The Siren Board

What is the point of a gas powered mobil directo, or gas powered siren? You could have a huge bustling neighborhood with more than you can ask for 3 phase power, and have a GAS powered siren right there, and depending on how long the gas lasts, would have to refill it I'd say every month. Whats the point? Are they more powerful or what?

Fearguy1234 wrote:What is the point of a gas powered mobil directo, or gas powered siren? You could have a huge bustling neighborhood with more than you can ask for 3 phase power, and have a GAS powered siren right there, and depending on how long the gas lasts, would have to refill it I'd say every month. Whats the point? Are they more powerful or what?

I know that most of the gas sirens in the L.A. Area were converted to propane after a few years due to ease of maintainice. I belive the point was is that if there were a nuclear attack and the power was out, they could still function (this was the time before they discovered electro-magnetic pulse). They were also for areas where there wasn't an adequate power source.

It makes kind of sense, they'd be pretty good for areas today. But still, what good is it converting it to propane?

Fearguy1234 wrote:It makes kind of sense, they'd be pretty good for areas today. But still, what good is it converting it to propane?

It can tap fuel straight from a gas line. Then you wouldn't have to fill up the tank every month or so.

Oh, but back then did they have that many gas lines?

Yes they had a lot of natural gas lines back then, Or you could just put a propane tank near the siren. Propane/natural gas doesn't go bad like gasoline does.

Were the remotely controlled?

@DJ

They were controlled via telephone line im pretty sure, but I am asking the same question

they could still function (this was the time before they discovered electro-magnetic pulse).

EMP would have no effect on an old ignition system like a mobil directo has. EMP isn't going to do anything to an ignition coil and a plug wire.
I don't know if MDs had points or not but if they did EMP wouldn't have any effect on points either.

Fearguy1234 wrote:Oh, but back then did they have that many gas lines?

Gas lines existed in cities before electricity did. Streets and houses were lit with gas lamps.
I'm assuming that gasoline-powered Mobil Directos were designed for areas with inadequate or no supply of electricity, just like the 2000 and 7000 series Thunderbolts.