ACK 406 experience?

[N3322G]

Has anyone installed one yet?

Any gotchas?

Any problems connecting to a Garmin 530W that already has a Shadin and a 496 connected?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[SLIMDREDGER]

Hi Pat:

2 years ago when we had the airplane opened up for annual, I got the install kit for the ACK 406 and had it wired in. The units were "just about ready to be approved" , but were not available at that moment. They were not approved by my annual time last year. This year the units are approved but the company is only selling complete kits with the unit, and I still can't get my hands on one. American Avionics hope to have one for me in "a few months". Seems an absurd way to treat an early customer.

Reading recent aviation publicatins, I am of the opinion that the "SPOT" tracker offers a good deal more real world locating ability than the 406 units. I think the Feds should approve them as an equivalent for the 406 locater beacons.

Warm regards, A H P

[Mark Anderson]

Pat, I have the ARTEX 406. When I installed mine the GPS interface model was not out yet. I recently tried to purchase the box to make the interface but the avionics shop told me for my model it is not available yet. They are waiting on FAA approval and expect it to be approved in the next couple of months. However I asked the same question I think you may be getting at. I have a 530W with an AERA 560 and JPI 930. I asked the shop about this and how many ports the 530W has available for interface. I believe it is at least 3 maybe 4. So I would not think t would be a problem. Sorry if this isn't what you are referring to !

[Mark Anderson]

Albert, I purchased the " Fast Find" EPIRB last summer for my Alaska trip. It was on sale at Cabelas for $199.00. It is a one time only use. You cannot by a message plan. You just have to make sure you deploy it before you lose consciousness ! I am not familiar with all of the functions of the Spot. However they must be good because we took 2 sea plane flights from King Salmon to Katmai National Park and both the C-206 and the Beaver, had a Spot device on the glare shield.

[N3322G]

Presently installing the ACK 406. Maintenance shop will do ELT part and avionics will do GPS set up.

We also frequently use Spot if we are apart so the spouse knows where the other one is without having to call. Works well in wilderness backpacking, car trips and VFR flying.