Product GuIdE - Lightspeed Aviation

Product GUIDE
Innovation that’s disruptively quiet
When it comes to product development, Lightspeed Aviation operates with a simple strategy: know your customer well and remain committed to
relentless product evolution that expands performance to the edge of technological possibilities. This approach allowed Lightspeed to enter the
market already the innovation leader with the K series ANR headset. It was the first aviation headset to use two AA batteries instead of six, the first to
include a battery level indicator, and the first to use conformal foam ear seals for increased comfort. The Lightspeed Aviation 20K set the standard for
what was possible in quiet, comfort, clarity, and features.
“Whether outwardly or inwardly, whether in space or
time, the farther we penetrate the unknown, the vaster
and more marvelous it becomes.”
— Charles A. Lindbergh, Autobiography of Values
Setting the standard has become sort of a tradition at Lightspeed. After the K series, the XL series introduced Auto Shutoff™; the 3Gs brought wired music
and cell phone, along with intercom priority muting. After the 3G, Lightspeed continued its quest to better understand pilots and their passions. Along the
way, they assembled the critical mass of top engineering talent required to create Zulu, a breakthrough in ergonomics, audio profile, and advanced features.
Today, Zulu PFX isn’t just the pinnacle of the Zulu line or Lightspeed products. It represents the pinnacle of what’s possible when a legacy of innovation
and commitment to supporting a pilot’s passion meet. It represents a way of doing business destined to inspire the aviation industry and keep
Lightspeed the standard bearer for decades to come.
Dear Customer,
This year we celebrated
yet another milestone
in Lightspeed Aviation’s
continuing leadership in
innovation: the introduction
of the Zulu PFX ANR headset.
More than just a new
product, we see Zulu PFX
as the next manifestation
of a set of principles we call
The Lightspeed Way, core
principles that we use to set
our strategic course and guide
our day-to-day activities.
They are Personal, Innovative,
Nimble, and Precise.
At the heart of the Lightspeed Way is the concept of Personal, in what we make and how we serve.
Where others might see users, consumers, or departments, we see real people. In the nearly two
decades of our existence, we have worked hard to understand and meet the needs of real people,
in real situations. We create wearable technology designed to enhance our customers’ personal
passions, with excellence. Our desire to support your needs is unparalleled, with real phone
support and creative programs that honor our continued relationship.
While supporting your passions, along the way we have made many friends and led the market
with Innovation that matters to you. We create whole new headset platforms of comfort and
function at 2-4 times the rate of any competitor. Over a dozen industry firsts and nearly as many
patents have allowed us to redefine excellence for comfort, quiet, clarity, and functionality. The PFX
technology platform creates an exciting new foundation that will transform your flying experience.
Staying entrepreneurial and customer-obsessed, we have been Nimble in creating both
products and programs that have built tremendous brand loyalty. The revolutionary PFX noise
cancellation system is the definition of nimble: Constantly adjusting to the acoustic environment
to optimize your quieting experience. From trade-in programs and product upgrades to our
renowned service practices, we’re a highly responsive and caring organization. Those elements
also speak of Precision, from the intricacy of the product design elements to the ways our
products and support are delivered.
My personal goal is that you would be thrilled with every element of your experience with us. The
Lightspeed Way is part of our DNA and creates sustainable advantages, not just for us, but also for
each of you. While not revolutionary, the consistent application of these principles requires more
focus on people and less devotion to the bottom line than most companies can tolerate. It requires
more introspection and humility than you will find in a typical boardroom. Sometimes it’s just plain
hard work. For us, it’s a labor of love and that’s how we built Lightspeed Aviation into the leader
in headset innovation and a respected member of the aviation community. We are proud of the
former and humbled by the latter.
In the years ahead, Lightspeed will continue its quest to better understand you, the person who
uses our products. We’ll continue to improve our products and service so that you can focus on the
things that you are most passionate about!
Sincerely,
Allan Schrader
President and CEO
“My Zulu is the only headset
that I’ve ever found that
actually cuts the noise in
my airplane.”
Melissa Pemberton
Aerobatic competitor, air show pilot,
and 2013 United States Unlimited
Aerobatics Team Member
We know pilots.
Zulu PFX knows you.
Meet the new leader in ANR aviation headsets: Zulu PFX. The proprietary
innovations in Lightspeed’s new PFX technology deliver the quietest
headset available and create a personalized flying experience by actively
conforming to your ears, your environment, and your preferences.
Your ears
Your environment
Zulu PFX adapts to your ears through acoustic response
mapping. This proprietary technology uses sound waves
and advanced signal processing to measure your unique
auditory landscape,
Streaming Quiet™ ANR allows Zulu PFX to adapt to your
environment. Streaming Quiet uses ambient microphones to
continuously sample cockpit noise before it penetrates the
ear cup. An internal microphone placed near the ear canal
monitors ANR performance.
…adapting the audio response to your ear’s size and shape for
maximum noise attenuation, voice clarity and music fidelity.
The microphones feed information to the CPU, a powerful digital
processor that analyzes a stream of both the external ambient noise
and internal residual noise at a rate of one million times a second…
The Zulu PFX CPU
The cabin-friendly CPU is the nerve
center of Zulu PFX, providing
powerful digital audio processing and
convenient access to key controls.
Unique design features make it easy
to place anywhere in your cockpit or
clip to your shirt.
Upgradeable firmware means
unlimited potential for Zulu PFX to
evolve with new software innovations.
Your preferences
…and instantaneously creates precise ANR responses customized
to your dynamic cockpit sound environment.
The result is a dramatic extension in the amount, consistency, and
frequency range of noise cancellation—regardless of the aircraft—
allowing important communication to come through with
amazing clarity and producing music with outstanding fidelity.
Personal preferences can be set using the enhanced capabilities
in FlightLink, the proprietary app developed by Lightspeed
for the Apple iPad® and iPhone®. Bass and treble levels of the
intercom and auxiliary inputs can be adjusted independently
and separate intercom priority options can now be set for
Bluetooth and wired input. The voice clarity option boosts
frequencies common in human speech without impacting the
quality of music from auxiliary devices.
Zulu PFX ANR Headset with Bluetooth®
With Zulu PFX, Lightspeed Aviation has leveraged cuttingedge technology, world-class engineers, and superior
customer knowledge to leapfrog the competition and
produce the world’s quietest premium ANR headset for aviators.
Lightspeed’s proprietary PFX technology creates a uniquely personal flying experience
by actively conforming to your ears, your environment, and your preferences.
Streaming Quiet™ dynamic ANR continuously adapts to your environment, extending the
amount, consistency, and frequency range of noise cancellation.
Acoustic response mapping measures your unique auditory landscape, adapting the audio
response to your ear shape and size for maximum noise attenuation, voice clarity, and music fidelity.
Personal preferences can be set using the enhanced capabilities in
FlightLInk, the proprietary app developed by Lightspeed:
• Bass and treble levels of the intercom and auxiliary inputs can be
adjusted independently and separate intercom priority options can
now be set for Bluetooth and wired input.
• The voice clarity option boosts frequencies common in human
speech without impacting the quality of music from auxiliary devices.
• In-flight recording is now accomplished through a wireless
Bluetooth connection.
In addition to its advanced personalization features, Zulu PFX also leverages the
latest technological advances across multiple fields.
Enhanced durability — Rugged cables, constructed of silver-coated copper alloy wrapped around
a Kevlar core, deliver extraordinary flexibility, strength, and audio quality.
Upgradeable firmware — Updates are just a download away, giving Zulu PFX unlimited potential
to evolve with new software innovations.
Zulu PFX also includes the award-winning comfort and advanced features that have
made the Zulu family the choice of pilots around the world—made even better.
Music fidelity — The Front Row Center™ feature combined with rugged cables and advanced
digital processing makes the concert-class fidelity even better.
Auto Shutoff™ — In Zulu PFX, Lightspeed’s proprietary Auto Shutoff feature is
enhanced, saving even more battery life by automatically shutting down the
headset power when not in use.
Cell phone / music connection — The integrated control box auxiliary input for
connecting a cell phone, music player or other audio device now has controls
for bass, treble, and intercom priority, thanks to the enhanced FlightLink app.
Included — Custom molded carrying case, cellphone/music patch cord,
cord clip, four AA batteries, foam windscreen.
Available configurations:
Battery or panel power models
Dual GA, LEMO, or U-174 connectors
Straight upper cable
Technical Specifications
General
Battery power supply: 3V, four AA batteries
Weight: 14 oz. (including ear seals and mic boom)
Panel aircraft 8-40 VDC
Headphone
Transducer: 40mm moving coil
Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
Nominal impedance @ 1 kHz:
OFF—Mono: 200 ohms, ON—Mono: 280 ohms
OFF—Stereo: 400 ohms, ON—Stereo: 560 ohms
Microphone
Transducer principle: Noise-canceling electret
Frequency response: 200 Hz-6000 Hz
Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 114 dB
Terminating impedance: 220–2200 ohms
Operating voltage: 8V-16V DC
Bluetooth Enabled Phone
Yes
Bluetooth Streaming Music
Yes
Bluetooth Enabled FlightLink
Yes
Firmware upgradeability through PC and iOS platforms
Meets or exceeds all listed TSO standards
Zulu.2 ANR Headset with Bluetooth®
Experience the remarkable comfort and quiet of the
ANR aviation headset that firmly established Lightspeed
as the innovation leader. The choice of private and
professional pilots around the world, Zulu.2 is a triumph of
communication connectivity and delivers all of the other
features you expect from Lightspeed.
“So I made it through another winter
without any problems with my headset. It
really is impressive that something of such
high sound quality can take the rigors of
hot and cold and operate so flawlessly.”
Eric Snuggerud
Alaskan Bush Pilot for Hageland Aviation
Cast member of the TV series “Flying Wild Alaska”
Outstanding noise reduction —Zulu.2 offers
exceptional ANR consistency and performance
over a deep, broad range of low frequency
noise. Magnesium ear cups are superior at
blocking out high frequency noise.
Superior comfort and durability — Weighing
in at 15.7 ounces, Zulu.2 features plush ear
seals, and exceptional fit. A low-profile, stainless
steel headband provides lightweight durability
and excellent cabin clearance.
Bluetooth connectivity — The Zulu.2’s
full-function Bluetooth connectivity provides
enhanced sound quality for voice, Bluetooth
enabled phones, streaming stereo music or
compatible audio devices.
FlightLink compatible —
Capture and retrieve
incoming and outgoing
communications with
Lightspeed’s FlightLink
recording app for the
Apple iPad and iPhone via
the supplied patch cable.
Crystal clarity — The patent-pending
Dual Aperture Disc™ microphone delivers
unparalleled voice clarity and noise
cancellation. The Front Row Center™ feature
brings concert-class fidelity to music.
Cell phone/music connection — An
integrated control box auxiliary input offers an
additional option for connecting a cell phone,
music player or other audio device.
ComPriority™ — Never miss important radio
communications with patented ComPriority
which lowers the volume of any auxiliary
device automatically during radio or intercom
transmissions.
Auto Shutoff™ — Lightspeed’s proprietary
Auto Shutoff feature saves battery life by
automatically shutting down the headset
power when not in use.
Included — Carrying case, cellphone/music
patch cords, cord clip, two AA batteries, foam
windscreen.
Available configurations:
Battery or panel power models
Dual GA, LEMO, or U-174 connectors
Straight or coil upper cord
Technical Specifications
General
Battery power supply: 3V, two AA batteries
Weight: 15.7 oz. (including ear seals and mic boom)
Panel aircraft 8-40 VDC
Headphone
Transducer: 40mm moving coil
Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
Nominal impedance @ 1 kHz:
OFF—Mono: 200 ohms, ON—Mono: 280 ohms
OFF—Stereo: 400 ohms, ON—Stereo: 560 ohms
Microphone
Transducer principle: Noise-canceling electret
Frequency response: 200 Hz-6000 Hz
Maximum SPL: 114 dB
Terminating impedance: 220–2200 ohms
Operating voltage: 8V-16V DC
Bluetooth Enabled Phone
Yes
Bluetooth Streaming Music
Yes
Sierra ANR Headset with Bluetooth®
“Why wouldn’t I go with a Lightspeed?”
Craig Wright
Private Pilot
Step up to the world of premium ANR headsets with the
value-priced Sierra. Picked as the “hands-down favorite” in
Aviation Consumer’s real-world test of budget ANR headsets,
Sierra delivers the comfort, quiet, and advanced features
you’ve come to expect from Lightspeed.
Quiet — Active noise cancellation over a broad
range of low frequency noise brings state of
the art technology to Sierra.
Comfort — Equipped with plush ear seals
and weighing in at just 16 ounces, Sierra is
remarkably comfortable, even during long trips.
A unique design allows microphone placement
on the left or right.
Bluetooth connectivity — Allows wireless
connection from Bluetooth phones. Stereo
streaming (A2DP) is not available with Sierra.
Music connection — An integrated control
box input allows you to connect a music player.
ComPriority™ — Never miss important radio
communications with patented ComPriority,
which lowers the volume of any auxiliary
device automatically during radio or intercom
transmissions.
Included — Soft shell carrying case, music
patch cord, cord clip, two AA batteries, foam
windscreen.
Available Configurations
Battery Power (2 AA) / Dual GA plugs
FlightLink Compatible
Sierra is now compatible with
FlightLink, the first in-flight cockpit
recording application for the Apple iPad
and iPhone. The free FlightLink app
works seamlessly with Sierra headsets
to capture and retrieve incoming
and outgoing communications.
Technical Specifications
Connector
Dual general aviation connectors
General
Battery power supply: 3V, two AA batteries
Weight: 16 oz.
Headphone
Transducer: 40mm moving coil
Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
Nominal impedance @ 1 kHz:
Off—Mono: 180 ohms, On—Mono: 300 ohms
Off—Stereo: 250 ohms, On—Stereo: 600 ohms
Microphone
Transducer principle: Noise-canceling electret
Frequency response: 200 Hz-6000 Hz
Maximum SPL: 114 dB
Terminating impedance: 220–2200 ohms
Operating voltage: 8V-16V DC
Bluetooth Enabled Phone
Yes
Bluetooth Streaming Music
No
Customer Commitment, the Lightspeed
Way
To most companies, customer support means an efficient call center.
At Lightspeed, we define customer support more broadly.
Sure, we are very proud of our customer service team, whose expertise,
promptness, and attitude have contributed greatly to the reputation
and success we enjoy, but that’s just the start.
At Lightspeed, customer support means sharing the passion pilots feel
for flight; it means actively engaging with pilots at every opportunity
to understand not just their needs, but why they fly; It means working
hard to be an active part of the aviation community, doing our part to
help it thrive through a variety of activities.
For example, each year Lightspeed provides both cash and in-kind
contributions to a variety of aviation events and organizations. Some of
these are large and well-known, such as AOPA, EAA, ALEA, NAFI, SAFE,
AirVenture, and Sun ’n Fun. Others are smaller efforts, like AeroAngel,
whose contributions may be less far-reaching, but no less important.
Another example, Lightspeed Live
provides pilots and aviation enthusiasts
the opportunity to visit with Lightspeed
Aviation in a casual setting and learn
about the heart and culture of the
company, along with our products. Just
as important, it allows us to meet our
customers face-to-face, giving us the opportunity to take the pulse of the
aviation community in the most direct, personal way possible.
Perhaps the most well-known
example of our participation
in the aviation community
is the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation, which in its first four years has
donated nearly half a million dollars to organizations supporting the
foundation’s core values of growth, awareness, and compassion. The
foundation was established in 2010 to serve the aviation community
by promoting a vibrant and growing pilot community. Each year the
Lightspeed Aviation Foundation recognizes a select group of non-profit
organizations that have made significant contributions to the growth of
aviation or used their gifts within the aviation community to serve others
for the betterment of our communities and world. In another example of
Lightspeed’s innovative and customer-centric approach, the Foundation
awards monetary grants based on voting from the pilot community. Any
pilot or aviation enthusiast can cast their vote for The Pilot’s Choice Award
voting simply by going to LightspeedAviationFoundation.org.
The next time you hear a company promoting its outstanding
customer support, you might consider just how far this support goes.
At Lightspeed, we see it as a commitment to our individual customers
and the things they are passionate about. Our goal is to create an
experience that is so amazing that our customers will be advocates of
not just our products, but our way of doing business.
“Everything I can see about Lightspeed is that they
are very much about giving back and that’s critically
important to me in any product I buy.”
Doug Stewart
Executive Director
Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE)
6-time Master Instructor
High Flight
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Lightspeed Aviation
6135 Jean Road
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
sales@lightspeedaviation.com
800.332.2421toll free
503.968.3113tel
503.968.7664fax
LightspeedAviation.com
LightspeedAviationFoundation.org
Copyright © 2013 Lightspeed Aviation, Inc. All rights reserved. iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple
Inc. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG. Specifications are subject to change without notice. 7/13