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From: Oliver.osbunorth@XEROX.COM
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Looking for info on headsets
Message-ID: <860310-090922-1360@Xerox>
Date: Mon, 10-Mar-86 11:02:39 EST
Article-I.D.: Xerox.860310-090922-1360
Posted: Mon Mar 10 11:02:39 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 12-Mar-86 05:43:13 EST
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Doug, seems I can't send direct to you.

First, I applaude your decision to use a headset.  Not only will it help
extended your years of hearing but they make radio communication much
less a chore.  When coupled with an intercom there should be a lot less
"what?"s in the cockpit.

A few years ago I bought David Clark's model 10-40 for my own use and 6
months later I got another one for my wife.  I now use them with the
Radio System's Technology intercom I put together from a kit.  I am
happy with all this gear and recomend them.  Note that because of the
large signal produced by the electret microphones in the H10-40's, the
intercoms and/or the COM radio's input can be overloaded.  A simple
resistor change in the intercom and/or a Mike gain adjustment in the COM
radios takes care of this annoyance.  This is a guess, but I think that
all headsets with an electret mic share this high signal level anomolly.

David Clark's model 10-30 is the same headset but with a dynamic mike
instead of an electret.  This set's microphone characteristics are a
much closer match to what is installed in most rental aircraft.  If I
was still a renter I would probably opt for these. (mucking with the mic
gain on an aircraft which you are renting is very poor form indeed.) 

I'm sure that the electrets are clearly (ooh, I made a pun) a superior
microphone.  So, my rule of thumb is;  If the headset stays with the
airplane use H10-40s.  If the headset wanders from airlane to airplane
use H10-30s.  Note that I have a crude thumb.

Also, find yourself a current copy of TRADE A PLANE and check out the
prices in the adds.  I found this to be the cheapest way to buy
headsets.  I haven't checked recently but two years ago I got my H10-40
for $155 and they threw in a push-to-talk switch with the deal.  This
was from a place in So. Cal.  Delivery was swift,too.

Blue skies to ya,
Ollie