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Arthur Heiser

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« 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

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

Thanks guys!
AJ Heiser
Senior Controller,
Los Angeles ARTCC
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~ Davy Crockett , 1835

Harold Rutila

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« Reply #1 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.

Tom Seeley

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« Reply #2 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.
Tom Seeley
Deputy Director (Retired), VATUSA

Arthur Heiser

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« Reply #3 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.
AJ Heiser
Senior Controller,
Los Angeles ARTCC
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~ Davy Crockett , 1835

Robbie Brehm

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« Reply #4 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.

Arthur Heiser

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« Reply #5 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
AJ Heiser
Senior Controller,
Los Angeles ARTCC
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~ Davy Crockett , 1835

Arthur Heiser

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« Reply #6 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
AJ Heiser
Senior Controller,
Los Angeles ARTCC
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~ Davy Crockett , 1835

Harold Rutila

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« Reply #7 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
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.

Arthur Heiser

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« Reply #8 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
AJ Heiser
Senior Controller,
Los Angeles ARTCC
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~ Davy Crockett , 1835

Alex Evins

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« Reply #9 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.
Alex Evins
Traffic Management Coordinator, New York ARTCC
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Arthur Heiser

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« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2009, 05:22:16 PM »
Thanks Alex, and everyone else! You've convinced me. I'll be purchasing the PTT.
AJ Heiser
Senior Controller,
Los Angeles ARTCC
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~ Davy Crockett , 1835

JOHN MANLEY

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« Reply #11 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

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




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  (From what I can see there is no blue or red...)

GOOD LUCK!  

John M.[/div]
John D. Manley
Virtual Fort Worth ARTCC CPC

Harold Rutila

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« Reply #12 on: January 17, 2010, 08:07:22 PM »
I'm definitely going to consider those pink eartubes.

Alex Evins

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« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2010, 10:43:02 AM »
If you really want to get personal  visit http://shop.atcskins.com/main.sc
Alex Evins
Traffic Management Coordinator, New York ARTCC
VATSIM Supervisor

Robert Prescott

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« Reply #14 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)
Robert Prescott