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!

The Problem: I have had my Plantronics CS55 wireless headset & HL10 handset lifter 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 Plantronics 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 headset.  You will find detailed instructions with pictures located on our Plantronics CS55 product page, under FAQ’s.  Once you have completed the reset, your headset and lifter should be ready to go!

Q:  I have been using the 10U100 wireless headsets with my Avaya Partner phones.  I know they have been discontinued;  do you have anything else that is similar that will work with my phones?

A:  Yes-you can use the new Plantronics CT14 with your phones.  It is a convertible headset and it has the DEC 6.0 (1.9 gig) technology plus it offers twice the roaming distance as the 10U100!

Q: My phone guy tells me I have an “electronic hook-switch” on my phone so I don’t need a headset lifter for my wireless headset. Is that correct, and if so, how does it work?

A: An electronic hook-switch will work on some phone models as long as they have updated firmware installed. You will need to check with your phone installer to see if you are currently equipped with this. If you have a wireless headset it will allow you to hear ring tones, answer and end calls, adjust volume and mute calls when you are away from your desk. With most phone systems you would need a headset lifter (HL10) to accomplish this. But if you have the Electronic Hook-switch, and the proper firmware installed on your phone, it eliminates the need for a headset lifter.

Q: I have a Plantronics H101 Headset for my office, however when I travel I want to use my computer and VOIP. What will give my the best result: H101 with a DA60 Adapter or a USB Headset?

A: Both options will work for the application you describe! Since the Plantronics H101 is a top of the line commercial grade headset, it may provide better clarity with less white noise than a USB computer headset. However, you can purchase a good quality computer headset for only $40-60, where as the DA60 Adapter for the H101 will cost $118. If you purchased a Plantronics DSP 400-USB Headset, it is fold-able so that you can easily slip it into your computer travel case, and you would not have to pack any additional equipment. Either option will work fine!