Headsets
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: KLAS/TIST/FAJS/KFAI
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Join Date: Feb 2005
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newbie questions
Seems absolutely amazing just how many people come on here and do one of three things,
1) the same q this bloke did
2) where can I learn to fly and who will give me a job
3) respond hotly to the last statement made on any particular subject without going maybe just three or four entries back, let alone a page or two.
I must be missing something but isn't either a potential or licenced helo pilot supposed to be observant - and resourceful???
good job they use a nom-de-plume as their names would be recorded for their posterity (not) by many.
I know some other forums have those spoon-feeding topics up close at the beginning but I think it is belittling of everyone to have to do that. Must be frustrating to the moderators from time to time.
Enthusiasm is different, easily noticed by other traits and applauded by me anyways.
1) the same q this bloke did
2) where can I learn to fly and who will give me a job
3) respond hotly to the last statement made on any particular subject without going maybe just three or four entries back, let alone a page or two.
I must be missing something but isn't either a potential or licenced helo pilot supposed to be observant - and resourceful???
good job they use a nom-de-plume as their names would be recorded for their posterity (not) by many.
I know some other forums have those spoon-feeding topics up close at the beginning but I think it is belittling of everyone to have to do that. Must be frustrating to the moderators from time to time.
Enthusiasm is different, easily noticed by other traits and applauded by me anyways.
Join Date: Feb 2005
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FAQ's
Originally Posted by topendtorque
I must be missing something but isn't either a potential or licenced helo pilot supposed to be observant - and resourceful???
I know some other forums have those spoon-feeding topics up close at the beginning but I think it is belittling of everyone to have to do that. Must be frustrating to the moderators from time to time.
Enthusiasm is different, easily noticed by other traits and applauded by me anyways.
I know some other forums have those spoon-feeding topics up close at the beginning but I think it is belittling of everyone to have to do that. Must be frustrating to the moderators from time to time.
Enthusiasm is different, easily noticed by other traits and applauded by me anyways.
He has also had the last laugh on me for sure where the OZZIE GUIDE TO STATES is posted by that clown Ned, a Kiwi.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I am thinking about using the Clarity Aloft headset in the S76 (offshore) has anybody got any experience with this? And does it supress the noice enough (S76 is pretty loud in the offshore configuration)?
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
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I'm using AuriComms in the S76, and they're pretty similar to the Clarity Aloft; they use disposable foam earplugs which are very similar. I don't like the included earplugs, but it's easy enough to make your own from standard earplugs. I've used several brands, but prefer the Howard Leight Laser Lights. I use some plastic tubing, pushed through the plug, to attach to the headset. IME these provide much better noise suppression than either passive or ENC standard dome headsets. The Laser Lights advertise a NRR of 32, and much better at higher frequencies. I've used them while standing outside the S76 and Bell 412, loading pax and baggage and other stuff, and they work very well. I love the lightweight headset, because my ears don't sweat and break out from the heat and sweat, I can use any sunglasses I want, and I don't have to remove the button from my cap. Even after a long day they're comfortable. I don't expect to ever go back to dome headsets.
Quiet Technologies, which manufactures the AuriComm, has a model very similar to the Clarity Aloft, which I didn't see before I bought the Auri 2.5, and the main differences I see from the Clarity Aloft are that it doesn't have a cell phone/mp3 input, and is about half the price.
Quiet Technologies, which manufactures the AuriComm, has a model very similar to the Clarity Aloft, which I didn't see before I bought the Auri 2.5, and the main differences I see from the Clarity Aloft are that it doesn't have a cell phone/mp3 input, and is about half the price.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Colorado, USA
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I use the Bose headset. I recently got it and I love it. It is by far the most comfortable headset I have ever worn.
Good: Light weight, comfortable, noise cancellation works great.
Bad: Offers zero protection when the batteries die (just keep extras on hand), have to wear thin sunglasses or wear sunglasses at weird angle in an effort not to break the seal around your ears.
Good: Light weight, comfortable, noise cancellation works great.
Bad: Offers zero protection when the batteries die (just keep extras on hand), have to wear thin sunglasses or wear sunglasses at weird angle in an effort not to break the seal around your ears.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I too am just about to purchase my first headset - i was going to go down the DC h10-56hxl but having seen this thread and done some research i am not so sure now 
.
Hearing protection is of vital importance to me as i have one ear close to the limit already. Are there any comparisons anywhere between the DC's/ Bose style headsets and the in ear systems?
Disregarding price what are peoples opinions on the best system on the market for helicopters?
Has anyone experience of the lightspeed in ear system?
I want to get this right from the off, so you guys with the years of experience whats your thoughts?
...
.....
. Hearing protection is of vital importance to me as i have one ear close to the limit already. Are there any comparisons anywhere between the DC's/ Bose style headsets and the in ear systems?
Disregarding price what are peoples opinions on the best system on the market for helicopters?
Has anyone experience of the lightspeed in ear system?
I want to get this right from the off, so you guys with the years of experience whats your thoughts?
...
.....
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Over here
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All the headsets will have an overall NRR (Noise Reduction Rating, bigger numbers are better) and most should have a dB reduction rating for various frequencies. Check the websites and/or mfr's specs, and see the numbers for yourself. The in-ear headsets have the highest overall numbers I've seen, and are far better for higher frequencies. All these numbers depend on a proper fit for the headset, of course.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: mostly in the jungle...
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Personally I am very dissapointed with Bose.
Though they are terrific when they work, but the quality of their materials is lousy.
A friend bought 4 for his helicopter. Very low use over 3 years - less than 150 hrs, 2 of them have less than 50 hrs on them - earcups falling off, 3 of the 4 mics had to be replaced. Leather on the earcups is fizzling off - you have black ears after you use them
Also when you run out of battery, their performance is really bad.
I am in a tropical environment, but for the price of a Bose this shouldn't matter.
Most around here are going for the Lightspeed Thirty 3G.
Another option is Headset Inc.,
http://www.headsetsinc.com/
If you are around a big place, there should be plenty of scrap-headsets around - buy a kit and build your own, it is very easy. Use David Clark hardware...
Or buy they ready to go headset.
Very good noise cancelling, if the batteries go, you are back to regular DC-quality, still a lot better than Bose without power...
Not really bashing Bose, as long as they last they are great, but Quality, Endurance and price don't match up nor to they match Lightspeed, DC, HeadsetInc. in the same department....
3top
Though they are terrific when they work, but the quality of their materials is lousy.
A friend bought 4 for his helicopter. Very low use over 3 years - less than 150 hrs, 2 of them have less than 50 hrs on them - earcups falling off, 3 of the 4 mics had to be replaced. Leather on the earcups is fizzling off - you have black ears after you use them
Also when you run out of battery, their performance is really bad.
I am in a tropical environment, but for the price of a Bose this shouldn't matter.
Most around here are going for the Lightspeed Thirty 3G.
Another option is Headset Inc.,
http://www.headsetsinc.com/
If you are around a big place, there should be plenty of scrap-headsets around - buy a kit and build your own, it is very easy. Use David Clark hardware...
Or buy they ready to go headset.
Very good noise cancelling, if the batteries go, you are back to regular DC-quality, still a lot better than Bose without power...
Not really bashing Bose, as long as they last they are great, but Quality, Endurance and price don't match up nor to they match Lightspeed, DC, HeadsetInc. in the same department....
3top
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Is there any truth in the "rumour" that the noise cancelling headsets are as worse than actually having the noise in the first place. These devices cancel the noise by creating an opposite and equal fequency which then cancels out the noise. You therefore have twice the "stuff" entering the ears. Any truth in this ?
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Originally Posted by ravenx
Is there any truth in the "rumour" that the noise cancelling headsets are as worse than actually having the noise in the first place. These devices cancel the noise by creating an opposite and equal fequency which then cancels out the noise. You therefore have twice the "stuff" entering the ears. Any truth in this ?
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Telex Stratus 50D, claimed to be on par with the Bose, though no personal experience for comparison. Overall very comfortable 5-6 hours straight, but eats batteries (I use rechargeable) unfortunately, unless you have the panel powered version. Either way, it'll do a very good job as a passive headset also.
Minor gripes other than the battery life, occasionally the mic senses the noise slightly off (for example when having one window open in the cockpit during taxi etc., yeah I know, no pressurized a/c for me yet...) causing a minor vibration in one earphone, until the "system" figures out the correct balance. That's as far as I can go with this digital-noice-cancellation-technology-mambojambo.
I'll measure the bang-for-the-buck when I'm 60 and hopefully not wearing a hearing aid. Worth the top-dolla for me so far, highly recommend them.
T
Minor gripes other than the battery life, occasionally the mic senses the noise slightly off (for example when having one window open in the cockpit during taxi etc., yeah I know, no pressurized a/c for me yet...) causing a minor vibration in one earphone, until the "system" figures out the correct balance. That's as far as I can go with this digital-noice-cancellation-technology-mambojambo.
I'll measure the bang-for-the-buck when I'm 60 and hopefully not wearing a hearing aid. Worth the top-dolla for me so far, highly recommend them.
T
I'll give Bose the thumbs up too. The only downsides I've found is that the mic sidetone isn't very strong (it's loud and clear, but sounds a bit "hollow" for lack of a better word) and that I have to tilt my thick-armed sunnies up at a weird angle to get 100% of the cancellation. You look strange, but it is worth it. 
If you use decent rechargeable batteries, they last a long time too.
If you use decent rechargeable batteries, they last a long time too.
Join Date: Oct 2003
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I have to say that for standard headsets, David Clark is the standard for durability and customer service. If it breaks, they fix it, but they seldom break. They may not be the most comfortable headsets in the world, but there ain't no free lunch, and durability isn't always completely compatible with comfort.
Headsets
We use the Pilot PA 17-79 DNC XL in the 500 and find them great, still hear background noise, Batteries re chargable built in we get 30 + hours in the turbine enviroment, cord plugs in so easy to change for different plugs, mono and stereo on some configerations, phone socket if required have not managed to break them yet 4 sets in the 500 18 months, they have sheep skin type pad over the top and we find the comfort good.
I read the whole thread and found nothing on the specific type. My company is thinking about buying DavidClark H10-66XL to use with our 109/206/212/412 fleet. Any thoughts about this headset compared to 56XL and 76 type. We are on DC from the start and switching to Bose isn't an option.
Is there any problems with 66XL headset if used on two bladed rotor like 206/212?
Is there any problems with 66XL headset if used on two bladed rotor like 206/212?
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I own the David Clarks. They are great for a couple of hours then they start to hurt a little, bit like squeezing your head, however as Gomer Pylot said DC service is great. My set had a problem so I sent them back to DC and they tried to repair them. In the end rather than waste the time fixing, they just sent me a brand new set. Great service!!
On the other hand, I just did a ferry flight where the owner had Bose headsets. Two of us flew for 13 hours and I didn't even feel like I had them on! Not sure they could take abuse like DC, not that I do abuse them that is
On the other hand, I just did a ferry flight where the owner had Bose headsets. Two of us flew for 13 hours and I didn't even feel like I had them on! Not sure they could take abuse like DC, not that I do abuse them that is
Join Date: Oct 2003
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You can compare features on the DC website. The H10-66XL has a high/low impedance switch, so it should work in any helicopter. I've never known of any DC headset that wouldn't work, and that had durability problems. If they won't work in your helicopter for some reason, I'm sure DC will fix the problem or replace the headsets. I wouldn't worry about it.