Which Light Speed Zulu to buy?

[Sarin]

Hello there. I was a little confused about which Light Speez Zulu's to buy. Want to gift them to my sister who is flying an ATR 72.
There are 5 types of them.

Zulu: straight cord, battery powered, dual GA plugs
Zulu P: straight cord, installed panel powered, single LEMO plug (same plug a Bose headset uses)
Zulu C: coil cord, battery powered, single U-174 plug
Zulu CP: coil cord, panel powered, single LEMO plug (same plug a Bose headset uses)
Zulu CD: coil cord, battery powered, dual GA plugs

I wanted to know whether the panel powered have an option of using batteries aswel?

[MyNameIsIs]

Make sure she wants Zulus first.

Headsets are a fairly personal choice.

Maybe instead of buying the physical headset you could give her something like a home-made personal "gift certificate" for a headset of her choice...

Or just tell her you want to buy a headset and ask her exactly which ones she wants.
It is a lot of money, best to get it right first time!

[Sarin]

Yea I've already thought about that, and have made up my mind to gift her that. I just wanted to know whether the panel powered version can be operated via batteries?

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

straight cord, battery powered, dual GA plugs

Zulu, Bose, DC or Telex

Dr :8

[Sarin]

Thank you for your reply. But it would really help if you can explain the difference between panel powered and the normal battery one? :confused:

[CanAmdelta1]

Sarin

I believe Zulus work (ANR,Bluetooth,cellphone music etc.) with panel power option or battery power option as long as they are plugged in to A/C panel.

I don't believe they work unplugged from the aircraft panel, for example no music from ipod etc. or cell phone usage when unplugged.

This may or may not be a concern but it will affect cell calls to FBO, FSS if dispatch etc if it bwcomes loose or unplugged.

At least one popular brand works with batteries whether plugged to a/c panel are not.

I think Zulu makes adapter for GA to panel plugs.

Whatever you choose Im sure it will be a exceptional gift.

[RatsoreA]

Where'd you buy them from and how many beans did you pay?

I want a pair for myself, but don't seem to be able to find any here in sydney...

[QFF]

The panel powered Zulu has a LEMO plug with multiple pins (does not have the 2 normal plugs) - you need a LEMO connector on the panel in the plane, which I doubt the ATR would have. It still has the control box for volume controls but, unlike the battery operated ones, does not have space for batteries.

So, to answer your question - no, the panel powered Zulu cannot be run on batteries.

Probably best to get the battery version - cheaper and can be easily transferred between aircraft, unless you fly only one aircraft with a LEMO connector, then it's probably neater (1 cord instead of 2)

[Kelly Slater]

Coiled cord is for helicopters and is heavy and annoying if you use it in a fixed wing aircraft.
Installed panel power is for when the headset will remain with the aircraft. It involves making a permanent change to the aircraft wiring.
Two GA plugs, battery powered straight cord is for a personal headset for a fixed wing aircraft and the one you want. It is portable and useable in any aircraft.

[Sarin]

@ Kelly, CanAmdelta and QFF - Thanks a ton for solving my confusion. That made it clear for me which ones to buy, and now I will go for the battery powered ones.

@ RatstoreA - I am trying to find a good deal but cant find any. I will be buying them from the States through a friend. Its 850 USD for the battery ones and $900 for panel powered. If i find something i'll let you know.

[Sarin]

Sorry for this another stupid question, but can the battery be charged when it is plugged in the aircraft? does it a need a special adapter?

[MyNameIsIs]

I am pretty sure that no the batteries will not get a charge when plugged to the aircraft.

A 4-pack of rechargeable AAs and charger to suit is only about $20 from the supermarket.

[Dreamflyer1000]

No, the batteries do not recharge while plugged into the panel.
Yes the BT phone and headset works without being plugged in, although not as good. Fantastic headset to use. highly recommend..

[fizflyer]

I have been a user of the lightspeed zulu for 3 years. Good headset except it is heavy on batteries, epsecially with BT use. But the most annoying and disappointing thing is that the fake leather covering the foam earpads and headboom flakes off and sticks to your ears and face,especially worse in the heat. these are not covered by the 5 year warranty. my DC headset after 10 years are still good.

[The Green Goblin]

The DCs ear seals leak after a couple of wet seasons. You will first notice this with a ooze of gel running down your neck.

So the zulus are not the only offender in this department.

Go the Bose - worth every bloody cent.

[MyNameIsIs]

fiz, the Lightspeed's "flakes" are just about the only reason why I have doubt in my mind about getting a pair.

I wouldn't mind getting myself a new (ANR) headset and am quite interested in the Zulus but just about everyone I know who has them gets the flakes. The ones that don't get flakes have only had theirs for a couple of months, so their turn will probably come.


TGG, I've only had 1 DC ear seal split on me in probably 5 years.... Not bad if you ask me. When I first noticed the ooze I thought some dirty bugger behind me coughed or sneezed some nasty stuff onto the back of my neck.... :eek:
Only problem with my DCs so far is the Headsets Inc ANR kit that has busted a few times and I'm sick of it now- just using another standard passive set.

fiz, if you thought the Zulu's were heavy on batteries, try the DC 10-13.4s with the above ANR kit.. the 9v block battery just does not cut it! Had to recharge every night whereas mates with the Zulus doing the same flying only replaced their's every 2-3 weeks.

[Sarin]

Thank you guys for all the replies. Much appreciated. I wont be coming up with any other stupid question this time.

Just came across the new Bose A 20 Headset. Never knew it was launched back in July. One of my mate happened to buy it, so had a nice trial yesterday. And its pretty damn good. Better than the old Bose. Only reason I was going for the Zulu's was because of the added features. Even though its about $300 expensive than the Zulu's, the league of Bose is entirely in itself. With better ear cups and added features (bluetooth, aux, better noise cancelling ) , I might just not go for the Zulu now.

[Old Akro]

This week I flew with a mate who has panel mount Lightspeed Zulu headsets fitted in his aircraft. They were quite impressive, but I like my Bose X better. Can't tell you why, I just like the feel better.

I have a cell phone adapter that I've used for many years. I was making 3 - 5 hour flights regularly and would use the time to make calls. Now I can't be bothered. If I want to take a call, I put the phone to my ear if I want to accept a call. Half the time when I take calls I like it being clear from the background noise that the person is interrupting me.

I think iPod connection is more important. I won't drive a car around the block without a radio and I'm getting that way about music in the aeroplane. But my aircraft will take direct connection of the iPod so I don't need it on the headset.

Good active noise cancelling headsets make flying less fatiguing, more pleasant and radio calls more clear. I'm sure your friend will appreciate whatever you get. But its the thin end of the wedge. Once a pilot has one set, the pressure is on to set up the passengers with ANR headsets too.

[Kelly Slater]

You are buying a very expensive headset for someone else. She will be using it for many years to come. Perhaps, even if at the expense of surprise, it should be her choice.
Having said that, with a new Bose on the market, the Bose X has come down in price by a considerable amount and deals should be on the table. Personally I would pick the new Bose over the Bose X and the Zulus would come third. I have no experience with any of these headsets, just an unfounded preference.

[Sarin]

@ Old Akro - Yea I pod connection a must these days. My sister has few long routes on her roster and having access to music makes a life lot easier and relaxing given the fact she loves music.

@kelly - Yea I've already taken that into consideration. She wanted to buy the Zulu's a while ago cause of its extra features as compared to Bose X. But with the new Bose A 20, I am 100% sure she would want that. I'm on my way to be a pilot aswel, so worst case scenario,even if she doesnt like it, I can use them! :ok:

[NoseGear]

Many moons ago the Saab's I flew were re-fitted with Bose noise canceling headsets. At the time I had my own DC non-noise canceling headset and the difference was quite stunning, in both comfort and performance, the Bose was exceptional. As for the plugs, they were hardwired into the plane with a multi point plug unlike that of the normal single plug in variety.

Now, the really important question....got a picture of your sister....?:E:ok:;):}

Nosey:oh:

[Sarin]

Nosey,

Haha Yea I do, but for this thread I'll just stick with the headset discussion. :p

[fizflyer]

I am glad my zulus are not the only ones suffering the 'flakes'. One more thing ,the mobile phone doesnt work in the flight levels.

[BEACH KING]

Personally I would pick the new Bose over the Bose X and the Zulus would come third. I have no experience with any of these headsets, just an unfounded preference.

You read some pretty amazing and extraordinary things on PPrune.
That comment has to be one of the best:suspect::suspect:

[Kelly Slater]

Perhaps I could have given a bit more of an explanation for my preference. I know people with Bose X and I know people with Lightspeed Zulu. All are happy with their choice and none would change. I have seen both but not used either. I have read about both as well as the new Bose 20, so my choice is not as unfounded as I make out.

[Domi]

Is there somebody flying on ATR with an ANR ?
I've read into the AMM that the VHF on this aircraft works with a microphone with an impedance equals to 600 ohms. That means some ANR don't fit.