[Elecraft] Headphones

[Hank Kohl K8DD]

There was just a thread about headphones, comfort and the noisy shack on 
the cq-contest reflector.

First ....... I have Heil Pro Sets - two of them. 
One pair is right out of the box several years ago. 
After about 5 or 6 hours they hurt my ears and head.
The other pair I got the new ear piece covers that look like a stocking. 
They are better, but I can't tell you why, but they just don't feel 
right after several l hours.
Neither of them keep a whole lot of ambient room noise out - like 
relays, blowers, kids, wife, etc.

Now for cq-contest reflector .....
One short thread that I've found (Noisy shack? Here's the cure) recommends:
 From KF9YR    
http://www.racingradios.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=12 
The David Clark headsets have 24 db noise reduction and cost 59.95.  It 
would be possible
to mount a boom mike on them if you really have to operate SSB!

Also, you could go the K6LL route.
1. Buy a Peltor H10A hearing protector 30 db noise reduction (about $25)

2. Buy two little speakers from Mouser (253-5405) $4 each.

3. Use sticky-back Velcro to mount the speakers in the hearing 
protector. Unless you have ears like Dumbo, there's plenty of room in 
there. Dumbo may have to pluck out some foam to get more clearance. Just 
run the wires over the ear cups. I used speaker wire from the 99 cent 
store, but RG-174 might be nicer.

4. Buy a Heil HC-4 or HC-5 element (about $33)

5. Take a one foot piece of #14 copper wire and solder a copper penny to 
one end. Glue or Velcro the HC-4 to the penny. Twist the other end of 
the wire around the headband wires of the hearing protector.

6. Glue some of the acoustic foam that comes with the HC-4 over the mike 
aperture to protect it.

Then K8DO recommends ANR aircraft headsets.
Be sitting down when you check the prices at 
http://www.anrheadsets.com/products.asp
They appear to be top of the line.

There are some nice stereo headphones out there that sound ok, but  I 
think I'm going to try a pair of ear protectors and the Mouser 
speakers.  Or maybe take the speakers out of one of the Heil's.

Maybe it's time for an Elecraft kit - Hearing protector, speakers and a 
cord.  Boom microphone optional!

73    Hank    K8DD




David Gordon wrote:

> Hey,
> I'm in the market for a new pair of headphones.  Whats your favorite 
> and what don't you like.  I only want one pair. :-)
>
> 73
> David  AA9PZ
> K2  #319