mark@hp-kirk.UUCP (07/02/83)
#N:hp-kirk:5500007:000:504
hp-kirk!mark Jun 30 06:55:00 1983
Just started instrument training and have decided to spring for a headset.
Would like to draw the line at about $150 but could go up if the quality
justified it. Noise attenuation is a key feature. Anybody have one they
can recomend or one they can have me stay away from?
Getting my ears on,
Death Rowe
hp-pcd!hp-cvd!mark
Corvallis, Oregonbart@ucbvax.UUCP (07/04/83)
My preference for headsets falls into two catagories: For tandom (usually aerobatic) aircraft, and for helichopper flying, cover-the-ears, noise atenuating types are best. I use a David Clark (electret mike). A bit expensive, tho' (> $200). For normal, cabin, take-passengers-along type flying, I like to be able to talk with my passengers. And I like noise protection. I use a Plantronics Starset, with a modification. I replace the stardard earplug on the set. I take an EAR earplug, put a hole down the middle, and use that instead of the normal plug. And, of course, an EAR in my other ear. I usually supply my passengers with EARs also, so we're all happy about the radio volume level. (Starset is ~ $175 mail order) I stay away from over-the-head type headsets, as after a couple of hours of flying, I begin to feel like a block of ice being held by ice tongs. Two more points of rambling: For instrument flying, its the boom mike, and not the earphone that usually of value (frees up the hands). And you can sets with just a boom mike. Last, if you not flying with earplugs or a noise attenuating headset, you're doing yourself a disservice. As well as hearing damage for those that fly alot (especially 200HP and up aircraft (182's, etc.), noise is also a significant fatigue agent. It saps energy, and makes you iritable -- effects your judgement. At the end of a 3 hour flight, in bad vis, bumpy all the way, and now there's a goddamn NDB approach to fly; who needs noise as well. Sorry 'bout the length of this message. Often ignored subject. I'm still collecting good guys/bad guys info (those companies that will or will not let you fly on business (and their reimbusement policies)). I'll publish the list to the net as soon as I get a few more replies. --bart miller u.c. berkeley
avsdT:roberts@avsdS.UUCP (07/07/83)
Bart is right on all points. However, I purchased a Telex Pro II and am very pleased. I spend time in the tower and have listend to a friend pilot my a/c using the Telex and it sounds so clear, almost as if you are standing and talking right next to the controller. It was a good test as my radios are old and funky (Narco MK-12/90 and King 145). I also found the trick of using EAR'S with a hole for the sound tube very worth while.
Dave.Touretzky%CMU-CS-A@sri-unix.UUCP (07/09/83)
I recently bought a Telex EBM-1410 Heardefender headset with electret mike. It's comfortable and gives good noise attenuation. David Clark headsets seem less comfortable by comparison; probably this is due to my wearing glasses, which the headset presses against. I also own a Telex E-950 headset, which is lighter and a little more comfortable than the EBM-1410, but provides less noise protection. (The reason for two headsets is that they both plug into the Sigtronics portable intercom I use for instructing.) No matter which brand you choose, I recommend buying it from a mail order house called the International Flight Institute. They advertise in the back of Flying Magazine; they have an 800 number and accept credit cards. The prices are *much* lower than Sporty's, which sells at list price, and even lower than a larger mail order house, Aircraft Components, which sells below list. They charged about $125 for the E-950 and about $150 for the EBM-1410. Similar models with dynamic instead of electret microphones are cheaper. A Telex PT-300 (replacing the PT-200 model) push to talk switch is available for $26. IFI gave pleasant and knowledgeable service, fast shipping, and the equipment worked perfectly when it arrived. -- Dave Touretzky
billr@tektronix.UUCP (Bill Randle) (07/12/83)
I use the David Clark Headset (H10-30, dynamic mike) and really like them for the noise attenuation. They used to offer liquid filled ear cushions that were more comfortable, but tended to leak. -Bill Randle Tektronix, Inc. tektronix!billr (uucp) billr@tektronix (CSnet) billr.tektronix@rand-relay (ARPA)
larson@sri-unix.UUCP (07/19/83)
#R:hp-kirk:5500007:sri-unix:4000010:000:916 sri-unix!larson Jul 9 23:17:00 1983 I use Koss K-6 stereo headphones with an adaptor. I used to use the Pro-4AA's but the cord and the pads flaked out (I am still looking for parts to fix them). Under the headsets I wear earplugs (generally wadded kleenex -- not nearly as good as EAR plugs, but with the headsets they do the job). The comment about noise being a fatigue factor is very true. After 5 hours of smooth VFR in the 172 I am relaxed and calm with my ear protection, without it, I used to be nearly exhausted. The 172 has a button for transmit on the yoke, and I have used a plantronics for a mike (with my normal headset). I went back to the standard mike. I learned one thing relevant from my instrument instructor: communications is less important than flying the plane. Wait until you have time to reach for the mike. I will continue to think about flying until I have time to think about talking instead of multiplex. Alan