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!

Problem: I work in two different locations, is it possible to pair the Voyager 510 headset to two different 500A bases or devices?

Solution: Yes, although the headset can only be connected and switch back and forth between two devices at a time, the Voyager 510 headset can be paired with up to 4 different devices.  This is in general for most Bluetooth headsets with Multi-point technology.  You can also use different Bluetooth headsets other than the Voyager 510 with the 500A base, however, the 500A base will only charge the 510 headset (any other headsets would need to use their own charger).

Question: What types of businesses really buy headsets?  I mean, I’m just a small one-man operation and a headset is quite an investment.  Do I really need a headset?

Answer: Well, aside from all the reports on the safety and ergonomic benefits of headsets, (click here for ergo benefits), they really do help you conduct your business in a more efficient manner.

Here are some of the businesses that buy our headsets:

Doctors, lawyers and accountants, oh my!  Auto parts stores, mechanics, bikers, hang gliders, L.A. commuters and even that granny from Pasadena.  Museums, manufacturing plants, distribution warehouses, Texas ranchers who need to stay connected on their thousand-acre spreads, Starbucks® coffee drinkers, massage parlors, the I.R.S. and every branch of government…and yes, even that backbone of American enterprise, the one-to-five-person small business operation.

And don’t forget…you can count it as a business expense.

Will the CT14 battery work in a CT12 remote?

Unfortunately they’re not compatible and interchangeable.  Although the Plantronics CT12 and Plantronics CT14 systems look alike, they do use different batteries.  The CT14 battery ( part # 81087-01 ) is much smaller than the CT12 battery (part # 63421-01 ) , not just in physical appearance, but also in power specifications.  The much smaller CT14 battery does have the same plug as the CT12 battery and can physically “plug in”, however it does not have enough power to even turn on the CT14 remote.  The specs are as follows:

CT12 battery – DC 3.6v, 800mah  /  CT14 battery – DC 2.4v, 600mah

Since we started in 1996, we have always been, and always will be, a small company that is built around service…..we just happen to sell Plantronics telephone headsets.

We will help you find the correct item, by using our compatibility guide for headsets, browsing with you on our website or just pointing you in the right direction for items you need.  We want you to have a great headset experience!

How is Headsets Direct different?

1 ) We offer lower prices than many of the retailers.

2) We offer a 60 day money back guarantee, if you are not happy with your purchase, we will exchange or refund minus the shipping cost.

3) We stock most accessories and replacement parts.

4) We offer tech support for the life of the products.

5) We have very few products that have a restocking fee.

6) We process and take care of the paper work to Plantronics for warranty replacements for you.

7) We offer a flat UPS ground shipping rate of only $7.95 per order – no matter the size.

8 ) We offer price breaks on most of our headsets of 5 or more quantity.

9) We sell headsets and amplifiers below MSRP.

10) We will supply you with a quote for the products you are interested in.

11) We are happy to take your order over the phone, or you can place your order on line.

Bottom Line:  Headsets Direct is a specialist in providing Plantronics headsets and accessories with customer service like no other!