seattle new rigs

[MFD76]

Our last purchase in 2004 we speced dual alternators. It has worked fine, although we never have had electrical issues with the REAL Q2b siren. The EQ2b is a glorified electronic siren. If you are really that concerned about Amps look into the Timber Wolf Siren or Code Three has a mechincal out now called the Screaming Eagle. They both have less amp draw.



Don't forget that LED's have very little amp draw so all the more power for a REAL Q2b siren. The days of light bulbs are gone and LED's can allow a reduced HP motor the ablity to run the REAL Q2b but the alternator is the key to proper amps.



Remeber the REAL Q2b is a coaster siren. Meaning it has a clutch and motor and rotor. The foot pedal is depressed spinning the motor and enguaging the brass clutch onto the rotor. The sound is made and the foot pedal is released and the clutch disenguages and the rotor spins free and coast down with the nice long roll. The coast feature saves the motor and AMPS becuse the brushes are not spining and wearing down during the coast down.



Remember the 100 amp draw is not constant becuase of the coaster feature that still produces sound. The 30amp EQ2b is constant becuse it is an electronic siren no coast or real rotor. So in my thought process it really does not matter both draw power any REAL mechnical siren is far light years better than any electronic siren in many differnt ways.



Other mecancial sirens are mostly direct drive. Meaning the rotor is conected to the motor with no clutch. This can cause motor wear because the brushes are spining all of the time even during coast down mode.



Kansas City place just EQ2b's on the Batt Chiefs cars in 2001 or 2002 only no PA300. The chiefs complained that the EQ2b could not be heard so the last Batt Chiefs car replacments in 2005 got PA300's and EQ2b's. All of the real fire engines and trucks on Kansas City run REAL Q2B sirens and to my knowledge no issues. You would have to pry the REAL Q2B out of the KCFD Fire Captain's cold dead hands, they really like the REAL Q siren. As with most fire departments the first thing speced is a soild red or black over red Engine or Truck or Rescue, second is where to place the REAL Q2b siren.



Many mid-western departments have electronic sirens but we take great pride in running the Real Q siren. After all we are the FIRE DEPARTMENT and not the cops or the band-aid box.



Stay Safe Brothers