GPS RS 232 output and your ELT

[Elitefortlanlgey]

A recent PA - 30 accident near Kelowna, BC reminded me that I still have not found a resolution to supplying GPS data to my Ameri-King 406 ELT. Before I upgraded this ELT I was given to understand that Dynon Skyview would be able to output this data, which it can. Unfortunately, I did not know that Skyview can only send in the NMEA format and Ameri-King can only receive in RS232. You would think that there must be an easy solution but I still haven't found one.
In the above accident Canadian Search and Rescue took two hours to locate the wreckage which was only a few minutes by helicopter to a hospital. This likely cost the life of a young woman. Having the capability to input GPS information into your ELT can reduce the search area down to meters instead of miles.
I would like to add to the Skyview wish list that capability of RS232 GPS data output.

 

[dynonsupport]

The difference is not NMEA vs. RS-232. RS-232 is the electrical method that data is sent with, and both NMEA and Aviation are over RS-232. The issue is the format used over RS-232, which is NMEA or Aviation.

I looked quick, and the Kannad, ACK, and AeroFix 406 ELT's all take the NMEA format we output. The use of Aviation format appears to be unique to Ameri-King. I would suggest you ask them to update their product to use the much more industry standard NMEA format, rather than us adding a format to support one specific non-standard product.

One interesting thing is that the only devices I am aware of that output Aviation are certified GPS units. So you may need to ask Ameri-King if they even want non-certified GPS units hooked to their ELTs.

 

[Elitefortlanlgey]

That is exactly the sort of response I got from Ameri-King. I am just caught in between with a significant problem. I am at the disadvantage of not knowing how difficult this would be for Dynon to fix. Are you really intending to say that the certified world is not important to Dynon?
Don't get me wrong, I think that Dynon has a wonderful product. I just think that it is to your advantage to solve as many compatibility issues as possible.
I take it that this has no easy solution.

 

[mmarien]

Given that for Dynon to certify their equipment may cost millions, and a certified GPS would cost a few thousand, your best solution may be to replace your ELT with something that is compatible with your equipment. I did the research and picked up an ACK 406 ELT for $800 which I intent on connecting to one of my GPS units that outputs NMEA. Small price to pay if it gives me or my passenger a better chance of surviving an accident.

The choice seems easy. :-?

 

[cjhukill]

Another option to consider. I supplement my non-GPS enabled 406 ELT with a $250 Self contained GPS enabled PLB. Yes you have to be physically  able to manually activate it, but it also offers you the option of using it for non-aviation purposes, and it provides you with added redundancy. In addition to that, I also have an installed APRS which is extremely accurate, and you can reference your callsign in the remarks of your 406 ELT and PLB registration. The rescuers can go on the internet and see exactly where you are, as well as anyone else that you wish to have following your progress. That devise is under $200, and I have never been in an area where there wasn't coverage.

 

[EDP]

Elite773, here's something that might be a solution to your problem.

Garmin sells a unit called the "GPS 18x OEM PC" for $85.  It connects via a DB-9 pin serial connector, and can output either NMEA 0183 or Garmin's proprietary format via RS-232.

You could cut off the cigarette lighter adapter and hardwire it to ship's power (it runs on 8-30V DC).  Feed the unit's TX pin to your ELT's RX pin and set it to send Garmin format data.  Mount the puck at the top of the bulkhead behind the seat so it can see the sky.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=158&pID=27594

The manual for the device is here:

http://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/GPS_18x_Tech_Specs.pdf

Appendix E discusses configuring the unit to output in the format/speed you need.  It appears to be done via a program on your computer, via the DB-9.

Just an idea.  Hope it proves helpful!

P.S. It's probably worth verifying (perhaps Ameri-King can tell you) that the Garmin format from this device is the same as the Aviation format your ELT is looking for.

 

[dpbarnes]

I did as EDP suggested for my eck elt and used a garmin18.  In fact I found that suggestion on the eck web site.  However the input voltage is only 8-30vdc with the cigarette lighter attached.  There is a regulator inside it to drop the voltage to I think 5 volts.  I have it mounted next to the dynon gps so I used it's voltage (a little higher) and a series of diodes to drop the voltage down to the 5 volts.  Each diode drops the voltage by about .6 volts.  That suggestion was from dynon for some other power requirement.  These forums are great.

 

[dynonsupport]

The Garmin 18 proprietary output is not Aviation format. Aviation is not a proprietary Garmin format. It works with the ACK because the ACK supports NMEA, Aviation, AND Garmin formats. The Ameri-King supports ONLY Aviation.

 

[Elitefortlanlgey]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. There are new products out there all the time. Transport Canada has shown yet again how inept they can be by not mandating that GPS should be a part of the ELT system. The saddest part of the story above is that had anyone thought to ping her cell phone the wreck would have been found right away.
I may just replace my ELT but in the meantime we use "Spot"

 

[mmarien]

SPOT is good other than it has to be manually activated. As a surveyor with robotic total stations and RTK GPS I tend to work by myself in remote areas. The SPOT was a good solution for my wife's anxiety. I can push the OK button at regular intervals to let her know where I am and that I'm OK. The problem is that she's discovered three of my girl friends. It's hard to remember not to push the OK button when you find a good thing.