New truck spec's

[FIREMECH1]

I've got rigs with either the electronic or mechanical Q's. There is a huge difference in sound quality, and traffic clearing. To pick the best, would be the mechanical Q. It sounds better, and is louder than the electronic. As well, you can manually control the output of a mechanical Q, over an electronic one.

As for power consumption between the two, it is easier on the electrical system to use the Electronic one. But if the rig is spec'ed right for a mechanical, you shouldn't have any problems. No matter who builds it.

A cautionary note you should know. Federal has problems with the EQ2B (electronic sirens). No matter whether you have an "A" or "B" series red box, they do go bad, and are not cheap to replace. Expect replacement whenever it wants to die. Usually every year or so.
For the mechanical sirens, they last at least 5 years, or more, before needing the drive/starter motor rebuilt. And cheaper, as well.

If you can't read between the lines, I hate the EQ2B's. They are never mounted in a friendly mechanics place. And they still sound horrible.

FM1

[ffp20]

ya gotta have a large enough solenoid too, or else it'll stick stick on ya and it wont shut down. We looked like idiots one day rolling in with the Q going fully wound up cuz the noid stuck.

[ffmedcbk1]

i have heard of departments putting in a swich along the wires to the q to switch it off if it sticks. it is benificial, i had to stretch out over a hot motor at 3 am while on a fire alarm to undo the wires.... (couldn't find the fuse). thank God for my ear plugs

[rschultzjr]

My department currently is using Federal Q Sirens on our front line apparatus (1998 Freightliner FL-80, 2003 Freightliner FL-80, and a 2008 HME 1871 Custom Cab). I would never spec another large apparatus with out a Q and a set of Grover Stutter Horns.

If the Q's are properly used they are one of the best warning device out there (my opinion). Great for intersections and getting the attention of drivers that are not paying attention and or got the windows up and radio on.

Also if you finally decide to put one on your apparatus I will make a recommendation. Our Federal Q Sirens are controlled by a foot switch on the floor board (drivers and officers sides) which works ok for us but we do have a few "BIG FOOTED" individuals that occasionally rest there feet on the foot switch (on our '98 and '03 Freightliners). On our '08 HME we wised up and had them switch it with the master warning switch so the Q is only operational when the warning lights are "ON"; I think on our next apparatus that gets a Q I will probably push to have it switched and only functioning when we are in the Requesting the Right-of-Way modes.

Good Luck getting the Q!

[Tim1118]

From what I've been told, mechanical Q's are more effective because they actually move the air. Electric sirens lose warning distance significantly as you pick up speed... so the theory is, by the siren moving air, it is going to be effective over longer distances.

As others have said, alternators are plenty big enough now, and a solid bank of batterys will be more than enough to keep you going... especially is LED lighting is being spec'd.

Good luck on the new spec!

[donethat]

To Q2B, or Not, to Q2B

Comparision of Q2B on the engines vs. a 100 watt electronic siren speaker on the Am'blances.
With the windows up, the A/C full blast and the radio turned up I can hear the meat wagon about a half to one block behind me.
With Q2B, I can hear the engine about three blocks away. No comparision.
We have a Q2B on every engine.