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General => The Control Room Floor => Topic started by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 12:59:14 PM

Title: Headsets
Post by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 12:59:14 PM

Hello all. I was looking at purchasing this StarSet headset, just like real controllers use:

http://www.headsetsforphones.com/productca...p;idcategory=67 (http://www.headsetsforphones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=585&idcategory=67)

I was need some help though on what else to purchase in order to get it working with my computer.

Thanks guys!

Title: Headsets
Post by: Harold Rutila on December 29, 2009, 01:49:23 PM

Hi AJ,

I've got one. I love it. In addition to this, real world controllers use an amplifier with a push-to-talk button. For the purpose of connecting it to your computer, there are two options:

DA50 USB Adapter
- doesn't have a push-to-talk, but the computer (and subsequently VRC) detects the headset as a USB device, and you simply use a designated push-to-talk button on your keyboard. $90 at this site (http://www.etelephonesystems.com/info/headset/da50/PLA-DA55.html), but it looks as if these may have been discontinued.

PLANTRONICS SHS2355-01 USB PTT MONAURAL
- I didn't know this was an option when I first bought the DA50, but this does the same thing as the DA50 with the added feature of a push-to-talk button on the actual product. I would honestly much rather have this one, but they're more expensive (about $140 on eBay right now and $160 from the Plantronics store). After connecting it to your computer, I believe you have to set up an emulator to designate the onboard PTT button as a key on your keyboard. Therefore when you press the PTT on the unit, VRC will "see" it as you pressing whatever keyboard key you've designated for PTT in your radar client.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Tom Seeley on December 29, 2009, 02:28:35 PM

I've been using the starset for years, along with the DA-50 as described in Harold's post, and highly recommend it. I haven't missed the separate PTT that much, but it might be different if I tried it I guess.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 02:38:14 PM

Thanks for your input guys! Much appreciated. I will most likely go ahead with DA50. I know the PTT would be awesome but I'm getting the feeling that it'll cause too much hassle trying to set up  

Again thanks Harold and Tom.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Robbie Brehm on December 29, 2009, 02:39:30 PM

I also use a Plantronics H31C headset with the Plantrions USB PTT adapter. I absolutely love it. With the separate PTT, you need a program like Joker PTT that will convert the pressing of the button to a keystroke. I have mine set up to use a virtual key (F24), and haven't ever had a problem with it in VRC.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 02:44:24 PM

Actually, I've noticed there is a DA40 adapter that is basically the same as the DA50 but cheaper. I'm guessing this will still work?

http://www.headsetsforphones.com/productca...p;idcategory=85 (http://www.headsetsforphones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=740&idcategory=85)

Title: Headsets
Post by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 02:47:20 PM

Quote from: Robbie Brehm

I also use a Plantronics H31C headset with the Plantrions USB PTT adapter. I absolutely love it. With the separate PTT, you need a program like Joker PTT that will convert the pressing of the button to a keystroke. I have mine set up to use a virtual key (F24), and haven't ever had a problem with it in VRC.

Is this the PTT you're talking about or is it another one (preferably cheaper)

http://headsetplus.com/product466/product_info.html (http://headsetplus.com/product466/product_info.html)

Title: Headsets
Post by: Harold Rutila on December 29, 2009, 02:51:10 PM

Quote from: AJ Heiser

Is this the PTT you're talking about or is it another one (preferably cheaper)

http://headsetplus.com/product466/product_info.html (http://headsetplus.com/product466/product_info.html)

No, this is not it. You'll want to get one with a USB adapter. The two-pronged adapter is for use in aviation radios found in ATC facilities and aircraft.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 02:58:23 PM

Ok yea I see that makes sense. Is this more like it? I can't seem to find a pic though.

https://usm.channelonline.com/rtech/storesi.../?id=M003546596 (https://usm.channelonline.com/rtech/storesite/Products/Overview/?id=M003546596)

Title: Headsets
Post by: Alex Evins on December 29, 2009, 04:35:02 PM

Yes. The model number you're thinking of is Plantronics SHS2355. I use that with a H31 Starset, works like a charm.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Arthur Heiser on December 29, 2009, 05:22:16 PM

Thanks Alex, and everyone else! You've convinced me. I'll be purchasing the PTT.

Title: Headsets
Post by: JOHN MANLEY on January 16, 2010, 04:35:34 PM

Quote from: AJ Heiser

Thanks Alex, and everyone else! You've convinced me. I'll be purchasing the PTT.

AJ, I as well use the Plantronics H31 starset headset.. I decided to go all in and get the Plantronics SHS2355-01 PTT USB ADAPTER as Harold talked about before.

http://www.headsetsdirect.com/plantronics/h31.html (http://www.headsetsdirect.com/plantronics/h31.html)

This is the one I use... I DEFINITELY recommend getting the Pink ear tubes... WAAAAY more comfortable than the default cone shaped one..

http://www.headsetsdirect.com/accessories/06448-00.html (http://www.headsetsdirect.com/accessories/06448-00.html)




As well, every controller has to show flair right? Not everyone wears/holds there PTT the same way.. right?  In other wards... maybe you wanna show some team spirit? Maybe some Houston Texans? Whatever the case may be... you also might enjoy getting a SPECIFIC color[div align=\\\'right\\\'][/div] voice tube... http://www.headsetsdirect.com/accessories/17593-70.html (http://www.headsetsdirect.com/accessories/17593-70.html)  (From what I can see there is no blue or red...)

GOOD LUCK!  

John M.[/div]

Title: Headsets
Post by: Harold Rutila on January 17, 2010, 08:07:22 PM

I'm definitely going to consider those pink eartubes.

Title: Headsets
Post by: Alex Evins on January 19, 2010, 10:43:02 AM

If you really want to get personal  visit http://shop.atcskins.com/main.sc (http://shop.atcskins.com/main.sc)

Title: Headsets
Post by: Robert Prescott on January 22, 2010, 04:55:39 PM

A great source for the starsets is Ebay, you may find they are a little less on the cost.......(been saving my pennies for one, but the wife pilfered the $$ on her way to the casino)

Title: Headsets
Post by: Alex Ramos on February 15, 2010, 10:21:46 AM

Now I was able to pick up the SHS2355 off of a guy on ebay (rcoe79) for about 70$. Dhruv Kalra from ZMP saw this and talked to the ebay guy and picked up the other 3 for 50$ + s/h.

I emailed the ebay guy and he says he would be able to pick up a few more on the cheap. We'll see what comes of it.

the SHS2355 has been worth every penny to say the least, and my H31 should be in tomorrow, i'm psyched!

 Ramos