Batteries in my headset

[The Kid]

My headset calls for 2 AA ALKLINE batteries. Can I put in LITHIUM ok? They'd last a lot longer. Anyone knowledgeable on this subject?

[wireweinie]

As long as they are the same voltage and are labeled 'AA' they will work.

Web

[frequent_flyer]

The table of AA characterisitics in this reference may be useful - https://www.thepowerall.com/aa-battery-voltage/

Sometimes an appliance includes circuitry that is sensitive to battery chemistry. E.g. a battery capacity indicator based on voltage may give misleading indications when used with a chemistry that it was not designed for. Sometimes a higher cell voltage will trip a monitor and prevent the appliance powering up.

I expect you'd be ok but, to be safe, I'd check with the headset manufacturer.

[N816KC]

Energizer lithiums work great in my David Clark’s. No issues and no worries about leaking/corrosion.

[kestrel]

Lithium should be fine. I use NiMH and have a charger handy in the hangar where I charge them from time to time.

[mvivion]

I have used Lightspeed headsets for years. My current go to has a Lemo plug, so powered by ships power.

But, I have always been amazed at how long a Zulu 3 headset will run on a pair of alkaline AAs.

MTV

[hotrod180]

.....I have always been amazed at how long a Zulu 3 headset will run on a pair of alkaline AAs. .....

I have a set of DC's with a Headsets Inc ANR conversion,
it runs on a 9V (aka "transistor radio") battery.
I don't recall which brand / type they recommend, but it'll last 20-25 hours.
I'm curious if the life of a pair of AA's is about the same?

[kestrel]

i use Bose A20's and they last about that long on a pair of NiMH AA batteries. Last summer's trip to AK from NH, the first set of batteries lasted 4-5 days? Two sets lasted all 9 days to get to Birchwood.

Alkalines should last a bit longer?

[stewartb]

My Zulu 2s and A-20 turn on with the radio bus and off on their own. I never think about them and am always surprised at how long the standard Duracells from Costco last. I keep spares in the airplanes but only needed them once. What makes headset batteries run down? Does music draw more power? I never bluetooth anything to mine, if that makes a difference.

[kestrel]

The ANC electronics will draw power. Bluetooth will draw power, esp. if using it to play music.

[mvivion]

I have a set of DC's with a Headsets Inc ANR conversion,
it runs on a 9V (aka "transistor radio") battery.
I don't recall which brand / type they recommend, but it'll last 20-25 hours.
I'm curious if the life of a pair of AA's is about the same?

With the Lightspeed Zulu 3, I checked once and a pair of AA batteries went over 20 hours. I used Bluetooth only for (rare) phone calls.

MTV

[The Kid]

I just want them to last longer. Bose says alkaline but lithium sounds longer to me as they last longer in other things and draw down further I beleive. It's like changing them while flying. Inevitably I will drop one of the sets of two and where did it go? Somewhere to jamb things up some day? To me it's a weak point in the wonderful system of ear protection and hearing.

[mvivion]

I just want them to last longer. Bose says alkaline but lithium sounds longer to me as they last longer in other things and draw down further I beleive. It's like changing them while flying. Inevitably I will drop one of the sets of two and where did it go? Somewhere to jamb things up some day? To me it's a weak point in the wonderful system of ear protection and hearing.

Every battery manufacturer I’ve ever read up on says that alkaline batteries typically last significantly longer than rechargeable batteries, such as lithium. And, if your concern is running out of juice and dropping a battery, lithiums cost more, and they WILL go dead at some inopportune time.

So, if that’s really your primary concerns, do as I did: install a LEMO plug in the plane and switch to a LEMO connector equipped headset. Then, the headset is powered by ships power, with a backup lithium battery installed as backup.

both problems solved elegantly. You’re welcome.

MTV

[DENNY]

Lithium (non-rechargeable) last a lot longer than alkaline. Like MTV said they never seem to quit at a good time. I have spares close at hand, take bad ones out and stick in pocket then get new ones so no confusion, stick in new ones. I always trim for hands off flying so using my feet to pick up a wing even in turbulence is not that hard.
DENNY

[The Kid]

Bose said I COULDN'T use the non-rechargeable lithium in my headset; only alkaline. I didn't get a "why not" from them. From an electrical standpoint, it really shouldn't matter I wouldn't think? And they DO LAST LONGER. The voltage and all that electrical stuff is the same I think? Right?

[Steve Pierce]

I would like to see what it would cost me to convert my Bose to the powered plugs but till then I keep batteries in this. Used go in upside down. Music stops before the ANR quits. Landed on a gravel bar and changed them out this morning.

[hotrod180]

....Inevitably I will drop one of the sets of two and where did it go? Somewhere to jamb things up some day? To me it's a weak point in the wonderful system of ear protection and hearing.

Off topic, but the other day I saw a guy on the ramp climbing in & around his old biplane.
Turns out he was looking for a phone that his front seat pax had dropped in the plane.
The finally wised up & tried calling it,
and tracked it down to where it had slipped down through a narrow gap in the floorboards down into the bilge--
too narrow to easily get a hand into, esp if you're not double (or triple!) jointed.
And no handy inspection covers nearby. Aaarrrgh!

[DENNY]

Crappy morning so Google was my friend. One note I found said the Alkaline batteries would provide a warning with decrease performance vs the Lithium that just quit (Mine do just that when they die they die no warning like Steve posted) Then went and actually looked up the instructions! https://assets.bose.com/content/dam/...owg_en_a20.pdf Page #2

1. Replace the batteries only with AA alkaline batteries (IEC LR06). There is a danger of explosion if batteries are incorrectly replaced with any other battery chemistries. Batteries may cause a fire or chemical burn if mishandled. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat, or incinerate batteries. Dispose of used batteries properly, following any local regulations. The headset will not operate properly if used with any battery source other than the Bose A20 Aviation Headset control module.
   
   DENNY
   
   
   

[stewartb]

Lithium batteries are better in some devices, not all. I’m not sure a headset would benefit from lithium. I know cameras do and smoke detectors don’t. It has something to do with current demand and on-off cycles. Low draw with long durations favors alkaline. Google it.

[cubflier]

Smoke detectors have a low voltage chirp alarm so is seems the alkaline discharge curve is necessary for that warning. The Bose warning in the above post is interesting. I wonder what the "danger of explosion" is based on or is it just standard CYA when it comes to lithium. I've been using Ultimate Lithium batteries in my Bose headset for many years. Always seemed like they last longer. I have never really tested their duration against Duracells but sounds like I should.

Jerry

[wireweinie]

I love my alkalines, but I've been told that lithium works better in the cold. Any evidence to that, Jerry?

Web

[cubflier]

I love my alkalines, but I've been told that lithium works better in the cold. Any evidence to that, Jerry?

Web

I wouldn't know if there is. I fly mostly in the winter and have primarily used Ultimate Lithiums. That was a recommendation from a friend and like I said it seems like they lasted much longer. I should actually test the difference some time. I'm not much of a note taker.

One thing I'm sure of is that they have not exploded yet.

Jerry

[stewartb]

FWIW, Zulu instructions say to use AA batteries. There’s nothing about which type. With the 7 year warranty at stake? I checked.

[mam90]

From the Lightspeed website FAQ’s:

What kind, how many, and how long do the batteries last?

The Zulu 3 battery-powered headsets require two AA batteries. Use alkaline batteries for best performance, although lithium batteries may provide improved battery life in colder temperatures. We do not recommend using rechargeable batteries or mixing battery types and brands. A set of batteries provide an average of 40 hours of power. However, Bluetooth usage will impact battery life.