Jerry-rigged ELT locater

[ML07]

Been doing some research recently about cost effective solutions to make a few L-per replacements.

I came across these cheep Chinese radios on Amazon that have airband receive functionality . Would removing the stock antennas from these and using a paper clip with some body blocking help with ELT searches in a close-proximity area?

Could using an SDR with the same antenna replacement described above work as well?

[Slim]

A good chunk of my non distress finds have been made with a low end Radio Shack scanner with or without the antenna, using body blocking and frequency stepping.

Another favorite (if you can find one) is the old Realistic Jetstream AM air band radio.

[JayCraswell]

I designed a yagi that uses cut up bits of measuring tape (Spring Steel) so its totally flexible for running around the forest. (They bend and flex back)  This gives you a sharp "cut" aka compass heading from further away then the two element LPER.  *I also made a 13 element 243 flex antenna which I've learned works on the 121.5 MHz ELTs due to them not doing Harmonic supression on purpose.  The one issue is being able to attenuate the signal when you get closer. Body shielding with just the receiver does work but it motivates me to build some offset attenuators so you can dial down the sensitivity for when your close to the target.  If you want a blueprint for my 121.5 Flex Yagi send me an email to refurbatron at gmx period com.[/i]