The Siren Board

Wow, I didn't know the choice of tones was the subject of such strict regulation; I thought it was simply a matter of applying dual-tone sirens as a means to distinguish the single-tone fire-sirens of the day apart from a terror warning. I'm surprised manufacturers didn't experiment with more oddball ratios such as 7/8 or 8/9 back when they had every opportunity to get creative.

The only place I've heard of 2nd interval sirens (9/10 or 11/12) is in Portugal, where sirens are used by volunteer fire brigades. China's Lion King makes a couple of these, but they are a newer design.

SuperBanshee wrote:I currently live in Beaver Dam, WI. The one SD-10 is located near an old chapel and clock tower near Curie Street. The SD-10 is very easy to hear through the hills, I was surprised it hadn't been replaced yet.

There are at least four 2001-130s in Beaver Dam: City Hall, Park Avenue, Lakeview Park, and another one on the north end of town by a McDonald's. They all replaced SD-10s or the Mobil Directo. When/if the last SD-10 gets replaced, a 2001-130 will probably go up in its place.

I've seen that SD-10 before. I'm gonna sound like Tyler Copeland here but I hope that gets replaced by a 508. And I only know of five and I do know about the four you mentioned but there's also one on Center and Grove streets. I can think of 2 or 3 other locations for sirens in Beaver Dam so that's why I ask.

At the time Beaver Dam replaced most of their sirens, the 508 wasn't ready for production. Federal's only standard rotating siren was the 2001-130 - the Equinox doesn't count since it was a special-order model, and most city directors tend to overlook special-order sirens. It was a surprise to see Beaver Dam go with 2001s since most other towns here went with the deeper toned Eclipse 8. The only other 2001s in Dodge County are near Theresa and Horicon.

Thanks for the 5th 2001-130's location. I checked the maps and it looks like it replaced another SD-10. I don't go in that part of town very often so it completely evaded my notes.

One day I walked downtown to watch the city hall 2001-130 go off. I was surprised to hear the one SD-10 cutting through all the 2001s. Its low, droning tone made its way through the hills - even if they weren't the greatest sirens, I do think the SD-10s served very well.

Awesome article you have written. I LOVE dual tone sirens