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.