Here you can learn more about PFX, read frequently asked questions, watch videos, and download the most current PFX user guide.
PFX FAQ
- How long do the batteries last and what kind and quantity do I need?
- What happens if my batteries run out in flight?
- Why do I hear radio communications in only one ear?
- What is mic gain and how do I adjust it?
- How do I connect my PFX headset with my Bluetooth device?
- How do I activate FlightLink with PFX?
- Is it important to register my headset?
- How do I update firmware?
- How is PFX different from Zulu 3?
- What are the settings in Home mode?
- What will trigger the Auto Shutoff™ behavior of PFX?
- Why is it important to have a good seal on my headset?
- How will PFX work with my Rotax engine or in an open cockpit environment?
- Will PFX work with hearing aids?
- Is the PFX mic reversible?
- Why are the cables so different?
- What are the specific lengths for the rugged cables?
- Does PFX come in a coiled version?
- Where is the serial number located?
What kind, how many, and how long do the batteries last?
The PFX battery-powered headsets require four 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 can provide up to 20 hours of power; however, heavy Bluetooth® usage will reduce battery life.
What happens if my batteries run out in flight?
If you lose power at any time, PFX will continue to perform as a passive headset. When batteries begin to run low, the power LED flashes red, and the headset will continue to operate for up to 5 hours, depending on Bluetooth use. Install new batteries as soon as possible at any indication of low batteries. We recommend you add checking your headset batteries on your preflight checklist and check your battery level indicator in FlightLink.
Why do I hear radio communications in only one ear?
PFX’s Mono/Stereo switch is probably set to stereo while your audio panel is transmitting a mono signal. To fix this, change PFX’s Mono/Stereo switch to Mono. This setting does not affect music or audio from auxiliary devices; you can hear stereo sound on auxiliary devices even when the Mono/Stereo switch is set to Mono.
What is mic gain and how do I adjust it?
You can think of microphone gain as a volume control for your microphone. Soft voices might benefit from an increase in gain in order to improve audibility and, in some cases, to break squelch; louder voices may need little to no gain increase. Equipping each headset with its own gain adjustment helps balance loud and soft voices in a multi-headset environment.
To adjust mic gain, remove the foam windscreen on your microphone and then remove the small cap next to the Lightspeed logo on our microphone to reveal the adjustment dial. Turning the adjustment dial clockwise will increase gain and turning it counterclockwise will decrease gain. A little adjustment goes a long way, so move the dial in small increments (think one-hour increments on a clock face) and test it in your aircraft. When you are satisfied with the adjustment, replace the cap and foam windscreen.
How do I connect my PFX headset with my Bluetooth device?
Note: PFX is designed to automatically enter pairing mode when Bluetooth is turned on and will connect with previously paired device if in range.
- Press the PFX power button to turn on the PFX headset, and then verify that the power indicator LED is flashing GREEN.
- Press the Bluetooth power button (for the location of Bluetooth controls, consult your User Guide). If a previously paired device is not available, the Bluetooth indicator LED will flash RED and BLUE. This flashing indicates that the PFX is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Follow the menu prompts on your Bluetooth capable device to direct it to look for Bluetooth devices.
- Select PFX #### (numbers will be the last four digits of the PFX headset serial number) from your phone’s list of found devices.
- Enter “0000” if you are prompted to enter a password or PIN.
- Once paired, the Bluetooth LED will flash BLUE.
PFX will always attempt to connect to the most recently paired device. To connect to a different device, first turn off Bluetooth on any previously paired devices that are in range of the PFX Headset. Then follow the steps above.
How do I activate FlightLink with PFX?
FlightLink is the proprietary app developed by Lightspeed Aviation for the Apple iPad® and iPhone®. Using the free FlightLink app, pilots can customize key audio and other settings of their PFX headset, as well as record in-cockpit communications for instant playback or later retrieval.
- Download FlightLink from the App Store.
- Tap the FlightLink icon on your iPad or iPhone to begin using FlightLink.
- Follow the prompts.
Is it important to register my headset?
Yes, registering ensures you receive information regarding firmware updates or in the event you may require service. You can easily register through the FlightLink app, on your Lightspeed account, or by calling us at +1 800-332-2421.
How do I update firmware?
As firmware updates become available they are just a download away, allowing your PFX to evolve with new software innovations. Update info and instructions are available here for PC/Windows. For Mac users, please call our Customer Support line at +1 800-332-2421.
How is PFX different from Zulu 3?
First, PFX is the quietest aviation headset available. Second, PFX incorporates a trio of proprietary innovations to bring you a new standard of performance, a Personal Flying Experience:
- 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.
- Streaming Quiet™ dynamic ANR uses external ambient microphones to continuously sample cockpit noise before it penetrates the ear cup. A powerful digital processor analyzes microphone inputs a million times a second, instantly creating customized ANR responses.
- Personal audio and operational preferences can be set using the enhanced capabilities in FlightLink, the proprietary app developed by Lightspeed. And in PFX, FlightLink’s original in-cockpit recording function is Bluetooth compatible.
- Updatable firmware — Updates are just a download away, giving Zulu PFX unlimited potential to evolve with new software innovations.
Finally, PFX is lighter than Zulu 3, primarily due to the CPU taking over the job of processing, instead of circuit boards in the ear cups.
What are the settings in Home mode?
Home mode provides the following baseline configurations: Bass and treble are set to 0; Front Row Center is set to ON; Auto Shutoff™ is set to 2 minutes; Voice Clarity™ is set to OFF; ComPriority™ is set to ON (double tapping the button below the Power button, however, will toggle this feature on and off).
What will trigger the Auto Shutoff™ behavior of PFX?
The Auto Shutoff feature of PFX can be controlled through the FlightLink app. The headset will not automatically shut off as long as it detects:
- On-the-head use (only in a noisy environment)
- Comm activity (anything over the intercom)
- Bluetooth activity (such as playing music)
Why is it important to have a good seal on my headset?
To gain peak performance from the ANR feature designed into your Lightspeed headset, it is necessary to have a solid seal around your ears. Without a tight seal, air can seep in and cause the ANR to compensate for uneven internal cup pressure, often resulting in a warbling noise. A common cause of a broken seal is not having your ear entirely within the ear cup. To create a solid seal, make sure the entire ear is inside the ear cup cavity.
Another, less common cause of faulty seals occurs when the bottom of the ear cup drops below the place on the jaw where the two sides begin to converge towards the chin. The cure is to move the cups up the side of the head slightly. If you have adjusted the headband to its shortest position and the problem persists, a tall head pad could help. By lifting the headband higher, they move the ear cups up to a more optimal position.
Please note that tall head pads are only available for Zulu series headsets, and some users may not find them as comfortable as the original head pads.
Tall head pads are easy to install and are available through our website or Lightspeed dealers (part number A484, Zulu Head pad — Tall).
How will PFX work with my Rotax engine or in an open cockpit environment?
Streaming Quiet™ ANR, available in Favorites mode, continuously adapts to your environment, which extends the amount, consistency, and frequency range of noise cancellation. In some unique situations, however, Home mode may deliver more acceptable ANR results. These include extremely loud aircraft operating in high RPM phases of flight or open windows or cockpits.
Will PFX work with hearing aids?
PFX will work the same as with our existing headset models, although the wearer may be affected by the acoustic response mapping tone.
Is the PFX mic reversible?
The mic is not reversible. Placement of the driver within the ear cup is critical. Because the optimum alignment is not dead center, reversing the headset on your head would significantly diminish the audio performance, quality, and clarity you enjoy from your PFX.
Why are the cables so different?
PFX uses rugged cables constructed of silver-coated copper alloy wrapped around a Kevlar core to deliver extraordinary flexibility, strength, and audio quality.
What are the specific lengths for the rugged cables?
Upper cables are 48 inches; Lower cables are 27 inches long.
Does PFX come in a coiled version?
There is no coiled version, but the light weight and flexibility of the rugged cables makes them easy to wrap and clip out of the way. Helicopter pilots that have test flown with PFX preferred this over coiled cables.
Where is the serial number located?
To access your product serial number via the FlightLink app:
- Make sure your headset is paired and connected to your Apple device.
- Locate the serial number (under the headpad).
- Open the FlightLink app.
- Tap the Settings icon on the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Help and Support to access your product model and serial number.
The PFX serial number (a small, white, bar-code sticker with numbers) can be found on the headset underneath the head pad. The head pad, located on the inner radius of the headband, must be removed to reveal the serial number. Simply pinch the cushioned part of the head pad, pull down and it will snap out.
