Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - headset

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

headset - bad mike test proc needed

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> AeroElectric-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

eedetail

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 20
Location: Idaho

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 1:52 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Folks,

the tower's been telling me that I am barely readable - and I was blaming my radio. However, I've been flying another plane lately, and today my mike quit working. I now think that my radio is not bad, but the headset is.  



Anyone here have a quick and dirty ground test for a mike? 

I'll be trying a different brand in my plane tonite, but kinda want to double check before springing for a new headset.

TimE

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

The mike needs a bias voltage, have you tried a headset adapter cord to a

handheld?

I once had a problem with some headset mikes, and solved the problem by

flicking them with my finger like you'd flick a fly. Apparently having them

sitting unused for a time allowed the carbon granules to kinda stick

together, the little shock from the snap shook them up enough to get it

working again. Worth a try...

Craig Smith



--

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

eedetail

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 20
Location: Idaho

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Havent tried that and I'll have to ask around for an adaptor.

I should mention it was cold -10C outside. But, I was flying an Arrow and it warmed up pretty quickly. I am gonna try a borrowed headset in the zodiac this evening. 

TimE

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 4:38 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Those are exactly the conditions that caused the mike on my "guest' headset

to solidify. It sat in the cold hangar all winter. I was miffed when it

wouldn't work on the first time it was used. After giving it a good snap

they stared working again. I'm guessing a bit of condensation, and cold gets

the carbon stuck together. It's the vibrations of the carbon that generates

the signal.

Craig Smith



--

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

eedetail

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 20
Location: Idaho

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 4:48 pm Post subject: Re: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Craig,

Thanks for the info. This set hadnt sat in the cold all night, but it did sit for a little while. I believe it's an electret type mike, is the other type of mike any better or worse? 

I see your' a future 640 builder - Currently flying a 601HD.

Thanks,

TimE

lhelming(at)sigecom.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Try your headset in another plane that has a perfectly working radio.  I bet 

someone around your area would try that for you.  Larry n Indiana

---

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 6:17 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Not sure what other type your referring to, electret seems to be the most

common type employed in headsets. I remember doing a little research into

the microphone issue to try to figure out why mine weren't working, but it

would take a bit of time to dig it all out. If you have a name for the type

you are thinking of let me know what  and I'll try to help.

Craig Smith

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

Bill Denton

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 97
Location: Chicago, IL USA

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 6:56 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

The repair processes that have been put forward, such as tapping the mic or

slamming it against a brick wall  could lead one to believe that what is

being referred to is an old "carbon" mic.



This type of mic used granules of carbon, which could become stuck together.

Sharply tapping the mic would often free up the granules and restore the

mics performance.



Back in the day, Ma Bell's headsets used carbon mics, and you'd be amazed at

how much of an improvement in voice quality a few taps could give you.



But while I'm no longer really "in" any type of electronics field, it's been

years since I've heard of carbon mics being used for anything...





--

nuckollsr(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:32 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

At 01:52 PM 2/2/2007 -0800, you wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



Folks,

the tower's been telling me that I am barely readable - and I was blaming 

my radio. However, I've been flying another plane lately, and today my 

mike quit working. I now think that my radio is not bad, but the headset is.



Anyone here have a quick and dirty ground test for a mike?

I'll be trying a different brand in my plane tonite, but kinda want to 

double check before springing for a new headset.

TimE


	


   Sure. Plug it into an intercom. You should be able to

   "talk to yourself" . . . wiggle the plugs, flex the

   wires. It MIGHT be that your ship's jacks are suffering

   from old age.



   Get a hand held. Leave the antenna off. Tune ship's radio

   and hand held to some locally unused frequency. Plug mic

   into ship's transceiver, headphones into the hand-held.

   Listen to yourself while wiggling the jacks and wires.



   Bob . . .

nuckollsr(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 9:21 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

At 07:34 PM 2/2/2007 -0500, you wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  

<pilot4profit(at)sbcglobal.net>



Those are exactly the conditions that caused the mike on my "guest' headset

to solidify. It sat in the cold hangar all winter. I was miffed when it

wouldn't work on the first time it was used. After giving it a good snap

they stared working again. I'm guessing a bit of condensation, and cold gets

the carbon stuck together. It's the vibrations of the carbon that generates

the signal.


	


   I don't think anyone has manufactured a new aviation microphone

   using carbon granule technology in 30-40 years. Electret and dynamic

   have been the technologies of choice for many a moon.



   Bob . . .

        ----------------------------------------

        ( IF one aspires to be "world class",  )

        ( what ever you do must be exercised   )

        ( EVERY day . . .                      )

        (                  R. L. Nuckolls III  )

        ----------------------------------------

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:39 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Gosh Bob, I'm not trying to mislead anyone. The headset I have that gave me

the trouble is branded flightline. They are low price economy stereo

headsets purchased new 3 yrs ago. When the mike crapped out, I tried to find

out how it worked. Can't remember exactly where the info came from but

that's what I was told. The mike capsule is a cylinder roughly 1/4" dia.

metal sidewall, 2 leads on back side circuit board, looks black from front.

Tried googling flightline, and try to find manufacturers website not found.

The line is still carried by aircraft Spruce, but I don't think this model

is made any more. Sure wish I could find the original poop sheet. At any

rate they returned to function after giving them the finger snap,

electret/dynamic/condenser/carbon whatever.

Craig Smith

   I don't think anyone has manufactured a new aviation microphone

   using carbon granule technology in 30-40 years. Electret and dynamic

   have been the technologies of choice for many a moon.



   Bob . . .

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:45 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

For what it's worth I found this from David Clark on testing headsets.



http://www.davidclark.com/PDFfiles/AvHeadsetTestProc.pdf



Hope this helps someone.

Craig Smith

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

nuckollsr(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:39 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

At 02:45 PM 2/3/2007 -0500, you wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  

<pilot4profit(at)sbcglobal.net>



For what it's worth I found this from David Clark on testing headsets.



http://www.davidclark.com/PDFfiles/AvHeadsetTestProc.pdf



Hope this helps someone.


	


   Cool find sir! Thank you. I've archived and indexed a copy

   on the website.



     Bob . . .

        ----------------------------------------

        ( IF one aspires to be "world class",  )

        ( what ever you do must be exercised   )

        ( EVERY day . . .                      )

        (                  R. L. Nuckolls III  )

        ----------------------------------------

nuckollsr(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:41 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

I don't think it was you who mentioned carbon mics (it's true

    that a standard 'fix' for those things was to bang them on

    a bulkhead from time to time!). Obviously, any piece of electronics

    can develop a quirk in connectivity that may be restored to

    function by some shock. Didn't mean for it to look like

    I was suggesting any understanding or misleading info on your

    part.



    Bob . . .

 	  Quote: 	
		  Gosh Bob, I'm not trying to mislead anyone. The headset I have that gave me

the trouble is branded flightline. They are low price economy stereo

headsets purchased new 3 yrs ago. When the mike crapped out, I tried to find

out how it worked. Can't remember exactly where the info came from but

that's what I was told. The mike capsule is a cylinder roughly 1/4" dia.

metal sidewall, 2 leads on back side circuit board, looks black from front.

Tried googling flightline, and try to find manufacturers website not found.

The line is still carried by aircraft Spruce, but I don't think this model

is made any more. Sure wish I could find the original poop sheet. At any

rate they returned to function after giving them the finger snap,

electret/dynamic/condenser/carbon whatever.

Craig Smith

    I don't think anyone has manufactured a new aviation microphone

    using carbon granule technology in 30-40 years. Electret and dynamic

    have been the technologies of choice for many a moon.

billsettle(at)bellsouth.n
Guest

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Speaking of David Clark.....     

I used to have a Luscombe that I flew with a Garmin GPSCOM 190 handheld.  When I bought the Luscombe about ten years ago, I bought a new David Clark H10-20 headset to go with the H10-30 that I already had.  I had purchased the 10-30 2nd hand from a friend who went to the airlines and no longer needed it.  My intention was to use both headsets with an intercom when someone flew with me...

I started having problems with my handheld-headset setup that I don't recall the nature of now.  I do remember sending my handheld back to Garmin to have them check it out.  When It came back with no problems found, I called David Clark and explained my problem to them, whatever it was.  I do remember that my David Clark PTT would not always open my mic.  The tech rep I spoke with asked me to send both headsets and the PTT to them and he would check them out.  

I got a call a week later from the same tech I had spoken with who said he could find no problems with any of the stuff I sent him.  He said that the mic on the 10-20 might be a little hot for the Garmin handheld, so he said he was going to send me a different one to try.  He said they were going to go ahead and replace the PTT for good measure as well.  He then asked me how old the 10-30 was.  I told him I did not know as I had bought it second hand about 8 years prior.  His response was, "Well we have made some improvements to these since then, so I'm going to go ahead and replace it also..."

The next time I'm in the market for a headset, it will absolutely, positively, without a doubt, be a David Clark.

The problem turned out not to have anything to do with the headsets or PTT.  It was the remote connection on the side of the Garmin which I had not sent back to Garmin.  

Bill Settle

RV-8 Wings

 	  Quote: 	

 From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" <nuckollsr(at)cox.net>

 Date: 2007/02/03 Sat PM 04:38:01 EST

 To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: Re: headset - bad mike test proc needed

 At 02:45 PM 2/3/2007 -0500, you wrote:

 >

 ><pilot4profit(at)sbcglobal.net>

 >

 >For what it's worth I found this from David Clark on testing headsets.

 >

 >http://www.davidclark.com/PDFfiles/AvHeadsetTestProc.pdf

 >

 >Hope this helps someone.

    Cool find sir! Thank you. I've archived and indexed a copy

    on the website.

      Bob . . .

         ----------------------------------------

         ( IF one aspires to be "world class",  )

         ( what ever you do must be exercised   )

         ( EVERY day . . .                      )

         (                  R. L. Nuckolls III  )

         ----------------------------------------

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 4:40 pm Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Bill, you're right on with CD service. A couple years back, I was at

Sun-N-Fun with my wife. We'd flown down in our C172 for the whole show. My

wife complained of pain after a few hours of flight, and as we flew all the

way from MI, she'd logged some time under her DC H10-13s. By the time a day

of flying was done she needed to take something. I mentioned this when I was

at the DC booth and the gentleman gave me a set of the new undercut gel

seals for free.

DC is the best, for customer service.

Craig Smith





XX



On Behalf Of Bill Settle

Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2007 6:03 PM

To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: RE: Re: headset - bad mike test proc needed




<billsettle(at)bellsouth.net>



Speaking of David Clark.....     



Snip----------



I told him I did not know as I had bought it second hand about 8 years

prior.  His response was, "Well we have made some improvements to these

since then, so I'm going to go ahead and replace it also..."



The next time I'm in the market for a headset, it will absolutely,

positively, without a doubt, be a David Clark.



The problem turned out not to have anything to do with the headsets or PTT.

It was the remote connection on the side of the Garmin which I had not sent

back to Garmin.  

Bill Settle

RV-8 Wings

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

eedetail

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 20
Location: Idaho

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:39 am Post subject: Re: headset - bad mike test proc needed

Folks, 

Thanks for the good info. I was looking for a way to test my headset without getting to the airport, but I had not really mentioned that important fact. Best way to test them is in the air anyway. Not sure what went wrong, but the one mike is definately dead. Definatly gonna get David Clark this time.

TimE

frank.hinde(at)hp.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:58 am Post subject: headset - bad mike test proc needed

--

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> AeroElectric-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum