Product FAQ
Is Zulu available in an aircraft powered version to eliminate the need for AA batteries?
Yes. The Zulu: P is the aircraft powered version. It uses the most common aircraft powered ANR headset plug, the 6-pin LEMO. This plug is standard on all Cirrus and Cessna 350, and 400 series aircraft. Should you need it, the mating half of the connector is available from many pilot supply retail stores.
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What kind, how many and how long do the batteries last?
All of our active headsets run on 2-AA batteries. They all have different battery lives. The 15XLc, 20XLc and the 20-3G will last up to 40 hours on their batteries. The XCc will operate for 25 hours. The 30-3G will last for up to 30 hours, depending on how noisy of an environment it is in.
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What happens if my batteries run out in flight?
If you lose power at any time, the headset will continue to perform as a passive headset. Our products utilize independent circuitry for Comm Audio and ANR cancellation to ensure this. It can be frustrating to lose your active performance while flying. All of our active headsets come standard with what we call a “Fuel Gage" that allows you to monitor the battery level at any time. We recommend you add checking your batteries on your preflight checklist. Of course, the 2-AA batteries can be replaced at any time even in flight. That is a big advantage over rechargeable systems that require downtime before their active system can work again.
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How does the ANR work?
The ANR microphone, located inside the dome, senses noise frequency and amplitude at an instant in time. The Active Noise electronics process that noise and relays it to the speaker driver. That speaker adds a signal that is 180 degrees out-of-phase with the initial noise sensed by the microphone. Those two signals sum to zero, canceling each other out. For more information on this subject, please refer to our tutorials.
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Do all ANR headsets work the same?
In general, they all utilize the same acoustic theory of 180 degrees out-of-phase signal to cancel engine noise. In truth, performance varies significantly among active headsets. It is important to compare them with technical specifications and in actual flight. Manufacturers make a variety of tradeoffs in dome cavity design, ANR mic position, electronics complexity, ear seal size and shape and materials in developing a product. Many are constrained by an existing passive design, leading to sub-optimized efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately the headset delivers a curve of cancellation that can be characterized by: depth, breadth and position of cancellation. Manufacturers should be able to supply you with that information.
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With the ANR on can I still hear my engine?
The noises we’re canceling with the ANR circuitry are low frequency propeller, exhaust and wind noise that register at about 100Hz in the cockpit noise spectrum. True engine noise is higher up the spectrum, and believe it or not, you will more likely hear the engine better.
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Are Lightspeed headsets compatible with other headsets and intercoms used in general aviation?
Mechanically and electronically they are compatible. Our headsets use the standard 2-plug interface and have an electret, noise-canceling microphone. Keep in mind that various passive headsets sound different based on the speaker effectiveness and microphone sensitivity. That “sound" is further modified when the active circuitry is turned on since the audio levels and the signal-to-noise ratio are changed. It makes comparisons difficult. All of that is true about Lightspeed headsets. We even provide enhanced audio clarity, in the ANR mode, and elevated signal levels. Both provide additional clarity for easy listening and safe communications. The microphone frequency response was adjusted to preferentially emphasize the voice range. The sound profile and output level of the mic might be somewhat different from other headsets you have. Adjustments can be made in your intercom squelch setting and individual mic booms can be positioned for comfortable operation.
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