Which produces most dB/watt; electronic or mechanical?

[Robert Gift]

For the power required, which produces the most (loudest) sound?
I suspect electronic sirens (which interest me little) but I don't know.

Must admithat electronic sirens seem a much better way to go because
of voice instructions and variety of sounds.
Also, can they be opearted entirely on stored solar cell energy?

But our 2t22 is sure a lot more fun, and interesting looking!

[FirstSiren2T22]

Also, can they be opearted entirely on stored solar cell energy?

No. The solar panel on some sirens is for battery backup. So the panel is charging the battery while the sun is shining. I believe that's how it goes.

My favorite electronic siren brand is Whelen.

[SirenMadness]

Yes, electronic sirens are much better, in most instances, because it takes less energy to vibrate a diaphragm than to compress air for many ports, with the means of a piece of metal.
But, then again, if you're looking for an average rating of strength at a big distance, the type of wave and pitch comes in, much more, because the sound is under the influence of the environment. In that case, you can use similar formula-variables, except the waves, provided that the environment is the same for both types of sirens.
So, at a farther distance, the mechanical sirens would win in terms of efficiency, I think.

[Whelen Rules]

Whelens are my favorite sirens as you can see by my name. They Probably have the most efficient electronic sirens today. The Vortex R-4 can be heard about 2 1/2 - 3 miles away, and depending on model most can be heard at 2 miles at an audiable level. These sirens utilize the low tone of 465 hz which allows them to be heard at great distances, Mechanical sirens might be powerful but Whelens especially the Vortex R-4 and wps 4004 run a close race at audibillity even at distances over 2 miles!!!!

[Robert Gift]

Yes, electronic sirens are much better, in most instances, because it takes less energy to vibrate a diaphragm than to compress air for many ports, with the means of a piece of metal.
But, then again, if you're looking for an average rating of strength at a big distance, the type of wave and pitch comes in, much more, because the sound is under the influence of the environment. In that case, you can use similar formula-variables, except the waves, provided that the environment is the same for both types of sirens.
So, at a farther distance, the mechanical sirens would win in terms of efficiency, I think.

Thank you, Sir.

Our Q siren draws 100 amps to rev up.
Whereas, our 200 W Unitrol 80K requires 15.5 amps = 200/12.8

But is not as loud. But is more directional so does not spill
annoying siren sound into neighborhoods as much athe Q.

I was hoping e-sirens could be completely powered by solar
so they could more easily be located anywhere without costly need to
bring electrical service.

But, the rotor/stator so effectively produces sound chopping the air, I thoughthere may be an advantage there.

Next is to mechanically drive a diaghram rather than with voice coil.
Would that beven better than a coil? Of course, no voice notifications.

Thanks.

[Whelen Rules]

You can install electronic sirens in areas that have no electric service. The solar panel can charge the battery. Whelen mentions this in the FAQ section on their website. They can be install in recently annexed land or areas that are expected to develop but have no AC source at that time.

[Robert Gift]

You can install electronic sirens in areas that have no electric service. The solar panel can charge the battery. Whelen mentions this in the FAQ section on their website. They can be install in recently annexed land or areas that are expected to develop but have no AC source at that time.

Thank you, Tyler.

It can be a FORTUNE to bring AC to where a siren would best be located.
(I must dig a 300 foot ditch to bring 3-phase to our 2t22A)

So that is a great PLUS -- Put it anywhere and also not worry about a tornado taking out the power to a siren.

[Whelen Rules]

Are you going to install a siren? If so what will it serve as?( tornado warnings,flooding,fire,etc) It would be simpler to install an Electronic siren and would be just as efficient in sound coverage, if its a Whelen. Whelens the way to go, Vortex R-4 gives you 129 dB @ 100 feet, covers over 2 miles, a minimum of 30 mins battery power, and a very economical choice depending on your application. Tullahoma, my town installed 7 of these(Vortex R4) for tornado warnings in 1999 and we have never had any problems with them. Let me know if can help you any further.

Heres a Link to Whelen's website http://whelen.com/outdoor/rotasirn.htm

[Robert Gift]

Are you going to install a siren? If so what will it serve as?( tornado warnings,flooding,fire,etc) It would be simpler to install an Electronic siren and would be just as efficient in sound coverage, if its a Whelen. Whelens the way to go, Vortex R-4 gives you 129 dB @ 100 feet, covers over 2 miles, a minimum of 30 mins battery power, and a very economical choice depending on your application. Tullahoma, my town installed 7 of these(Vortex R4) for tornado warnings in 1999 and we have never had any problems with them. Let me know if can help you any further.

Heres a Link to Whelen's website http://whelen.com/outdoor/rotasirn.htm

What are you, A Whelen Rep?

A tornado warning siren at the fire station where I am a volunteer FF and worst responder.

(A tornado warning siren to me means: 'Quick, get outhe camcorder and get outside.')

We have no money. Can hardly afford the cost of copper wire,
actually, we can't - it will be aluminum, to the siren.
And guess who will be diggin the ditch? Fortunately, they WILL rent a ditch machine for me.
And, the 2t22A will be turned on MANUALLY with a switch. No controller.
(We should put a 15 minute timer on the switch.)

But I must agree, electronic with voice instruction in English and Spanish
is much better.

[Jim_Ferer]

I've heard voice instruction on sirens, and the voice ability is way oversold, in my opinion. The sound output must be turned down for intelligibility because of excessive distortion and echos. For that and other reasons voice instructions are intelligible at far less distances than the basic warning signals. People are best served by hearing a warning and turning on their radio.

Where an electronic siren can be used to advatage is by having some custom signals, but even these may be disappointing. I grew up during the Cold War with a huge Thunderbolt system, and every time they went off for a test or by accident the police and fire dispatch was flooded with calls asking what the sound was. The public education program can be very frustrating.

Solar is good only for trickle charging the batteries and controls. The output is just too low for more.