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{{Infobox siren
{{Infobox siren|company=Federal Signal|produced=1981-2007|type=<div>Rotational Electronic
|title = EOWS series
<div>Omnidirectional Electronic|succeeded=<div>[[Federal Signal Modulator]]
|image = [[File:OWS EOWS.jpg]]
<div>[[Federal Signal DSA]]|output=113-124 dB @ 100 ft|image=Model EOWS*612 2.jpg|caption=A SiraTone Model EOWS*612 in Wynnewood, OK. Photo taken by Valra Bellkeys|wattage=800-1200 W|manual=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RBPw1gfL2kY5WWTnaBMwv650ei7ZQDrw|voltage=24|current=DC|title=SiraTone
|caption =
----
|company = [[:Category:Federal Signal Corporation|Federal Signal Corporation]]
Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren (EOWS)|sheet=https://wiki.thesirenboard.com/images/1/1c/EOWS612_Cut_Sheet.pdf}}'''SiraTone''', also known as the '''EOWS (Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren)'''<ref>(Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren)</ref> was a line of electronic sirens that were produced by Federal Signal over a span of 20 years, coming in both omnidirectional and rotational models. It was Federal Signal's first attempt at making an electronic siren, and while they had some teething issues, the series proved to be a very popular option, competing with Whelen Engineering's [[Whelen WS-2000|WS-2000]], [[Whelen WS-3000|WS-3000]], and [[Whelen WPS-4000|WPS-4000]] sirens, and later Alerting Communicators of America (ACA)'s [[ACA Alertronic|Alertronic]] sirens.  
|produced = 1982-2001, 612 available on special order up to 2007
|type = [[:Category:Electronic Sirens|Electronic]]
|output = 113-124
|succeeded = [[Modulator]] & [[DSA]]
|sheet= https://wiki.thesirenboard.com/images/1/1c/EOWS612_Cut_Sheet.pdf
}}
The '''EOWS series''' ('''E'''lectronic '''O'''utdoor '''W'''arning '''S'''iren) was a line of electronic sirens produced by [[Federal Signal Corporation]].  


===Early Production===
== History ==
[[File:Proto_1212.jpg|200px|thumb|Former Zimmer prototype unit still in service on a modern UltraVoice controller.]]
The EOWS series came to light in 1980 when Federal Signal won a bid for an electronic siren system to be installed at the William H. Zimmer Power Station. Federal Signal however did not have an electronic siren line, so this led to a new development they called SiraTone. Federal Signal produced around 30 Model EOWS*115 sirens for the plant system in 1981. The original Model EOWS*115 sirens were later absorbed into surrounding communities after the Zimmer nuclear plant fell through. A few can be found today still in service; however, most are on newer controllers. Federal created a very simple, yet effective electronic siren. After Federal Signal created this new product, they tweaked the SiraTone controller and expanded upon their electronic line with the introduction of the Model EOWS*408, Model EOWS*812, and Model EOWS*M12. The Model EOWS*408 and Model EOWS*812 were rotating beam sirens made for better sound concentration and projection, while the Model EOWS*M12 was a mobile public notification system intended for short-range notification, to be mounted to the roof of a police car or van at large events. Despite these new additions, the Model EOWS*115 was still available as the only omnidirectional model they offered. For the new rotating arrays, Federal Signal chose a simple design similar to rotating signs of the time and partnered with Dynapac Rotating as their supplier for their rotation mechanisms. These arrays featured a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator with a quad-brush collector ring assembly allowing the arrays to rotate a full 360° stall free, requiring little to no maintenance. Likewise, Federal Signal also partnered up with University Sound (an Altec Lansing company) as the supplier for the 26" spun aluminum horns used for the Model EOWS*408 and Model EOWS*812.
The EOWS series came to light in 1982 when Federal Signal won a bid for an electronic siren system to be installed at the now coal-fired Zimmer nuclear plant. Federal Signal however did not have an electronic siren line, so this led to a new development they called '''SiraTone'''. Federal Signal produced around 30 prototype model '''EOWS*1212''' sirens for the plant system. You may notice that these sirens look identical to the '''115''', but they are 1212s as stated by the documentation tied with them. The original system of prototype 1212s were later absorbed into surrounding communities after the Zimmer nuclear plant fell through. A few can be found today still in service, however most are on newer controllers. Federal created a very simple, yet effective electronic siren. It was a cluster of 12 speakers consisting of rectangular re-entrant horns made out of fiberglass, sourced from Atlas Sound along with the 100 Watt compression drivers behind them. The frame/enclosure was made custom by Federal Signal themselves.
[[File:Model EOWS*408 recessed horns.png|left|thumb|214x214px|A Model EOWS*408 with recessed horns in Duxbury, MA. It was replaced by a Federal Signal Modulator 5020 in 2006.]]
[[File:EOWS 612 internals.png|thumb|160x160px|The insides of a Model EOWS*612, showing the paired drivers, rotator mechanism, collector rings, and frame.]]
In early stages, the Model EOWS*812 and Model EOWS*408 were made in a more "compact" manner with the projection horns recessing into the rear frame. This was very short lived likely due to manufacturing troubles, and was ditched by 1983, with the horns being mounted directly to the frame wall. Towards the end of 1984, Federal Signal introduced 2 new EOWS products, the Model EOWS*1212 and Model EOWS*612. Model EOWS*1212 was simply a Model EOWS*115 with the Model EOWS*408 and Model EOWS*812's aluminum horns replacing the original rectangular fiberglass ones on the Model EOWS*115. This was done for a small boost in performance thanks to better sound propagation with the aluminum horns, while also unifying the product line with the existing models. Model EOWS*612 was a combination of the 408 and 812; its performance matched the Model EOWS*812 while staying relatively compact like the Model EOWS*408. It also used less materials than the Model EOWS*812, making it much more economical and easier to handle/manage. With the introductions of said models also came the discontinuation of the Model EOWS*812 and Model EOWS*408. However, the Model EOWS*115 stuck around as a cheaper base model siren with reduced performance. It is unclear when the Model EOWS*M12 was discontinued. Federal Signal continued production of the Model EOWS*1212, Model EOWS*115 and Model EOWS*612 for a few years; the Model EOWS*115 was eliminated from the product line sometime in 1988. Federal Signal created a line of sirens named the [[Modulator]] in 1990 which offered true omnidirectional coverage, leading to the demise of the Model EOWS*1212 the same year.  


===Further Expansion===
However, Federal Signal kept the Model EOWS*612 in production as it was an efficient and powerful rotating electronic siren—the only rotating electronic siren offering Federal Signal had at that time—and was still in high demand. Federal Signal kept the Model EOWS*612 up to date, modernizing it with their latest [[MC|Model MC]] controller at the time and later the newer Model MCP and UltraVoice (Model UV). The Model EOWS*612 stuck around for many years into the future, although Federal Signal removed it from their public websites in 2001 and only offered it as a special-order model from 2001 to 2007. Altec Lansing's financial troubles resulted in the discontinuation of their University Sound branch, leaving Federal with no source for speakers; as such, the Model EOWS*612 was discontinued in 2007 and the last Model EOWS*612 was sold on August 3rd of that year.  All SiraTone sirens are fairly simplistic electronic sirens and are easy to update with modern hardware. Many units still in service are on the latest [[UltraVoice]] controller from Federal Signal. Many are on older Federal controllers, like the [[MC]] and [[MCP]]. Some units are even on third party controllers from brands such as [[American Signal Corporation]] or [[Whelen Engineering]]. SiraTone sirens were originally manufactured with simple common components, meaning they were easy to repair if needed. Any SiraTone is fully compatible with the [[UV]]; the [[UltraVoice]] controller openly states its compatibility with the Model EOWS*612 in its documentation and earlier documentation stated its compatibility with the Model EOWS*1212 as well. Because of their compatibility, SiraTone sirens can be kept in service long after their original controllers begin to fail; despite many newer electronic sirens being available, some areas have still chosen to keep and maintain their old SiraTone systems. Today, these sirens are somewhat uncommon due to their age but can still be found across North America.
After Federal Signal created this new product, they worked out some kinks with the SiraTone controller and expanded upon their electronic line with the introduction of the models '''408''', '''812''', and '''M*12'''. The 408 and 812 were rotating beam sirens made for better sound concentration and projection, while the M*12 was simply a mobile vehicular siren aimed for public events and such. Despite these new additions, the 1212 was still available as the only ''omni-directional'' model they offered. However, they changed the name from 1212 to '''115'''. The reasoning behind the name change is unknown. In early stages, the EOWS*812 and 408 were made in a more "compact" manner with the projection horns recessing into the rear frame. This was very short lived and ditched by 1983, with the horns being mounted directly to the frame wall.  


Federal chose a very simple way of manufacturing, essentially making a rotating sign with speakers attached to it through partnership with Dynapac Rotating Inc. While this was proven to be very effective, it was rather strange to see this when other manufacturers opted to create their own rotating mechanisms. Nevertheless, the rotating arrays featured Dynapac's K-25 rotator with a quad-brush collector ring assembly allowing the arrays to rotate a full 360° stall free, requiring little to no maintenance.
== Design ==
===Model EOWS*115===
The ''Model EOWS*115'' uses a tall hexagonal fiberglass housing containing 12 100 W speaker drivers, as well as the wiring. A small rain shield on top helps protect the electronics. The siren uses 12 rectangular fiberglass Atlas Sound Model CJ-44 horns which are not very efficient at projecting sound; because of this, the EOWS*115 is the quietest of any SiraTone siren, rated only 113 dB at 100 ft. Mainline Model EOWS*115 sirens are almost identical to the early William H. Zimmer Power Station models, with the only difference being the improved SiraTone controller which fixed many of the issues the Zimmer units had.


About two years later, Federal Signal introduced 2 new EOWS products, the '''1212''' and '''612'''. Model 1212 was simply the 115 with the 408 and 812's spun aluminum projectors replacing the original rectangular fiberglass ones on the 115, for the sake of being uniform with the rest of the product line and a small boost in performance. Model 612 was a combination of the 408 and 812. It performed identically to the 812 while staying relatively compact like the 408. It also used less materials than the 812, making it much more economical, not to mention easier to handle/manage. With the introduction of said models, came the discontinuation of the 812 and 408 sometime in 1984. However the 115 stayed around a little longer as a cheaper variant that performed a little worse than the 1212. '''Discontinuation of the M*12 is unknown.'''
===Model EOWS*408===
The ''Model EOWS*408'' uses 4 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers and 8 100 W speaker drivers with 2 drivers per horn. A square enclosure behind the horns protects the electronics and is attached to a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator at the base with collector rings that allow the entire siren unit to rotate 360°. Originally, the speakers were recessed into the enclosure, but due to manufacturing troubles the speakers were changed to be bolted directly onto the housing in 1983. The siren could be equipped with a strobe light above the enclosure for visual notification on request. The Model EOWS*408 is rated 119 dB at 100 ft.


===Late Production and Discontinuation===
===Model EOWS*812===
[[File:20-inch_ULs.jpg|200px|thumb|Smaller 20" variant of the speaker model used on the EOWS*408, 612, 812, and 1212.]]
The ''Model EOWS*812'' uses 4 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers and 12 100 W speaker drivers; the 4 speakers in the middle of the siren have 2 100 W drivers each, while the top and bottom rows of horns have 1 100 W speaker driver per horn. A square enclosure behind the horns protects the electronics and is attached to a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator at the base with collector rings that allow the entire siren unit to rotate 360°. Originally, the speakers were recessed into the enclosure, but due to manufacturing troubles the speakers were changed to be bolted directly onto the housing in 1983. The siren could be equipped with a strobe light above the enclosure for visual notification on request. The Model EOWS*812 is rated 124 dB at 100 ft.
Federal Signal continued production of model 1212, 115 and 612 for a few years, eventually killing off the 115 sometime in 1988 or 89. The 90's rolled around and things started to change quite a bit. Federal Signal created a new omni-directional siren named the [[Modulator]], leading to the demise of the EOWS*1212. However, Federal Signal kept the 612 in production, likely because it was their only rotating electronic siren at the time, it was efficient and powerful, and people still wanted to purchase them. They kept it up to date as well, modernizing it with their latest [[MC]] controller at the time. The EOWS*612 stuck around for many years into the future. However, Federal Signal removed it from their public websites in 2001 and only offered it as a special order model from 2001 up into 2007, with sales ending completely that year. Federal Signal unfortunately had to discontinue production on the EOWS*612 because they could no longer get speakers for them. Altec Lansing almost went bankrupt, meaning they had to do major budget cuts. To cut their losses, they killed off their University Sound branch, leaving Federal with no source for speakers that matched the 612's bolt pattern and size.


===Modern Use===
=== Model EOWS*M12 ===
All EOWS units are fairly simplistic electronic sirens, and are easy to update with modern hardware. Many units still in service are on the latest [[UltraVoice]] controller from Federal Signal. Many are on older Federal controllers, like the [[MC]] and [[MCP]]. Some units are even on third party controllers like ones by [[American Signal Corporation]] as well as [[Whelen Engineering]]. The units were originally manufactured with simple common components, meaning they were easy to repair if needed.
[[File:EOWS*M12 Official.jpeg|thumb|160x160px|A Model EOWS*M12 as depicted by Federal Signal.]]
The ''Model EOWS*M12'' uses 4 Atlas CJ-44 horns and 4 speaker drivers; 2 of each horn assembly is attached to 1 side of a small rectangular enclosure. These are quite large and are depicted as nearly the size of the roof of a car in Federal Signal literature. The Model EOWS*M12 is rated 123 dB at 10 ft.


While the 612 was still in production, it received upgrades from Federal Signal with their newer [[MC]] controller, then the [[MCP]] controller, and later their [[UV]] controller. Federal Signal still supports EOWS*612 too. The [[UltraVoice]] controller openly states it's compatibility with the 612 in its documentation, earlier documentation stated it's compatibility with the 1212 as well. However, [[UV]] isn't limited to just the 612 and 1212. Any model EOWS siren is fully compatible with the [[UV]]. A few EOWS*408 units in Massachusetts were fitted with UltraVoice controllers in the early 2000s. Unfortunately these units were replaced by Modulator 5020s in the mid-2000s.
===Model EOWS*1212===
The ''Model EOWS*1212'' uses a tall hexagonal fiberglass housing containing 12 100 W speaker drivers, as well as the wiring. A small rain shield on top helps protect the electronics. The siren uses 12 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers which offered better performance than the Atlas speakers; because of this, the EOWS*1212 offered better performance, reaching 115 dB at 100 ft.


== Models ==
===Model EOWS*612===
There were a total of 6 mainstream models in the series:
The ''Model EOWS*612'' uses 6 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers and 12 100 W speaker drivers with 2 drivers per horn. A square enclosure behind the horns protects the electronics and is attached to a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator at the base with collector rings that allow the entire siren unit to rotate 360°. The siren could be equipped with a strobe light above the enclosure for visual notification on request. The Model EOWS*612 is rated 124 dB at 100 ft.
{{models table 6 rows
|model1 = EOWS*115
|image1 = File:EOWS*115 Official.jpeg|200px
|output1 = 113
|drivers1 = 12 (1 per horn)
|notes1 = The earliest model in the series. Uncommon.
|model2 = EOWS*408
|image2 = File:EOWS*408.png|200px
|output2 = 119
|drivers2 = 8 (2 per horn)
|notes2 = The smallest rotating siren in the series. Rather uncommon.
|model3 = EOWS*612
|image3 = File:EOWS*612 Official.jpeg|200px
|output3 = 124
|drivers3 = 12 (2 per horn)
|notes3 = The most popular model. Many active examples can still be found today.
|model4 = EOWS*812
|image4 = File:EOWS*812.png|200px
|output4 = 124
|drivers4 = 12 (2 per horn for middle 4 horns, and 1 per horn for top and bottom 2 horns)
|notes4 = The largest siren in the series. Rather uncommon.
|model5 = EOWS*1212
|image5 = File:EOWS*1212 Official.jpeg|200px
|output5 = 115
|drivers5 = 12 (1 per horn)
|notes5 = The successor to the 115.
|model6 = EOWS*M12
|image6 = File:EOWS*M12 Official.jpeg|200px
|output6 = 123
|drivers6 = 4 (1 per horn)
|notes6 = Vehicular model. '''Decibel rating was measured at ten feet.<ref>http://www.jmarcoz.com/sirens/sc4.pdf</ref><noinclude>
}}


==Diagrams==
==Gallery==
===EOWS*115===


[[File:EOWS-115-diagram.jpg|500px]]
=== Pictures ===
<gallery>
File:Model EOWS*115.jpg|A Model EOWS*115 in Slippery Rock, PA. Photo taken by Christopher J. (TrainsAndSirens1)
File:Model EOWS*408.jpg|A Model EOWS*408 in Herrin, IL. Photo taken by duxing612.
File:Model EOWS*612.jpg|A Model EOWS*612 with a strobe light equipped, located in Tulsa, OK. Photo taken by Valra Bellkeys.
File:Model EOWS*812.jpg|A Model EOWS*812 in Bay City, MI.
File:Model EOWS*1212.png|A Model EOWS*1212 in Lockhart, SC. Photo taken by Christopher J. (TrainsAndSirens1)
</gallery>


===EOWS*408===
=== Diagrams ===
<gallery>
File:EOWS-115-diagram.jpg|A diagram of a Model EOWS*115.
File:EOWS-408-diagram.jpg|A diagram of a Model EOWS*408.
File:EOWS-612-diagram.jpg|A diagram of a Model EOWS*612.
File:EOWS812 Manual.jpg|A diagram of a Model EOWS*812.
File:EOWS-1212-diagram.jpg|A diagram of a Model EOWS*1212.
</gallery>


[[File:EOWS-408-diagram.jpg|500px]]
==Examples==
 
===EOWS*612===
 
[[File:EOWS-612-diagram.jpg|500px]]
 
===EOWS*812===
 
[[File:EOWS812_Manual.jpg|500px]]
 
===EOWS*1212===
 
[[File:EOWS-1212-diagram.jpg|500px]]
 
==Example Videos==
* {{Link-inline-video |link=RwZP5xQZMTY |name=A Federal Signal EOWS*812 sounding in the “Steady” tone in Harvey County, Kansas. }}
* {{Link-inline-video |link=RwZP5xQZMTY |name=A Federal Signal EOWS*812 sounding in the “Steady” tone in Harvey County, Kansas. }}
* {{Link-inline-video |link=YL144AlCXXQ |name=A Federal Signal EOWS*115 retrofitted with an ASC electronic siren controller in Hartford, WI }}
* {{Link-inline-video |link=VAUtHaWBttE&pp |name=A Federal Signal EOWS*115 sounding a short alert in Rapid City, South Dakota}}
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Directional Sirens]][[Category:Omnidirectional Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Electronic Sirens]]
[[Category:Sirens]][[Category:Federal Signal Corporation]][[Category:Single Toned Sirens]][[Category:Dual Toned Sirens]][[Category:Directional Sirens]][[Category:Omnidirectional Sirens]][[Category:Rotating Sirens]][[Category:Electronic Sirens]]
__INDEX__

Latest revision as of 20:28, 31 December 2024

SiraTone

Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren (EOWS)


A SiraTone Model EOWS*612 in Wynnewood, OK. Photo taken by Valra Bellkeys

Company Federal Signal
Produced 1981-2007
Type
Rotational Electronic
Omnidirectional Electronic
Sound output 113-124 dB @ 100 ft
Wattage 800-1200 W
Voltage 24 V DC
Succeeded by
Documentation Manual
Product sheet

SiraTone, also known as the EOWS (Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren)[1] was a line of electronic sirens that were produced by Federal Signal over a span of 20 years, coming in both omnidirectional and rotational models. It was Federal Signal's first attempt at making an electronic siren, and while they had some teething issues, the series proved to be a very popular option, competing with Whelen Engineering's WS-2000, WS-3000, and WPS-4000 sirens, and later Alerting Communicators of America (ACA)'s Alertronic sirens.

History

The EOWS series came to light in 1980 when Federal Signal won a bid for an electronic siren system to be installed at the William H. Zimmer Power Station. Federal Signal however did not have an electronic siren line, so this led to a new development they called SiraTone. Federal Signal produced around 30 Model EOWS*115 sirens for the plant system in 1981. The original Model EOWS*115 sirens were later absorbed into surrounding communities after the Zimmer nuclear plant fell through. A few can be found today still in service; however, most are on newer controllers. Federal created a very simple, yet effective electronic siren. After Federal Signal created this new product, they tweaked the SiraTone controller and expanded upon their electronic line with the introduction of the Model EOWS*408, Model EOWS*812, and Model EOWS*M12. The Model EOWS*408 and Model EOWS*812 were rotating beam sirens made for better sound concentration and projection, while the Model EOWS*M12 was a mobile public notification system intended for short-range notification, to be mounted to the roof of a police car or van at large events. Despite these new additions, the Model EOWS*115 was still available as the only omnidirectional model they offered. For the new rotating arrays, Federal Signal chose a simple design similar to rotating signs of the time and partnered with Dynapac Rotating as their supplier for their rotation mechanisms. These arrays featured a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator with a quad-brush collector ring assembly allowing the arrays to rotate a full 360° stall free, requiring little to no maintenance. Likewise, Federal Signal also partnered up with University Sound (an Altec Lansing company) as the supplier for the 26" spun aluminum horns used for the Model EOWS*408 and Model EOWS*812.

A Model EOWS*408 with recessed horns in Duxbury, MA. It was replaced by a Federal Signal Modulator 5020 in 2006.
The insides of a Model EOWS*612, showing the paired drivers, rotator mechanism, collector rings, and frame.

In early stages, the Model EOWS*812 and Model EOWS*408 were made in a more "compact" manner with the projection horns recessing into the rear frame. This was very short lived likely due to manufacturing troubles, and was ditched by 1983, with the horns being mounted directly to the frame wall. Towards the end of 1984, Federal Signal introduced 2 new EOWS products, the Model EOWS*1212 and Model EOWS*612. Model EOWS*1212 was simply a Model EOWS*115 with the Model EOWS*408 and Model EOWS*812's aluminum horns replacing the original rectangular fiberglass ones on the Model EOWS*115. This was done for a small boost in performance thanks to better sound propagation with the aluminum horns, while also unifying the product line with the existing models. Model EOWS*612 was a combination of the 408 and 812; its performance matched the Model EOWS*812 while staying relatively compact like the Model EOWS*408. It also used less materials than the Model EOWS*812, making it much more economical and easier to handle/manage. With the introductions of said models also came the discontinuation of the Model EOWS*812 and Model EOWS*408. However, the Model EOWS*115 stuck around as a cheaper base model siren with reduced performance. It is unclear when the Model EOWS*M12 was discontinued. Federal Signal continued production of the Model EOWS*1212, Model EOWS*115 and Model EOWS*612 for a few years; the Model EOWS*115 was eliminated from the product line sometime in 1988. Federal Signal created a line of sirens named the Modulator in 1990 which offered true omnidirectional coverage, leading to the demise of the Model EOWS*1212 the same year.

However, Federal Signal kept the Model EOWS*612 in production as it was an efficient and powerful rotating electronic siren—the only rotating electronic siren offering Federal Signal had at that time—and was still in high demand. Federal Signal kept the Model EOWS*612 up to date, modernizing it with their latest Model MC controller at the time and later the newer Model MCP and UltraVoice (Model UV). The Model EOWS*612 stuck around for many years into the future, although Federal Signal removed it from their public websites in 2001 and only offered it as a special-order model from 2001 to 2007. Altec Lansing's financial troubles resulted in the discontinuation of their University Sound branch, leaving Federal with no source for speakers; as such, the Model EOWS*612 was discontinued in 2007 and the last Model EOWS*612 was sold on August 3rd of that year. All SiraTone sirens are fairly simplistic electronic sirens and are easy to update with modern hardware. Many units still in service are on the latest UltraVoice controller from Federal Signal. Many are on older Federal controllers, like the MC and MCP. Some units are even on third party controllers from brands such as American Signal Corporation or Whelen Engineering. SiraTone sirens were originally manufactured with simple common components, meaning they were easy to repair if needed. Any SiraTone is fully compatible with the UV; the UltraVoice controller openly states its compatibility with the Model EOWS*612 in its documentation and earlier documentation stated its compatibility with the Model EOWS*1212 as well. Because of their compatibility, SiraTone sirens can be kept in service long after their original controllers begin to fail; despite many newer electronic sirens being available, some areas have still chosen to keep and maintain their old SiraTone systems. Today, these sirens are somewhat uncommon due to their age but can still be found across North America.

Design

Model EOWS*115

The Model EOWS*115 uses a tall hexagonal fiberglass housing containing 12 100 W speaker drivers, as well as the wiring. A small rain shield on top helps protect the electronics. The siren uses 12 rectangular fiberglass Atlas Sound Model CJ-44 horns which are not very efficient at projecting sound; because of this, the EOWS*115 is the quietest of any SiraTone siren, rated only 113 dB at 100 ft. Mainline Model EOWS*115 sirens are almost identical to the early William H. Zimmer Power Station models, with the only difference being the improved SiraTone controller which fixed many of the issues the Zimmer units had.

Model EOWS*408

The Model EOWS*408 uses 4 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers and 8 100 W speaker drivers with 2 drivers per horn. A square enclosure behind the horns protects the electronics and is attached to a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator at the base with collector rings that allow the entire siren unit to rotate 360°. Originally, the speakers were recessed into the enclosure, but due to manufacturing troubles the speakers were changed to be bolted directly onto the housing in 1983. The siren could be equipped with a strobe light above the enclosure for visual notification on request. The Model EOWS*408 is rated 119 dB at 100 ft.

Model EOWS*812

The Model EOWS*812 uses 4 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers and 12 100 W speaker drivers; the 4 speakers in the middle of the siren have 2 100 W drivers each, while the top and bottom rows of horns have 1 100 W speaker driver per horn. A square enclosure behind the horns protects the electronics and is attached to a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator at the base with collector rings that allow the entire siren unit to rotate 360°. Originally, the speakers were recessed into the enclosure, but due to manufacturing troubles the speakers were changed to be bolted directly onto the housing in 1983. The siren could be equipped with a strobe light above the enclosure for visual notification on request. The Model EOWS*812 is rated 124 dB at 100 ft.

Model EOWS*M12

A Model EOWS*M12 as depicted by Federal Signal.

The Model EOWS*M12 uses 4 Atlas CJ-44 horns and 4 speaker drivers; 2 of each horn assembly is attached to 1 side of a small rectangular enclosure. These are quite large and are depicted as nearly the size of the roof of a car in Federal Signal literature. The Model EOWS*M12 is rated 123 dB at 10 ft.

Model EOWS*1212

The Model EOWS*1212 uses a tall hexagonal fiberglass housing containing 12 100 W speaker drivers, as well as the wiring. A small rain shield on top helps protect the electronics. The siren uses 12 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers which offered better performance than the Atlas speakers; because of this, the EOWS*1212 offered better performance, reaching 115 dB at 100 ft.

Model EOWS*612

The Model EOWS*612 uses 6 University Sound Model DR-42 aluminum speakers and 12 100 W speaker drivers with 2 drivers per horn. A square enclosure behind the horns protects the electronics and is attached to a Dynapac Model K-25 rotator at the base with collector rings that allow the entire siren unit to rotate 360°. The siren could be equipped with a strobe light above the enclosure for visual notification on request. The Model EOWS*612 is rated 124 dB at 100 ft.

Gallery

Pictures

  • A Model EOWS*115 in Slippery Rock, PA. Photo taken by Christopher J. (TrainsAndSirens1)

    A Model EOWS*115 in Slippery Rock, PA. Photo taken by Christopher J. (TrainsAndSirens1)

  • A Model EOWS*408 in Herrin, IL. Photo taken by duxing612.

    A Model EOWS*408 in Herrin, IL. Photo taken by duxing612.

  • A Model EOWS*612 with a strobe light equipped, located in Tulsa, OK. Photo taken by Valra Bellkeys.

    A Model EOWS*612 with a strobe light equipped, located in Tulsa, OK. Photo taken by Valra Bellkeys.

  • A Model EOWS*812 in Bay City, MI.

    A Model EOWS*812 in Bay City, MI.

  • A Model EOWS*1212 in Lockhart, SC. Photo taken by Christopher J. (TrainsAndSirens1)

    A Model EOWS*1212 in Lockhart, SC. Photo taken by Christopher J. (TrainsAndSirens1)

Diagrams

  • A diagram of a Model EOWS*115.

    A diagram of a Model EOWS*115.

  • A diagram of a Model EOWS*408.

    A diagram of a Model EOWS*408.

  • A diagram of a Model EOWS*612.

    A diagram of a Model EOWS*612.

  • A diagram of a Model EOWS*812.

    A diagram of a Model EOWS*812.

  • A diagram of a Model EOWS*1212.

    A diagram of a Model EOWS*1212.

Examples

  1. ↑ (Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren)
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