Headset Service - Lightspeed
JimC
Thought I would share a short pirep on my recent headset experience.
I have two Lightspeed Solo headsets, one about 2.5 years old and the other
about 1.5 years old. Both of them have had a problem with the microphone
boom becoming loose at the attachment point under the ear cup and swiveling
too freely. This happened within the first year for both units.
I finally got around to getting them fixed. I called Lightspeed and told
them of the problem. They acknowledged that some of the Solos had developed
that particular problem and gave me a return authorization. No mention of
any fee for the repair. I shipped the headsets on a Friday and expected
that with me in Florida and them in California I'd see the headsets in a few
weeks.
The following Thursday I received the headsets back. They had been repaired
and tested. Lightspeed didn't just tighten the old mike booms, they
replaced them with new ones! No cost to me at all. Given the number of
days required for USPS, Lightspeed must have made the repairs and shipped in
1 day.
The Solos have been great performing headsets and I can now say the service
from Lightspeed matches the headset performance. My hat's off to them.
JimC
David H
I has a nearly identical experience with my Lightspeed 20XL headset: mic boom
became loose, I called, they said send it in, just a few days later it was
returned fixed, no charge. Great service, I'd buy from them again in a
heartbeat.
David H
Boeing Field (BFI), Seattle, WA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Visit the Pacific Northwest Flying forum:
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/pnwflying
Joe Young
I experienced the same great service from them. They turn the repairs
around the same day...and don't charge for the repair. Teh repairs are
usually the equivalent of a total refurbishment. Then they pay for the
return shipment using the same method the you ship the headset to
LightSpeed. In other words, they will ship them back next day air, second
day air, ground, etc....whatever you used to send them to their Oregon
location... These guys get it!!! A great product and unbelieveable
service...They have at least one loyal customer for life...
Joe
"JimC" <jim_32766...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:xs%qa.69457$vJ4....@fe03.atl2.webusenet.com...
Teacherjh
I experienced the same great service from [Lightspeed [...] These guys get
it!!!
>>
Which would you rather have, a great repair, or a headset that didn't need a
great repair? I've never used Lightspeeds, but I keep hearing about (the same)
things breaking, and sounds like they DON'T "get it".
Jose
(for Email, make the obvious changes in my address)
Malcolm
Living pretty close to their location (Newberg Or) I just stopped by,
didn't even have time to read a full article in their waiting room magazines
before they gave me back my headset, new mike, new earpiece stirrup, no
charge.
Great service!
Malcolm Lamb
"David H" <dav...@dNrOiSzPzAlMe.com> wrote in message
news:3EAC8CC6...@dNrOiSzPzAlMe.com...
Newps
Jim Fisher
news:xs%qa.69457$vJ4....@fe03.atl2.webusenet.com...
>
>
> I have two Lightspeed Solo headsets, one about 2.5 years old and the other
> about 1.5 years old. Both of them have had a problem with the microphone
> boom becoming loose at the attachment point under the ear cup and
swiveling
> too freely.
Thanks for the reminder to ship mine back to them for the exact same
problem.
Can you tell if there is something different about the "new" swivel part?
Did they simply make repairs (tightened something, for example) or did they
replace something that will make it so it doesn't happen again?
--
Jim Fisher
Kyle Boatright
"JimC" <jim_32766...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:xs%qa.69457$vJ4....@fe03.atl2.webusenet.com...
>
Lightspeed is very good at repairing their headsets. I have a set of
25XL's, and have sent 'em in once for a fix. I appreciated the quick
service, but lots of people I know have experienced problems with their
Lightspeeds. I wish their engineering/design/manufacturing team was as
effective in designing and building robust headsets as their repair team is
at fixing them...
Neal
were left in the plane and got cold and brittle. Lightspeed wouldn't
sell me any replacement parts..... instead they GAVE them to me for
free, even offered to ship them overnight for free too. Fantastic
outfit, they really are.
Garner Miller
<teac...@aol.comspam.not> wrote:
> Which would you rather have, a great repair, or a headset that didn't need a
> great repair? I've never used Lightspeeds, but I keep hearing about (the
> same) things breaking, and sounds like they DON'T "get it".
Mine haven't been super-durable, but the company has been just
excellent with the repairs, as others have reported. And frankly,
they're *that* much quieter and more comfortable than my David Clarks
that I'll put up with them breaking twice as often. They're that
comfortable. (And believe me, when you're in a loud turboprop for 8
hours a day, comfort and quiet are king!)
--
Garner R. Miller
ATP/CFII/MEI
Manchester, CT =USA=
Jay Honeck
> 25XL's, and have sent 'em in once for a fix. I appreciated the quick
> service, but lots of people I know have experienced problems with their
> Lightspeeds. I wish their engineering/design/manufacturing team was as
> effective in designing and building robust headsets as their repair team
is
> at fixing them...
Lightspeed comes up here fairly often, so I'll be brief: I've got THREE
Lightspeed headsets in the plane -- two 15s, and a 20XL.
All three have been back to Lightspeed multiple times, for multiple
problems. Each time they have been fixed, quickly, and at no charge to me.
Their customer service is great. Their product is the best on the market --
when it works. Their real-world engineering and quality control are
TERRIBLE.
Sadly, I will not buy another pair because of this -- it's just not worth
the hassle. It's a real shame, because what they have done wrong would cost
practically NOTHING to correct during the manufacturing process.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"
jacjohn
Maybe I'm an exception, but I have NEVER had a problem with my Lightspeed. I
have a 15K headset (The oldschool one, before the XL series), and I have
never had a problem with it since I bought it used in 2001 (off of this
group nonetheless). I just wonder if they'll fix my old headset if I ever do
have a problem. I only wish they didn't look so odd. I really love the
padding, but I wish they were a "traditional" pilot headset.
John Y.
PP-ASEL
Newps
difference I could tell between the two. Not bad though, other than the
ear cups being way too thick. But then I tried the QFR. Same or better
noise attenuation but they are much smaller and lighter. And they are
priced less than the DC 13.4. Never had to send anything back to
Lightspeed.
D.A. Hood
being sent back too many times! Each time, they told me of some
headsets experiencing the difficulty and fixed them free. Only out of
pocket was the shipping there. Great guys to deal with.
Got tired of that, sold them and went with the Bose after so many good
reviews on the group. Worth the money? Let's just say that I'm very
happy with them, but would think hard about buying any more.
Dennis O'Connor
Fat Albert, for 4 years now... They are left in the plane, hot / cold /
humid / dry... The ones not in use bounce around on the floor boards, or up
on the glare shield while I am flying... Both front seat headsets have
partial cuts/crush of the cord(s) where they have gotten pinched in the seat
back hinges by careless passengers... All have continued to work
flawlessly...
Denny
"D.A. Hood" <nitwit...@earsahurtin.com> wrote in message
news:1c5qav4ls0u2jk9sq...@4ax.com...
Peter R.
> Can you tell if there is something different about the "new" swivel part?
> Did they simply make repairs (tightened something, for example) or did they
> replace something that will make it so it doesn't happen again?
Jim, it appears to me that Lightspeed took additional measures to ensure
the bolt will not loosen by gluing it into place. Previously they simply
relied on the tightness of the bolt. See my other post for my experience.
--
Peter R.
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Thomas Borchert
> I just wonder if they'll fix my old headset if I ever do
> have a problem.
>
Don't worry, they will.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH), Lightspeed dealer in Germany
Thomas Borchert
we have long since established here that the cause of your troubles
seems to be that you let the battery box dangle from the cords in the
plane. I've said it before: Don't do that, and your problems will go
away.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> but I keep hearing about (the same)
> things breaking,
>
This is an internet newsgroup. It's not a demographic poll. This is
where you'll find the guys with problems blowing off. So what do you
expect?
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Peter R.
> I broke one of the earcup "stirrups" on my 15XL last winter when they
> were left in the plane and got cold and brittle. Lightspeed wouldn't
> sell me any replacement parts..... instead they GAVE them to me for
> free, even offered to ship them overnight for free too. Fantastic
> outfit, they really are.
I echo everyone else's experience. A few weeks ago I also had the loose
mic boom bolt problem with my 25XLs. This pair of headsets has about 250
hours of use over the last year. When I attempted to screw the boom back
into the cup I made the problem worse as the bolt then fell off, letting
the boom dangle from the earcup by its wires. Naturally this occurred
during flight.
When I called Lightspeed I fully expected to have to mail the headsets in
for repair, which meant being without them a few weeks. However, the tech
with whom I spoke offered the alternate solution of sending me a complete
earcup/mic boom assembly for free. When I asked how I should ship the
defective part back to them, he laughed and said, "Throw it in the
garbage."
In two days the part arrived. Using the detailed instructions, I was able
to make the repair myself by simply removing the defective earcup/mic and
installing the new one. I noticed that the screw in the new unit was glued
to the base. Hopefully this minor change will prevent this problem in the
future.
Jay Honeck
Three for three -- multiple times? That ain't "luck".
And the number of people who always chime in here with similar experiences
seem to point to only one conclusion.
And it's too damned bad -- cuz I really do love my Lightspeeds.
Jay Honeck
> seems to be that you let the battery box dangle from the cords in the
> plane. I've said it before: Don't do that, and your problems will go
> away.
Regarding the cord problems, you are correct. I no longer let the battery
box dangle, despite the fact that Lightspeed specifically DESIGNED them to
do so -- in fact, in most intercom installations you have to come up with
some cheesy "rubber-band-it-to-the wall" strategy to prevent them from
dangling. My cord-breaking-inside-the insulation problems are now gone --
for the moment.
This "fix" does not address the unbalanced ANR problems, the earpiece
crumbling problems, or the headband padding falling off problems. All have
been repaired at no charge.
Remember, I bought THREE pair, one each year for three years. I love the
damned things, but...I've had to face the fact that they are simply not
designed for real-world, day-to-day usage. And it's really too bad, cuz
they could fix those problems at the time of manufacture for less than five
bucks a pair.
Andrew Gideon
>> Some folks just seem to have bad luck with headsets...
>
> Three for three -- multiple times? That ain't "luck".
I've had an ANC Lightspeed headset (20XL? 25XL?) for a few years now. I am
*not* nice to this thing. It gets tossed above way too much, squished into
an overfull flight bag, and subjected to sun and significant temperature
changes in the wrong weather.
And I've not yet had a problem with them.
Perhaps I'm just lucky, but I wanted my "data point" out there to help with
a comparison.
- Andrew
DanH
[snipped]
> Lightspeed comes up here fairly often, so I'll be brief: I've got THREE
> Lightspeed headsets in the plane -- two 15s, and a 20XL.
>
> All three have been back to Lightspeed multiple times, for multiple
> problems. Each time they have been fixed, quickly, and at no charge to me.
>
> Their customer service is great. Their product is the best on the market --
> when it works. Their real-world engineering and quality control are
> TERRIBLE.
[sinpped]
When I bought my first headset last year, I researched a *lot* of past
articles and other online reviews, and had the opportunity to rent
several brand names from my flying club, including a set of David
Clarks. I think the complaints about Lightspeeds' engineering are
valid, most owners seem to have experience with their excellent service
:)
But, ultimately, for a poor student hooked on flying, the Lightspeed
Solos were by far the most comfortable and inexpensive ($120) headsets I
could find and afford. The only problem I've had was loose wiring in
the volume control box, which was fixed and returned in two days (I'm
still trying to figure out how they got it back so soon, I didn't think
UPS was that fast).
I lot of people seem to agree that their physical engineering isn't very
good, but they're comfort and passive noise reduction design is
excellent. I would gladly buy another set, and trade sending them in
once in a while for no-hassle service for price and comfort.
DanH
papenfus...@juneaudotmedotvt.edu
anecdotal evidence. I've seen a couple of friends' headsets (25XL, 15K,
20K) have the physical problems discussed here, but Lightspeed has an
outstanding repair policy.
Regarding the performance, I have tried them all (mentioned
above), and find little difference in the performance (especially between
the 15K and 20K). My problem is that it boosts the voice frequencies (to
"aid" in hearing the radio), but I find those frequencies too harsh. My
plane with a minimal interior for noise attenuation has a lot of high
frequency (500Hz-3kHz), which doesn't get passively attenuated by these
headsets. The 15K, 20K, and 25XLs suck hardcore without the active turned
on
I am quite interested in their new Solo-Cross Country (XC) ones,
however. Since I don't really mind regular plain passives, just a little
active (10-15 dB) would be all I really want added to a *good* passive
headset. Does anyone have any experience with this to know how good the
XC or XC2 are?
-Cory
--
*************************************************************************
* The prime directive of Linux: *
* - learn what you don't know, *
* - teach what you do. *
* (Just my 20 USm$) *
*************************************************************************
Teacherjh
This is an internet newsgroup. It's not a demographic poll. This is
where you'll find the guys with problems blowing off. So what do you
expect?
<<
I'd expect people with problems with DC or Bose to post with equal vehemence,
offset only by the laws of small numbers.
Ron Rapp
<jjho...@NOSPAMmchsi.com> wrote:
>> Some folks just seem to have bad luck with headsets...
>
>Three for three -- multiple times? That ain't "luck".
>
>And the number of people who always chime in here with similar experiences
>seem to point to only one conclusion.
>
>And it's too damned bad -- cuz I really do love my Lightspeeds.
I think there have been a lot of people who've been satisfied with the
Lightspeeds and not needed to send them back. I have a pair of
Lightspeed 15K's that I've been flying with for about 600 hours or so,
and they're still working perfectly, including the headband, cords,
and the rest.
And I do let the battery box hang down from the plugs. Still no
problem. Dennis said his are working great. Andrew Gideon put his
through the wringer and they're still working.
Perhaps Lightspeeds don't like Cherokees or something!! (Actually,
that can't be it, because I've used them in my Cherokee and my
Skylane... plus the Decathlon and Stearman--and those are awfully
punishing to a headset).
The one thing I don't do is unplug them very often. They're almost
always plugged into the Skylane's left seat. Perhaps if I were to
move them around a lot, I would have problems too. Who knows.
--Ron
Jay Honeck
> always plugged into the Skylane's left seat. Perhaps if I were to
> move them around a lot, I would have problems too. Who knows.
That's the real mystery -- it's the same with ours. They get plugged in and
are never moved -- ever -- until they just *break*.
We then ship them back, they are fixed, we plug them in -- and there they
stay. Until...
Margy Natalie
Andrew Gideon wrote:
> ...
>
> And I've not yet had a problem with them.
>
> Perhaps I'm just lucky, but I wanted my "data point" out there to help with
> a comparison.
Ditto here, two different models, no problems.
Margy
Alan Wolfson
My 182 has helicopter jacks(needed an adapter from Sporty's for $40) and the
microphone would not work. Called Lightspeed and they said send them in
and we will fix them. I did and they did at no cost to me. Mine plug in on
the roof and dangle and I've had no problems at all.
My only concern, is that when my wife tries them I'll have to buy a second
pair. To me, ATC is MUCH easier to hear and understand with the Lightspeeds
than with my David Clarks.
Alan
"Jay Honeck" <jjhonec...@mchsi.com> wrote in message news:Nggra.119128$Si4.1...@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net...
Newps
Ron Rapp wrote:
> Perhaps Lightspeeds don't like Cherokees or something!!
Didn't you get the memo? If you fly a girlie plane you have to use
girlie headsets. I thought all Cherokee owners were smart enough to buy
DC headsets. Guess not.
D.A. Hood
shape with the exercise! But I won't do them with the sets of Bose we
have ;-) . I loved the Lightspeeds, incidentally.
Viperdoc
loud popping while taxiing. I also crimped the cord in a seat. Lightspeed
fixed both for free, with the rapid turnaround as described.
Today I flew with some Bose X headsets. The sound quality was at best
comparable, and the ridiculous plastic plug is a set-up for breakage. The
30-3G also has an input for a cell phone, which has come in handy when the
engines are running and your are ready to go, only to hear that ATC can't
find your clearance.
Overall, the Lightspeeds are a great value, with the sound quality being
second to none.
JimC
tell what might be different inside where the part is tightened. Someone at
the Lightspeed booth at SnF said when they made repairs a lockwasher was
added. Only one verbal input so I can't say for sure.
JimC
"Jim Fisher" <prop...@hiwaayREMOVE.net> wrote in message
news:C50ra.70900$vJ4....@fe03.atl2.webusenet.com...
> JimC" <jim_32766...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:xs%qa.69457$vJ4....@fe03.atl2.webusenet.com...
> >
> > Thought I would share a short pirep on my recent headset experience.
> >
> > I have two Lightspeed Solo headsets, one about 2.5 years old and the
other
> > about 1.5 years old. Both of them have had a problem with the
microphone
> > boom becoming loose at the attachment point under the ear cup and
> swiveling
> > too freely.
>
> Thanks for the reminder to ship mine back to them for the exact same
> problem.
>
> Can you tell if there is something different about the "new" swivel part?
> Did they simply make repairs (tightened something, for example) or did
they
> replace something that will make it so it doesn't happen again?
>
> --
> Jim Fisher
>
>
>
Dave Stadt
I attempted to use a pair of Lightspeeds once. They fell apart before I
could even get them on.
"Alan Wolfson" <abwolfs...@NOSPAMfuse.PLEASEnet> wrote in message
news:3ead9b86$0$89178$a046...@nnrp.fuse.net...
Joe Young
I am not sure I understand your point. All makes have failures. How
Lightspeed handles their service and customer support is second to none....
Bose may have fewer failures, but I don't have that kind of money to spend
on a headset. Non-ANR David Clarks may have fewer failures, but comparing
those two is like comparing apples and alligators. They are not nearly as
conmfortable, nor do they fulfill my need for noise reduction.
I have had only one minor problem with a headset that was at least 5 years
old. The set went back, and I assumed there would be at least some cost
because it was well out of warranty. Not the case, the refurbishment, not
repair, was done at no cost and they sent it back second-day air...at no
cost. Name one other company that provides that kind of service....
Other than that minor problem...a short in one of the wires, both of my
LightSpeed headsets have been problem free.
What has been your first-hand experience with LightSpeed?
Joe
"Teacherjh" <teac...@aol.comspam.not> wrote in message
news:20030427221409...@mb-m21.aol.com...
> >>
> I experienced the same great service from [Lightspeed [...] These guys
get
> it!!!
> >>
>
> Which would you rather have, a great repair, or a headset that didn't need
a
> great repair? I've never used Lightspeeds, but I keep hearing about (the
same)
> things breaking, and sounds like they DON'T "get it".
Dan Luke
"Ron Rapp" wrote:
> I think there have been a lot of people who've been satisfied with the
> Lightspeeds and not needed to send them back.
Oh, is it Lightspeed quality survey time again?
My 25XL set has been in for repair three times; currently working ok but
demoted to copilot status.
--
Dan
C172RG at BFM
Chris W
this thread I was reconsidering that plan. Now after reading the whole thread I
am back to my original plan. Here is why.
First, three things seem obvious from this thread: Lightspeed makes a product
that performs very well, their customer service is excellent, and the quality of
their manufacturing is NOT good. I would probably be even more annoyed at the
problems Jay Honeck has had than he seems to be. However, their great customer
service and their quick turn around time on repairs is an indication that they
are aware of the problems. I don't know how many of you have worked in a
manufacturing company, but from my experience it can sometimes take a very long
time from the when a defect is discovered till a permanent solution is decided
on, and then a long time before that solution is implemented. This process can
be very slow at times. In an industry where people are trying to get the newest
features to market as fast as they can, quality often takes a back seat in the
beginning. It's my opinion that their products will only get better with time,
and if you avoid buying the very latest model, you will be much less likely to
have problems.
All that said, I am still open to other brands if anyone can convince me I would
like it better. But don't mention the "B" word, any company that is arrogant
enough to price their product at twice what the competition charges in an
already overpriced market, will never see my money. (Nothing is that good, and
even if it was that money is much better spent other places)
--
Chris Woodhouse
3147 SW 127th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
405-691-5206
chr...@programmer.net
N35° 20.492'
W97° 34.342'
"They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin, 1759 Historical Review of Pennsylvania
Jay Honeck
> service and their quick turn around time on repairs is an indication that
they
> are aware of the problems. I don't know how many of you have worked in a
> manufacturing company, but from my experience it can sometimes take a very
long
> time from the when a defect is discovered till a permanent solution is
decided
> on, and then a long time before that solution is implemented.
Lightspeed has been aware of the problem since the very first time I sent
mine back to them in 1999-2000. Privately, the tech there told me that the
cords were being re-designed, because they weren't tough enough to withstand
the weight of the battery box dangling. Two years later, the cord was
finally redesigned -- but that didn't solve the other QC problems.
I can't imagine a more frustrating customer service department to work in
than Lightspeed's. They ALL know the problem, they KNOW the solutions, and
they KNOW they have a superior product -- they just can't make 'em right to
begin with.
D.A. Hood
>All that said, I am still open to other brands if anyone can convince me I would
>like it better. But don't mention the "B" word, any company that is arrogant
>enough to price their product at twice what the competition charges in an
>already overpriced market, will never see my money. (Nothing is that good, and
>even if it was that money is much better spent other places)
Can't go wrong with the Lightspeeds, you can always get a good buck
back on Ebay.
As far as Bose bashing, Don't knock them until you've flown a 3.5 hour
leg in them AND the less expensive brands. But I agree the money
could be better spent elsewhere for the weekend pilot.
Bose owners seem to realize that there is a commonality in the
bashing. Signify by saying "Aye"!
Teacherjh
Jose
I am not sure I understand your point. All makes have failures.
<<
My point
("Which would you rather have, a great repair, or a headset that didn't need a
great repair?")
is that getting a great repair is fine and dandy (and given that you need a
repair, I'd rather have a great one), but lightspeeds seem to have the same
thing break again and again. The "repair" needs to happen in the design phase,
not the user phase.
Since the same things keep breaking, I conclude that Lightspeed does not
consider it worth while to "repair" their design or manufacturing.
It sort of reminds me of the VIC 20 computer, by commodore. We were using them
to run sign software, but out of twenty that we bought, only two worked. They
were great about exchanging the 18 that didn't work for 18 new ones, 2 of which
worked. We iterated this process as many times as it took. Soon the NY Times
had an article in which Commodore, when asked, said "We have no quality control
department. Our customer is the quality control. If the cusomer complains, we
replace it with no questions asked."
I imagine the same thing is true of Lightspeed, or elxe their headsets would
work from the getgo.
>>
What has been your first-hand experience with LightSpeed?
<<
I don't know what to tell you. In the part of the post which you quoted (the
whole thing), I said "I've never used Lightspeeds". What part of that don't
you understand?
Kiwi Jet Jock
probably never going to know - they just never seem break down :(
I do recall the story of one chap here though who sent in a set of
out-of-warranty Bose for upgrade - apparantly they replaced the cushions -
replaced the headband - sent them back overnight - all no charge.
"JimC" <jim_32766...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:xs%qa.69457$vJ4....@fe03.atl2.webusenet.com...
>
> Thought I would share a short pirep on my recent headset experience.
>
> I have two Lightspeed Solo headsets, one about 2.5 years old and the other
> about 1.5 years old. Both of them have had a problem with the microphone
> boom becoming loose at the attachment point under the ear cup and
swiveling
> too freely. This happened within the first year for both units.
>
> I finally got around to getting them fixed. I called Lightspeed and told
> them of the problem. They acknowledged that some of the Solos had
developed
> that particular problem and gave me a return authorization. No mention of
> any fee for the repair. I shipped the headsets on a Friday and expected
> that with me in Florida and them in California I'd see the headsets in a
few
> weeks.
>
> The following Thursday I received the headsets back. They had been
repaired
> and tested. Lightspeed didn't just tighten the old mike booms, they
> replaced them with new ones! No cost to me at all. Given the number of
> days required for USPS, Lightspeed must have made the repairs and shipped
in
> 1 day.
>
> The Solos have been great performing headsets and I can now say the
service
> from Lightspeed matches the headset performance. My hat's off to them.
>
> JimC
>
>
>
>
Joe Young
I understand the point you are trying to make...I just don't agree. Having
one fix in 5 years is not a design flaw. Jay and a others in this thread
have had some problems, but it appears there is a large portion of the
contributors to this thread have had no, or very minimal problems. The
quality and performance far outweigh the possibility of needing to send them
in every 5 years for a complete re-furbishment.....at no cost. You still
haven't answered my question: "Name one other company that provides that
kind of service...." Your commodore example misses the mark...they no
longer exist. Maybe for the reasons you cited, maybe for other reasons.
LightSpeed on the other hand appears to be growing and has gained a
significant market share.
I was trying to be a bit subtle when I asked the second time about your
first hand experience. Your nasty response indicates the subtlety wasn't
lost on you. I understand very well that disparaging a product with out
first hand knowledge is just spewing.
Joe
"Teacherjh" <teac...@aol.comspam.not> wrote in message
news:20030429021709...@mb-m11.aol.com...
Dennis O'Connor
cost is not the deciding factor, I always consider the bang for the buck of
any purchase... When I purchased new headsets with ANR I took a long look
at all the products... I waited to fly down to Sun-N-Fun and tried all the
brands that were on display, including going to the Bose trailer and going
through their demo...For me, given the cost of the Bose, the bang is not
there so I bought the Lightspeed 20XL - again the bang wasn't there for the
25XL, for me... Total cost was not the factor, I can afford any headset I
want...
Of course, I don't drive a Lexus or a Mercedes either, and I'm not making
$5,000 a month payments on a new Baron because the bang for the buck is just
not there...
Denny
"D.A. Hood" <nitwit...@earsahurtin.com> wrote in message
news:fguravog4v7k2e1b2...@4ax.com...
papenfus...@juneaudotmedotvt.edu
: Well, you can argue this till you are blue in the face... For myself, total
: cost is not the deciding factor, I always consider the bang for the buck of
: any purchase... When I purchased new headsets with ANR I took a long look
: at all the products... I waited to fly down to Sun-N-Fun and tried all the
: brands that were on display, including going to the Bose trailer and going
: through their demo...For me, given the cost of the Bose, the bang is not
: there so I bought the Lightspeed 20XL - again the bang wasn't there for the
: 25XL, for me... Total cost was not the factor, I can afford any headset I
: want...
: Of course, I don't drive a Lexus or a Mercedes either, and I'm not making
: $5,000 a month payments on a new Baron because the bang for the buck is just
: not there...
As with everything else, my motto stands: Best bang for the buck
is the cutting edge of *yesterday's* technology.
Dennis O'Connor
regularly... No wire is going to take that for long... Use Velcro to
support the battery box and the headset will last...
On Fat Albert the plugs are low down on the pedestal and the battery boxes
lay on the carpet between the seats... Have not had a failure in 4.5 years,
and counting...
Denny
"Jay Honeck" <jjhonec...@mchsi.com> wrote in message
news:Nggra.119128$Si4.1...@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net...
Jay Honeck
Having
> one fix in 5 years is not a design flaw. Jay and a others in this thread
> have had some problems, but it appears there is a large portion of the
> contributors to this thread have had no, or very minimal problems.
Just another data point, guys:
The three LightSpeeds in our plane have been back to the factory multiple
times.
The FOURTH headset in the plane is a Flightcom 4DX -- a plain-Jane, passive
headset. It has NEVER failed. Not the cord, not the earpieces, not the
padding, not the microphone. It just keeps working.
Now unless we are to assume that the Flightcom is somehow treated
differently, we must presume that there is a difference between the two
makes.
Jay Honeck
> regularly... No wire is going to take that for long... Use Velcro to
> support the battery box and the headset will last...
As previously stated, we have solved the cord problem by attaching the
battery box to the wall of the plane. We've tried multiple "fixes" -- paper
clips, rubber bands, velcro -- but the best fix it simply stuff it in (or on
top of) the side pocket of the plane. This takes the weight off the cord,
and seems to solve the problem.
Unfortunately this fix takes up an awful lot of very limited pocket space in
the plane, but it sure beats sending the things back every 10 months for
cord replacement. (Actually, they've now taken to just sending the cord
out, with printed instructions on how to replace them. It only requires a
phillips screw driver and about 2 minutes...)
I still don't understand why Lightspeed designed the damned things so that
the battery box HAS to dangle from the cord (in most GA intercom
installations). It's such an obvious design flaw...
Chris W
> I wish I could say that Bose service was great, but 'unfortunately' I'm
> probably never going to know - they just never seem break down :(
>
> I do recall the story of one chap here though who sent in a set of
> out-of-warranty Bose for upgrade - apparantly they replaced the cushions -
> replaced the headband - sent them back overnight - all no charge.
I'm not sure where that came from. I never said or even implied that Bose
service was good, bad or otherwise. I was just saying that their price isn't
justified. I have found that in most industries the highest priced brand is
rarely worth what they charge; in many instances they are not even the best
product. Now there's an implication for you ;) ;)
--
Chris W
Dennis O'Connor
cords from the battery box to the plug ends... Know any ham radio operators
who actually build some of their electronics?
An alternative, would be to make an intermediate plug box that is fastened
to 'where ever' in the cockpit that allows the battery box to lay on the
floor, et. al. and a jumper cord up to the existing jacks...
Or you could relocate the jacks lower down..
Or, you could just spring for 4 brand new Bose X...
Denny
"Jay Honeck" <jjho...@NOSPAMmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:Qrvra.665569$3D1.367669@sccrnsc01...
Ron Natalie
"Dennis O'Connor" <doco...@chartermi.net> wrote in message news:vatpkis...@corp.supernews.com...
> An alternative, would be to make an intermediate plug box that is fastened
> to 'where ever' in the cockpit that allows the battery box to lay on the
> floor, et. al. and a jumper cord up to the existing jacks...
No homebrewing required. All you need to do is buy extension cables to drop
the box down to the floor if it bothers you. Standard issue thing.
We've left ours dangling for several years and we've yet to have a problem.
Les Gawlik
20XL's for about two years, and I've not had much trouble with them. They
stay plugged into the intercom, and get cold when it's cold, etc. They get
stepped on and generally kicked around. I recently noticed that one of the
ear yokes had a crack in it. They sent a replacement set of yokes very
quickly. (Unfortunately, I think I lost the replacement pieces.) Other
than that, they have performed flawlessly.
Les
"Jay Honeck" <jjho...@NOSPAMmchsi.com> wrote in message
news:f6mra.659915$3D1.365263@sccrnsc01...
Kiwi Jet Jock
not any of yours).
I don't have a problem with the cost of the Bose - I was quite happy to pay
it. My rationale is considering that we fly because we enjoy it, we really
want to make the experiance as pleasant as possible - and like it or not,
the Bose is the best that money can buy at any price. They're not cheap, but
the cost pales into insignificance compared to the cost of hiring aircraft -
and they also contribute greatly to the enjoyment of the flight.
Out of interest I switched to the Bose from a top of the line DC with ANR
(also not exactly in a totally different price bracket) - and I won't be
changing back (I may however be buying 3 more Bose sets for passengers).
The Bose (to the best of my knowledge) is STILL the ONLY headset designed
from the ground-up as an ANR headset - all the others are still basically
traditional designs with ANR added as an afterthought - and it shows.
Gentlemen, start your (flame)engines!
"Chris W" <chr...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:3EAE9F06...@cox.net...
Mike Long
complain about except for the price. And, with a lifetime guarantee, I
suppose the price doesn't matter. Still, I use a Flight Com ANR
Classic and a Lightspeed 20 3G (the latter is in for repair - isn't
that the topic of this original post <g>). After people I am with try
the ANR Classics, those usually end up being the ones they choose.
But, for myself, I wanted something lighter.
The Lightspeed's are far more comfortable but sending them in for an
immediate repair is annoying. I'm hopeful, when they return via slow
UPS ground, they are improved.
It is way to early to report because I've only had them 30 days. But,
so far, I am not impressed with performance or customer service.
Mike
"Dennis O'Connor" <doco...@chartermi.net> wrote in message For me, given the cost of the Bose, the bang is not
D.A. Hood
repairs! They'll probably send them back to you FedEx or Priority
Mail. Even though I chose to get out of them, the performance and
customer service was good. If you only had them 30 days, your dealer
should have just exchanged them for you.
jacjohn
Is there anything special about the cables, or are they just standard issue
plain audio extension cables?
John Y.
PP-ASEL
Thomas Borchert
> Or, you could just spring for 4 brand new Bose X...
>
You know, I just tried the Bose at a trade show for the first time -
and I can't describe just how disappointed I was. I fully expected a
world of a difference between the Lightspeed Thirty 3G, which I tried
minutes before, and the Bose. None! If anything, the Bose created more
of a high frequency hiss. Also, the light weight didn't do anything for
me. Definitely nowhere near worth the mega- or rather kilobucks for me.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> XC or XC2 are?
>
From your description, you should like them. Excellent passive, and a
little active on top, to take the edge out of the low frequ prop noise.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> they just never seem break down
>
Well, I guess even Jay would watch the cords of his 1000+ dollar
investment better than he does with his 400 $ investment. That might
point to one reason...
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> I would probably be even more annoyed at the
> problems Jay Honeck has had than he seems to be.
>
Don't forget that many problems reported here are with the first
generation "K" products. Lightspeed is now at generation 3 - and they
have changed important details in reaction to customer problems.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> The Bose (to the best of my knowledge) is STILL the ONLY headset designed
> from the ground-up as an ANR headset - all the others are still basically
> traditional designs with ANR added as an afterthought - and it shows.
>
simply not true. Most modern ANR headsets were designed that way, e.g. the
Lightspeed and the Flightcom. But if you came from DC, I can fully
understand your enthusiasm.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> Bose may have fewer failures, but I don't have that kind of money to spend
> on a headset.
>
That's because people care for that investment better than for an average
price headset, IMHO.
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
Thomas Borchert
> It has NEVER failed.
>
Of course it has. It fails miserably in its basic function as a headset
- 100 percent of the time. <gd&r>
--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
D.A. Hood
plug. The Pilot company offers these. Check with Marv Golden or
AS&S.
On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 21:54:35 -0700, "jacjohn" <jac...@whidbey.net>
wrote:
Jay Honeck
> >
>
> Of course it has. It fails miserably in its basic function as a headset
> - 100 percent of the time. <gd&r>
Well, by comparison to the Lightspeed, you are correct.
When they work, that is...
Chris W
> Wasn't aimed at you or anyone else Chris (I replied to the original post,
> not any of yours).
Opps, I guess I should learn to follow the lines in my news reader better :)
> The Bose (to the best of my knowledge) is STILL the ONLY headset designed
> from the ground-up as an ANR headset - all the others are still basically
> traditional designs with ANR added as an afterthought - and it shows.
I can't find where I read it now so I'm not sure on which models it applies to,
but I know at least the latest Lightspeed were designed from the ground up as
ANR and I think the previous line from Lightspeed were also designed that way,
maybe others as well. From what I have read about how ANR works, the only way
to make an effective ANR design would be to design it from the ground up.
However, I'm sure that non ANR headsets exist that just by coincidence will work
well with ANR.
--
Chris Woodhouse
3147 SW 127th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
405-691-5206
chr...@programmer.net
N35° 20.492'
W97° 34.342'
Mike Long
weren't, then I'd just send them back to the dealer for a refund and
order something else. Based on our conversations, I'm sure I could
have requested a 25XL, paid the difference and exchanged the 20 3G's.
So, they are not dishonest people in my estimation. I'm also sure I
can still do that if disappointed when they come back. But, I prefer
the narrower ear pieces and hope these are better.
Reference the return of the headsets, they came UPS ground from the
west coast to FL. Only dogs are slower :) Personally, I think they
should have sent them faster if they found a problem with the
headsets. OTOH, warranties are expensive by the mfg's and there are
rules - better to live with the rules than to have no warranty at all,
right?
Mike
D.A. Hood <nitwit...@earsahurtin.com> wrote in message news:<9hcuav8p641mlao46...@4ax.com>...
Kent A Vander Velden
>The Solos have been great performing headsets and I can now say the service
>from Lightspeed matches the headset performance. My hat's off to them.
I have called Lightspeed a couple of times when I was having problems
with my 20XL's. They were quite helpful and knew their stuff, but
could not solve the problem. Basically, some headsets fit and some do
not, and the Lightspeeds just did not work for me. The headset would
keep moving off my head at the worse possible time. Thankfully, the headset
works fine for my wife, so the headset was not a waste. I wish that
Lightspeed would offer a gel-filled headset with a greater amount of
tension in the headspring.
--
Kent Vander Velden
ke...@iastate.edu
D.A. Hood
worked out fine. The mic boom fit well as did the ear pieces.
Possibly I was wearing them incorrectly due to the many years od DC's!
On 2 May 2003 21:29:01 GMT, gra...@iastate.edu (Kent A Vander Velden)
wrote:
planep...@gmail.com
planep...@gmail.com 3-20-2015
Vaughn
> They do not service 20XL units any longer, due to their age.
I have always had good service from Lightspeed. I hope it's not true
that they are abandoning me.
Given the little flying I do these days, if they think that will
convince me to send them 1 AMU for a new unit, they are sadly mistaken.