The Siren Board

How is the Alertronic rare? Is it because of it because of where it was located, how it was produced, or how it oscillates? Even though I've loved sirens my whole life, I still don't understand some of this stuff...

Randomizer wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 15, 2023 8:06 pm

Forget the 6000. That's a mighty rare varient of the 4000 there it seems. Looks like one of the ones that's essentially 4 DSA style arrays mounted on what we would consider to be a "normal" Alertronic structure. I've only ever seen those in the ad below (and even then I didn't know they actually existed):

So far it's the only 4000 of this variety that anyone knows about... Unfortunately, it's in incredibly rough shape. One of the arrays is missing and I have no idea where it went, nor does anyone at WSS. One array has the frame smashed and I'm not sure how exactly I want to tackle repairing it. I pulled a few horns off a WS-2000 array for replacing the smashed ones. The cabinet for the Rhinelander Alertronic will work to run it once I get a cable made.
So as of now I own two incredibly uncommon Alertronics: the oscillating AL-6000R, and the early-style AL-4000...

Greenrid wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:36 pm

How is the Alertronic rare? Is it because of it because of where it was located, how it was produced, or how it oscillates? Even though I've loved sirens my whole life, I still don't understand some of this stuff...

It's the only 6000R known to have an oscillating rotation system. I don't think any enthusiasts knew it was an option offered by ACA until I discovered this one to have it.

NahIDee wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:03 pm

Greenrid wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:36 pm

How is the Alertronic rare? Is it because of it because of where it was located, how it was produced, or how it oscillates? Even though I've loved sirens my whole life, I still don't understand some of this stuff...

It's the only 6000R known to have an oscillating rotation system. I don't think any enthusiasts knew it was an option offered by ACA until I discovered this one to have it.

Ohh, I thought they all oscillated like that! Aren't these also the ones that usually came with slip rings, making the option you have rare?

Rotational Alertronics normally use rings, in a similar fashion to the WS-2000R. This meant it didn't have to oscillate, but the rings require more maintenance and can cause skipping and other issues for electronic sirens. They did offer an oscillating model with direct-wired drivers, which JCB owns.

Greenrid wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 16, 2023 12:55 pm

Ohh, I thought they all oscillated like that!

....of all the many rotating Alertronic videos on YouTube, how many of them have you seen them oscillate....???

Greenrid wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 16, 2023 12:55 pm

NahIDee wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:03 pm

Greenrid wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:36 pm

How is the Alertronic rare? Is it because of it because of where it was located, how it was produced, or how it oscillates? Even though I've loved sirens my whole life, I still don't understand some of this stuff...

It's the only 6000R known to have an oscillating rotation system. I don't think any enthusiasts knew it was an option offered by ACA until I discovered this one to have it.

Ohh, I thought they all oscillated like that! Aren't these also the ones that usually came with slip rings, making the option you have rare?

You must be thinking of the Whelen WS-3000s; they've got a similar design. Those oscillate. All the 6000Rs we've seen this far have slip-ring rotation systems, this being the only exception. I'd say this is probably one of the rarest 6000Rs out there, alongside the yellow 6000R in Wisconsin Rapids.

When I originally bought the Alertronic amplifiers from WSS, I didn't expect them all to work. I would be right about that as amplifier "A4" had a dead short somewhere in the circuit. After talking with Tyler about it, he suggested testing and replacing the old CP2742 transistors with new ones; which I did with brand new NTE181 transistors, as suggested by a crossover equivalent data sheet. Turns out the data sheet was wrong! They ended up leading to two resistors getting hot and smoking. Apparently the Carson-recommended equivalent is a 2N5884 transistor, which has an equivalent to an NTE180 transistor... So close!
Anyways, after waiting two weeks for the 2N5884s to arrive, I got them mounted and soldered to the amplifier. It powered on and didn't let any magic smoke out this time! Now to sound test all of the amps and see what happens. Hoping for the best!

NahIDee wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:51 pm

Apparently the Carson-recommended equivalent

First off, best of luck. Looking beautiful.

This made me wonder: did Carson make everything for ACA's electronics in the early days? Curious what, if anything, ACA did in house with the electronic components.

Randomizer wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:08 am

NahIDee wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:51 pm

Apparently the Carson-recommended equivalent

First off, best of luck. Looking beautiful.

This made me wonder: did Carson make everything for ACA's electronics in the early days? Curious what, if anything, ACA did in house with the electronic components.

Thank you!

My guess is Carson did, but I'd have to look into it more. Obviously the 200W amps and the controller are, and I think the 400W amplifier is too.