Lightspeed Excellent Service

[S Ramirez]

I don't want this to sound like an advertisement for Lightspeed Aviation,
but I have to hail any company that has outstanding service.

My wife has a pair of 25XL headsets whose "stirrup" broke recently. We also
have some 20XL headsets that are used for passengers. They had a screw
missing along with some ear seals that had the outer skin cracking. I
called up the Lightspeed service department, fully intending on trading up
to a new pair of headsets to "fix the problem." I think the guy's name was
John, but he proactively told me that I could fix all of my problems with
some replacement hardware and written instructions. I decided to try this
instead.

Two days later a Priority Mail package arrived with the replacement hardware
and well written instructions on how to do it all. I now have two
Lightspeed functional headsets that look as good as the day they arrived. I
am very happy with the excellent service that Lightspeed provided. I wish
other companies would implement this business model as a way of ensuring a
loyal customer base. Shortsighted companies do not last.

My next pair of headsets is a Thirty 3G.

Simon Ramirez, Aerocanard Builder and Pilot
Oviedo, FL USA

[Bonanza Man]

i second that.

had a unit that wasn't working too well. they fixed it,
tightened the mike-boom and covered with whatchamacalit
and returned it within a week.

now if only they can do something about the rabbit-ears.

[SFM]

I agree Lightspeed has great service. But too bad that a great majority of
us have to utilize it. I wish they would make their equipment more reliable
instead. I recently traded out my 203Gs for DCs because I feel the risk of
my headset failing in IMC is too great. I have had 3 LS headsets and all but
one of them has needed service within 12months of purchase.

--
------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott F. Migaldi, K9PO
MI-150972
PP-ASEL-IA

Are you a PADI Instructor or DM? Then join the PADI
Instructor Yahoo Group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PADI-Instructors/join
-----------------------------------
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www.hamwave.com


**"A long time ago being crazy meant something, nowadays everyone is
crazy" -- Charles Manson**
-------------------------------------
"S Ramirez" > wrote in
message . com...
> I don't want this to sound like an advertisement for Lightspeed Aviation,
> but I have to hail any company that has outstanding service.
>
> My wife has a pair of 25XL headsets whose "stirrup" broke recently. We
also
> have some 20XL headsets that are used for passengers. They had a screw
> missing along with some ear seals that had the outer skin cracking. I
> called up the Lightspeed service department, fully intending on trading up
> to a new pair of headsets to "fix the problem." I think the guy's name
was
> John, but he proactively told me that I could fix all of my problems with
> some replacement hardware and written instructions. I decided to try this
> instead.
>
> Two days later a Priority Mail package arrived with the replacement
hardware
> and well written instructions on how to do it all. I now have two
> Lightspeed functional headsets that look as good as the day they arrived.
I
> am very happy with the excellent service that Lightspeed provided. I wish
> other companies would implement this business model as a way of ensuring a
> loyal customer base. Shortsighted companies do not last.
>
> My next pair of headsets is a Thirty 3G.
>
> Simon Ramirez, Aerocanard Builder and Pilot
> Oviedo, FL USA
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

> I agree Lightspeed has great service. But too bad that a great majority of
> us have to utilize it. I wish they would make their equipment more
reliable
> instead.

They HAVE responded, and made their products more robust. My Twenty 3Gs are
MUCH more durable than either my 25XLs or my 15s.

Sadly, my 15s have broken again -- for the *fourth* time. This time the
earpieces have degraded (the covering over the foam is torn and
disintegrating, the stirrups holding the ear-cups to the head band have BOTH
snapped, and the head cushion retaining piece has broken.

In their defense, LightSpeed is once again sending me ALL the replacement
parts, free of charge. Amazing.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[EDR]

In article >, SFM > wrote:

> I agree Lightspeed has great service. But too bad that a great majority of
> us have to utilize it. I wish they would make their equipment more reliable
> instead. I recently traded out my 203Gs for DCs because I feel the risk of
> my headset failing in IMC is too great. I have had 3 LS headsets and all but
> one of them has needed service within 12months of purchase.

Better still, what does this tell you about the price of their products
that they can afford to perform so much free service?

[Cub Driver]

>I agree Lightspeed has great service. But too bad that a great majority of
>us have to utilize it.

Absolutely. How long since you've seen a thread on Davey Clark repair
services?

all the best -- Dan Ford
email:

see the Warbird's Forum at www.warbirdforum.com
and the Piper Cub Forum at www.pipercubforum.com

[Jay Honeck]

> Absolutely. How long since you've seen a thread on Davey Clark repair
> services?

Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my head.

:-(
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[EDR]

In article <BsmKb.753360$Tr4.2093452@attbi_s03>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> > Absolutely. How long since you've seen a thread on Davey Clark repair
> > services?
>
> Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my head.

That's because you haven't worn them for twenty years or more like some
of us have.

[Peter Duniho]

"EDR" > wrote in message
...
> Better still, what does this tell you about the price of their products
> that they can afford to perform so much free service?

What is that supposed to mean? Even if Lightspeed is losing money on the
free service, as a business in a competitive market they cannot afford NOT
to provide that kind of service.

The free service tells me nothing about the price of their products. What
does it tell you?

Pete

[Teacherjh]

>>
The free service tells me nothing about the price of their products. What
does it tell you?
<<

They are still in business. Therefore they can afford the "free" service.
Therefore the cost of this "free" service is built into the price of the
headsets.

That makes them more expensive than they otherwise would be.

More expensive than if they simply made them right to begin with? Dunno.
That's their call.

My call is David Clark.

Jose

--
(for Email, make the obvious changes in my address)

[Peter Duniho]

"Teacherjh" > wrote in message
...
> They are still in business. Therefore they can afford the "free" service.
> Therefore the cost of this "free" service is built into the price of the
> headsets.

As I already pointed out, you have no idea whether they are losing money on
the free service or not (and thus, whether "the cost of this 'free' service
is built into the price of the headsets"). Just because they are still in
business today, that doesn't mean they will be in business tomorrow.

But the alternative (not providing the service) would likely ensure they
would not be in business "tomorrow".

> My call is David Clark.

Suit yourself. I fly with neither Lightspeed, nor DC. There are several
good headset manufacturers to choose from. I find the "Dave Clamp" moniker
well-earned by the David Clark models, but lots of people do love their
headsets, no doubt about it.

Pete

[Newps]

Teacherjh wrote:

>
> That makes them more expensive than they otherwise would be.
>
> More expensive than if they simply made them right to begin with? Dunno.
> That's their call.
>
> My call is David Clark.

I have the Lightspeed Cross Country ANR. Before these I had the
original 20K and 25XL. I never had any problems with them other than
they are way too bulky. There's just no reason to have all that on your
head. My very first headset was the DC 13.4. After buying the
Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
more comfortable.

[Jay Honeck]

> > Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my
head.
>
> That's because you haven't worn them for twenty years or more like some
> of us have.

What, your head gets numb after 20 years?

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[EDR]

In article <lJqKb.745876$HS4.5816550@attbi_s01>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> > > Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my
> head.
> >
> > That's because you haven't worn them for twenty years or more like some
> > of us have.
>
> What, your head gets numb after 20 years?

That and skinnier. Or is that just male pattern baldness?

[Dave Stadt]

"Newps" > wrote in message
news:laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01...
>
>
> Teacherjh wrote:
>
> >
> > That makes them more expensive than they otherwise would be.
> >
> > More expensive than if they simply made them right to begin with?
Dunno.
> > That's their call.
> >
> > My call is David Clark.
>
> I have the Lightspeed Cross Country ANR. Before these I had the
> original 20K and 25XL. I never had any problems with them other than
> they are way too bulky. There's just no reason to have all that on your
> head. My very first headset was the DC 13.4. After buying the
> Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
> my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
> more comfortable.

The first time I picked up a set of Lightspeeds they literally fell apart.
Simply not acceptable in my airplane. I have picked up DCs thousands of
times and have never had a problem. Come back in 20 years and we will
compare. OBTW if DCs are properly adjusted they are no more or less
comfortable than any other headset.

[Newps]

Dave Stadt wrote:

> The first time I picked up a set of Lightspeeds they literally fell apart.
> Simply not acceptable in my airplane. I have picked up DCs thousands of
> times and have never had a problem. Come back in 20 years and we will
> compare. OBTW if DCs are properly adjusted they are no more or less
> comfortable than any other headset.

That obviously will vary from person to person but DC's are known as
head clamps for very good reason. They are designed that way. They
have to clamp your head to passively keep the noise out. For the vast
majority of people this fact isn't even debatable, it's a given. Some
people it just doesn't bother.

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:81jKb.742859$HS4.5704392@attbi_s01...
> Sadly, my 15s have broken again -- for the *fourth* time. This time the
> earpieces have degraded (the covering over the foam is torn and
> disintegrating, the stirrups holding the ear-cups to the head band have
BOTH
> snapped, and the head cushion retaining piece has broken.

Jay...you gotta' stop using that "greasy kid's stuff".

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:BsmKb.753360$Tr4.2093452@attbi_s03...
> > Absolutely. How long since you've seen a thread on Davey Clark repair
> > services?
>
> Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my
head.
>
> :-(
Yup...STRONG...like a divers helmet.

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:lJqKb.745876$HS4.5816550@attbi_s01...
> > > Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my
> head.
> >
> > That's because you haven't worn them for twenty years or more like some
> > of us have.
>
> What, your head gets numb after 20 years?

He must have neck muscles like Arnold
Schwarner...Schwarennggar...Schwatznotpler...the Governor.

[Thomas Borchert]

Edr,

> Better still, what does this tell you about the price of their products
> that they can afford to perform so much free service?
>

Wrong thinking! Their prices are at the very low end. And they offer this
kind of service. What does THAT tell you about the prices of DC and Bose?
Get it?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Teacherjh,

> My call is David Clark.
>

So how do with THOSE totally overblown prices?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Dennis O'Connor]

I don't understand... I have 20XL's in Fat Albert these past five years...
They freeze solid in the winter, they lay on the glareshield and cook like
hot dogs in the summer, they get stepped on by uncoordinated passengers who
then put them on and twist the mic boom into a pretzel, the dog knocks them
off the glare shield every time he gets in bouncing them off the yoke, the
cords get pinched in the hinges of the seat backs; they take a likkin and
keep on tikkin... Dunno what other folks do to them...
Denny
"Tom Sixkiller" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:81jKb.742859$HS4.5704392@attbi_s01...
> > Sadly, my 15s have broken again -- for the *fourth* time. This time the
> > earpieces have degraded (the covering over the foam is torn and
> > disintegrating, the stirrups holding the ear-cups to the head band have
> BOTH
> > snapped, and the head cushion retaining piece has broken.
>
> Jay...you gotta' stop using that "greasy kid's stuff".
>
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

> I don't understand... I have 20XL's in Fat Albert these past five years...

Me neither. Although I think the "stirrups" broke from being splayed out
one too many times . We stow the backseat sets by putting them on the seat
headrests, and I'll bet my kids simply splayed them out too far one too many
times. The cold may have had something to do with it, too, although these
are our oldest pair, going back to '99, and that part never broke before.

On the other hand, the guy at LightSpeed said he was sending me the "new and
improved stirrups" -- so it sounds like I'm not the only one with the
problem? (And I think I've read about others with this problem here, but I
could be wrong.)

The earpiece material degradation is a known problem also -- the new
cushions are a completely new design. Ditto with the head cushion piece.

As I said before, our newest pair (the Twenty 3Gs) seem to be MUCH more
robust than these old ones that keep breaking. We've only had them since
OSH '03, however, so I'm going to wait at least 12 months before crowing to
high heaven about how great they are...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Newps]

Thomas Borchert wrote:

> Teacherjh,
>
>
>>My call is David Clark.
>>
>
>
> So how do with THOSE totally overblown prices?

No ****. A pair of DC's should go for $199, max.

[Thomas Borchert]

Newps,

> No ****. A pair of DC's should go for $199, max.
>

and that's for the ANR version <gd&r>

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[John Galban]

Newps > wrote in message news:<laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01>...
<snip>
> After buying the
> Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
> my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
> more comfortable.

I'll give you my perspective. Many of my flying friends own
Lightspeeds. I've used them and found all of them to be more
comfortable than my DC ANRs. Almost all of these folks have also had
problems of some sort with their Lightspeeds. In my book, the DCs
are not uncomfortable, just less comfortable than the Lightspeeds.
I'll take reliability over a small measure of comfort every time.

Note : as you pointed out, not everyone has problems with
Lightspeeds, but if my personal experience (and that of many posters
here) is any measure, there is a difference in reliability between the
Lightspeeds and the DCs.

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[SFM]

"Newps" > wrote in message
news:laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01...
After buying the
> Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
> my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
> more comfortable.

You also forgot to add "and much less reliable"

[Blanche]

Jay:

I just got a pair of the twenty3G and most of the time really love
them. Unfortunately, I now hear things I didn't before (I've been
using 15Ks) which makes me a bit unsettled -- the A&P and I are going
to do research on my engine...

One issue -- a popping sound as I'm taxiing and during takeoff. Don't
hear it again, but every flight so far, popping.

There's also a whine once in a while which I think is the final approach
of the ILS but it's been happening in other locations.

Once it warms up around here, I'll go do more study.

[Peter R.]

Blanche ) wrote:

> One issue -- a popping sound as I'm taxiing and during takeoff. Don't
> hear it again, but every flight so far, popping.

Are you sure that this popping is not the headsets? I have been using ANR
headsets for two years now, having started with Lightspeed 25XLs, then to
the 33Gs, and currently to Bose Xs.

Both the Lightspeed and Bose ANR headsets would occasionally pop, most
times during taxi and takeoff. It seemed to me that the popping was the
ANR circuitry's response to increased engine noise, either just after
startup or on takeoff.

I have to admit that the popping was much more common in the Lightspeed
models than the Bose, though.

--
Peter












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[Jay Honeck]

I've not heard this popping sound, Blanche. I hope it's not your engine!

However, this does illustrate an issue I've always found funny, which is:
People who say they "Don't want ANR headsets because they want to really
*hear* the engine..."

What a load of malarkey, eh? You can hear the engine -- and anything else
going on in the plane -- 10,000 times better using ANR headsets, than
without them.

Heck, I've got a rattle that drives me NUTS at 23 squared. It's the
co-pilot's ashtray cover vibrating.

Try to hear THAT without ANR!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"
"Blanche" > wrote in message
...
> Jay:
>
> I just got a pair of the twenty3G and most of the time really love
> them. Unfortunately, I now hear things I didn't before (I've been
> using 15Ks) which makes me a bit unsettled -- the A&P and I are going
> to do research on my engine...
>
> One issue -- a popping sound as I'm taxiing and during takeoff. Don't
> hear it again, but every flight so far, popping.
>
> There's also a whine once in a while which I think is the final approach
> of the ILS but it's been happening in other locations.
>
> Once it warms up around here, I'll go do more study.
>
>

[Ron Natalie]

> > One issue -- a popping sound as I'm taxiing and during takeoff. Don't
> > hear it again, but every flight so far, popping.
> >
> > There's also a whine once in a while which I think is the final approach
> > of the ILS but it's been happening in other locations.

The only popping noise I hear is when I've got the canopy open, the wind
from the propblast tends to push the headphones off their seal a little bit
which causes a sort of a bleet from the ANR circuitry.

As for the whine, any chance your alternator/battery is a little weak at
low RPM's. With everything on in our plane, the we picked up of a
whine at extremely low power settings (it's in the intercom actually,
not the heasets themselves).

[Bob Noel]

In article <_q%Kb.776936$Fm2.753550@attbi_s04>, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

> I've not heard this popping sound, Blanche. I hope it's not your engine!
>
> However, this does illustrate an issue I've always found funny, which is:
> People who say they "Don't want ANR headsets because they want to really
> *hear* the engine..."
>
> What a load of malarkey, eh? You can hear the engine -- and anything else
> going on in the plane -- 10,000 times better using ANR headsets, than
> without them.

trust me, an open dooron a cherokee isn't easier to hear with
an ANR headset. First clue I had was a cooollllldddd breeze.

--
Bob Noel

[John Galban]

Bob Noel > wrote in message >...
>
> trust me, an open dooron a cherokee isn't easier to hear with
> an ANR headset. First clue I had was a cooollllldddd breeze.

I had the opposite problem. While climbing to cruising altitude,
one of my exhaust tubes broke at the flange on the cylinder. I
noticed that the engine sound had increased substantially, but
initially figured that the battery on my ANR headset had died. It
took a few moments for me to realize that I wasn't wearing my ANR
headset that morning.

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[Ron Natalie]

"John Galban" > wrote in message m...
> Bob Noel > wrote in message >...
> >
> > trust me, an open dooron a cherokee isn't easier to hear with
> > an ANR headset. First clue I had was a cooollllldddd breeze.
>
> I had the opposite problem. While climbing to cruising altitude,
> one of my exhaust tubes broke at the flange on the cylinder.

I had an exhaust pipe break. I could hear a clanking. I took off the
headsets so I could hear it better, and then I couldn't hear it over the
rest of the engine noise. Putting them back on I could hear the clank
again.

[Newps]

SFM wrote:
> "Newps" > wrote in message
> news:laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01...
> After buying the
>
>>Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
>>my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
>>more comfortable.
>
>
> You also forgot to add "and much less reliable"

No, I didn't.

[SFM]

"Newps" > wrote in message
news:RSjLb.920$nt4.612@attbi_s51...
>
>
> SFM wrote:
> > "Newps" > wrote in message
> > news:laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01...
> > After buying the
> >
> >>Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
> >>my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
> >>more comfortable.
> >
> >
> > You also forgot to add "and much less reliable"
>
> No, I didn't.
>

Then how do you explain the constant 'lightspeed service' thread but not a
'my DC's broke thread'?

[Newps]

SFM wrote:

> "Newps" > wrote in message
> news:RSjLb.920$nt4.612@attbi_s51...
>
>>
>>SFM wrote:
>>
>>>"Newps" > wrote in message
>>>news:laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01...
>>> After buying the
>>>
>>>
>>>>Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people. Plus
>>>>my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are much
>>>>more comfortable.
>>>
>>>
>>>You also forgot to add "and much less reliable"
>>
>>No, I didn't.
>>
>
>
> Then how do you explain the constant 'lightspeed service' thread but not a
> 'my DC's broke thread'?

Perhaps because DC isn't selling headsets anymore. Lightspeed can't
seem to make 'em fast enough. They come out with new products on a
regular basis. DC's last new product was taking the 13.4 and putting
the ANR technology in it. Great, just what we need, a quiet vise.

[Dave Stadt]

"Newps" > wrote in message
news:2eDLb.6855$Rc4.27241@attbi_s54...
>
>
> SFM wrote:
>
> > "Newps" > wrote in message
> > news:RSjLb.920$nt4.612@attbi_s51...
> >
> >>
> >>SFM wrote:
> >>
> >>>"Newps" > wrote in message
> >>>news:laqKb.745705$HS4.5806601@attbi_s01...
> >>> After buying the
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>Lightspeeds I really can't see how DC foists that crap on people.
Plus
> >>>>my current Lightspeeds cost less than the DC's, weigh less and are
much
> >>>>more comfortable.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>You also forgot to add "and much less reliable"
> >>
> >>No, I didn't.
> >>
> >
> >
> > Then how do you explain the constant 'lightspeed service' thread but not
a
> > 'my DC's broke thread'?
>
> Perhaps because DC isn't selling headsets anymore. Lightspeed can't
> seem to make 'em fast enough. They come out with new products on a
> regular basis. DC's last new product was taking the 13.4 and putting
> the ANR technology in it. Great, just what we need, a quiet vise.

I suspect DC outsells Lightspeed by a wide margin and they don't need to
produce a new product every 6 months as does Lightspeed and Bose because
they got it right the first time. If you have an outstanding passive
headset why not add ANR. Makes sense to me. DC's service is as good if not
better then Lightspeed but you don't hear much about it because if is so
seldom needed despite the huge number of DC's in use every day.

[EDR]

In article <2eDLb.6855$Rc4.27241@attbi_s54>, Newps
> wrote:

> Perhaps because DC isn't selling headsets anymore. Lightspeed can't
> seem to make 'em fast enough. They come out with new products on a
> regular basis. DC's last new product was taking the 13.4 and putting
> the ANR technology in it.

Giggle, giggle!!!
Let's see... Lightspeed sells you a product for $500.
Within the first year, you have to call them three or four times and
install "free" replacement parts.
Then, they come out with a "new" model.
During your second year of ownership, you again call them for
replacement parts. This time, they tell you, "For just $300 more, you
can obtain our new headset for the upgrade price.
This pattern repeats itself.
It's the MicroSoft money machine business model!
If you choose the upgrade path only once, they already have you for the
price of three DC headsets.

[Thomas Borchert]

Dave,

> I suspect DC outsells Lightspeed by a wide margin

Well, LS claims to be the best selling aviation headset. If that weren't
true, I guess DC would have sued.


> produce a new product every 6 months as does Lightspeed and Bose because
> they got it right the first time.

Obviously, opinions on that differ. The number of people actually liking
their DC is not that high, even here.

> If you have an outstanding passive
> headset

Excuse me while I laugh my a** off - and take an aspirin.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Edr,

> Within the first year, you have to call them three or four times and
> install "free" replacement parts.
>

Well, that's the experience of some few people which are vocal here (to
be expected). Do you think LS would still be in business if the
majority of their customers had complaints?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Jay Honeck]

> Then, they come out with a "new" model.
> During your second year of ownership, you again call them for
> replacement parts. This time, they tell you, "For just $300 more, you
> can obtain our new headset for the upgrade price.
> This pattern repeats itself.

Actually, LightSpeed continues to support my 15s, purchased at OSH '99, free
of charge.

True, they keep breaking. But every time they break, they send me new parts
that are a bit more robust. Sooner or later, they'll get it right, and I'll
have replaced every part in the headset!

(And I think they already have gotten it "right" with their new stuff....
Five months, and no signs of wear or breakage on our Twenty 3Gs)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Kevin Black]

Jay,

This may be old news, I have the 25XL after three separate problems with
20XLs - complete loss of ANR, no ANR in left ear, battery discharge to zero
in 5 days even with no use. Lightspeed service excellent.

25XLs robust? don't know - haven't been flying much lately so time will
tell.

OTOH had the DC H20-10s passive - loved them, but couldn't afford the DC ANR
version and DC Had no trade-up option. My only alternative was to do the
do-it-yourself Headsets Inc upgrade, but this was same cost as selling the
DC20-10s and buying the 20XLs AND voiding the DC warranty and service etc.

I found the DC20-10s robust and comfortable even after a few hours, so that
wouldn't be an issue for me - Cannot comment on the standard David Clamps -
haven't used them.

In a nutshell - Lightspeed very comfortable, but not sure of robustness -
DC - pick the right model and you might find they are also comfortable (and
aslo built like the proverbia Brick sh#$%^t house). Regardless, wouldn't go
back to passive unless no other alternative.

Cheers,
Kevin

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:BsmKb.753360$Tr4.2093452@attbi_s03...
> > Absolutely. How long since you've seen a thread on Davey Clark repair
> > services?
>
> Trouble is, they're made so strong that they weigh a ton, and hurt my
head.
>
> :-(
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[EDR]

In article <RCTLb.15331$I06.95145@attbi_s01>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> True, they keep breaking. But every time they break, they send me new parts
> that are a bit more robust. Sooner or later, they'll get it right, and I'll
> have replaced every part in the headset!

Is this one of those, "It's my granddaddy's axe. My pa replace the
blade, and I replaced the handle" situations?

Replace enough parts and what you have left is a new headset.

[Jay Honeck]

> Is this one of those, "It's my granddaddy's axe. My pa replace the
> blade, and I replaced the handle" situations?
>
> Replace enough parts and what you have left is a new headset.

So long as it's free, that's okay by me. Sooner or later, my 15s will have
all new Twenty 3G parts! :-)

(Although, strangely, the promised new parts haven't arrived. Usually they
arrive within a day or two...)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[SFM]

Jay,

how is the battery cover on your 3G doing? Mine kept falling off, they sent
me a replacement but I had had it with their low quality and replaced the
unit. I am now using a DC and love it. It is more comfortable than the LS to
me.

Scott

--
------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott F. Migaldi, K9PO
MI-150972
PP-ASEL-IA

Are you a PADI Instructor or DM? Then join the PADI
Instructor Yahoo Group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PADI-Instructors/join
-----------------------------------
Catch the wave!
www.hamwave.com


**"A long time ago being crazy meant something, nowadays everyone is
crazy" -- Charles Manson**
-------------------------------------
"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:RCTLb.15331$I06.95145@attbi_s01...
> > Then, they come out with a "new" model.
> > During your second year of ownership, you again call them for
> > replacement parts. This time, they tell you, "For just $300 more, you
> > can obtain our new headset for the upgrade price.
> > This pattern repeats itself.
>
> Actually, LightSpeed continues to support my 15s, purchased at OSH '99,
free
> of charge.
>
> True, they keep breaking. But every time they break, they send me new
parts
> that are a bit more robust. Sooner or later, they'll get it right, and
I'll
> have replaced every part in the headset!
>
> (And I think they already have gotten it "right" with their new stuff....
> Five months, and no signs of wear or breakage on our Twenty 3Gs)
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

> how is the battery cover on your 3G doing?

Fine. In fact, it's one of the better things about the Twenty 3G's design,
IMHO. It's a total re-design from the earlier 15s and 25XLs, more
oval-shaped and with bigger, easier to use buttons. And the switchable
bass/treble boost is terrific for listening to music!

I also like the cell-phone interface, and the clip-on wall-mount holder for
the battery box has completely solved the
"broken-wires-inside-caused-by-hanging" problem that plagued their earlier
models.

How did yours "fall off"? Or do you mean the cover on the back of it?
(When you use the wall-mount, there is no way for that to fall off.)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[SFM]

The battery cover off the back kept falling off and I kept hitting the
stereo/mono switch. I did like the cell phone interface a lot!

But I am much happier with my new set, the LS's just sold on ebay. So now I
only have one pair of them left (QFRs) and my wife likes those so we will
keep them until the break again. When that happens (notice I did not say if)
we will replace them with something else.

Scott

--
------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott F. Migaldi, K9PO
MI-150972
PP-ASEL-IA

Are you a PADI Instructor or DM? Then join the PADI
Instructor Yahoo Group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PADI-Instructors/join
-----------------------------------
Catch the wave!
www.hamwave.com


**"A long time ago being crazy meant something, nowadays everyone is
crazy" -- Charles Manson**
-------------------------------------
"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:_NxMb.33375$8H.76208@attbi_s03...
> > how is the battery cover on your 3G doing?
>
> Fine. In fact, it's one of the better things about the Twenty 3G's
design,
> IMHO. It's a total re-design from the earlier 15s and 25XLs, more
> oval-shaped and with bigger, easier to use buttons. And the switchable
> bass/treble boost is terrific for listening to music!
>
> I also like the cell-phone interface, and the clip-on wall-mount holder
for
> the battery box has completely solved the
> "broken-wires-inside-caused-by-hanging" problem that plagued their earlier
> models.
>
> How did yours "fall off"? Or do you mean the cover on the back of it?
> (When you use the wall-mount, there is no way for that to fall off.)
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

> But I am much happier with my new set, the LS's just sold on ebay. So now
I
> only have one pair of them left (QFRs) and my wife likes those so we will
> keep them until the break again. When that happens (notice I did not say
if)
> we will replace them with something else.

I have not been impressed with the QFRs.

Incidentally, the new parts for my broken 15s arrived today. I now have the
new, heavy duty stirrups, the newly re-designed head-band cushion, and the
newly re-designed ear cushions.

Considering that LightSpeed had already upgraded the cord and battery box to
their new design, there really aren't too many original parts left on this
old '99 model 15!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"
"SFM" > wrote in message ...
> The battery cover off the back kept falling off and I kept hitting the
> stereo/mono switch. I did like the cell phone interface a lot!
>
>
> Scott
>
> --
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> Scott F. Migaldi, K9PO
> MI-150972
> PP-ASEL-IA
>
> Are you a PADI Instructor or DM? Then join the PADI
> Instructor Yahoo Group at
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PADI-Instructors/join
> -----------------------------------
> Catch the wave!
> www.hamwave.com
>
>
> **"A long time ago being crazy meant something, nowadays everyone is
> crazy" -- Charles Manson**
> -------------------------------------
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:_NxMb.33375$8H.76208@attbi_s03...
> > > how is the battery cover on your 3G doing?
> >
> > Fine. In fact, it's one of the better things about the Twenty 3G's
> design,
> > IMHO. It's a total re-design from the earlier 15s and 25XLs, more
> > oval-shaped and with bigger, easier to use buttons. And the switchable
> > bass/treble boost is terrific for listening to music!
> >
> > I also like the cell-phone interface, and the clip-on wall-mount holder
> for
> > the battery box has completely solved the
> > "broken-wires-inside-caused-by-hanging" problem that plagued their
earlier
> > models.
> >
> > How did yours "fall off"? Or do you mean the cover on the back of it?
> > (When you use the wall-mount, there is no way for that to fall off.)
> > --
> > Jay Honeck
> > Iowa City, IA
> > Pathfinder N56993
> > www.AlexisParkInn.com
> > "Your Aviation Destination"
> >
> >
>
>

[Ron Lee]

The batteries connectors in my 20 3G are bad. The batteries tend to
rise up making a questionable connection. May have to complain about
it.

Ron Lee

[Jay Honeck]

> The batteries connectors in my 20 3G are bad. The batteries tend to
> rise up making a questionable connection. May have to complain about
> it.

Do you use the little holster thing that mounts it to the wall of the plane?
That thing has solved so many problems for us, and cost Lightspeed, what, a
buck? A good example of a simple, workable solution to a vexing problem.

I'm not sure the batteries *could* come out, with the battery box slid into
the holster...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Snowbird]

"Dave Stadt" > wrote in message m>...

> OBTW if DCs are properly adjusted they are no more or less
> comfortable than any other headset.

Like many sweeping generalizations, either the pilot shops
where I've tried on Dave Clarks and the owners who've lent
them to me, don't know how to adjust them (and I can't figure
it out either) or, this simply isn't true.

People have different head shapes. I can see where DC's
would not be a problem for someone with a fairly narrow
headshape.

They are very uncomfortable to me, and there is a significant
comfort difference between their passive models and other
passive models, and their ANR models vs other ANR headsets.

FWIW,
Sydney

[aaronw]

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 14:02:34 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

>I also like the cell-phone interface, and the clip-on wall-mount holder for
>the battery box has completely solved the
>"broken-wires-inside-caused-by-hanging" problem that plagued their earlier
>models.

Where did you get this clip-on holder? Is this the thing that slides
onto the battery box and then has a spring loaded metal clip on it?
My CFI has one for his, but he's out of town now, and I keep meaning
to ask him where he got it. I looked on lightspeed's webpage, but I
don't see any picture of it. That would be useful, I used to hang
mine over the yoke column, but now I just put it in the knee pocket.
However, the buttons have a tendency to get pushed accidentally when
it's in there, so I'd like to be able to clip it onto the outside of
that...

aw

[Ron Lee]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote:

>Do you use the little holster thing that mounts it to the wall of the plane?
>That thing has solved so many problems for us, and cost Lightspeed, what, a
>buck? A good example of a simple, workable solution to a vexing problem.
>
>I'm not sure the batteries *could* come out, with the battery box slid into
>the holster...
>--

No. The cord hangs free. I am not saying that the batteries come
out totally but when I open the lid teh contact with the terminals
appears marginal.

Ron Lee

>Jay Honeck
>Iowa City, IA
>Pathfinder N56993
>www.AlexisParkInn.com
>"Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

> Where did you get this clip-on holder? Is this the thing that slides
> onto the battery box and then has a spring loaded metal clip on it?

Yep. It came with my Twenty 3Gs.

It won't work with the older, rectangular-shaped battery boxes. With those
units we bent a big paperclip around the box, and hung it from the side wall
of the plane.

Not as nice looking, but it accomplished the same thing.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Thomas Borchert]

Aaronw,

> Where did you get this clip-on holder?
>

It comes with the newer headsets. LS is learning. If you want one, I
suggest to call Lightspeed and ask.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)