Reasonably priced headset repairs

[Halfbaked_Boy]

Good evening all,

Well, my H10-13.4s have been running smooth as silk for seven years, but have developed a small problem in recent times.

Started off a week ago, no problems on take-off, cruise, landing away etc, but come to entering the active I heard a definitive drop in the quality of reception in my headset, initially only recognisable as I couldn't hear myself as crisply as is normal, but no real problems, and I put it down to the plugs turning around to a funny position in the sockets or something similar.

However, starting up yesterday, asked my passenger if he could hear me, and I knew he couldn't, because I could hardly make out what I was saying from the feedback. The best way I can describe the sound is as if moisture had been present, and it was a very electrostatic sound.

I've since given both contacts a good clean, and had a look inside the micpiece, but all seems to be in order. I've yet to try them again since this, but have a funny feeling the problem hasn't been resolved.

So what I'm asking you fine people is first of all, are there any more checks etc I can make on my headset given my limited technical knowledge of such things, and failing that, is there anybody around who could take a look at my headset and advise me on repairs they could make for a good price?

I'm not after a cheap fix, I'm willing to pay a reasonable price for a proper solution to my problem, as this particular pair holds sentimental value to me and has never let me down before.

All the best and all replies appreciated.

[Lister Noble]

Do the company have a tech helpline?
I don't own Clark but hear they are very responsive to problems.
Lister

[mad_jock]

Headset services.

Can't fault there customer service or pleasant manner on the phone.

They were the first company I contacted to fix my headset and I see no need to go anywhere else if it should ever need fixing again.

[sammypilot]

Headset Services Ltd at Shoreham Airport (01273 234181) have done repairs for me and are very good. They can either supply the defective part which you can replace yourself or carry out the full repair. Harry Mendelssohn also offers a repair service (0131 447 7777.)

[Robin Driver]

I'll second Headset services.

Very fast turn around and very helpful on the phone.

Headset Services Limited (HSL)

[silverknapper]

I'll third them. Mine just came back from there after a first class job.

[Zulu Alpha]

Have you tried the headset in another aircraft? I had a similar problem once and it was traced to a dry solder joint in the radio that only caused a problem when the radio warmed up.

Also try cleaning the headset plugs. The best way is the green scouring pads that you can get at any supermarket. They are plastic so won't scratch the metal but will remove any corrosion.



ZA

[PH-SCP]

I'll second Headset services.

Very fast turn around and very helpful on the phone.

Headset Services Limited (HSL)

I wasn't very impressed with them. After I forced landed into a river my DC ANR headset got wet and refused service. Sending it to HSL resulted in them declaring it a write-off. They suggested scrapping it. I demanded a return (which costed extra) with a written defect-report. HSL did return the headset with the required report. I purchased replacement parts from www.aircraftspruce.com for $125.00 and fixed it myself. Piece of cake. Headset works fine and sees weekly use.

[sammypilot]

I think the response of PH-SCP actually supports what several of us say. I can think of very few organisations that would supply such a comprehensive report of the faults found that the owner could source the parts needed for the repair. Normally they would just return it with the comments "beyond economic"" repair. I will therefore stick by my endorsement of HSL.

[Halfbaked_Boy]

Thanks so much for the swift and (so far) consistent replies everyone.

I'll be dropping a line to HSL in the morning.

All the best and thanks again.