Testing the XP Cordless Headphones
Cordless headphones have been around for a while now, after slowly getting off the ground with some attendant problems. The XP system however, is at the cutting edge of technology and miniaturisation, with the latest digital microprocessor transmission for optimum audio quality negating any background or “white noise” for exacting clarity. Two microprocessors are employed, one for transmission (control box), the other for reception (headphones).
The receiver has been miniaturised down to the N’th degree and is fully integrated to the headphone earpiece: measuring a fraction over 2 X 2inches X ¾ inch in depth. weighing in at only 30grammes, this includes the rechargeable lithium battery!! Overall weight including Back phones is a mere 70grammes.The transmitter itself comes installed directly to the detectors circuit board, thereby requiring no additional power, and weighing only in single figure grammes, no external unit is necessary.
The detachable receiver has two sockets incorporated in the base, one for charging purposes and the other an audio jack output, this enables the detectorists to detach the receiver, connect and listen to the signals through his/her preferred phones. Simply place the receiver in a top pocket.
The fast lithium charger supplied incorporates an L.E.D.charge monitoring system, which gives a full charge in 2 hours; this allows 40 hours use. With no memory effect it’s not necessary to fully charge every time, it’s possible to detect for 6hrs on a 20-minute charge.
The volume, on/off control is set by two + and - tactile keys on the receiver, press and hold briefly, a short beep is heard and an L.E.D.will constantly flash. Adjustment to the volume is accomplished by using the + and – keys and the setting is memorised for the next time it is used.
At present there is a choice of 2 channels (different frequencies) to prevent possible interference between the two closest users. Due to absorption phenomena, this will also allow two users on the same channel to detect within 15 metres of each other without interference. Another advantage is that the detectorists can use ordinary phones, while his friend could use another set with the receiver and hear the same signals; the range is up to 20yds from the transmitter.
Field tests have shown that there is no loss of clarity compared with standard phones, in actual fact it has been found that the smaller “quieter” signals are amplified to a certain extent. Also there is no signal degradation working near overhead power lines, the interference that affects the performance is due to the KHz of the detector, there is no difference than if using standard headphones. The unit is also rain proof.
As can be expected from XP it’s 21st century technology at it’s finest, the freedom of movement and lightness has to be experienced to be believed, Gone are the days of stretching headphone cords when laying down the detector, or virtually garrotting yourself when detecting in woods, not to mention squashed and aching ears at the end of the day
John Lynn