Warranty Information

PILOT products have various lengths of warranties against malfunction due to defects in workmanship and materials. If such a malfunction occurs, the product will be replaced or repaired (at our option) without charge for materials or labor if delivered prepaid to the proper PILOT service facility. The unit will be returned prepaid. The warranty does not cover malfunction due to abuse or misuse of the product. Unauthorized repair by anyone other than PILOT or its agents will void this warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.

The PA17-79 Technical Information

FEATURES & BENEFITS EXTRCACT FROM PILOT COMMUNICATIONS

Enhanced Voice Intelligibility (EVI) .
The PA 17-79 headset has incorporated into its integrated circuitry a proprietary DSP circuit which enhances all audio within the speech frequencies.The result, enhanced incoming ATC transmissions, less background noise and unreadable garbled messages. This is particularly favorable for pilots who may have suffered some hearing loss over the years.

Modular Flexible Design.
The PA 17-79’s modularity includes some unique features. We have designed the Independence headset to be modular with the introduction of a detachable comm-cord and microphone boom. This modularity makes the unit “field repairable”. Pilots can use the headset without the comm-cord when they are doing their preflight around the aircraft. The detachable comm-cord enables the user to use the headset in different applications by simply purchasing the appropriate comm-cord. Industrial users can wear a modified version with or without a microphone and protect their hearing as well as have the flexibility to walk around without worrying about a power source. The user can adjust the microphone boom from left to right by plugging into the 3.5 mm jack on either the left or right ear cup. One can remove the microphone boom by fully extending the headband to its largest size so approximately only ¾” of the headband is passing through the rubber bushing located in the center of the ear cup. Then grasp the tip of the headband and slowly pull/twist the headband through the rubber bushing. To reattach, line up the molded rubber pieces and headband and snap the rubber molded piece back onto the pivot.

Comfort Features.
The headset is fitted with a breathable sheepskin headpad which is attached to the headband with a Velcroâ closure. This headpad virtually eliminates all complaints of hat spots caused by non-breathable synthetic headpads used by other manufacturers. The natural headpad combined with the wide single pivot suspension of the headband assures a comfortable fit. The foam ear seals are extra soft and generously proportioned and fit around the ear to distribute pressure. Silicone gel ear seals are available as an accessory.

On/Off - DNC Activation.
The Independence headset has a black waterproof cover over the push button On/Off switch on the right shoulder of the ear cup which has the comm-cord jack. To turn the unit on, push the button all the way down till it clicks. There is a green LED light located @1 inch to the upper left of the On/Off button that will illuminate when the unit is turned on. To turn the unit off, press the button again. When not wearing the headset, one can visually see if the headset is turned on by viewing the green LED power indicator.

Mono/Stereo Selector Switch Individual Ear Cup Volume Adjustments.
The Independence DNC headset can be used in either monaural or stereo modes. A selector switch (M/S) and individual right and left ear cup volume adjustments are placed conveniently on the comm-cord for easy access. Each ear cup’s audio volume can be individually adjusted in either mono or stereo mode. This allows users who may have suffered previous hearing loss in one ear to have perfect audio adjustment in both ears.

Rechargeable Battery Pack, Power Jack and Charger.
The PA 17-79 is totally self-contained and requires no external power. One has the independence of not having to choose whether one wants a portable or a panel mounted version as with other ANR headsets. A rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack is installed inside the ear cup. This type of battery has no “memory effect” as with other rechargeable NiCAD batteries. There are two 3.5mm jacks for charging the battery. They are located on each ear cup directly below the overhead cord where it enters the cup. These jacks serve a dual purpose and can also be used to plug in the microphone. The unit has been designed so when the NiMH battery’s power gets down to 7V, the LED light will not illuminate even though the headset’s active noise canceling may work for another 45-50 minutes. By not illuminating the LED when the battery pack reaches 7V, one will be reminded that the battery is low and the headset should be recharged. We have tried to eliminate the false security of seeing a lighted LED and assuming there is power for extended use. Fitted with an internal NiMH rechargeable battery pack, the self-contained Independence can give the user @40-50 hours of continuous use on a full charge. A “smart” wall charger with a red LED light is supplied with the headset along with a comm-cord, conveniently packaged in a custom padded cordura case. The charger’s LED will illuminate while charging and turn off when fully charged. The charger will continue to trickle charge the unit while plugged in even though the LED will not be on. The battery pack can be topped-off by recharging at anytime. The battery pack is able to be charged @1000 times before factory replacement and has a duty life of @5000 hours of usage. It should be noted the unit will work in the active mode while it is charging if the optional DC to DC charger is being used, but it is not recommended due to the clutter of cords. For maximum performance and duration of the battery, after 50 hours of use, we recommend the headset be used until the battery is totally depleted, before fully recharging the unit. This conditions the battery for maximum utilization and long life. Use of any other battery charger than the “smart” charger supplied with the headset may damage the unit and void your warranty.

Note: Before use, the Independence headset must be initially charged for 5-6 hours, or until the “smart” charger’s LED turns off. The batteries have only a slight charge when installed at the factory so a full charge is recommended.