The Siren Board

I was recently browsing Google images when I stumbled upon this:

most likely custom

Wouldn't that setup reduce the sound output of the Q?

r4tbolts wrote:Wouldn't that setup reduce the sound output of the Q?

yes

Some electric sirens were equipped with trumpet-like devices which gave the impression of introducing "more" air into the siren's "intake," thereby increasing volume, and Federal's 1961 literature shows the Pulsator as an option for the "Q."

Volume is foremost a result of revolutions per minute and size of the rotor, combined with the size and number of the stator's openings. If "wind" or some means of introducing more air into the mix made a difference, manufacturers would likely have performed tests in that regard, and reported the advantageous results in their advertising. The closest it came was when Federal's literature said the "projector" was, very succinctly, "actually the intake", and "we believe it helps" (in projecting sound). Well, what would you expect - they sell sirens!

Yet, they offered the "projector" on only their "E" Series, which Federal said became the "W" Series, a streamlined "E." Obviously, streamlining overtook the projector and whatever advantages it offered. As Federal's 1972 Bulletin 309 said, "Class E-W sirens do not have the sound output of the Class 60 and larger classes, but are adequate all-purpose sirens where budget limitations will not permit purchase of something more powerful." Equally obvious, Federal was offering a siren for the masses, and those who could afford more, got bigger motors, not larger "projectors"!