Headsets

[malabo]

Re: Passive vs Active noise reduction. Yes, the DC ANR has good passive, that is because it is a passive designed system converted to ANR. The Bose doesn't because it was designed as an ANR system from a fresh sheet of paper. I don't know why anyone would care if an ANR system had good passive or not - its like buying a car based on whether it is still easy to drive when the power steering quits working. The newer AA powered Bose lasts for about 40 hours and the indicator gives lots of warning when the batteries run down. The things that a passive system needs in order to work - heavier noise insulated ear cups, good cup-skin seals, sufficient clamping force for the cups to seal against your head - all add up to the discomfort and disadvantages of a passive system. You can leave all those behind when you go to a purpose built ANR like the BOSE.

I own and use both DC passive (high and low impedance), and Bose ANR (with both high and low impedance microphones). I prefer the Bose: lighter than a DC, far less clamping force, more comfortable ear seals (not really sealing anything). When you poke a set of sunglasses on, the lighter clamping force makes it more comfortable than the DC's and the ANR still keeps the noise down. Anybody flying without sunglasses, especially offshore, may as well start planning now for cataract surgery.

malabo

[GLSNightPilot]

I've used David Clarks for years, but I recently bought lightweight in-the-ear model from ANR-Headsets.com. They use foam earplugs, no heavy domes over the ears. I really like them, and they're much quieter than any headset I've tried, ANR or passive. They have a NRR of 30, and are very comfortable. I can barely hear the blade noise, and the wind noise at 145 kts is just a faint hiss. The mike really kills noise, and the usual S76 hum in the background is gone. Several people have remarked on how clear I sound.

Finally I don't have to take off the button on top of my cap, I can wear any sunglasses I like, and don't have the hot, heavy earseals clamping my head. Clarity Aloft has a nice-looking model, but at almost twice the price, I decided against it. Now my headset can fit in my pocket.

I'm not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or resellers in any way, except as a paying customer. There are several models available, and I think all would be acceptable.

[mortennb]

Bose headset problem

Hi.

I just bought a used Bose headset, single plug and have some difficulties.

I dont know if it has a broken mic or if there is something else.
I have talked to Bose techincal support who told me that there might be a different mic witch does not work in the aircraft I am flying. (dynamic, electric)
Than I talked to the local aviation store who sells Bose headsets, and they said it should not make any difference if you have a dynamic mic or if you have a electric one.

The guy I bought it from used it on a B206, and I am flying R-22.
I checked with 2 of my friends who has Bose as well. And the microphone does not look the same. Can anyone help me?
This is a pic from the headset I have.


And here's one from the Bose website.



Can someone tell me what kind of microphone I have, or why they look different?

[22clipper]

Moving from a 206 to an R22 shouldn't cause a problem with mic impedances, you could verify this by trying the headset in another 206 if that's possible. There are some configuration dip switches for the Bose in the battery compartment but I forget if they relate to the microphone or not on your model, you could maybe check with the owners manual?

[charron]

The microphone on a Bose is replaced as a unit with the cord and control box by removing the two screws at the base. The high impedance mike is smaller and has a profile like the end of an ironing board. The low impedance mike has a profile like a light bulb. If you attach a photo of your mike without the foamy end cover we'd be able to tell.

Most 206 are high-impedance, all R22 are.

[mortennb]

Originally Posted by charron

The microphone on a Bose is replaced as a unit with the cord and control box by removing the two screws at the base. The high impedance mike is smaller and has a profile like the end of an ironing board. The low impedance mike has a profile like a light bulb. If you attach a photo of your mike without the foamy end cover we'd be able to tell.

Most 206 are high-impedance, all R22 are.

[charron]

You have a low-impedance microphone. The headset audio will work fine, but nobody will hear you talk in a high-impedance R22 intercom.

Lots of older helicopters such as the Bell mediums and Sikorsky S76A models that haven't been rewired still use low impedance. I think that many Europeans are still stuck on it too. You may be able to trade with someone.

[mortennb]

Originally Posted by charron

You have a low-impedance microphone. The headset audio will work fine, but nobody will hear you talk in a high-impedance R22 intercom.

Lots of older helicopters such as the Bell mediums and Sikorsky S76A models that haven't been rewired still use low impedance. I think that many Europeans are still stuck on it too. You may be able to trade with someone.

If trade is not an option, what do i need to buy from Bose to make it work than?

[i4iq]

You could try one of these!

http://www.bose.com/controller?event...mg_pilots&ck=0

[Limumark]

Sennheiser HMDC 322 Vs. Bose X Any thoughts?

I am a student pilot getting ready to invest in my first helicopter headset and wondered if I could get some advise on what is a good choice in headsets with Active Noise Reduction. I have tried and love the Bose but have no experience with the Senn's. Can anyone help me?

Thanks

Limumark

[Cross-eyed]

Sorry, haven't tried the Senns either, but the BoseX has ruined me from getting back into my helmet, even though they're not much protection for my little pinhead.

[The Governor]

Peltor Headache

Anybody know where to get a Peltor headset comfort pad. I have seen one on Transair but ideally I was looking for the sheepskin type. I know there is a David Clark model but will it fit the Peltor?

Any help gratefully received.

[Flingwing207]

Try these guys: Oregon Aero

[flying shrink]

linumark

I am kind of in the same situation. Did lots of research and talked to lots of people. The only thing I am sure of now is that people have there own preferences. For myself, because I fly R22 and R44 at the moment, I need an ANR headset with good passive protection too. Some of the R22's don't seem to accommodate ANR headsets. For that reason I bought the Sennheiser 372, which can also be used as a passive headset (25 db). It is for this reason that I don't like the Bose. I used them twice and walked away with painful ears, because it does not provide me with any passive protection. Others swear by the DC's and they are good, but I personally like the Sennheiser, specifically the new sennheisers. if you are tall, like me, the R22 will not give you enough headspace with the DC's (David Clarke).

My thougths only.

FS

[GLSNightPilot]

Personally, I prefer the lightweight, in-the-ear headsets. They give more noise suppression than ANR headsets, and let me wear any cap and sunglasses I like, without the weight and heat of the domes, and they are cheaper than most ANR headsets. I wore regular dome headsets for a quarter of a century, and these are far better. There are at least 3 brands available - AuriComm, Clarity Aloft, and Lightspeed, and perhaps more. Google will give you the websites, and most retailers offer a 30-day money back guarantee, as do the manufacturers. My heavy headset is now in a bag in the closet, and is likely to remain there.

[flying shrink]

GLS Nightpilot

I am intrigued by these headsets you mentioned but unfortunately have not yet had the chance to test them. We can get the clarity aloft in the UK but far away from where I am, though. But will definately try them out when I get my hands on them. I was told that the clarity aloft will definately work on small helicopters too (connection type). Do they become any more uncomfortable when wearing on hot humid days than the conventional headsets?

FS

[GLSNightPilot]

it doesn't get much more hot & humid than the GOM. That's where they really shine. I used to get skin infections around my ears from my headset, worn for hours on hot days, with the sweating that goes with it, trapped inside the domes. I have had no problems so far with my current headset, which is an AuriComm, BTW. It's almost half the price of the Clarity Aloft, and the main difference I see is the lack of cell phone or mp3 input, which is not at all important to me. They have a headset very similar to the Clarity Aloft. You should be able to order direct, or from one of the online dealers, regardless of which you choose. All offer a money-back guarantee.

[Capt Hollywood]

I have a full set of Bose headsets in my heli. They are a great headset when they are working but unfortunately I have found they aren't very robust. One good knock or drop seems to cause wiring breakages or internal plug disconnections. No experience with the Sennheiser headsets.

Cheers,

CH

[Flingwing207]

Never even seen the Senn's, used Bose for the past four years - 100% satisfied. Compared to any other headset I've used (many DC, Peltor, Telex, Lightspeed, Sigtronics) the Bose gives you the great hearing and microphone clarity no matter how noisy the intercom.

[Felipe]

Helmed / Bose system

I have been looking for information on a flight helmed with a bose system
I do not know if it exist in the market.
Any information is apreciated.
Thanks
Felipe