Lightspeed Delta Zulu

[robin ardoin]

It uses either removable Lithium or alkaline battery packs. Both included. The battery pack is chargeable only when separated from the control so no in use charging.

 

[Jim K]

It uses either removable Lithium or alkaline battery packs. Both included. The battery pack is chargeable only when separated from the control so no in use charging.

Are you sure about that? I thought they said it could be charged while in use, and the faq seems to be saying that, although it's not totally clear:

 

[Jim K]

This video emphatically states that the USB cable can be used to charge the headset in flight:

You had me nervous... I'm planning to buy one and charge it off the USB adapter in the plane. My headset rarely leaves my plane, so having to take it out to recharge would be very inconvenient.

 

[robin ardoin]

I stand corrected. I should RTFM..... I thought that they missed the boat by not having the charge port accessible while the battery was in the unit. I did not investigate that issue well enough.

 

[Stan Bergey]

Another question for the DZ users—
Approximately how long is the cable in a LEMO configuration?

 

[Kent Wien]

Interesting. I'm going to take a strong look at this. I do have some high pitch hearing loss in my left ear due to an injury, and I've been happy with my previous Lightspeed headsets.

Also, their support has been fantastic, and yes I have been able to get parts from them for a 12-year-old, long-discontinued headset.

@Kent Wien What happens if you don't launch the Lightspeed app prior to flight? Does it still let you go back and check CO levels later? I ask because, while I do have the iPad app that goes with my Zulu PFX, I've used it maybe twice. ForeFlight is the app I use while flying, and I'm not going to remember to open the app every time I fly.

Also, you mention a lithium battery and charging during flight - Does that mean it uses the LEMO power to charge a battery that you can use with a non-LEMO plug adapter in LEMOless planes? One of the advantages of Bose over my current Lightspeed is that I have no battery, it's strictly panel-powered, so if I buy an adapter it has to have its own batteries and provide power. It'd also make for a noisy emergency.

Thanks for the PIREP!

That’s the best part. I never remember to use the app until I’m home. I open it up and all the CO data is there.

I have a LEMO plug so yes, it doesn’t even need a battery installed.
Kent

 

[WDD]

You had me nervous... I'm planning to buy one and charge it off the USB adapter in the plane. My headset rarely leaves my plane, so having to take it out to recharge would be very inconvenient.

If that's the case, and given the shelf life of alkaline batteries vs rechargeable, and given how long the normal alkaline batteries last, why not just use regular batteries and carry spares? Even if the batteries die, the head set still works. You just loose the features until you put in fresh batteries in the controller - which should be doable in flight.

 

[Jim K]

If that's the case, and given the shelf life of alkaline batteries vs rechargeable, and given how long the normal alkaline batteries last, why not just use regular batteries and carry spares? Even if the batteries die, the head set still works. You just loose the features until you put in fresh batteries in the controller - which should be doable in flight.

That's what I do now, but it still leaves the hassle of remembering to bring fresh batteries to the hangar, and the expense of buying them. Both trivial of course, but why not have it powered off ship's power and eliminate it? I thought about putting lemo plugs in my plane, but of course that means buying new headsets and then being incompatible with 95% of everyone else.

The primary reason for moving to the DZ is the CO monitor. The portable unit that's mounted in my plane is displaying its "end of life" warning, and rather than buying a new one I'd like have it in the headset, which then goes with me into other planes.

I've also been considering buying another ANC headset for passengers, as my wife isn't crazy about other people wearing her set. My current Zulu will move into that role, so I'm killing three birds with one $1100 stone. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself. I'm just waiting for them to offer some kind of a deal. In the past, they occasionally offer some free replacement ear seals or something with purchase. A couple weeks ago it was their "survival cards"; right now I think it's a book on CO poisoning, neither of which are very enticing.

 

[asicer]

The portable unit that's mounted in my plane is displaying its "end of life" warning, and rather than buying a new one I'd like have it in the headset

What do you do with the headset when it announces its "end of life" CO monitor warning?

 

[Jim K]

What do you do with the headset when it announces its "end of life" CO monitor warning?

I suppose send it back to lightspeed and have them replace that module. They say it's supposed to last 10 years. If I had a Zulu 2 from 2012, I would've sent it in to be upgraded into a 3 by now, so I don't see that as a major problem.

 

[farangutan]

The carbon monoxide module is a really good value add in my opinion. I'm waiting for sun n fun to try it on and possible discount if I like how it fits. It's also close enough to my birthday so that's how I justify pricey aviation stuff to myself (and wife!)

 

[WDD]

I wonder if they would convert a Zulu 1 to a Zulu delta?

 

[robin ardoin]

Yes, Lightspeed will replace the CO monitor at end of life. I don't recall the estimated cost but, IMO, it was trivial.

@Jim K " so I'm killing three birds with one $1100 stone. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself." We subscribe to the same philosophy..LOL.

 

[chemgeek]

Yes, Lightspeed will replace the CO monitor at end of life. I don't recall the estimated cost but, IMO, it was trivial.

@Jim K " so I'm killing three birds with one $1100 stone. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself." We subscribe to the same philosophy..LOL.

The electrometric devices used for CO detection go for about $100 or so retail. I would expect the Lightspeed module price to be in that range. FYI, these devices do draw a small amount of current so it will increase drain on your headset batteries.

 

[FPK1]

My new plane has LEMO recepticle so I ordered Delta Zulu today with LEMO connector. My 2 1/2 year old Zulu 3 (GA plugs) will now move to Co-Pilot seat...