What the heck does "2001" mean

[Tyler]

So I just thought about it and I don't think we ever talked about it before. What the heck does the name mean? I know there already is a model 2000 (Gas powered Thunderbolt) but why did Federal name it 2001? Really its doesn't make sense and I honestly don't think it means anything...


Tell me what you think.

[ModulatorMan]

Consider this speculation, but as it was a late 80's product, I'm guessing that it would've been a sales pitch that the siren would last past the year 2001, hence the name. This is just speculation, though.

[coastalsyrolover]

It would be interesting if it was a code. The thunderbolt 7000 was a battery back up... I wonder if the 2001 just got mixed up or something... Why don't you ask FS?

[Tyler]

It would be interesting if it was a code. The thunderbolt 7000 was a battery back up... I wonder if the 2001 just got mixed up or something... Why don't you ask FS?

7000 was a mobile platform with generator backup.

[Brendan W]

2001: A Siren Odyssey

[siren fan]

I've wondered the same thing too.

[KGK1234]

Same here.

[Travis]

My guess is that it was the next logical consecutive model number. As stated above, the 2000 was the multi power sourced Tbolt, so 2001 would make sense. Similarly, to keep up with other competitors, we saw real names come back to their sirens with the Eclipse. American Signal has the Tempest line, Whelen has the Vortex (which seems to sell in much higher numbers than their other models with just a number name.) Sentry still uses numbers but they did briefly try a name again on the not-so-successful Defender/SS3 series.

As far as the 508, I draw that connection from the original 500. In the same way it would have been awkward and confusing to name the Eclipse the STL-8 or something (which not that anyone these days would notice, but it sounds like a lesser model than the STL-10) they added the 8 to keep in line with their newer naming convention with that paired rotor/stator line..ie Eclipse 8. I suppose they could have named the 508 the 3000, but all that I can think of if it were to be named that, was the Andre 3000...

Anyways this is just my guess. Their naming conventions have changed over the years, and they don't seem to have as much rhyme or reason as series' past such as the XT22, STH/L, RSH, 2/3/7, SD-10, etc.

[Ziginox]

I remember reading that the 508 name referred to the frequency of the tone the siren produces.

[ModulatorMan]

I don't think the 2001 peaks at 2001Hz