Ferris State University Sirens + Mystery Solved!!

[nvanw27]

In the CD-era, Ferris state university placed a Thunderbolt 1000T atop their business center. It was set on Chopper Level 1 (!!) and sounded at the same time as the city's sirens, 2 2T22s and 2 Thunderbolt 1000Ts. However, around 2009, the Thunderbolt was replaced with 7 sirens - 6 Modulators ranging from 3012 to 5020, and a mystery location of a modulator. They sound in Hi/lo and voice for tests, and supposedly test westminster chimes sometimes, though that has yet to be caught on camera. However, the 7th siren remained a question for many enthusiasts. A few scoured the city and university campus for it, to no avail. However, on 8/27/18, I was driving through Big Rapids looking for it again, when I drove past the university tennis practice center. I happened to glance towards it, when I saw one of those antennas WSS installs on their FS sirens these days. I couldn't turn around because I was in some heavy traffic, but I made a mental note to investigate when I got home.

It paid off.

The 7th siren is a Federal Signal DSA2. Why they didn't put a Modulator there is beyond me. It's located here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Racqu ... 85.4804805

Here is a map of the campus's sirens. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ebz6A ... sp=sharing

[lkreykes]

Nice find. Never would've thought to look for one of those.

[nvanw27]

Nice find. Never would've thought to look for one of those.

Neither would I, I very nearly pulled an illegal U-Turn when I saw it. I'll try to grab some pictures tomorrow, i'll be down there again.

[Tyler]

The 7th siren is a Federal Signal DSA2. Why they didn't put a Modulator there is beyond me. It's located here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Racqu ... 85.4804805

What are you talking about? They are using a DSA for the purpose it was designed for.

[lkreykes]

The 7th siren is a Federal Signal DSA2. Why they didn't put a Modulator there is beyond me. It's located here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Racqu ... 85.4804805

What are you talking about? They are using a DSA for the purpose it was designed for.

I'm pretty sure he was thinking more on the lines of 6 Modulators in place, then a random DSA.........wondering what made them choose that over just putting another Mod in.

[nvanw27]

I went and checked out the location today. It looks to have been installed at the same time as the mods. the antenna is placed weird, too. At the top of the pole, and is mounted different. Controller is an UltraVoice. Sadly, I forgot my camera at home, so no pics this time around.