as air traffic control, local airports, or other aircraft. Therefore, the search and rescue efforts related to an aircraft with an older ELT could be limited and will take longer, especially in a remote location.

Some aircraft owners do not respond positively towards FAA mandates. The February 1st 2009 ELT date is not a deadline to comply with any sort of ELT mandate. As mentioned, this date only applies the discontinuance of 121/243 ELT monitoring by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. Therefore, aircraft owners must decide what value to place on their safety and survival should they be put in an emergency situation where the ELT would be activated.

Most commonly utilized by fleet operators, the DGL-1 programming dongle allows an ELT to be transferred between aircraft without having to reprogram or re-register. The Artex DGL-1 is mounted on the ELT cover (see picture). The DGL-1 is not a memory device that stores multiple ELT coding formats. Instead, the aircraft 24 bit address is coded into the dongle by setting a series of small dip switches. The switches are accessed by removing 4 screws that attach the dongle to the ELT top cover. Inside the dongle, there are two rows of 12 switches (see picture). These 24 switches are used to set the aircraft's 24 bit address by way of binary 1s and 0s. 1s are electrical ground, 0s are electrically open.

A few other notes regarding the DGL-1:

• The connector between the DGL-1 and ELT is only compatible with the C406 and G406 series ELTs.
• The DGL-1 switches do not have to be set by an approved Artex programming facility.
• The 24 bit address programmed via the DGL-1 switches overwrites any other programming on an ELT once it is powered on.

It depends on the make and model of the ELT. However, most 406 ELTs have a battery life of either 4 or 5 years. Most batteries can transmit for as long as 24 hours.