Brief Description: Installed ELT with mounting bracket
Had a few minutes this morning so I installed the mounting bracket and ELT. The fabricated bracket fastened between the longerons makes a solid mounting surface for the anodized bracket supplied in the Ameri-King kit. Next step is to route the coax cable back through the fuselage to the bulkhead immediately forward of the vertical and horizontal stabs. I have decided to install the antenna horizontally beneath the fiberglass fairing that surrounds the tail surfaces. I know this is not a great place for an ELT antenna but there are no good choices on an RV-8.
Based on my experiences as a CAP mission pilot, I suspect the ELT will radiate a signal strong enough to detect and track. Over the years I have seen all manner of ELTs with and without good antennas generate a signal sufficient to detect and track. If testing indicates a significant problem, I will try another location or perhaps a different antenna. That's my plan for now.
