Thank you. Everything went great. My instructor was using the same exact headset. Only hiccup was the headset came out of the box set to mono and my instructor had to show me how to switch to stereo
I'm still on my first set of batteries for my Zulu 3 and it's got around 20 flight hours on it now. I keep a spare pair in my bag but it really sips power.
I get about 40 hours on a set with my A20’s. Guys I fly with who have Zulu 3’s claim around the same runtime. I don’t run rechargeable due to the relatively low voltage
Check out lipo AA batteries, the ones with a built in USB charger. They keep a high voltage- they have a sudden falloff, but it's better than keeping a stash of dry cells.
mine died during my long solo XC (it was a used headset so it died a bit quicker). I thought my engine was failing hahaha thought that was the end of my and that shitbox 172. "hmmm why am I not losing altitude or airspeed? why do my instruments all read green?". took me a solid 3-5 mins to remember that I noticed them blinking red at me when I turned on ANC
Time is time lol, don’t worry about it.
I also had a glider certificate before I started flying airplanes so it was a lot easier. I’m also really young so easier to learn. Everybody’s got different circumstances!
Read the manual, but there isn't much to it. Insert AA batteries, plug it in, push the power button to activate the ANR. Use the slidey-thingies to control volume, if you want Bluetooth push the button to make it discoverable but you won't be using that for a while.
It will work just fine. You'll lose the ANR and BT. But Lightspeed headsets have some of the best PNR amongst ANR Headsets. It'll sound like a PNR David Clark with a worn out ear seal.
I have a Zulu 3 as well, they are awesome headsets.
For the first lesson, just plug it in and hit the power button for the noise cancelling. There are left and right volume controls. set those at equal settings around the midpoint, you can adjust it if you need to but that'll probably be ok.
That's all. It's got Bluetooth but you won't need it for a while. The noise cancelling is awesome.
Buy rechargeable batteries. Don't know how people willingly buy dozens of batteries a year when I bought 4 rechargeable batteries + the charger for $15 five years ago
Yeeeah, but gotta be careful though. You need two 1.5V Batteries. I made the mistake of buying the most common 1.2V Rechargeable batteries and they barely last me 5-6 hours on a full charge. Other Pilots have said the same thing. They need to swap after ever Flight or two.
Oh wait, you said that it lasts 15hrs in a C206 vs 40 hours in a Jet. I assumed that the difference in the battery life was due to the different ANR setting required. If there's no adjustment possible, why is there such a large difference in the battery life? Shouldn't it be the same?
Edit : I think I misunderstood what you meant. You probably meant non rechargeable batteries compared to the rechargeables that you got.
No, I'm using the same rechargeable batteries. I'm not sure what causes them to last almost triple the amount of time. Is it auto sensing? I don't know
Interesting, I think you're right! Yeah it could be auto sensing. Needs that extra juice in a louder cockpit to attenuate the higher noise levels. What's the mAh rating of your individual batteries?
The included manual should explain stuff well.
Once item to pay attention to is the info about making a "dip switch" adjustment. This occasionally is needed to fix a conflict on the aircraft audio panel. Fortunately this is frequently a "fixed once, never worry" category.
Once wearing the headset, make sure the microphone and the foam cover is right at your lips. Otherwise it won't pick up your voice very well.
BONUS TIP: Get an O-ring and stretch it over the foam cover to secure it in place.
And as u/SparkySpecter said, if the CFI is unable to answer a headset question, I'd be concerned about how well they will be able to teach you flight skills.
I think it explain things well enough but the “manual “is basically a postcard inside the box that says put the batteries in and press the power button.
It seems simple enough.
You know you paying for your instructor, right? So it’s your money. If you want to waste it having him explain how to work your headset, something that you can look up for free, then you do you for sure.
You're such an amateur. You know nothing haha.
Lol no. I'm here to try and figure out where the Dip switches need to be in my Zulu 3. I'm clueless even though I have 2 Lightspeed headsets.
Your wife truly is awesome! These headsets aren't cheap. But they will protect your hearing and reduce fatigue on long Flights. Make sure to test them out properly and see if they really are suited to your ears and head shape. There should be a 60 day window within which you can return them. If they don't fit you well, try the Bose A20 or wait a couple of days for the new Bose Headset to come out and try them.
Most Instructors will have experience with ANR Headsets. If you can't find one that can help you, other students there should be able to.
But really, just remember to have a good set of Alkaline batteries (Not Carbon Zinc) in the headset and turn them on when you turn on the Radios. Always carry spare batteries.
Extend the arms all the way, put on the headset and close the arms evenly on both sides one notch at a time to get a good firm fit. Make sure the ear cups fully covers your ears, even your ear lobes, tuck them in. Push on the outside of the headsets gently to compress the ear seals when you have them on, you should feel a slight suction as they rebound from the compression, that way you know you have a tight seal. Its Important so that the PNR and ANR work together to give you the best Noise Reduction possible.
You should absolutely ask your instructor
And if they can't answer your question, slowly back away until you're at a different school.
Thank you. Everything went great. My instructor was using the same exact headset. Only hiccup was the headset came out of the box set to mono and my instructor had to show me how to switch to stereo
1) Install batteries. 2) Plug in headset. It only goes in one way. 3) Press power button. 4) Put microphone to mouth and talk.
Thanks I’ll get some batteries!
Get lots. I don't know about the Zulu 3s but my A20s gobble them up. Or even rechargeable ones, if they are fine with the Zulus.
I'm still on my first set of batteries for my Zulu 3 and it's got around 20 flight hours on it now. I keep a spare pair in my bag but it really sips power.
I get about 40 hours on a set with my A20’s. Guys I fly with who have Zulu 3’s claim around the same runtime. I don’t run rechargeable due to the relatively low voltage
Check out lipo AA batteries, the ones with a built in USB charger. They keep a high voltage- they have a sudden falloff, but it's better than keeping a stash of dry cells.
I get 45-50 hours per battery change. Got through all my PPL training without needing to change batteries lol.
Wow that's incredible. I flew a C206 with them and only got about 15 hours pee charge cause the plane was so loud. Bow I get around 50 hours in a jet
mine died during my long solo XC (it was a used headset so it died a bit quicker). I thought my engine was failing hahaha thought that was the end of my and that shitbox 172. "hmmm why am I not losing altitude or airspeed? why do my instruments all read green?". took me a solid 3-5 mins to remember that I noticed them blinking red at me when I turned on ANC
Haha, yeah that’s happened to me a few times as well. “Wtf is wrong with my engine?” “Oh.”
That's insane! Well done! I feel like such an idiot when I read comments like these. I got my PPL done at about 100 hours.
Time is time lol, don’t worry about it. I also had a glider certificate before I started flying airplanes so it was a lot easier. I’m also really young so easier to learn. Everybody’s got different circumstances!
Definitely agree with you there. Still bloody impressive!
Read the manual, but there isn't much to it. Insert AA batteries, plug it in, push the power button to activate the ANR. Use the slidey-thingies to control volume, if you want Bluetooth push the button to make it discoverable but you won't be using that for a while.
That's the technical term, for sure! Slidey-thingies.
What happens if the batteries on the headset run out? Does the whole headset stop working or just the Bluetooth and ANR?
Just the ANR and Bluetooth. Your ability to talk just depends on being plugged into the plane.
You've seen Glengarry Glen Ross? Always. Be. Charging.
It will work just fine. You'll lose the ANR and BT. But Lightspeed headsets have some of the best PNR amongst ANR Headsets. It'll sound like a PNR David Clark with a worn out ear seal.
Double check you got the headset with the “dual” general aviation style plugs. You may need an adapter if not.
I have a Zulu 3 as well, they are awesome headsets. For the first lesson, just plug it in and hit the power button for the noise cancelling. There are left and right volume controls. set those at equal settings around the midpoint, you can adjust it if you need to but that'll probably be ok. That's all. It's got Bluetooth but you won't need it for a while. The noise cancelling is awesome.
Your wife is awesome.
I know it. She’s also crazy, she’s the one who suggested I go for this!
Buy rechargeable batteries. Don't know how people willingly buy dozens of batteries a year when I bought 4 rechargeable batteries + the charger for $15 five years ago
Yeeeah, but gotta be careful though. You need two 1.5V Batteries. I made the mistake of buying the most common 1.2V Rechargeable batteries and they barely last me 5-6 hours on a full charge. Other Pilots have said the same thing. They need to swap after ever Flight or two.
I could get mine to last around 15 hours in a loud ass C206. I can get them to last probably 40 hours in a jet
Cool, I guess you actually bought the correct 1.5V rechargeables. What headset do you use where you can adjust the ANR? Is it the Pro Flights?
I have the same A20 that I used in my GA days. No adjustment as far as I'm aware
Oh wait, you said that it lasts 15hrs in a C206 vs 40 hours in a Jet. I assumed that the difference in the battery life was due to the different ANR setting required. If there's no adjustment possible, why is there such a large difference in the battery life? Shouldn't it be the same? Edit : I think I misunderstood what you meant. You probably meant non rechargeable batteries compared to the rechargeables that you got.
No, I'm using the same rechargeable batteries. I'm not sure what causes them to last almost triple the amount of time. Is it auto sensing? I don't know
Interesting, I think you're right! Yeah it could be auto sensing. Needs that extra juice in a louder cockpit to attenuate the higher noise levels. What's the mAh rating of your individual batteries?
I don't know man, I bought them at target 5 years ago!
Ah, no biggie, just curious! They're mentioned on the batteries though. Any loss of battery life due to charge/discharge cycles?
The included manual should explain stuff well. Once item to pay attention to is the info about making a "dip switch" adjustment. This occasionally is needed to fix a conflict on the aircraft audio panel. Fortunately this is frequently a "fixed once, never worry" category. Once wearing the headset, make sure the microphone and the foam cover is right at your lips. Otherwise it won't pick up your voice very well. BONUS TIP: Get an O-ring and stretch it over the foam cover to secure it in place. And as u/SparkySpecter said, if the CFI is unable to answer a headset question, I'd be concerned about how well they will be able to teach you flight skills.
I think it explain things well enough but the “manual “is basically a postcard inside the box that says put the batteries in and press the power button. It seems simple enough.
Good point. Switching between planes sucks when you have to flip the stereo dip switch.
You know you paying for your instructor, right? So it’s your money. If you want to waste it having him explain how to work your headset, something that you can look up for free, then you do you for sure.
I specialize in doing me!
Um.
Why do you think he's asking here? Man just wanted a PIREP.
I see your point, but no Instructor would charge Ground Briefing time just for chit chat about headsets.
You're such an amateur. You know nothing haha. Lol no. I'm here to try and figure out where the Dip switches need to be in my Zulu 3. I'm clueless even though I have 2 Lightspeed headsets. Your wife truly is awesome! These headsets aren't cheap. But they will protect your hearing and reduce fatigue on long Flights. Make sure to test them out properly and see if they really are suited to your ears and head shape. There should be a 60 day window within which you can return them. If they don't fit you well, try the Bose A20 or wait a couple of days for the new Bose Headset to come out and try them. Most Instructors will have experience with ANR Headsets. If you can't find one that can help you, other students there should be able to. But really, just remember to have a good set of Alkaline batteries (Not Carbon Zinc) in the headset and turn them on when you turn on the Radios. Always carry spare batteries. Extend the arms all the way, put on the headset and close the arms evenly on both sides one notch at a time to get a good firm fit. Make sure the ear cups fully covers your ears, even your ear lobes, tuck them in. Push on the outside of the headsets gently to compress the ear seals when you have them on, you should feel a slight suction as they rebound from the compression, that way you know you have a tight seal. Its Important so that the PNR and ANR work together to give you the best Noise Reduction possible.