Falling out of love with my Delta Zulus

[JOhnH]

On the popping, I tried updates and that didn't seem to fix it. What I did figure out is that it only does that when the volume slider is maxed out.

Thanks for that. I'll try that next flight.

the Delta Zulus have no LED indicator to suggest they are properly plugged in and charging.

That was one of my complaints too. But earlier it was pointed out to me that if you turn the headset on, the blinking light will flash indicating charge state. Of course, the headset turns of after a few minutes but at least you can see that it is indeed properly connected. So it's not quite as bad as I thought.

 

[FPK1]

I've had great results with using the Energizer Lithium AA batteries. That being said, I've got the Zulu 3. I am looking at the Delta Zulu, but also considering adding LEMO plugs to eliminate all of the need for batteries....

I too like the lithium, however, the problem is when they run out of juice they immediately die. Whereas the alkaline gives you a low battery warning...

 

[Jim K]

I get the popping or drumming when my ear seal isn't perfect. Certain glasses, or turning my head too far will break the seal. Usually not an issue, although it seems to be worse than my original Zulus are.

I find that I need the head band looser than what necessarily feels "right" to allow the cups to seal. Now, I have a big head, and I have it less than halfway out. Not sure why they make it so big... hats I guess? I suspect that smaller headed folks might have a hard time getting a good seal, and the bose might work better for them.

The new Zulu 4's have a dual density foam seal that supposedly works better, especially with glasses. They told me at osh that the dimensions are the same, so the 4 foam pads will fit the DZ and the 3. Next time I order pads I'm going to try that and see if it helps. I also haven't updated the software yet; I'll try to do that tomorrow.

The CEO, Heider Lazzerini, was at Oshkosh in the tent, demoing headsets with customers. Talked to him for a bit; seemed like a good guy. He was dressed just like all the other employees and I had no idea who he was until I asked a question he couldn't answer, and he said, "well I'm just the ceo, let me get you someone who has more technical experience".

 

[JOhnH]

I get the popping or drumming when my ear seal isn't perfect. Certain glasses, or turning my head too far will break the seal. Usually not an issue, although it seems to be worse than my original Zulus are.

I find that I need the head band looser than what necessarily feels "right" to allow the cups to seal. Now, I have a big head, and I have it less than halfway out. Not sure why they make it so big... hats I guess? I suspect that smaller headed folks might have a hard time getting a good seal, and the bose might work better for them.

Lightspeed has an optional (larger) head pad to lift the headset up a bit to allow the ear pads to be lifted to better fit over the ears. It help me with fitting around my hearing aids. They sent it for free, just for the asking. Don't know if they still do that, but it's worth asking.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Do away w/ the batteries altogether and power straight from USB?

Amazon.com: Kurt S. Adler 2-AA USB Power Connect and Converter : Electronics

Buy Kurt S. Adler 2-AA USB Power Connect and Converter: Power Converters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

There was a clever member on the Cessna Pilots Society forums that used to build USB 3V Battery Eliminators, similar in function to the above. Basically, a USB powered board that fit in the space of the 2 AA batteries in headsets controllers.

Interesting. But if the cord comes undone, you just lose power instantly...

I suspect that smaller headed folks might have a hard time getting a good seal, and the bose might work better for them.

Lightspeed makes a tall head pad for folks who need the headset higher up than it gets with everything fully retracted.

Lightspeed has an optional (larger) head pad to lift the headset up a bit to allow the ear pads to be lifted to better fit over the ears. It help me with fitting around my hearing aids. They sent it for free, just for the asking. Don't know if they still do that, but it's worth asking.

They do. According to the manual, you just order the above with promo code FTHP and provide the serial number of your headset - Presumably only the first one is free.

The CEO, Heider Lazzerini, was at Oshkosh in the tent, demoing headsets with customers. Talked to him for a bit; seemed like a good guy. He was dressed just like all the other employees and I had no idea who he was until I asked a question he couldn't answer, and he said, "well I'm just the ceo, let me get you someone who has more technical experience".

I like a CEO who knows his limitations!

A few years ago I was talking with a guy at the Garmin tent at Oshkosh for a while, and getting really good answers... Eventually I asked something about show discounts and he said "Let me find a sales guy, I'm just an engineer." I told him that no, they're just the sales guys and he's the one I really wanted to be talking to!

 

[baboss]

Interesting. But if the cord comes undone, you just lose power instantly...


They do. According to the manual, you just order the above with promo code FTHP and provide the serial number of your headset - Presumably only the first one is free.

Plug it back in

Interesting info on the tall pad. The FTHP promo code is showing up as expired for me. I will have to add my headset to my account and explore further. I'll update if I find more out.

 

[John Collins]

I bought the battery charger bundle for the DZ. It comes with a spare battery. I keep two batteries with my headset. When one indicates it is low, I swap it out and bring the battery home to recharge it. So for any flight, I always have the battery I am using in the headset and one fully recharged one ready for swap out. Early on
I had complained about poor battery life, but I was told to update to the latest software version and the issue went away.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Interesting info on the tall pad. The FTHP promo code is showing up as expired for me. I will have to add my headset to my account and explore further. I'll update if I find more out.

I think you have to do it by phone for the freebie.

 

[baboss]

I think you have to do it by phone for the freebie.

I had trouble registering my headset with my account so I mentioned the promo code issue in my support request while I was at it. They fixed my registration and are shipping me the tall pad on the house!