hey guys...how many of you guys have air horns on your trucks? i just got one, but i connected it to my alarm, so i could actually hear the alarm if it goes off. i talked to the alarm installer, and he said that i can only use it for that, and i cant use it as a regular horn too, because there is no 2 way switch so you can use the horn for 2 different things. anyways...im thinking of just getting another one for $40 and mounting it opposite the one behind the grille. anyone have pics or tips that would make this easier thanks!!

 

Hey Kingranch,

How do they sound? Loud? I have been thinking about this for awhile now. I am a volunteer friefighter and need something to get the morons out of the way when responding (the rotator, strobes and wimpy horn just don't cut it I guess). Since I am not the chief or assistant chief no siren for me !

Pete

 

they are really loud, i mean if you are in front of my truck when the alarm goes off, you will literally jump, and have to cover your ears!! it is really loud...over 100dB...here is what it sounds like...it is louder though...

<a href="http://www.wolo-mfg.com/400.au">Air Horn Sound...Turn the Volume UP to simulate the loudness </a>

 

KingRanch,

The installer must not want to be bothered.

A 12V, 20-30A SPDT relay ($5-10) could easily solve your problem.

Briefly:

An typical SPDT relay has 5 terminals, 2 for the coil, 1 Common, 1 Normally Open and 1 Normally Closed.

Connect the Common terminal to the air horn compressor wire (currently connected to the alarm's siren output).

Connect the Normally Closed terminal to the alarm's siren output wire.

Connect the Normally Open terminal to the "opposite polarity" of the second wire going to the air horn compressor ( this will be Gnd. or +12 depending on wether it's common ground or common source).

Now connect one relay coil terminal to Gnd. and the other coil terminal to the factory horn output wire. (This can be found at the horns).

Operation---
The alarm will drive (sound) the horns via the Common and Normally Closed terminals, then when you push the horn button (on steering wheel) it will activate the relay and drive (sound) the air horns via the Common and Normally Open terminals!

(note: factory horns will sound WITH air horns when button is pushed)

Good Luck... XLT_D

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even though he has one of those things on there for the alarm that makes pauses between the honk, so it is not a continuous honk? let me know...thanks!! and if i wanted to run a separate button could i do that? or no?

 

KRSC02,

Yes!

The alarm will continue to pause or pulse the air horns as it does now, then when you push the steering wheel button it wil blast as long as you hold it. No need to add another button (switch).

XLT_D

.

 

thanks!!

i'll talk to the installer today, he's a nice guy, i've known him all my life, but maybe he didnt know bout this...he mainly installs alarms and audio systems...maybe you know his place, since you're so close...(well about a 1/2 hr away)...he has a place called RHODES ALARM & STEREO on State Rd. 7 & Johnson St. in Hollywood. His name is Russ. Anyways...I'll let him know on tuesday when i go and see him...i want him to make the courtesy lights come on [dome light, running board lights], when i unlock my doors, like the factory keyless entry did. THANKS!!! Have a great weekend

 

What brand of Air Horns did you buy??
How much moola, did they cost??
Did you have to order them or are they over the counter??

Any chance of a photo or two of the horns and where you installed them??

Here's a web site for Airhorns, just in case
www.buellairhorns.com

Thanks in advance.

 

xtruky:

i bought some itallian air horns, i dont remember the brand. i mounted them behind the grille. they are red, so you see them a little bit, but other than that, they are great!

 

Even easier than the realy - a diode on the line coming from the alarm - I used to install then like that all the time!

Robbie

 

Easier is not always better. You need to be very specific about the diode used.

First there is the ~1v forward drop, this will affect the horns performance.
Second, the forward current rating should be double the draw for it's intended use.
Third, failure of the diode may damage the alarm's output.

There's all kinds of "tricks" out there. I only recommend what IS or what WOULD be used on my vehicle.

Good Luck...XLT_D.