PA17-79 ANC - Having Problems
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 3,378
Likes: 316
From: near an aeroplane
I've used a Softcomm ANR headset for a few years that squealed when some people put it on. My guess was that it was an improper seal that let unwanted noise in causing a feedback, it happened particularly with people with a relatively small head size.
In the end though the explanations given above go to the root of the problem: cheaply designed electronics. I've had a lot of fun with the headset mentioned above but I could tell that it wasn't all that good (with ANR on there was a persistent hiss but the overall sound quality was pretty good, and with ANR off it reverted to a cheap headset with lousy sound quality). It did what it said on the box but I've now switched to a David Clark with ANR and that's a lot better.
In the end though the explanations given above go to the root of the problem: cheaply designed electronics. I've had a lot of fun with the headset mentioned above but I could tell that it wasn't all that good (with ANR on there was a persistent hiss but the overall sound quality was pretty good, and with ANR off it reverted to a cheap headset with lousy sound quality). It did what it said on the box but I've now switched to a David Clark with ANR and that's a lot better.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13,787
Likes: 0
From: EuroGA.org
Hiss is common in crappy ANR headsets. I have a £80 Sony headset for walkman type uses, or for wearing on an airliner to keep the noise down. It whistles too. And my GF went for one of the free trials of the £300 Bose ANR headset which they are trying to flog to airline passengers etc; it was very comfy but whistled too and was sent back, and Bose said nothing whatsoever...
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: East Anglia
Its worth checking the seal. If you wear glasses this can affect the seal against your head/ears.
I found my DC ANR headset very variable, but using my hands to squeeze it onto my head always removed the problem.
In the end I found it best to have the headset volume control turned right down and the radio turned right up. This might cause comments from your instructor unless he also has a volume control on his headset.
The ANR circuits use a small microphone somewhere to pick up the ambient noise and after inverting this, feed this into your earpiece where it is supposed to cancel the ambient noise that you hear. Sometimes this system can give you feedback, particularly if the microphone can pick up the noise from the headset speaker. Clamping the headset on your head and turning the headset volume down both reduce this.
If this doesn't work, then sell them and get Bose which are great. A better and cheaper option though is the Clarity Aloft system. Completely passive and better than ANR, but you do have earplugs in your ear.
I found my DC ANR headset very variable, but using my hands to squeeze it onto my head always removed the problem.
In the end I found it best to have the headset volume control turned right down and the radio turned right up. This might cause comments from your instructor unless he also has a volume control on his headset.
The ANR circuits use a small microphone somewhere to pick up the ambient noise and after inverting this, feed this into your earpiece where it is supposed to cancel the ambient noise that you hear. Sometimes this system can give you feedback, particularly if the microphone can pick up the noise from the headset speaker. Clamping the headset on your head and turning the headset volume down both reduce this.
If this doesn't work, then sell them and get Bose which are great. A better and cheaper option though is the Clarity Aloft system. Completely passive and better than ANR, but you do have earplugs in your ear.
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: sherston
17-79 headset squeal
I think we're all talking about different problems here.
The uncontrolled acoustic or electronic feedback I described in my post is definitely a fault as it is producing a deafening (almost literally!) squeal and as such could be a safety hazard. The problem has nothing to do with faulty seals or any external factor.
I don't agree completely with IO 540 as the headsets have produced several years of good service in my Bulldog and do give good noise cancelling; I like the fact that they don't use a separate box to contain the ANR circuit although they are heavier as a consequence.
I'll report back on Pilot's response to the problem!
The uncontrolled acoustic or electronic feedback I described in my post is definitely a fault as it is producing a deafening (almost literally!) squeal and as such could be a safety hazard. The problem has nothing to do with faulty seals or any external factor.
I don't agree completely with IO 540 as the headsets have produced several years of good service in my Bulldog and do give good noise cancelling; I like the fact that they don't use a separate box to contain the ANR circuit although they are heavier as a consequence.
I'll report back on Pilot's response to the problem!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: NZ
Still same problem years later
I see Mad Girl and others had squealing problems with the pilot Pa 1779.
Yup same deal here with this one of my friends, identical to Mad Girl's issues. Sounds like the manufactures haven't quite got it right. My view, spend the money to protect your hearing. You can't get it back. Buy a Bose, it is the best that i have come accross so far. I have tried most.
Yup same deal here with this one of my friends, identical to Mad Girl's issues. Sounds like the manufactures haven't quite got it right. My view, spend the money to protect your hearing. You can't get it back. Buy a Bose, it is the best that i have come accross so far. I have tried most.
