GENTEX DHPC Argonaut Headset Instruction Manual

GENTEX DHPC Argonaut Headset

Overview

Gentex Corporation’s integrated double hearing protection and communications headset uses a unique digital noise canceling microphone technology to provide maximum hearing protection and maximum speech intelligibility for clear communications in ambient noise fields up to 125 dB(A).

Before Usage

Always evaluate the adequacy of your protective gear before entering hazardous environments.

The wearer should ensure that:

• The earmuffs and earplugs are fitted, adjusted and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper fit of this device will reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise. Consult the included instructions for proper fit.
• The earmuffs and earplugs have been inspected for serviceability.
• The earmuffs and earplugs are worn at all times in noisy surroundings.

The use of any hearing protective device will not guarantee adequate protection for hearing loss for all persons under all circumstances. Consult your physician or audiologist frequently when being exposed to high noise levels. If exposure to high noise levels occurs during employment activities, also consult your employer regularly.

Headset Assembly and Fitting

Connecting Argonaut Communication Earplugs (ACE) to Headset

1. Rotate earcup to gain access to the earplug receptacle.

2. Grasp the ACE earplug connector and insert the connector into either earcup by aligning the red dot on the connector with the red dot on the receptacle. Gently press the connector until it snaps in place.
   

3. To remove the connector, grip connector body’s knurled sleeve, and pull it in the direction indicated here.
   DO NOT pull on the earplug cable.
   

Headband Adjustment

The headband is assembled at the factory to be adjustable. The friction required to adjust the headband or to fix the headband in place may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the lock nut on each side of the headband near the head pad with an 11/32 inch or adjustable wrench.

Earplug Insertion

Before use, inspect earplug cable assembly for signs of damage or wear.

A few critical instructions include:

• Improper fit of earplugs will reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise. Consult the included instructions for proper fit.
• Inspect the earplugs before each use. The earplugs should be free of debris, tears, and other physical damage.

Acceptable Generic Foam Tip Insertion Options

Fitting Argonaut DHPC Headset

1. Position the headset so that the boom microphone is on the left side.
   

2. Insert right earplug into the right ear (Orientation not critical when using generic foam earplugs)
   

3. Insert left earplug into the left ear.
   

4. Place the headset on the head.
   

5. Place the headset comfortably over the ears, ensuring that the outer ear is  completely seated in the earcups. Cinch up the O-ring on the earplug cables to prevent a snag hazard.
   

If the headset is installed in a helmet, the helmet should be placed on the head  so that the earcups can be rotated away from the ears, allowing you to insert the  earplugs to be inserted before donning the headset.

Earcup Removal and Attachment

To install the headset into some head protectors, one or both of the earcups might  need to be temporarily removed.

1. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to disengage the ¼ turn fastener holding each side of the earcup to the metal stirrup.
2. The cam will disengage when turned counter clockwise (CCW). Stop turning it when the fastener is disengaged.
3. Pull the stirrup away from the cup. The fastener is captured on the stirrup so it will not fall away.
4. To reinstall the cup, insert the fastener into the insert and gently rotate the fastener ¼ turn clockwise (CW) to reengage the fastener. A click should be heard as the fastener cam engages the insert.
5. Gently try to pull the stirrup away from the earcup to verify the fastener is reengaged.
6. Repeat for opposite earcup side.
   

Operation

Certain variants of the Argonaut platform can derive their power from their host systems. Those units that are configured for external power have a terminal cover plate in lieu of an actual battery unit. These cover plates are designated by a gray sticker on the outside surface of the plate. These units contain no battery and thus need no charging. All users should refrain from placing terminal cover plates on a charger as damage may occur to the charging system.

• Terminal Cover Plate
  

• Battery
  

A power switch is located below the battery at the bottom of the right side earcup. The switch slides forward and backward with the 0 indicating the OFF position and 1 indicating the ON position. When configured with a battery, the headset power should be in the OFF position when not in use and anytime the earplugs are not fully inserted in the ears. The position of the switch is not relevant when configured for external power.

Battery Charging & Maintenance

The battery is supplied with a minimal charge. Charge the battery to full charge level prior to its first use per the battery charger instructions. A sequence of three beeps will be delivered through the right earplug to alert when the battery charge is low. See instructions for the particular battery charger used.

Removing the Battery from Headset

The rechargeable battery is attached to the right earcup. A four step action is required to release the battery, as illustrated below. A locking lever prevents the battery from accidentally becoming disengaged from the headset. In the event that the Terminal Cover Plate needs to be replaced, the same procedure would apply.

1. Place thumb on release lever
   

2. Push release lever towards earseal until it stops.
   

3. With lever in position, press button down.
   

4. With button depressed, pull back on release lever and remove battery.
   

Battery Installation into Headset

The battery is installed by placing the bottom of the battery in the earcup pocket and pushing the top edge of the battery against the earcup until it latches in place.

Microphones

Communications modules are available for pairing with many manufacturer’s radios and intercom systems. Please check with Gentex Corporation for available compatible device configurations. The muzzle and boom communications modules provide 2-way communication capability to the Argonaut DHPC. The muzzle contains a digital noise canceling microphone surrounded by a plastic housing lined with a compliant seal, called the “muzzle”. The boom contains a similar microphone without the housing and seal. There is a replaceable wind guard over the microphone that is held in place with a small O-ring.

After connecting the Argonaut DHPC headset to the radio, use the oval shaped button on the back of the muzzle or boom (shown above) to transmit. In most cases, the radio PTT button can be used. When talking in high noise environments, the muzzle should be centered and tightly sealed around the mouth to transmit the best speech quality. When using the boom microphone, the user should have the windguard as close to their mouth as possible for maximum sound clarity.

Earseal Replacement

Remove earseal by grasping and pulling rear flap of the earseal over the retention lip of the earcup on each side.

Replace earseal by stretching the rear flap of the earseal over the retention lip of the earcup on each side.

Cleaning and Storage

Earseals, earcups, and headband may be wiped down with a cloth dampened with water or wipes with alcohol or disinfecting solution. The earplugs, headset and associated equipment should be stored in the protective cases provided.

Maintenance

See Troubleshooting and Maintenance guide for details on maintenance of headset.

Part Number| Description|
---|---|---
05-005054| Argonaut DHP Base Assembly| Headset
05-005061| Headset Argonaut DHPC Harris P7100
05-005064| Headset Argonaut DHPC F18ICS
05-005068| Headset Argonaut DHPC Muzzle mic Sound Powered Phone with Battery
05-999001| Replacement Earseal Kit
05-999003| Wind Guard for Boom Mic
05-005090| Terminal Cover Plate
05-005023| Battery Pack
05-012001| Two Gang Desktop Battery Charger
05-016017| Argonaut CEP Earplugs (ACE)| Earplugs
05-016019| Comply P-Series Canal Tips, Standard & Slim, 1 Pair Each
05-016023| Comply P-Series Canal Tips, Original Slim, Box of 100 Pair
05-016024| Comply P-Series Canal Tips, Original Standard, Box of 100 Pair
Boom and Muzzle Communication Modules| Communications modules for connection to a variety of military and commercial radios are available. Please contact Gentex Corporation for information on currently available configurations and replacement parts|

Warning

Never remove earplugs or headset while in high noise environments.

Failure to comply with general safety precautions violates the safety intent of this product and may result in bodily harm or damage to the product. Gentex Corporation claims no liability for damage or injury resulting from a failure to comply with the safety precautions outlined in this manual.

Always wear both the headset and earplugs when in high noise environments.

Caution

Inserting or removing earplugs too quickly may result in air pressure or suction against the eardrum causing temporary pain. Earplugs should be inserted or removed slowly with a twisting motion to prevent excess pressure buildup. Gently moving the earplug while opening the jaw fully may remove excess pressure buildup.

The use of earplugs may require a “break-in” period to accustom the ear canal to the presence of the earplug.

The use of earplugs may require a “break-in” period to accustom the ear canal to the presence of the earplug.

In order to ensure maximum performance, your ear canal should be clean and free of excess ear wax and debris before inserting earplugs. Long term usage of earplugs could result in the buildup of ear wax within the ear. In the event that ear wax or debris becomes impacted in your ear canal, seek medical consultation.

DO NOT hang or swing headset by earplugs or cables.

Noise Reduction Performance

The performance is based on the attenuation of continuous noise and is not an accurate indicator of the protection attainable against impulsive noise such as gunfire.

Argonaut DHPC and Argonaut Communication Earplugs (ACE) and Comply P-Series Canal Tips

Frequency (Hz)| 125| 250| 500| 1000| 2000| 4000| 8000
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Mean Attenuation in dB| 40.6| 46.1| 48.5| 43.6| 43.1| 50.6| 50.6
Standard Deviation in dB| 5.0| 4.9| 4.5| 2.5| 4.2| 3.3| 4.2

Test data collected per ANSI S12.6:2008

Frequency (Hz)| 125| 250| 500| 1000| 2000| 4000| 8000
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Mean Attenuation in dB| 36.1| 39.6| 48.6| 44.0| 41.3| 48.0| 47.0
Standard Deviation in dB| 5.0| 4.9| 4.5| 2.5| 4.2| 3.3| 4.2
APV (dB)| 30.9| 35.5| 44.8| 40.5| 37.7| 44.1| 43.3

Test data collected per EN 352/13819-2:2002

SNR= 42 dB
H=  40 dB
M= 40 dB
L= 37 dB

Argonaut DHPC System: Argonaut Headset with DNC flexboom microphone and Argonaut Communication Earplugs (ACE), order separately. Use with properly sized and fitted Comply P-Series Canal Tips to obtain hearing protection performance.

Customer Support

Gentex Corporation
645 Harvey Road, Suite 102
Manchester, NH 03103 USA

603-657-1200
sales@gentexcorp.com

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