"Growl" test?

[Robert Gift]

I presume a growl test is spinning the rotor at low RPM to produce
very low sound output.
How is a growl test accomplished?
Can one be done on a 3-phase motor of a 2t22?

Thank you,

[Jim_Ferer]

I've seen Tbolts "growl" tested - scared the hell out of me - and the guy had just hit the button(s) for a second or so. I imagine other growl tests are similar, but I suppose a slow speed could be done on sirens with DC motors if there's a way to lower the voltage.

[Robert Gift]

Thanks Jim.

I've never heard a growl.

On the TBolt, do they also operate the air compressor along with
spinning the rotor?
Does one produce their own growl test by turning on the siren for just
a second and turning power off? Or is it a built-in function in the
controller circuitry?

Are there DC airaid sirens?
In a way, I wish our 2t22 was. Then no worry about power outages
and would be far easier to operate from easily charged storage
batteries.

I'm still workin on getting 3-phase to our volunteer FD 2t22.
I'll be digging 300' of ditch for underground power from a mini sewage
treatment plant utility pole. But I must remember we are really lucky
they have 3-phase, otherwise this tornado siren may be impossible to
power.

Thank you,

[Gil]

Our town growls the sirens every monday around 8 AM.
Hmmm i didnt hear it today. must have been fast asleep

[q2bman]

It would have to be built in to the controller. The t135 growl test I recorded had such a short time between the on and off of the motor that there would be no way for even quick call to activate and deactivate so fast. But, maybe i'm wrong.

[Elliott]

Thanks Jim.

I've never heard a growl.

On the TBolt, do they also operate the air compressor along with
spinning the rotor?
Does one produce their own growl test by turning on the siren for just
a second and turning power off? Or is it a built-in function in the
controller circuitry?

Are there DC airaid sirens?
In a way, I wish our 2t22 was. Then no worry about power outages
and would be far easier to operate from easily charged storage
batteries.

I'm still workin on getting 3-phase to our volunteer FD 2t22.
I'll be digging 300' of ditch for underground power from a mini sewage
treatment plant utility pole. But I must remember we are really lucky
they have 3-phase, otherwise this tornado siren may be impossible to
power.

Thank you,

Most Fed Sig 2001's are DC as well as ASC T-128's since they have battery backup. I believe the new Fed Sig Eclipses are DC optioned as well.

[Robert Gift]

Thank you Elliot.

Yes, I should have known.
I saw a Denver FS 2001 which has a nice solar cell panel.

Can they be entirely solar powered?
I could not see any wires coming up it's pole from the ground, except for a lightning ground wire (I presume.)

I like the idea of solar power so thathe pole can be placed at it's
ideal sound dispersement location, regardless if AC is nearby.
I am learning how costly accessing and connecting to AC and getting it to the siren can be.

So, is a growl test done by the system very rapidly turning on and off power - faster than an operater can close and open switches?

Rather than a growl, I hope our 2t22 will be sounded for a cycle at 11 a.m on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, as the City of Denver conducts their siren test.

Thank you,

[Jim_Ferer]

I was working out of a trailer once in 1975 under the USGS building (since moved) in Arlington, Virginia. There was a Tbolt on the roof. As I was sitting at my desk the siren kicked for just a second and I jumped a mile. I looked up at the siren in time to see a guy closing the blower box cover. I'm guessing he'd been working on it. They guy is probably deaf as a post if he did that often.

A Thunderbolt is normally started in this order: rotator, chopper, blower. I have no idea what kind of "momentary" button one of these might have. I would think 2001s or T128s, not having a starting sequence, it would be easier to have a momentary button.

[Travis]

>I think the Eclipse can be DC too.

All Eclipse8 sirens are DC.

[Elliott]

Thank you Elliot.

Yes, I should have known.
I saw a Denver FS 2001 which has a nice solar cell panel.

Can they be entirely solar powered?
I could not see any wires coming up it's pole from the ground, except for a lightning ground wire (I presume.)

I like the idea of solar power so thathe pole can be placed at it's
ideal sound dispersement location, regardless if AC is nearby.
I am learning how costly accessing and connecting to AC and getting it to the siren can be.

So, is a growl test done by the system very rapidly turning on and off power - faster than an operater can close and open switches?

Rather than a growl, I hope our 2t22 will be sounded for a cycle at 11 a.m on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, as the City of Denver conducts their siren test.

Thank you,

Solar panels are generally low on current, so they more or less trickle charge (maintain) the batteries. So compared to the AC rectifier/charger, solar would take longer to recharge the batteries. But in reality, if the AC is cut anyway, the batteries would not recharge once drained until power was restored, whereas the solar would be there ready as soon as sun hit it. This would help if say, a tornado hit THE NEXT DAY, and utility crews were still repairing lines around town. I think most are designed for @ 15 min. run time, with >100Amps being pulled. I'd be curious if a total discharge can damage the batteries beyond recharge, such as car batteries. (I think they generally use deep-cycle marine batteries).
Anyway, hope that sheds some light (no pun intended).