Help with choice of headset..

[IceAge]

I fly a trike and use the standard headsets (ie. Buzcom) which I got with my plane. I have however started with my 3-axis conversion on a Tecnam and cannot use my current headset as there is a lot of noise disturbance, ie. I have to use the school's "used by all" , very old, lightspeed set.

I am now looking at buying a 'generic', not too expensive, good value for money, headset that I can use on both my trike (vertex 210), the Tecnam (panel mount) and maybe one day when the lotto pays out some very nice LSA. With all the various options out there, ie. Lightspeed, Bose, Davis Clark, etc, etc. I have no idea what to look for and where to start determining 'nice to haves' and 'definite must haves' in the headset world as I cannot find a site that does comparisons between the various makes of headsets.

Any help in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Fly safe and happy landings.......

[Trikenut]

Mr Icey!
I would say, a Pilot headset (http://www.aviation-engines.co.za/produ ... ilot&sub2=) ot a LightSpeed Solo system. (http://www.aviation-engines.co.za/produ ... artItems=0) These are the best sytems I know!
Regards
Trikenut
BTW: Can Pilot headsets be used in trikes?

[coastwise]

Headsets suitable for closed cockpit not suitable for use on trikes.

[AndyG]

Trikenut,

Thanks for the advice. I know you have vast experience with headsets. I will make a purchase today based on your recommendations.

[IceAge]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. I will have a look at those mentioned and also try and dig up more info, ie. whether one headset will work on both trikes and closed cockpits. Will share the findings when I have them.

[Trikenut]

Leftseat,
Very funny!
OK, so I don't have that much experiance with headsets, just giving my 2c!

[AndyG]

Trikenut,

just jerking your chain as I love seeing some of your replies.The guys who ask the questions must think you are an old bally with thousands of hours

I am in fact fairly impressed with the knowledge that you have picked up for one so young.

Don't go getting a big head as I may have to get nasty


Cheers

[Trikenut]

Thanks for the complements leftseat!
Love it when you yank my chain!
I won't get a big head!

[AndyG]

Thanks for the complements leftseat!
Love it when you yank my chain!
I won't get a big head!

Check your spelling. Compliments.

I may need to speak to your tutor

[ZULU1]

I believe that I am qualified to answer your question:

Trike flying

Firstly do you fly with or without a helmet ? If flying with just goggles and a headset then their is very little available on the market that will suit both environments. Suggest that you dont go any further and buy a pair for each environment. Open cockpit is a totally different ball game and requires to be effective a combo of noise canceling, frequency filtering, correct mic shields, both in design and integrity. We think that we have almost cracked it after 4 years efforts..The same headsets due to the fact that the wind is basically a vortex amplifier dont perform in a closed cockpit so well.

Closed cockpits and helmets

Another ball game, but here depending on the visor and whether it has a bib, exposed to side wind ingress, and many other features of the user, it can work. Whatever you do, dont block the front of the mic shield as the ambient noise is needed to cancel the voice side.

Once again, depending on the intercom, radio and other various factors you will need a microphone amplifier, this is normally in the headsets. ideally adjustable.

I attach a picture of the injection moulding and the mic element that free floats in our own design boom, this performs very well.

ANR

Another minefield, ANR functions at low frequencies really well, screaming two strokes, thats another story. I have perfected a system which we use in Mil applications, in a trike, plain pathetic, even gel seals, we are using leather nappa now as a slightly improved seal. Our new range that we are tooling for at present and being launched at the Splash show in the UK end November may fit both installations...but no guarantee.

I like the Sennheisers as the seals are very comfortable, brand names be warned, they are just names...best buy two systems at present.

Good Luck

Zulu1

[Trikenut]

Love it when you're talk technical!

[IceAge]

Zulu,

Thanks for the info. I have always rated your input of the highest quality after all, your previous input and V-Rabbit has sorted out ALL my radio problems on the trike as it works extremely well..... even talk to some pilot's when out in the country (124. over distances in excess of 100nm crystal clear and that with an 'older' version Vertex 210

I fly the trike with a closed (visor) helmet although I have not yet fitted a bib but will doing so shortly.

Regards

[ZULU1]

Ok, then maybe if you just wait a few weeks I can help, the first of our "Air magic designed cups and headsets" locally made will be available, these I am sure will work with the two environments. They have a twin jack adapter which can operate with either type of system. These we are also making for Gyros and also for the panel mount MT03 socket. The theory is that you buy one "edset" and buy the adaptor for whatever plane and environment you wish to use. just that open cockpit requires a different mic shielding system. Only one snag the first units will be Olive drab !! as they are used with our core business first..And the other bonus is they will have either nappa leather or gel seals, compatible with the UK Lynx series, and also our own chatterboxes and a new interface we are currently testing. This will have all the toys, cell phone in and mute, ipod in, and a world first. Teach talk, this is for instruction, the student may be canceled and overridden by the instructor. After the student releases the PTT, 6 secs before he can carry on.

Watch this space.

Cheers Paul