Intercom question

Stephen,

I actually own a Flightcom Blackhawk 5DX


No offense, but that's not really a "good" headset. It's about as cheap
as you can go.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

On 18/2/07 4:44 AM, in article , "Thomas
Borchert" wrote:

Stephen,

I actually own a Flightcom Blackhawk 5DX


No offense, but that's not really a "good" headset. It's about as cheap
as you can go.


No offence taken Thomas :-)
I'm really please I asked the question, I'm on a steep learning curve here.
Seems I've been under a rock for awhile.

I was actually under the impression they weren't too bad, but hey if you've
never used anything else how would one know.
I bought them second hand on one of my rare visits to the "Pilots Shop". The
chap behind the counter couldn't believe I was flying without a headset, and
that was about 10 years ago ;-)

What are the key things that make a good headset?

Stephen,

What are the key things that make a good headset?


Well, these days, Active Noise Reduction (ANR) is the key thing. You'll
hear even less ;-), but that's entirely good. www.anrheadsets.com has a
good 1o1 tutorial on ANR, they also make nice headsets.

Wearing comfort is the other key element. The old David Clark design,
of which you headset is a knock-off, deserves the old moniker "David
Clamp". Ergonomics have improved and such clamping forces aren't
necessary anymore.

Stereo sound, music and cellphone inputs are niceties that are really
important only to some of us. Automatic battery shut-off for the ANR
(which uses 2 AAs for 20 to 50 hours of flying time) keeps you from
forgetting to switch off.

Did I mention ANR?

Have a look at the LightSPEED 20XLc and the more expensive models from
Lightspeed. Look at the DC X11, the Bose and the Sennheiser actives.
Your pilot shop will have them. Yes, we're talking 400 bucks or more,
but think how much you have saved over the years by not using a headset
;-)


--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

Eh ... and don't forget that the Telex 50D's, having tried them all, the
50D's are magical on my head.
The Telex 30D's more recently introduced at lower cost should be included in
your try outs.
Go to one of the big events like Sun-n-fun or Oshkosh where you can spend
days in the listening booths making a decision that is good for you.

--
Roy
Piper Archer N5804F

"Thomas Borchert" wrote in message
...
Stephen,

What are the key things that make a good headset?


Well, these days, Active Noise Reduction (ANR) is the key thing. You'll
hear even less ;-), but that's entirely good. www.anrheadsets.com has a
good 1o1 tutorial on ANR, they also make nice headsets.

Wearing comfort is the other key element. The old David Clark design,
of which you headset is a knock-off, deserves the old moniker "David
Clamp". Ergonomics have improved and such clamping forces aren't
necessary anymore.

Stereo sound, music and cellphone inputs are niceties that are really
important only to some of us. Automatic battery shut-off for the ANR
(which uses 2 AAs for 20 to 50 hours of flying time) keeps you from
forgetting to switch off.

Did I mention ANR?

Have a look at the LightSPEED 20XLc and the more expensive models from
Lightspeed. Look at the DC X11, the Bose and the Sennheiser actives.
Your pilot shop will have them. Yes, we're talking 400 bucks or more,
but think how much you have saved over the years by not using a headset
;-)


--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

I have the Sigtronics S-AR and a couple of their passive headsets. I've had
the passive ones for about 10 years. Just replaced the padding and mic
screens last fall. I've had the S-AR for about 5 years (I think). I found
them to be a great value at the time. They've held up well and I don't baby
them.

Comparing price and performance, the David Clark's and Bose just aren't
worth it. I've tried them at the shows. There just isn't enough there to
justify their costs.

I put the Telex Stratus 50D in the same category - although I have not tried
the 50D. They do seem to have the best specs. 50dB of ANR at about the same
weight as others. $699 Sporty's List.

If I were buying again and trying to get the best value, I would look at the
Sig S-AR for $449 or the Telex Stratus 30XT for $499 (both Sporty's List).
-------------------------------
Travis
Lake N3094P
PWK

On 19/2/07 1:40 AM, in article , "Thomas
Borchert" wrote:

Stephen,

What are the key things that make a good headset?


Well, these days, Active Noise Reduction (ANR) is the key thing. You'll
hear even less ;-), but that's entirely good. www.anrheadsets.com has a
good 1o1 tutorial on ANR, they also make nice headsets.

Wearing comfort is the other key element. The old David Clark design,
of which you headset is a knock-off, deserves the old moniker "David
Clamp". Ergonomics have improved and such clamping forces aren't
necessary anymore.

Stereo sound, music and cellphone inputs are niceties that are really
important only to some of us. Automatic battery shut-off for the ANR
(which uses 2 AAs for 20 to 50 hours of flying time) keeps you from
forgetting to switch off.

Did I mention ANR?

Have a look at the LightSPEED 20XLc and the more expensive models from
Lightspeed. Look at the DC X11, the Bose and the Sennheiser actives.
Your pilot shop will have them. Yes, we're talking 400 bucks or more,
but think how much you have saved over the years by not using a headset
;-)



Thomas this is great feedback, thank you.
I'll follow up on that web site.
I've found an article on the LightSPEED's on Avweb by Mike Busch from 2000,
and I've noticed Jay always speaks highly of his.
The cell phone aspect would be a benefit for me... (for some reason I have
trouble hearing my phone in the cockpit ;-)... Must be the poor design of
the speaker in the phone, obviously not big enough.

Steve
PA28 181
VH TVF

On 19/2/07 2:32 AM, in article
et, "Roy N5804F"
wrote:

Eh ... and don't forget that the Telex 50D's, having tried them all, the
50D's are magical on my head.
The Telex 30D's more recently introduced at lower cost should be included in
your try outs.
Go to one of the big events like Sun-n-fun or Oshkosh where you can spend
days in the listening booths making a decision that is good for you.

--
Roy
Piper Archer N5804F

Thanks Roy.

I would love to get to Oshkosh some day... But I'm not planing a trip over
the pond for awhile just yet :-)

Steve
Piper ArcherII
VH TVF

On 19/2/07 8:03 AM, in article
, "Travis Marlatte"
wrote:

I have the Sigtronics S-AR and a couple of their passive headsets. I've had
the passive ones for about 10 years. Just replaced the padding and mic
screens last fall. I've had the S-AR for about 5 years (I think). I found
them to be a great value at the time. They've held up well and I don't baby
them.

Comparing price and performance, the David Clark's and Bose just aren't
worth it. I've tried them at the shows. There just isn't enough there to
justify their costs.

I put the Telex Stratus 50D in the same category - although I have not tried
the 50D. They do seem to have the best specs. 50dB of ANR at about the same
weight as others. $699 Sporty's List.

If I were buying again and trying to get the best value, I would look at the
Sig S-AR for $449 or the Telex Stratus 30XT for $499 (both Sporty's List).
-------------------------------
Travis
Lake N3094P
PWK


Thanks Travis,
Your comments on the passive headsets are interesting, I've noted that the
Avweb article on LightSPEED talks about the QFR series being great value for
a passive headset.

Steve
ArcherII
VH TVF

On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:02:00 +1030, Stephen Ahrens
wrote:


On 19/2/07 8:03 AM, in article
t, "Travis Marlatte"
wrote:

I have the Sigtronics S-AR and a couple of their passive headsets. I've had
the passive ones for about 10 years. Just replaced the padding and mic
screens last fall. I've had the S-AR for about 5 years (I think). I found
them to be a great value at the time. They've held up well and I don't baby
them.

Comparing price and performance, the David Clark's and Bose just aren't
worth it. I've tried them at the shows. There just isn't enough there to
justify their costs.

I put the Telex Stratus 50D in the same category - although I have not tried
the 50D. They do seem to have the best specs. 50dB of ANR at about the same
weight as others. $699 Sporty's List.

If I were buying again and trying to get the best value, I would look at the
Sig S-AR for $449 or the Telex Stratus 30XT for $499 (both Sporty's List).
-------------------------------
Travis
Lake N3094P
PWK


Thanks Travis,
Your comments on the passive headsets are interesting, I've noted that the
Avweb article on LightSPEED talks about the QFR series being great value for
a passive headset.

Steve
ArcherII
VH TVF

I have the QFR solo headsets and I'm very pleased with them. They fit
well ,are light and comfortable. They are passive headsets first with
not much additional damping from the ANR but enough that I think it
was worth getting.

"Stephen Ahrens" wrote in message
...

On 19/2/07 8:03 AM, in article
, "Travis Marlatte"
wrote:

I have the Sigtronics S-AR and a couple of their passive headsets. I've
had
the passive ones for about 10 years. Just replaced the padding and mic

Thanks Travis,
Your comments on the passive headsets are interesting, I've noted that the
Avweb article on LightSPEED talks about the QFR series being great value
for
a passive headset.

Steve
ArcherII
VH TVF


I hope that you did not take my passing comment about having passive
headsets as a point in a direction other than ANR. Do not, and I repeat, DO
NOT buy passive headsets for yourself as the pilot. I bought passive
headsets a long time ago and I will never buy another pair.

I have ANR for myself and my frequent co-pilot - both sigtronics S-AR. I
have two passive headsets (also sigtronics) that I use for the backseat
passengers only because that is a fairly infrequent event. I would have ANR
headsets for as many people as you regularly go flying with.

As my headsets fail (if they ever do!), I will replace them with a
reasonably priced ANR set and sequence them in the plane as appropriate. In
other words, I will buy the best damn pair of ANR that I can afford and it
will become mine, mine, MINE, ALL MINE, I tell you!

--
-------------------------------
Travis
Lake N3094P
PWK