AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - March 2022 - 36

BRIEFING
PRODUCTS /
Update your
favorite headset
with Bluetooth
Cable swap
Dalcomm Tech headsets for whatever you fly
BY JILL W. TALLMAN
BRYCE CL ARK WAS a manager at the venerable David Clark Co. (His last name is a
coincidence.) While on their payroll, he came up with some innovative design features
he thought pilot customers would grab. David Clark didn't use those ideas,
and Clark eventually founded his own company that sells aviation headsets and
hearing protection for ground crew, among other items.
One such innovation is an interchangeable cable. This means you don't need to
buy two headsets or a separate adapter if you happen to fly both fixed- and rotarywing
aircraft. Simply swap out the cable for the aircraft you're flying and go on your
way. What's more, Dalcomm offers a cable that allows you to hook up its headset
to a flight simulator, and one that allows the user to plug in and transmit over an
intercom or radio.
Dalcomm sent us two headsets to test-fly, and we were pleasantly surprised
almost the moment we got the items out of the box. The J1 model is constructed
of carbon fiber and weighs just 10 ounces. No head clamping; they rested comfortably
on two pilots' heads and stayed in place during some simulated turbulence, aka
violent head shaking. The sound quality was excellent, and the headset has a noise
reduction rating of 23 decibels. We loved the headset's 3.5 mm aux audio input port
on the ear cup. Use this to plug in your smartphone or tablet and listen to music.
The J7 comes in a little heavier at 14 ounces but offers the same fine audio sound
quality and construction at a lower price. Clark said a customer who doesn't want
standard black head cups can call the company and order from a selection of colors
that can be 3D printed on demand; that option is not yet on the website, he said.
Both models can be customized with choice of ear seals and adapter cords. Some
models will require a separate, optional microphone to use with various types of
cords, which are sold separately. The headsets come with a 65-month warranty, one
adapter cord, one aux cable, and a bag. jill.tallman@aopa.org
PRICE: J7 $320.25; J1 $446.25
dalcommtech.com
36
AOPA PILOT / March 2022
WHEN I BEGAN flying lessons in 2000, I sprung for
a robust active noise reduction (ANR) headset,
one that I felt would take me through my private
pilot training and beyond. Of course, that
was years before iPhones or Androids were
part of our daily life along with their entertainment
choices and powerful aviation apps.
Accompanying safety enhancements like audio
callouts for terrain avoidance, runway entrances,
ATIS frequencies, and flight service phone calls
for clearances would sure be nice to have.
Instead of ditching our " old reliable " headsets,
update them to Bluetooth audio technology
with the Faro Stealth Audio Link for less than
$150. The Stealth Audio Link plugs into the tail
end of a dual-plug aviation headset and adds
wireless Bluetooth technology to your audio and
communication capabilities. An audio priority
feature mutes music or other inputs during radio
calls, then resumes after the transmission ends.
Dual inline volume knobs provide additional
audio adjustability, and a separate Bluetooth
volume toggle can control your linked device's
output. A 3.5 mm auxiliary-in jack allows hardwiring
to external devices.
The unit is powered by AA batteries or a USB
Type C power input. The Bluetooth module adds
about 26 inches to the headset's cord length, so
be careful not to get wrapped up in it. The Faro
Stealth Audio Link works with and modernizes
many headsets manufactured prior to the
advent of built-in Bluetooth technology-which
can drive the price of some new ANR headsets to
more than $1,000. david.tulis@aopa.org
PRICE: $139.95
sportys.com/faro
http://www.dalcommtech.com http://www.sportys.com/faro
AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - March 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - March 2022
