Which Dane County Siren should I capture this year?

[turtlbrdr]

How was it compared to the Perf + Penetrate?

I want to say they were about the same really. Both wound up rather quickly, and have about the same kick to them. Besides the obvious difference in pitch I wouldn't put one more effective over than the other.

That is if it weren't for one thing. My family said they couldn't hear the Equinox during today's test. We live about half a mile from the siren itself; now,granted, had a strong wind out of the northwest and they may have been distracted, but I don't like how that bodes. I used to hear our 3T22 during its 6pm burst all the time, I've literally only heard the Equinox twice. Yesterday, when I recorded it; and about half a month ago, up to that point, I didn't even think they still did the 6pm sounding.

Last year during the storms that came through in May we could hear the 3T22 from our basement, I don't know if I will be able to say the same thing of the Equinox.

I also noticed that even this one has a bit of a pitch waver in the first 20 seconds...

I am skeptical.

Here is the video for those who haven't seen it:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLAXuZhWlu0

[Mark N]

It could be the recitifier, I think. The 2001 here loses pitch in the winter, but reaches its usual peak pitch in the spring/summer, so I can't imagine this one is any different.

[turtlbrdr]

Here's April's siren of the month: Madison's sole FS 500AT. Man, do I wish what I saw was an April Fool's Joke.

The siren was strong, but sounded like an Allertor (that familiar 8/10 ratio?). But about 2 minutes into the test the rotator hung up and the siren failed to spin for about 15-20 seconds. On the bright side, it did provide me with a good amount of pure "in the stream" audio.

On another note, I could not have picked a better month to do this. I recorded this video from within the parking lot of an elementary school and, as luck would have it, it was spring break week so I didn't have to answer too many awkward questions about having two camera's, a computer, and a giant microphone trained on this thing.

I reported it to the EMA, and with their plans I have no doubts it won't survive the month. I feel like I just led it to it's death, but the people's safety surrounding the unit is more important that my feelings about it.

So without further ado, here is the video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVJoet-AIJg

[holler]

Sounds like the rotator belt that comes off the gearbox and actually turns the siren has gotten old and stretched to the limits of the tensioner. Rotator probably hasn't been greased in years which doesn't help any.

Too bad they are sending it to the scrap heap over a $10 belt.

[Mark N]

Well, at the very least, you got a video of it before it bit the dust.

[DJ2226]

Soon to be replaced with an Equinox I reckon. I'm glad there is someone up there that can record those rarities before the county... destroys them. Many thanks!

[turtlbrdr]

I will have to carefully consider my next move. Our state tornado drill is coming up on the 16th, I still don't know which one I'll choose.

[bullybadger]

Have you ever done the thunderbolt on top of Madison East HS?

[turtlbrdr]

Have you ever done the thunderbolt on top of Madison East HS?

Have not, no. I may consider that one. That's one of the few that will be retired in-place, operable for the current future

[Archon]

I recorded this siren years ago when school was in and I stood out in the parking lot and never had any body come out or any trouble in face any where in Madison either.

Here's April's siren of the month: Madison's sole FS 500AT. Man, do I wish what I saw was an April Fool's Joke.

The siren was strong, but sounded like an Allertor (that familiar 8/10 ratio?). But about 2 minutes into the test the rotator hung up and the siren failed to spin for about 15-20 seconds. On the bright side, it did provide me with a good amount of pure "in the stream" audio.

On another note, I could not have picked a better month to do this. I recorded this video from within the parking lot of an elementary school and, as luck would have it, it was spring break week so I didn't have to answer too many awkward questions about having two camera's, a computer, and a giant microphone trained on this thing.

I reported it to the EMA, and with their plans I have no doubts it won't survive the month. I feel like I just led it to it's death, but the people's safety surrounding the unit is more important that my feelings about it.

So without further ado, here is the video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVJoet-AIJg