On Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:05:42 +1030, Stephen Ahrens
wrote:

Hi All,
I have been lurking here for some time now and enjoy some of the very
interesting threads that take place.
Jay always seems to come up with something interesting.
Now I have a question and I hope some of you experienced people don't mind
wading in.
I own a Piper ArcherII PA28-181.
In all the years I have flown this aircraft I haven't used a headset, mainly
because when I have tried it I find it strange not hearing the same engine
sound I have always been used to.
Due to some peer pressure, and mates that fly with me making the suggestion
an intercom would be great, I have now started to think about it.
Not having had any real experience with intercoms, I am wondering what your
thoughts are on the Telex PC4 unit. I have seen one advertised second hand
and because I'm not sure if I will like the thing, I'm thinking a low budget
might be a good idea.
Any thoughts, experiences would be appreciated.


If you want to retain your hearing for your retirement years, get a
headset immediately! It is well proven that lengthy exposure to high
volume noise (ie GA aircraft cabin) is damaging to hearing.

Choosing a headset is largely personal preference. I have Lightspeed
30-3Gs and 20XLs in my plane and like them a lot. I also flew many
years with non-ANR David Clark 13.4s.

You will still be able to hear the engine, even with a noise
cancelling headset. With my ANR set, I think I can hear the engine
better as the overall noise level is reduced.

No experience with the Telex PC4, but I have had several portable
intercoms in my plane, which worked fine (other than the cords). I
now have a PS Engineering 7000, which is a great intercom/audio
panel/marker beacon receiver. You can't go wrong with that unit.