Fins on Whelen vortexes

[Whelen Rules]

What is the purpous of these? Ours in Tullahoma have them. Our system was installed in 1999, but all the new vortex sirens have no fins. I have heard everything from stabilizer fin to windvain, but I know its deffinatly not a wind vain.

[SirenMadness]

It's most likely to add weight to the back of the siren, to improve its balance on its rotational mechanism, and therefore, less leaning, which causes tear over time.

[jkvernon]

But why don't they have it anymore? And why didn't they have them on the WPS-4003/4s? Probably not a weight issue. I'd go ask Whelen if I were you. I've done that in the past and gotton positive response from them.

[Rheems1]

If it is indeed a weight issue, one thing that would different about the 4004 and 4003 is that they have 4 drivers or 3 drivers... so there is more weight in the back of them. I am pretty sure it doesn't act as a windvane, we have a Vortex in my town..I have sat and watched the wind turn it quite a number of times. It is pretty funny when the wind has it facing one way and they get a fire call and the rotator has to fight the wind to get it turning. I still remain nonplused with the Vortex... or Whelen sirens in general... always been a Modulator guy.

Dave Fritz

[Whelen Rules]

well the vortex has the option of 2,3, or 4 drivers and has the same dB rating as the 4000 series. I am wondering if mabe it was a signature, to tell it apart from the 4000 series. Then mabe they figured it was a waste of money and that it was cheaper to make them without it.Thats my guess now.

[Jim_Ferer]

I would think it's to help deal with the wind.

[thunderbolt1003kid]

Just wondering did anyone find out what these fins were for?