K C Headsets PIREP

[BKlott]

I ran into some roadblocks with getting my dad’s Lightspeed 20 XLc headset repaired. This meant more to me than just fixing a headset because this was dad’s last headset and I wanted to be able to keep using it as long as possible. The ONLY issue with his headset was that the cheap, plastic insulation that Lightspeed had used on the lower cables that ran from the microprocessor box to the GA plugs had simply cracked and fallen away in multiple locations. In fact, by the time it stopped working, most of the cable was wrapped in electrical tape in an attempt to keep it going.

Twice I approached Lightspeed with requests to repair or replace my lower cable set. Twice I was told that “the parts were no longer available” and their sole recommendation was to “buy a new headset”. 

Now, understand that the parts that Lightspeed claimed “were no longer available” included 5 wire cables with GA plugs on one end and a 5 pin connector on the other. (See attached photo):

You cannot convince me that Lightspeed no longer uses cables like this with GA plugs on one end on a daily basis or that the 5 pin connector is no longer manufactured or available. Apparently they just couldn’t be bothered to repair a headset for me that has sentimental value. I also own a Lightspeed Zulu 2 headset that I purchased. Its not like I wasn’t already a paying customer.

I then took my broken cable to two different avionics shops. The first was American Aviation at KBKV. The technician looked at my cable and was very up front with me. He said that they were not set up to make this type of assembly but he offered to try to repair it if I would leave it with him. I was impressed that he took the time to look at it and offer to try and help me and I thanked him but I told him I would try elsewhere.

Next I went to Gulf Coast Avionics at KLAL. They had a young fellow working the counter and I showed him the cable and told him what I needed. He got on the phone and then came back to tell me that their technician said “buy a new headset”.  Their technician couldn’t even be bothered to leave his desk and look at what I had. Clearly, I will not be bothered to visit them again.

Finally, I saw mentioned on some forum an outfit called K C Headsets which is located in Pleasant Hill, MO.  I checked out their website and thought maybe they could help me out. I sent them an email on Wednesday, November 17th along with photos of my cable and the 5 pin connector setup. That afternoon I received a call from Terry Gerber at K C Headsets. He told me that he could make up a new cable assembly for me and that it would be of better quality than what Lightspeed provided when it was brand new. Price was $135.00 and I would have it on Monday the 22nd.

I gave him my credit card info and had my new cable set on Monday, just like he promised. Today was the first opportunity I had to try out the headset since replacing the cables and it worked perfectly! 

So instead of having to spend $900 to $1,000 or more to “buy a new headset”, I was able to get my dad’s headset fixed for $135!

Needless to say I am very greatful to Terry Gerber at K C Headsets for his assistance. Keep him in mind if you need to get one of your headsets repaired. His website is at www.kcheadsets.com.

 

 

[toto]

Great pirep, thank you! Never heard of KC Headsets before, but this sounds like a good one to keep on hand. 

[spistora]

+1 for good experience with KC headsets/Terry.

Happy with my refurb DC headset purchase and Terry helping with my questions.

[Stan]

Also a thumbs up for KC and Terry.

Helped me a few times, knowledgeable and reasonable.

[Bryce E]

Terry with KC Headsets gets a high recommendation from me as well. I acquired 2 Lightspeed 15/20 XLc's with the purchase of my Mooney that were in need of complete refurbish or tossed in the trash. Ear seals disintegrating, batteries had corroded in the holder and mic boom not working. I reached out to KC Headsets via email and within 20 mins received a call from Terry. This was at 0700 on a Saturday. Both Headsets work great now!

[adverseyaw]

+1, Terry is fantastic. I had a military headset and was jerked around to no end by a well-known manufacturer of a headset adapter. Someone mentioned K C to me and Terry got the whole headset sorted out. He was fantastic and will be getting my repair and conversion business in the future.

[carusoam]

Livened BK’s link for KCH….

https://www.kcheadsets.com

-a-