The new INTEGRA 406 GPS ELT is a major step forward in the development of ELT technology and aircraft safety equipment. The INTEGRA is the only ELT in the world which operates on the international 406MHz satellite search and rescue system and includes an internal GPS and 406MHz antenna, plus an internal battery. As a result of this technological breakthrough the INTEGRA offers the international flying community a number of major benefits over the standard ELT models available on the market today. These include:
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I installed the Integra 406 fixed wing unit with the aid of an A&P in my experimental aircraft in September 2014. The unit is built solidly and provides confidence in its look and feel. The instructions were straight forward and well documented. The unit was installed and passed its self test per the installation manual. I registered the unit the previous night. The next day I removed the unit to work on the mounting bracket and unknown to me, I inadvertently switched the unit from ARM to ON, instead of OFF. About ten minutes later I received a call from the SARSAT unit which monitors 406 transmissions. They inquired as to the status of my aircraft. I assured them that the aircraft was okay, and advised them that I had removed the unit from the aircraft and turned it off. The patient Sargent requested that I check it and call him back as it registered with them 10 minutes ago (which by the way, aligned with the removal of the unit). I agreed and checked the unit to find I had indeed turned it on. I turned it off and called the Sargent at SARSAT back to advise him and apologize. He understood and was very gracious. I asked him to provide the location they had on the aircraft and they had it within 100 yards of my hangar. Very impressive indeed, when you consider that the unit was 1. Out of the aircraft (no whip attenna), 2. The aircraft was in a metal hangar with the door closed. The reason that I didn’t give the unit 5 Stars was due to the poor quality of the connectors supplied with the unit which made soldering the wires very difficult.
I recently installed an Integra AF in my RV-6A. The installation went well although you need to supply coax cable and connectors for the antenna, as well as the wiring for the remote control panel. I like the idea of the internal GPS as it simplifies wiring. Also like the idea of the internal antenna and the 10 year warranty. However i could not believe the price of a replacement battery. It is only $150 less the purchasing a complete ELT new install package. The battery is $1272, MORE THAN THE COST OF A NEW ELT! I do not understand this. YOU WILL BASICALLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE ELT EVERY 6 YEARS WHEN THE BATTERY EXPIRES.
Yes the external antenna is required for this ELT as listed in the manual. If you have a composite or wood/fabric frame you can mount the ELT antenna inside the airframe (still need a ground plane for the antenna).
We added P/N 11-06297 to the accessories tab on this page which is the replacement battery for the Integra.
EASA approval is acceptable, and the Kannad Integra is built to TSO standards, however you still need a 337 form.
The full TSO information can be found in the installation manual under the Documents tab. Please download and review it there.
This unit can receive GPS data through a GPS source connected to an RS-232 port on the GPS.
An external GPS source is not necessary but highly recommended.