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Open source manual Siren Controller

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 4:21 pm
by Ohio_Man
I am once again talking about the Deer Park sterling M10.

The siren's controls were removed in 2011 when the battery backed system entered service. So I needed a way to control the sterling. While I could buy an AR timer off someone or use a switch, I wanted something new with no hours that could do a fire call "wail" signal.

So I designed a siren controller that is manually activated and can do an alert/attack signal using the following components:

+DP30C4P-1 contactor (this is a common refrigeration and HVAC contactor. It will handle a three phase 10HP motor on 240V or a 7.5HP single phase 240V motor)

+Traffic light sequencer for controlling the attack signal, could also be used for high low and pulse. (available on Ebay for 25-30 dollars, get one with a fuse and mounts.)

+Two indication lamps, 120V

+Two closet light timers, 120V. Commonly sold in <15 minute configurations.

+Cabinet to house controller

Add all that, as well as some wires and a siren, and you should have a controller. I'm considering building this, but I want to see what the board thinks before I start throwing money at it.

Wiring diagram is below:
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Re: Open source manual Siren Controller

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 9:31 pm
by Kasey
Which traffic light controller are you buying?

Re: Open source manual Siren Controller

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 10:03 pm
by Ohio_Man
Most likely ebay item # 254483232046. It has a wide delay range and is pretty simple to program, as well as having mounting hardware. It's also pretty small.

I got the idea from an SD 10 on river road (near Cincinnati) that for some reason appears to be tied into the traffic light controller.

The federal signal AR and AT use a rotating code wheel to push a switch in and out for attack/wail. I don't like that solution since most people can't manufacture or buy a code wheel. Also moving parts wear faster. My plan is to use one terminal for the Attack/wail signal. That will let the siren cycle on and off. The controller is designed for stoplights, but if I set it to blink red it will pulse the contactor.

The only problem I see is that the siren will not reach its peak sound before cutting out into a cycle, but I can experiment with timing on the controller.