I have a new 2010 HGU-55 with ANR from Gibson and Barnes with about 100hrs on it.
The other day I thought I heard a slight squeal/feedback in the right ear piece. Now, after todays flight I am getting a full on squeal/feedback in the left ear piece. Both times the feedback starts after I've been flying for about 3 hours. I do not have any previous experience with ANR other than this helmet. It has worked flawlessly before my last two flights.
I have tired pulling and pushing to re-set the seal. My next guess is that moisture/sweat could be busting the seal ....
Anyone know why it could possibly be giving feedback and how I can make it stop?!
ANR Feedback
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ANR Feedback
--Air to Ground Chemical Transfer Technician turned 4 Bar Switch Flicker and Flap Operator--
Re: ANR Feedback
For me, I actually hear it on all ANR headsets I wear. It is fairly painful on some (Zulu is the worst). It is exactly the same symptoms you describe. Pressure and a high pitch sound.
Re: ANR Feedback
If it's battery powered, get some new duracell's for it, a cheap battery after 3 hrs will lose it's juice. Also, if the little "microphone" holes on the outside of the headset get covered, the system won't work properly. If those simple things don't remedy the problem then send er back for repair.
Re: ANR Feedback
This option is not available. I had an American friend do the purchase for me as Gibson and Barnes can't export helmets to Canada.fish4life wrote:use the warranty
I was using a panel mount, which most likely is not the issue -- However, I will try the battery pack just in case.Heliian wrote:If it's battery powered, get some new duracell's for it, a cheap battery after 3 hrs will lose it's juice. Also, if the little "microphone" holes on the outside of the headset get covered, the system won't work properly. If those simple things don't remedy the problem then send er back for repair.
I'll take a look for some 'microphone' holes on the helmet.
Thanks for the responses so far.
--Air to Ground Chemical Transfer Technician turned 4 Bar Switch Flicker and Flap Operator--
Re: ANR Feedback
Here is a manual for the ANR installation for your unit. http://www.headsetsinc.com/helmet%20install.pdf Pages 9 thru 11 are very important.
I suspect you have moisture in the main ear cup area. Those black and white ear pads are vital to the operation of the ANR. The other thing that happens over time is that the small speaker inside the ear cup, actually a microphone, becomes coated with salt from all the sweat condensation that has occurred over the use. The only fix is to have the modules replaced.
There is also a very small set screw that can be adjusted to help stop the squealing. It is almost microscopic, but it actually has a small indent on it, the indent has to be at a certain setting. I think it is 2 o:clock or 7 o:clock but dont quote me on that one.
http://www.headsetsinc.com The technicians at headsets inc. know the ANR installation inside out and backwards. They can also repair your unit. There is no National security issue shipping your helmet to them or having it returned to Canada.
I had mine repaired there last year.
The best solution is to have them install a CEP kit. http://www.cep-usa.com/
Bar none it is the best solution and you will never have the squealing issue again. You can do the CEP installation yourself but it does involve soldering some fine wires to key points. Again the techs at Headsets Inc are top notch in this department. Also buy the kit from them and have them install it, you will save $$
Order some extra foam ear tips when you get your CEP kit and you will be trouble free for at least 2 years.
I suspect you have moisture in the main ear cup area. Those black and white ear pads are vital to the operation of the ANR. The other thing that happens over time is that the small speaker inside the ear cup, actually a microphone, becomes coated with salt from all the sweat condensation that has occurred over the use. The only fix is to have the modules replaced.
There is also a very small set screw that can be adjusted to help stop the squealing. It is almost microscopic, but it actually has a small indent on it, the indent has to be at a certain setting. I think it is 2 o:clock or 7 o:clock but dont quote me on that one.
http://www.headsetsinc.com The technicians at headsets inc. know the ANR installation inside out and backwards. They can also repair your unit. There is no National security issue shipping your helmet to them or having it returned to Canada.
I had mine repaired there last year.
The best solution is to have them install a CEP kit. http://www.cep-usa.com/
Bar none it is the best solution and you will never have the squealing issue again. You can do the CEP installation yourself but it does involve soldering some fine wires to key points. Again the techs at Headsets Inc are top notch in this department. Also buy the kit from them and have them install it, you will save $$
Order some extra foam ear tips when you get your CEP kit and you will be trouble free for at least 2 years.
There is no substitute for BIG JUGS!!
Re: ANR Feedback
One more thing, you say you are using a panel jack for a power supply, again this is addressed in the manual link I sent above.
"8. Do not attempt to power the anr modules directly from your aircraft
electrical system without using our panel mount power unit. The voltage spikes and
backgrounds static from most aircraft will soon damage the very sensitive integrated
circuits in the modules. Our panel mount power unit has a .25 amp fuse, dual voltage
regulators, and is isolated with a DC/DC converter"
You may have caused your own problem.
My guess though, from past experience, is that you have salt crystals on the small pick-up mike inside the ear cup. This just screws up the whole system!!
"8. Do not attempt to power the anr modules directly from your aircraft
electrical system without using our panel mount power unit. The voltage spikes and
backgrounds static from most aircraft will soon damage the very sensitive integrated
circuits in the modules. Our panel mount power unit has a .25 amp fuse, dual voltage
regulators, and is isolated with a DC/DC converter"
You may have caused your own problem.
My guess though, from past experience, is that you have salt crystals on the small pick-up mike inside the ear cup. This just screws up the whole system!!
There is no substitute for BIG JUGS!!
Re: ANR Feedback
Bigsky, thanks for the post! Certainly narrows it down a bit.
--Air to Ground Chemical Transfer Technician turned 4 Bar Switch Flicker and Flap Operator--
-
cptnCanada
- Rank 1
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:24 pm
Re: ANR Feedback
This problem is generally caused by the degredation of the microphone for the ANR circuit, causing a feedback loop. You can replace the microphone your self. If it is out of warranty the company will probably want to replace the entire module at a substantial cost, the microphone should only be a few dollars. If you dare replace the microphone your self, try and use a non-silicon based glue to glue it in.
Re: ANR Feedback
I had it happen on my first 33, they sent me a pair of new modules and I installed them myself.(Flightsiuts)
I bought a 55 for the operations in South America and after 400 hors on the first season of use it's doing the same...mind you it's really hot here so lots salt crsytals there!
Have your friend who bought it fore you make tha call...
I have been a customer before the 9/11 bullshit that changed aeverything on selling helmets to Canada and they do honour that, and the fact that after 600 hours or so I send it back for refurb...had to go through Gentex headquarters customer relations for that...they wanted me to send it to their rep in Canada and I said no...beacuse of the custom paint and all that...
I was lucky I guess
N
I bought a 55 for the operations in South America and after 400 hors on the first season of use it's doing the same...mind you it's really hot here so lots salt crsytals there!
Have your friend who bought it fore you make tha call...
I have been a customer before the 9/11 bullshit that changed aeverything on selling helmets to Canada and they do honour that, and the fact that after 600 hours or so I send it back for refurb...had to go through Gentex headquarters customer relations for that...they wanted me to send it to their rep in Canada and I said no...beacuse of the custom paint and all that...
I was lucky I guess
N
Re: ANR Feedback
nacho wrote:...they wanted me to send it to their rep in Canada and I said no...beacuse of the custom paint and all that...
I was lucky I guess
Thanks Nacho. Do you figure I could use the Canadian Rep for speaker replacement/overhaul? Kitchener Aero is only a couple hours from my place. I'm not refurbishing yet, so no need to worry about my custom paint.
--Air to Ground Chemical Transfer Technician turned 4 Bar Switch Flicker and Flap Operator--
Re: ANR Feedback
Well, I don't think for the ANR modules cause the installation is not done by them and has nothing to do with Gentex.
Refurb I don't see a problem, besides Gibson takes quite a bit of time to return the helmet back to you, for that reason and avoiding the need to carry one every year here is that I bought a secong one finally.
About 600 hours and you may want to change the edge roll and the straps cover. The new liner I reccomend, not the plastic bubble TPL thing.
N
Refurb I don't see a problem, besides Gibson takes quite a bit of time to return the helmet back to you, for that reason and avoiding the need to carry one every year here is that I bought a secong one finally.
About 600 hours and you may want to change the edge roll and the straps cover. The new liner I reccomend, not the plastic bubble TPL thing.
N
