Whelen introduces a new siren line...sort of (plus VisuLert)

[uncommonsense]

It looks to me that Whelen has introduced a new line of sirens called the "Firehouse Siren Series."

That's about as much as I am clear on. Judging from their product page and literature, they're the exact same thing as the OmniAlert series..but it appears they're being sold alongside the OmniAlerts, and not as a replacement. Perhaps its just a marketing thing?

Maybe someone with more knowledge and/or ideas can clarify.

It seems Whelen has also introduced the VisuLert option, a lightbar that wraps around the bottom of their omnis. Not going to lie, it looks kinda cool, if rather impractical.

Meanwhile, have a look at the product webpage: http://www.whelen.com/_MASSNOTIFICATION/firehouse.php

And the PDF: http://www.whelen.com/pb/Mass%20Notific ... Series.pdf

And the VisuLert option: http://www.whelen.com/pb/Mass%20Notific ... arning.pdf

P.S. As of 11:02p 2/13/11, the page seemed to have been in the process of updating live. I refreshed the omni directional page to find a link to the VisuLert PDF where there had not been one only mere minutes before. Its very possible more updates are coming down the pike, so checking in on Whelen's website soon might not be a bad idea. So far, nothing else has changed. However, looks like I was in the right place at the right time.

[Bryan]

I kinda figured that was coming.. I kept thinking "wonder how long till the tech guys get board and put lights on it

[thunderbolt1003]

That would be a cool addition of Whelen. They're well know for their lights, and I'm glad they're moving it to the outdoor sirens as well. Can't wait to see them in action.

[dilloncarpenter]

I noticed those the other day. Wonder what makes the Firehouse sirens different from the OmniAlert.

[Kiboe]

makes sense for hearing impaired or def folks. pretty soon they will have text-readers much like the amber alert signs on the highways, but smaller that will read warnings.

i dunno if i'm really for it, as far as i know sirens, in emergincies, are for emergincies and meant to be heard and not seen, but, that's just me.

[Travis]

I noticed those the other day. Wonder what makes the Firehouse sirens different from the OmniAlert.

It looks like these may have some expanded activation options. It's just your standard OA/29XX series speaker unit with some LED's thrown on it and an OA box on it with type ____ activating controller on it.

This makes me wonder if they are going to look at doing away with the Hornet. They are so rare, and so many times they are installed in the type situation this "new" siren is trying to fulfill.

[Bryan]

I don't think the M6 heads would be that good of a choice though. They're bright i've used them before. I think they're going to need to use something larger like their 900 series thats large and bright.

[coppercarl]

The only thing I could think of that might be different from the OA series is that these sirens are for smaller communities to be used at the FD's that want a cheaper siren with voice. I dont see what the difference would be between these sirens and the 2900 series if it does have voice, but its just a theory.

[Sirenguy02]

i think that they are trying to focus more on making the OA's for tornado/other problems rather then fire?

[Mysterious T-Bolt 111]

Looks awesome with those strobe lights.