Bose QC2 and UFlyMike Question

[viper03]

How long does the single AAA battery last in these headsets? Also, is there any warning before the battery runs out, or does it just go dead all of a sudden?

Thanks for the help.

 

[liv'n_on_credit]

To answer your question, I use rechargeables and seem to get about 15-20 hours with a single AAA. When I use a good lithium non-rechargeable, I can get about double that. There is a tiny red light on one side that will start flashing when you have about 1-2 hours left/rechargeable or 2-3 hours/non-rechargeable. So, as long as you bring spare batteries with, it's no problem. It takes 5 seconds to switch the battery.

So far, I've really liked this headset. Best money I've ever spent on a headset. After using it for over a year now, I've found only two issues. The headset will not work at all, period, if you let the battery go completely dead...just bring spare batts along. Also, the mic doesn't swivel up and down like other headsets, but this is not a big deal.

Great headset.

 

[viper03]

Thanks for the reply.

Guys that I have flown with using this headset have said that they cannot hear what I am saying to the controller when I key the mic. Have you heard this??

I think it makes them nervous.

 

[Andrew_VT]

Thanks for the reply.

Guys that I have flown with using this headset have said that they cannot hear what I am saying to the controller when I key the mic. Have you heard this??

I think it makes them nervous.

uhh, on the saab I can't hear what the CA is saying when he keys the mike either...and most use the company supplied DC. I thought this was normal...

 

[freeflyer14]

Does the mic have a gain switch that is adjustable? I have flown with some people who had this setup and the background wind noise hiss was brutal.

 

[LogbookSlave]

Best headset I have ever owned. 1 AAA lasts about 30-35 hours. Flashing light on the side for about 4-5 hours before going dead.

I have never had any problems with this headset, that I didn't have with any other (not using hot mike and thinking the headset was screwed up, etc.).

 

[FlySacto]

Thanks for the reply.

Guys that I have flown with using this headset have said that they cannot hear what I am saying to the controller when I key the mic. Have you heard this??

I think it makes them nervous.

I just had a four day trip with a guy with the QC2/IFM and we had this problem. I don't know if it was because he wasn't kissing the mic or what, but it was an added stress several times. Almost screwed the pooch and taxied across an inactive runway we were told to hold short off. I alway try to listen in closely to the controller, listen to my FO's read-back, and then I repeat the instruction to him. I figure hearing it three times should set the stage for us to do WTF we're supposed to do. I read back to him to taxi to our assigned runway and he didn't catch that I didn't read back a hold short of the runway in-between. He had just exchanged his set-up and it was new out of the box with a fresh battery. His last Captain mentioned the same problem about not hearing what he was saying and he had sent it back hopeing to fix the problem. He also mentioned that his side tone was almost non-existant. Next time I run across one of these with this problem the guy is going to spend 3.9 days using a maintenance loaner headset.

 

[mblackey]

I just had a four day trip with a guy with the QC2/IFM and we had this problem. I don't know if it was because he wasn't kissing the mic or what, but it was an added stress several times. Almost screwed the pooch and taxied across an inactive runway we were told to hold short off. I alway try to listen in closely to the controller, listen to my FO's read-back, and then I repeat the instruction to him. I figure hearing it three times should set the stage for us to do WTF we're supposed to do. I read back to him to taxi to our assigned runway and he didn't catch that I didn't read back a hold short of the runway in-between. He had just exchanged his set-up and it was new out of the box with a fresh battery. His last Captain mentioned the same problem about not hearing what he was saying and he had sent it back hopeing to fix the problem. He also mentioned that his side tone was almost non-existant. Next time I run across one of these with this problem the guy is going to spend 3.9 days using a maintenance loaner headset.

There should be ample sidetone. If not, there's something wrong with that headset adapter or the user is running the adapter in "lo" impedance. If that problem exists in "hi" impedance, send it in, and we'll fix it! Can't fix a problem if we don't know it exists... Mike

 

[Crizz]

I've been using mine for over a year in both the brasilia and saab with no issues whatsoever. I typically get 25-30 hours from a single copper top. Couldnt be happier!

 

[SpyFlysDOTs]

I love the product for the CRJ.
Haven't tried it in any other aircraft, but the one I fly, there have been very few comments or complaints, and I usually ask the FO if he can hear me, or if there is any additional noise when hot mic is active.
Rate this product 9.5 and only thing that could make it a 10 would be if it worked when the battery was out.
I thank you and my head thanks you, retired my David Clamps...

 

[viper03]

There should be ample sidetone. If not, there's something wrong with that headset adapter or the user is running the adapter in "lo" impedance. If that problem exists in "hi" impedance, send it in, and we'll fix it! Can't fix a problem if we don't know it exists... Mike

I never knew there was a "hi" or "lo" impedance setting. I just flipped the only switch I see on the mic. We'll see how it goes next time I fly.

Thanks for the help Mike.

 

[liv'n_on_credit]

After using it for over a year now, I've never had any problems with people not hearing me...never. It works identical to any other headset. I've used it in the CRJ and the ERJ both. Also, the mic cuts out background noise better than my DC's did.

Any chance on making a version that swivels the mic up and down?

 

[mblackey]

After using it for over a year now, I've never had any problems with people not hearing me...never. It works identical to any other headset. I've used it in the CRJ and the ERJ both. Also, the mic cuts out background noise better than my DC's did.

Any chance on making a version that swivels the mic up and down?

We're looking at a swivel system, but we haven't come up with a way to do that without a complete re-design = much higher cost. We don't want to change mikes because anything else would be a step down. This mike is made by Knowles Acoustics and was designed for SWAT and motorcycle police helmets. Problem with it in a swivel design is that there are some very fine wires inside which couldn't take the bending of a swivel system.

Anyway, we've got a number of options in the works. Please be patient; my wife, son and I run the entire business. It's hard to find time to work on new designs.

Mike

 

[Capn Lucky]

I've been using the UFM mic for 2 months now and love it. How do the feds feel about it? I've heard that they do not like it since the headphones are not TSO'd.

 

[mblackey]

If there's a Fed who doesn't like it he/they better read their own FARs. There is no prohibition against using a non-TSO'd headset unless your air carrier requires it. The FAA published a letter which clarifies this (if you can understand "FAA language." ) We have a link to that letter and a lot of other info about this on the "News" page of our website: www.uflymike.com

We believe Bose started the "hooplah" over TSO'd headsets this year in a new tactic to put us out of business. Problem is they have been misquoting the FARs, and we called them on it.

Most air carriers that have added a "TSO'd only" headset requirement, don't understand what they've mandated. Here's three gaping holes you'll find in most ops specs that "require TSO'd headsets:" That air carrier:

1) allows third party modifications (custom earmolds or headbands) - this voids the TSO

2) has no inspection or maintenance procedures to ensure headsets are maintained in legal TSO condition

3) has not identified what standards under TSO certification is required - there are 23 environmental categories. The FAA does specify which categories must be tested, so headset manufacturers just pick what looks good to them. There is no standardization, e.g., the Bose X is only certified to 15,000 MSL and was only tested in 9 of the 23 categories. Another headset may be tested to 50,000 MSL. You, the consumer, never know the difference. In theory, a manufacturer could test in a couple of categories and get the FAA to issue a TSO certification. The whole thing is a joke.

If you run across someone who puts credence in whether a headset is TSO'd or not, you've just run into someone that doesn't have a clue what it means. Unfortunately, that includes a lot of Feds.

Mike

I've been using the UFM mic for 2 months now and love it. How do the feds feel about it? I've heard that they do not like it since the headphones are not TSO'd.

 

[DoinTime]

We believe Bose started the "hooplah" over TSO'd headsets this year in a new tactic to put us out of business

You would think if Bose wanted to put you out of business they would just change up the style of plug they use on the headset so that you couldn't plug your product in.

 

[EatSleepFly]

I just had a four day trip with a guy with the QC2/IFM and we had this problem.

What kind of headset were you using?

 

[freeflyer14]

Does the mic have a gain switch that is adjustable? I have flown with some people who had this setup and the background wind noise hiss was brutal.

Anyone? Bueller? Adjustable gain yes or no?

 

[mblackey]

No mike gain adjustment, but the hiss issue is a characteristic of the earlier version - the mike was very sensitive. We desensitized the mike beginning in Apr 07. It's a free mod for those that still have the problem.

Mike

Anyone? Bueller? Adjustable gain yes or no?

 

[mblackey]

No mike gain adjustment, but the hiss issue is a characteristic of the earlier version - the mike was very sensitive. We desensitized the mike beginning in Apr 07. It's a free mod for those that still have the problem with the earlier version.

Mike

Anyone? Bueller? Adjustable gain yes or no?