This is LOUD! 7

Removed the 115db AirZound Horn. I like it; but, decided electrical will work best for this trike at this time. I have a 122db gadget [GaleForce Two Tone Police/EMS Bicycle Siren] on the way. Removing the AirZound Horn freed a seat pocket for my DiNotte Headlight battery [distance trike riding at night will be with 3 DiNotte 4-cell batteries, plus a spare for the 1200L Headlight]. Awaiting delivery…

The horn. I replaced my AirZound 115bd Horn with a 122db 9-volt battery powered horn from Bike Tac, called GaleForce. I ask before I purchased the horn if there is a louder horn and was told there is not. Having it in my hands, I’m a believer. [more on decibels]

I wanted the better my AirZound horn; eliminate the need to fill the air bottle; and, extend the period that I had to act to have the protection of a horn. In this case, replace the battery. I’ll carry a spare battery.

I am pleased with the sound potential. Like the AirZound, I can tap the switch and get lower levels of sound. Hold it on for a second or so and you’ll get a LOUD blast. BikeTac.com gives us a wma file to hear the sound of the horn. I think you get to know what the sound will be, not how loud it is. The horn is sold for police & EMS use. I asked if there are restrictions in North Carolina. The seller is not aware of any. I researched on my own and found none. Short burps will get one’s attention.

So, how did I install it on my trike???

BikeTac Horn The collage to the left shows you what I did. I recently had a stainless steel water bottle in a cage on the boom—now a horn. I’d prefer to not have a “cup” facing the wind. Once the front fairing is in place, that should not be of concern. The battery [pic below] is in a small box, just behind the horn, on top of the boom.
It is certainly mounted where it will be heard. BTW, I continue to use my Mirrycle Incredibell for pedestrians and cyclist.

One problem: I found the switches fragile and not wired to preclude shorting, thereby blowing the horn. The individual who soldiered the connections did not use insulating material between the switch post. I’ve ordered a replacement switch where I’ll use one SPDT switch versus the two that came with the horn.

Battery Box

One other point, this horn is about $10 more than the AirZound Horn.This about does it.

–jim

flickr set

7 Comments

  1. Pingback: Well, you have seen these, but NOT THESE « Cycling Experiences…

  2. For what it is worth: Lt Gale reply to my questions to him.

    Jim, Some states prohibit the use of a “siren” on non law enforcement bicycles. However, the Galeforce two tone siren has the siren and the “blaster” sound. No one has told me that they have had any problems from the police. Most of these sirens are sold to non-police.

    The little 9 volt battery will last anywhere from one to three months depending on how much you use it. I do recommend that owners connect it to a rechargeable battery such as a rechargeable 9 volt battery, or a headlight batter.

    the entire unit weighs just under a pound.

    The Galeforce Police/EMS siren is the loudest.

    Hope this helps!

    Lt.Gale
    http://www.biketac.com

  3. Pingback: Problem Solved ~ Horn Switch ~ 10/22 « Cycling Experiences…

    • No switch was ordered–just a pick up from an electronic store. You can also get them from Radio Shack. I ordered a regular horn and then modified the wiring to meet my needs. I’m using a SPDT for mode & a SPST NO push button yo complete the current circuit and thereby sound the horn. I hope this helps.

      Jim

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