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From: jgpo@ihu1e.UUCP (John, KA9MNK)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Audio Com headset/intercom -- info wanted
Message-ID: <346@ihu1e.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 20-Nov-84 11:46:48 EST
Article-I.D.: ihu1e.346
Posted: Tue Nov 20 11:46:48 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 21-Nov-84 01:09:31 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 39

Has anyone ever used the Audio Com self-contained voice-actuated intercom?
I was looking at headsets and intercoms in the latest Sporty's catalog and
this one caught my eye.  The biggest selling points I can see are that it's
about $200 cheaper than a pair of Telex D950's and a Telex intercom, and
there's no rat's nest of wires in the cockpit.

My questions:

	1.  How's the sound quality?  How's the mike?
	2.  If the battery goes dead, I assume the only function lost
	    is the intercom.  I should still be able to use the radio.
	    Correct?
	3.  How comfortable are the headsets?  How easy to adjust?  How
	    durable?  Full tanks on a Warrior will last about 4.5 hrs.
	    Will my ears be able to be stand the 'phones that long?
	4.  How's the noise suppression?  This is my main reason for
	    looking into headsets.  My hearing is very good; I'd like
	    to keep it that way.
	5.  Sporty's says they've "...tested this system and found it
	    to be the best intercom currently on the market."  How large
	    a grain of NaCl is required to swallow that statement?
	6.  If I'm flying alone, I assume I can use the pilot's headset
	    as a straight headset without having the copilot's headset
	    plugged into mine.  The copilot's headset is where the 9-volt
	    battery lives.  I'm assuming the battery isn't required for
	    straight headset use, but only to power the intercom.  This
	    ties in directly with question 2.
	7.  Overall, is this unit worth $419.50?  Would I be better off
	    buying the Telex equipment and putting up with the snarl of
	    wires?  Or should I just get a D950 for myself, a pair of
	    earplugs for my passenger, and forbid conversation for the
	    duration of the trip?  :-)


Thanks in advance,

John Opalko
AT&T Bell Labs (for a while, anyway)
Naperville, IL