Headset/ Helmet combo, fit.

[pete duncan]

I wear a lynx headset and an icaro helmet and find that after 30 min flying the pressure of the earcups on my ears becomes quite painful (yeah bighead , I hear you say). I pulled out the foam liner of the icaro removed the cloth cover and used the dremel tool to take out foam plus extra at headset top support area. Still feels crap . Trying to work out if I should get a LARGE Lynx helmet or even look at one of those micro avionics helmets with a built in headset . Have even thought of a helicopter helmet, though the prices are pretty steep ( I suppose they are a lot safer in an accident). Any ideas would be appreciated , or even chuckled at. What do you use and how do you find your combo. Cheers, Pete

 

 

[Tracktop]

Hi Pete

 

You don't need to buy a new helmet. You can just buy a new liner. The shells are all the same size so a cheap option to try to start with.

 

 

[alf jessup]

I wear a lynx headset and an icaro helmet and find that after 30 min flying the pressure of the earcups on my ears becomes quite painful (yeah bighead , I hear you say). I pulled out the foam liner of the icaro removed the cloth cover and used the dremel tool to take out foam plus extra at headset top support area. Still feels crap . Trying to work out if I should get a LARGE Lynx helmet or even look at one of those micro avionics helmets with a built in headset . Have even thought of a helicopter helmet, though the prices are pretty steep ( I suppose they are a lot safer in an accident). Any ideas would be appreciated , or even chuckled at. What do you use and how do you find your combo. Cheers, Pete

Gday Pete,

 

Do you usually put your headset on first then your helmet??? if so try this.

 

Sit your helmet on your lap visor facing you upside down and feed the non mike side muff through the left hand side of the helmet strap (mike side strap when on your head) what this does is puts the boom of the mike on the outside of the strap and takes all the pressure off the headset as the strap does not press on the boom of the mike and mike muff.

 

I used to suffer the same fate until i did this, all it means is you put the headset on and helmet at the same time (slip the muffs on the helmet follows)

 

It is about 10 times more comfortable and you can go for hrs like this.

 

Let me know how you go.

 

Cheers

 

Alf

 

 

[pete duncan]

Thanks Alf , thats how I get everything on and I am still complaining!!!

 

Thus the idea of a different helmet.

 

Ray, shall try removing some more of the foam liner.

 

Pete

 

 

[eastmeg2]

I was going to say what Alf said . . . in short to make sure your mike boom is outside your helmet side straps.

 

Another thing to look at is what type of pads the Lynx headsets have. I have used Lynx on occasions when flying someone elses trike and my impression is that the pads are not as soft as the liquid-foam filled ones on my custom made headsets made with Peltor H7 ear muffs.

 

Maybe you can buy just the liquid-foam filled pads to put on the Lynx headsets . . . worth a look I think.

 

 

[Tracktop]

I believe the Lynx headsets changed to gel ear pieces about 2- 3 yrs ago with the newer ones ( so I am told) much more comfortable than the older non gel type

 

so Glen may have a good point .

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

I was also going to say what Alf said, however I'll add this:-

 

First, I have the MicroAvionics helmets with separate FlightCom Classic headsets, but I'm sure the principles transfer.

 

• It took me three or four flights to get the helmet / headset adjustment correct. I looked pretty stupid wearing it around the house one Saturday, while testing the adjustment.
   
   
  
• Adjust the headband of the headset to get the muffs higher and off your jaw. Obviously you need to test several positions. About half an hour wearing it will tell you if its going to be uncomfortable.
   
   
  
• Place the helmet straps so that they loop around the earmuff in the groove between the body and the muff. That way they don't put any pressure on the earmuffs. (Mic boom outside the strap {already said} and ensure it does not loop around during the operation of putting it on your head.
   
   
  
• I found that the helmet put pressure on the Mic Boom too. To fix this was just a bending adjustment to the boom, so that it immediately bends closer to my face, from its base, and then follows the contour of my face around to the corner of my mouth.
   
   
  

 

 

I know someone using the MicroAvionics helmet with built-in headset and he is very happy with the result. I haven't tried one, and am not currently motivated to change.

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Pete:

 

I have the same combo and the same complaint. I've tried several of the solutions suggested above, but the main one for me is having the mike boom outside the helmet ear loop. Even so, after about an hour, the headband begins to hurt, then it's all downhill from there. The reality is that these two units were never designed to work together, but that's what Airborne supply (for some reason, probably price). Keep us posted about your attempts at carving out the headliner as I too thought of doing this but wasn't quite game to do it if it meant ruining a helmet shell. BTW, I use a large shell, but don't have a 'big' head and it's still bloody uncomfortable. I also tried putting a bit of foam rubber under the headband and that helped, but didn't totally solve the problem. Plus it was a pain to get the helmet/headset combo on without the foam dropping out.

 

 

[Tracktop]

Hi Scott

 

I had exactly your problem, and can fully relate. It becomes a real Human Factors issue after 1 hr with concentration and ability deteriorating fast.

 

Mind you I have always had the mic boom on the inside rather than the outside as suggested here. I will be trying the other method next flight.

 

I used some closed cell foam - two pieces to allow edge taper, They are I think about 6 to 10mm thick???? ( Done ages ago so I will need to check), to line the top of the helmet. I have cut a wide slot in to top section of this, the headband then recesses into the slot.

 

The foam also has some darts cut in it to allow it to conform to the dome shape with the foam extremities big enough to tuck into the inner liner or something ( I think) It doesn't ever fall out or move.

 

I can now wear the headset/ helmet for hours now without any discomfort from the headband top. If you like I can take a pic next hanger visit. It's not necessarily pretty as it was going to be a proto but worked so well I haven't bothered replacing it. Some others don't seem to suffer from the problem so it may be head shape determines if you have a problem or not.

 

As I said in an earlier post, if you want to butcher your foam line, Airborne keep replacement liners in stock ( last time I checked anyway). Ring and check for a price first :-)

 

 

[pete duncan]

Ok , have cut the central section of the liner out to accommodate the headset top cushion, removed nearly all the foam from the rest of it and taped the lot back in the helmet with the covering material. Put the headset in as per ideas , juggled the lot onto my head and went bush for a walk gee it was quieter than usual. Sorry gang but I must be suffering from the "poor me" syndrome cause it just getted more unkumphy. Damn.. Then when I read Scotts comment about them not being designed to go together iI realised that maybe its not all me . Xmas is comming , so is summer (about 15 , -10's here in the last month ) and I suspect a new lynx helmet . Thanks for the feedback Pete

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Hi ScottI had exactly your problem, and can fully relate. It becomes a real Human Factors issue after 1 hr with concentration and ability deteriorating fast.

Mind you I have always had the mic boom on the inside rather than the outside as suggested here. I will be trying the other method next flight.

 

I used some closed cell foam - two pieces to allow edge taper, They are I think about 6 to 10mm thick???? ( Done ages ago so I will need to check), to line the top of the helmet. I have cut a wide slot in to top section of this, the headband then recesses into the slot.

 

The foam also has some darts cut in it to allow it to conform to the dome shape with the foam extremities big enough to tuck into the inner liner or something ( I think) It doesn't ever fall out or move.

 

I can now wear the headset/ helmet for hours now without any discomfort from the headband top. If you like I can take a pic next hanger visit. It's not necessarily pretty as it was going to be a proto but worked so well I haven't bothered replacing it. Some others don't seem to suffer from the problem so it may be head shape determines if you have a problem or not.

 

As I said in an earlier post, if you want to butcher your foam line, Airborne keep replacement liners in stock ( last time I checked anyway). Ring and check for a price first :-)

Ray:

 

Yes, I would like to see a picture of what you've done. From memory the liners are around 40-odd dollars each. I bought an extra (small) one when I bought my trike so that I could take small passengers. Being a tightwad, I wasn't prepared to butcher a liner if it wasn't going to work. Head shape? Yep, I think I've got a pointy head.

 

I never thought about the "human factors" aspect, but you're right on about that. I've always used my setup with the mic boom outside the loops, but I still get uncomfortable after an hour or so.

 

 

[Tracktop]

Hi David

 

While I really only know the Lynx system, our trike environment, high wind velocity and noise, close proximity to motor ( pax hear is very close) etc, means we generally need more specialist type gear to work properly- hence the mixing of brands etc. Any small issue can soon become a major bug bear. I know there are a few options that are suitable for this type of use. When working properly the Lynx interface/headset system seems very good. Unsure about the dual radio function though. There is another brand on the market that is already built for what you are trying to achieve (auto vhf & uhf radios input as well as phone and music) . I'll have to see if I can re-find the link ( came across while looking for phone interfaces).

 

The newer Icaro helmets have a friction system rather than a clip to keep the visor down. Not as positive as the clip that most pilots prefer, also the pivot screw is nylon ( I believe) and has been known to fail and cause the visor to dislodge ( prop fodder). This can be solved by replacing with Stainless Steel (or metal) screws.

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

Hi guys,I have been watching this discussion with interest. I am looking for a combination helmet and headset that is suitable to patch to a CB radio and air-band radio with some sort of switch selection between the two for my 95-10 3 axis rag and tube Javelin. I have seen a lot of discussion on this and have seen all sorts of brands on various sites, but unfortunately I have no experience in this area. I would appreciate some advice given most of you have had some issues with these setups.

What brand or combination would you suggest I buy and where would I get them from?

 

David

The helmet and headset combination I use and identified further back in the thread are good. I'm told that the headset provides the greatest external noise suppression among the non-active noise cancelling types. Works well. Everyone says my calls are clear and crisp with little background noise, which is good in a trike.

 

They are available through Yarrawonga Flight Training.

 

As far as interfacing to an additional transceiver, I offer the following:-

 

• If your Air Band transceiver supports it, I'd recommend interfacing the audio receive of the CB to the auxilliary input on your Air Band transceiver. That way you can continue to monitor the CTAF or FIR frequency (or both) and transmissions on these will mute the CB receive, ensuring that you hear the more critical information. The CB headphone jack, if there is one, would be the output to use.
   
   
  
• You could switch the microphone between transmit inputs on both transceivers, but ensure that the switch operates so that you terminate the unused input to prevent hum or other EMI interference pick-up. The contacts should be "make-before break" to prevent momentary open circuit that could cause a VOX trip as the switchover is operated (if you use VOX, say for intercom).
   
  You may want to incorporate microphone switchover with CB transmit, so that you are normally switched to the Air Band transceiver, as that also presumably supports your PAX intercom, which if like mine operates on VOX.
   
   
  
• Ensure that the source and sink impedances are matched on both send and receive audio connections. If they are different, you may need to use matching transformers or a resistive pad network so that both ends of each connection sees its respective load impedance. The latter will lose some energy. Most equipment specifications include the impedances or all inputs / outputs.
   
   
  

 

 

Hope that gives you some thoughts.

 

 

[Tracktop]

Ray:Yes, I would like to see a picture of what you've done.

Hi Scott

 

Pics attached

 

As you can see - rough as guts - but very effective

 

The blue is 3mm closed cell foam ( Clarke Rubber )

 

The cream is about 8mm very high density closed cell rubber that

 

came out of an old life jacket ( tick for recycling :big_grin: )

 

As it was a proto, held together with sticky tape.

 

And the question - "Have I made a new permanent one"

 

NOPE

 

Like an old pair of shoes :) :hittinghead:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

Hi guys,I have been watching this discussion with interest. I am looking for a combination helmet and headset that is suitable to patch to a CB radio and air-band radio with some sort of switch selection between the two for my 95-10 3 axis rag and tube Javelin. I have seen a lot of discussion on this and have seen all sorts of brands on various sites, but unfortunately I have no experience in this area. I would appreciate some advice given most of you have had some issues with these setups.

What brand or combination would you suggest I buy and where would I get them from?

 

David

Lynx are generally the standard against which other microlight / open cockpit equipment is compared so thats kind of the default choice.

 

I haven't personally used their comms gear but I know a lot of people who are happy with MicroAvionics

 

There is also the (Aussi made) EQ1 which is a high tech wireless system. I've not tried that yet.

 

Good to hear you are thinking of a helmet. I'm not sure why its so uncommon for rag & tube pilots to wear them (its the norm in trikes). I'd suggest the MicroAvionics ones - not quite as stylish as Icaro but better IMO (& cheaper). As David mentioned, you can get these with integral headset which is very convenient - provided all the people who fly the plane have the same sized head.

 

Hope that helps

 

John

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

Brings up the next question.... flying suits, where is the best place for best value?

There will be lots of different opinions on this as well ! If you search the forum, I think there have been various threads discussing the options.

 

I'm biased but Ozee get my vote.

 

Cheers

 

John

 

 

[skeptic36]

There is also the (Aussi made) EQ1 which is a high tech wireless system. I've not tried that yet.

Now that has me salivating. Imagine not having all those curley leads hanging around, especially the PTT one, not to mention being able to put the helmet and headset on the passenger before they get in the trike

 

Another advantage would be if you have to get out of the trike in a hurry. I remember reading about a trike ditching into the sea off Cypress:hai:, their biggest problem was they where still tethered to the trike by the headsets:yikes:

 

Regards Bill

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

Another advantage would be if you have to get out of the trike in a hurry. I remember reading about a trike ditching into the sea off Cypress, their biggest problem was they where still tethered to the trike by the headsets

This has occurred in several ditchings I've heard about. I always had a knife handy on water crossings for just that reason. Its a cheaper solution than wireless comms but admittedly doesn't offer the other advantages !

 

Cheers

 

John

 

 

[Tracktop]

Clear Prop has flight suits, though the suits may be better than in the pics???

 

Bill

 

There are now several different wireless PTT systems hitting the market. They seem to be selling for about 80 pound

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Lynx are generally the standard against which other microlight / open cockpit equipment is compared so thats kind of the default choice.

There is also the (Aussi made) EQ1 which is a high tech wireless system. I've not tried that yet.

 

John

Umm, I may have stated in an earlier post that I have the MicroAvionics headsets or something like that when actually I have the Lynx headsets supplied by Airborne. I can attest to the quality of the noise reduction on these headsets and I can also attest to the company's user friendliness. When I bought my trike, I got the bog-standard black headsets. I wrote to Lynx and asked if they'd swap the black ones for red ones. Answer, NO problem. AND they sent them QUICK!

On first thought, wireless headsets might seem like a good thing and especially for the ditching problem. Personally, I'm not a fan of wireless anything in the way of peripherals. I don't like wireless keyboards, mice, LAN connections and I wouldn't trust wireless headsets. They would obviously have to be battery powered and that's another thing to have to keep track of when setting up to fly. Also, I've heard that cold is very hard on batteries.

 

Finally onto flight suits. I did a bit of research before I bought suits for my wife and I. I found almost universal praise for the Ozee suits, so I bought them. I have to say that I have no complaints. I bought mine direct from Ozee as the only place I could find them in Oz were about $200.00 (each) dearer (for the milennium suits) than buying them direct. I also found Ozee very good to deal with and the suits were sent pronto.

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Ray:

 

For some reason, I had the impression that you had chopped into the helmet liner. That padding looks simple and gets around chopping the liner. Thanks for the pics.

 

 

[HEON]

Flight suit was a problem I had as the ones I tried were good but cut for the more trim figure thus were too long when the rest of me fitted...nuf said!

 

Ended up with freezer suit via a contact Wayne Fisher had. Cut more for Australian figure!

 

Price was good. Used in well below zero with plenty of protection without extra clothing under. Only problem now is cold feet...solved with Ugg boots.

 

 

[Guest GordonM]

Hi Pete,

 

I sympathise with you, there is nothing much worse than the pain that a headset can dish out.

 

I put my headset (EQ1 wireless) on first and then put the Microavionics helmet over the top. The Microavionics has the cloth strap so it tends not to put as much pressure on the mike boom as the Icaro helmet does and the Lynx boom is rather large in comparison to the EQ1. If you are using an Icaro/Lynx combo then it is a must that you put the boom through the hard plastic strap prior to putting both the helmet and headset on as an assembly.

 

The absolute must is spending the extra few seconds of time shuffling to make sure that your entire ear is within the confines of the headset ear cup, if any part of your ear is under the cushion it will be a very painful experience in a very short time, even lifting the cup will cause intense pain as the blood flow is resumed to that part of the ear.

 

I chose the Microavionics helmet as it gave me and my students a bit more clearance from the nose to the visor (less gunk to clean up), it offered better wind noise protection and zero wind noise if you fit the neoprene air dam and it fitted more comfortably with the cloth straps.

 

When I used to wear glasses the first thing to do with a new pair was to remove the plastic on the arms and bend the arms slightly so that they did not stick out towards my ear (sometimes I would cut some off the arm for the very reason that the headset placed pressure on my ear onto the arm.

 

It certainly takes a lot of trial and error to be comfortable in a trike—headsets, comms, radio, PTT, flying suits, jackets, gloves, neck warmers, boots and helmets but it is well worth the effort when you do get it all right. I can now have students all day and feel comfortable at the end of each session. Safe flying.