Problem: I have a few wireless Plantronics CS70N and CS70 bases but the headsets are no longer working. Is there a replacement battery for the headsets or a replacement headset for the CS70? If you offer a replacement for either of these, how much do they cost?

Solution: Unfortunately, Plantronics chose not to use a replaceable battery in either of the CS70 or CS70N headsets. So after the life of the battery dies, the headset is no longer of any use to you. I know it seems like a waste but that is the way Plantronics designed the headsets.

Plantronics no longer manufactures the CS70 or a replacement headset for that system but you can use the replacement headset for the Plantronics CS70N, part number 27910-01, on your CS70.  This is a noise canceling headset; it will get rid of a big percentage of your back ground noise, unlike the CS70 headset which is a voice tube model. It is the same wearing style that you use with the CS70.

The Plantronics CS70N replacement headset sells for $179. Headset Directs offers a 60 day money back guarantee on all the Plantronics wireless replacement headsets. Just remember that you will need to pair your replacement headset to the CS70 base.  Our web page offers instructions and pictures on how to pair the base and headset. If you think the price on the replacement headset is too expensive, you can purchase a new CS70N starting at $240. If you need additional help, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800-914-7996.

Practical Headset for a Plantronics Practica T50?

First, let me start off by saying that Plantronics does not recommend using any headsets on the Practica units other than the one that came with it.  However, since the Plantronics Practica A100, T100 and T50 units are discontinued, what are you supposed to do if your base still works great but you just need a replacement headset?   Well you could of course purchase a brand new complete system such as the Plantronics S11 or the Plantronics S12 which is like the Practica A100 that works with most single and multiline phones, or the Plantronics T10 which is a single line telephone like the Practica T50 and T100.  These systems can range from around $88.95 to $129.95 in price.

Now these are all really good systems, but it may seem kinda silly to throw the whole thing away just because the headset stopped working.  And that is usually the case, the headsets wear out (maybe because of the thin cord) but the bases are durable and last a long time.  So that being said, we have yet another option for you other than buying a complete new system…  This would be the Plantronics S11 replacement headset (model# 65388-02), which is around $29.95, considerably less than buying a complete new system.  The Plantronics S11 replacement headset is just a simple headband (over the head) headset that has a noise canceling microphone and covers one ear.  I have sold the Plantronics S11 replacement headset to several customers that still have the Plantronics Practica bases but were unable to find a replacement headset.  And so far, these have worked out very well.  Not to mention, a very budget friendly practical solution for the Plantronics Practicas.

Using a Plantronics Wireless Headsets in Tech Support Center.

Problem:

I have been tasked to obtain Plantronics wireless headsets to test in our network tech support center. This is what I need the wireless headsets to accomplish:

1. Noise cancelling microphones
2. Great sound quality on both sides
3. Good battery life (at least ten hours)
4. Changeable batteries (after life of battery has died)
5. Remote answer and hang up from the headset

Solution: Headsets Direct carries three Plantronics wireless systems that will meet your requirements: all three will give you up to 10 hours of talk time. They all have noise cancelling microphones. The wireless systems provide you with multiple volume adjustments on the charging base and on the headset for great sound quality on both sides. The batteries can be replaced for $39.95 (there are instructions on our webpage to help you change out the batteries if needed).

The CS55 (our most popular Plantronics wireless headset) price starts at $225. This unit comes with a headband and different size ear loops, so you have two different wearing styles to choose from. The CS351N is a true headband model, one ear is covered and the headband cannot be changed out. It is a heaver headband than the CS55’s. The ear cushion is a little larger than the CS55’s to block out more noise. This unit starts at $240. The CS361N is a dual ear headset; both ears are covered for that noisy environment you may be in. This unit starts at $254. All three of these systems come with a one year warranty.

For remote answering and hanging up from the Plantronics wireless headset you will need an HL10 handset lifter which sells for $68. This device will work on most office phones.

Plantronics headsets for Nortel T7316 phone.

Problem:

I am looking for a Plantronics headset for my desk model T7316 phone from Nortel networks. What I need is a headset where I can hear my own voice so I know how loud I am speaking. Either corded or wireless and the more sound blocking from outside noise would be great. I need a range of prices, if possible.

Solution:

Headsets Direct has a great selection of Plantronics corded headsets and wireless units that are compatible with your Nortel T7316 phone that will certainly help you. If you would like a corded setup, you will need to start with an A10 cord (66268-02), which sells for $44.95. Any of our H-series headsets will work with this A10 cord. One of the headsets I highly recommend is the Plantronics HW291N selling for $103. This unit has a high-frequency wideband that will ensure crystal clear calls. It has an ultra-lightweight design and leatherette ear cushions. You will only have one ear covered (so you can hear your own voice), this headset has a noise canceling microphone for loud background noises (will get rid of about 75% of the noise). The HW291N has an extendible boom for placement of the microphone for better clarity. Price wise, on the lower end, you might want to look at an H251N which sells for $76.50, one ear covered, adjustable boom but not extendible. It ships with foam ear cushions.

You can use any of the Plantronics wireless headsets with the HL10 handset lifter on your phone. Our most popular unit is the CS55 which sells for $225. This unit has what Plantronics calls a convertible headset, you will receive ear loops (3 different sizes) and a light weight headband for your choice of wearing styles. It is noise canceling. The CS55 gives you 300′ of distance and 10 hours of talk time. The HL10 handset lifter sells for $68 which will give you remote answering when away from your phone. You might want to look at the CS351N; this is a true headband style headset. The headband is not detachable like the CS55 unit and it weighs a little more. It is also noise canceling with 300′ distance and 10 hrs of talk time. Sells for $240.

Problem: A customers recently called us because they heard an echo or their voice when using their Plantronics CS55 wireless headset.  It was working fine yesterday and now all of a sudden this echo appeared.

Solution: This is a problem that customers have had with their Plantronics CS55 wireless headsets and other similar CS wireless models (e.g. CS70N, CS351N) and a simple fix is to make sure the compatibility dial, located to the left of the base, is properly set.  The indicator, set at 3 o’clock, normally points to #1 (that covers 90% of phones) on that dial but you may need to use one of the other 3 settings for optimum clarity.  It should never be set between numbers.  The right compatibility setting is crucial to the proper operation of your Plantronics CS55 wireless headset.  On occasion you or someone else in your office may bump the unit and not realize the the dial has been slightly turned.

Press Release by Headsets Direct February 24th, 2010:

A tech company defies a tough economy and fuels growth by going wireless. A new VoIP telephone system and wireless headsets allow employees to respond to customer requests faster and more effectively than ever.

Click here to view the entire press release.

Simplifying your telephone headsets with Plantronics Amplifiers:

Problem:

We have different brands of telephones in our office. It seems like each phone takes a different type of setup, some of the phones have a headset jack, some do not. What can we purchase to make all of our existing and future headsets universal to all of our phones?

Answer:

If you are looking for a corded solution, you will need to start with a Plantronics amplifier and headset. We carry a large selection of Plantronics headsets for you to choose from. Plantronics offers headsets with a voice tube for quiet environments as well as headsets with a noise canceling microphone for noisy environments (this headset will get rid of about 75% of your background noise). Plantronics offers amplifiers such as the M22 and AP15 that work on just about any office phone. The Plantronics amplifier will plug into the handset jack on each of your phones and the headset plugs into the quick disconnect cord on the amplifier. This will keep all of your setups universal and consistent for each phone. Just remember, since you are plugging into the handset jack, you will have to take your handset out of the cradle each and every time you take or make a call.

A Plantronics wireless headset and a handset lifter may be another way for your office to go. This would also be universal for almost any office phone. Headsets Direct’s most popular wireless headset is the CS55. This headset gives you 10 hours of talk time and up to 300 feet distance. The HL10 handset lifter will give you remote access to answering all of your calls.

Problem:  I have an H251N headset, and it is so comfortable- – - can I use it with my computer also?

Solution:  It sounds like you really love your headset, and although it was designed to be used with a telephone, you do have a couple of options for using it with your computer as well!

Option #1:  Purchase a USB headset adapter.   This handy little device has a quick disconnect on one end and a USB adapter on the other.   You simply plug your headset cord into the quick disconnect end and plug the other end into your computer USB port and you are ready to roll! We offer several different USB headset adapters that range from $46 for a simple unit up to $118 for the top of the line adapter. You will find them on our website by clicking  USB headset adapter and scrolling down.

Option #2:  Purchase the Headsets Direct PC phone/headset switch:  a device which allows you to switch back and forth from your phone to your PC.   It is actually a small box with a silver button on the top.  It has a cord that connects to your soundboard and when the silver button is up you can use your headset with your telephone.  When the silver button is down you can use your headset with your computer.  Headset Direct developed this unit just for people like you who love their phone headset and want to use it with a computer.  This cleaver little item is also priced right- – it’s only $39.95!  You will find our PC phone/headset switch at Computer/VOIP.

We had a customer having a problem with their Plantronics CS55 Headset & HL10 Handset Lifter:

The Problem: I have had my Plantronics CS55 headset & HL10 for several weeks now, and they have been working great!  Recently, however, it has dropped a couple of calls in mid-conversation.   What’s up?

The Solution: If the HL10 lifter is actually hanging up the phone mid conversation there are several possible quick fixes that may solve your problem.   First, check the small height adjustment button on the back of your HL10 lifter.  You have a choice of low, medium or high settings.   We suggest you set it on the medium  (middle) setting because it works best for the majority of phones.    With some phones if you set the HL10 on the low setting the handset is simply too heavy, so it slowly hangs up on you.

If that adjustment doesn’t solve your problem, lift your handset off the phone and manually pull the arm on your HL10 lifter up as high as it will go; then slowly push it back down.  If the problem persists, your next option is to do a reset on your Plantronics CS55.  You will find instructions on our Plantronics CS55 headset page under FAQ’s.  Look for the reset information in blue print and click onto it.  Once you have completed the reset, your Plantronics CS55 headset and HL10 lifter should be ready to go!

Problem:  I have a Plantronics wireless headset and I would like to get a Plantronics HL10 handset lifter so that I can answer my calls when I am away from my desk.  How do I know if the lifter is compatible with my phone & headset?

Solution:  The Plantronics HL10 lifter is compatible with most of the Plantronics wireless headsets, and it will work with most phone systems that are compatible with our wireless headsets.  However, there are a few exceptions to this rule and it has to do with the physical design of your telephone.

The Plantronics HL10 is designed to lift the upper portion of the telephone handset so that you can answer the phone when you are away from your desk.  A few phone manufacturers came out with some “unique” designs that cause problems.  For example:

If your phone has the hook switch button located on the bottom end of the telephone handset, you won’t be able to take a call using this lifter because it lifts the top part of the handset-where most phones have the hook switch button located.

If your phone sits at a steep vertical angle, hangs on a wall, or does not have a “cup” to hold the bottom portion of the handset, then each time the HL10  lifts the top part of the handset up- – - the handset falls backwards.   (So you can imagine the consequences if your phone is hanging on the wall!)

Phones that have a curve on the left side of the phone base can also pose a small problem, because the HL10 lifter can’t attach as secure to a curved surface as it does to a straight edge.  However, the HL10 comes with an extender arm accessory  that can be used on these phones (like Nortel) which help the lifter to work.

But if you have a good old fashioned “average” looking phone, the HL10 will work great, and make your life a lot easier!