What do these siren tones sound like?

WheLeN · Post by **WheLeN** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:49 pm

I've never operated unitrol stuff so I was wondering if anyone knew what these tones sounded like: Futura, Hetro and Ultra-HiLo, actually i think I know what Ultra Hi-Lo sounds like (pretty cool cell phone ring tone sound lol) but what do Futura and Hetro sound like?

HowD · Post by **HowD** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 10:05 am

I don't see any replies and didn't want to post the same question as a new one.

The Gall's website has the "regular" sounds but I have not been able to find Unitrol tones on the net...anywhere...

Can somebody post 'em or e-mail 'em?

Thanks muchly.

fd2119 · Post by **fd2119** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:54 am

courtesy of eLightbars administrator Dave "Wolfman" Wolfe.

http://www.elightbars.org/members/wolfman/index.html

HowD · Post by **HowD** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:08 pm

Excellent. Thanks for the link.

As to the "dual mode" Unitrol sound, that clarified something for me. One of the local ambulance companies uses the dual mode. I didn't like the sound of it because it made me think there was another piece of equipment coming--maybe that's the whole point?

I'm usually the first one to pull right over anyhow...

Those other Unitrol tones are kind of strange--I've only heard them once before on a rescue unit near here.

The law here in WI is that emergency responders have to keep the lights and siren on the whole time (unless I'm mistaken) they are responding. What's frustrating is that they can mask each other out. I like NYPD's system better where they just "whoop" as they need to.

My 2 cents, not that it really matters

spectragod · Post by **spectragod** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:15 pm

There is nothing quite the same as a pair of Unitrol Omega 90's daisy chained, 2 100watt drivers per amp, sweeping through different tones, they are great fun in parades..... unless your in front of said vehicle.

SG

thebigphish · Post by **thebigphish** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:20 pm

hahah, SG must like deaf people!

jedi_saber · Post by **jedi_saber** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:09 pm

Ah, miss the days of the dual unitrol in my ride - good ole times.

I am a big fan of using the siren in manual mode as I sneak around traffic a lot and don't want people to do stupid stuff ("oh look, lights and sirens, let me slam on the breaks no matter what's going on..." and the like), but if otherwise I will sport it. If you have a unitrol, it's great background music for your response!!

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:11 pm

Hmmm..... I have a bunch of 80K amps sitting around here that I may have to put to good use.

You guys got my brain working. Anyone who knows me knows that very bad things can happen...

I'll post pics when I get it done.

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:15 pm

Ditto. I'm installing a Cencom in the new truck, but I'm tempted to install an additional speaker and hook up something like an Alpha 22Q or one of the Unitrol boxen to pushbuttons on the Cencom. Dual-voice, wail/yelp/piercer and XEcutor mechanical tones... could be fun!

Anyone have an Alpha22Q kicking around spare?

obmax1212 · Post by **obmax1212** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:47 pm

I couldnt help but notice that the unitrol tones on that website sounded a bit dated. I dont know if thats because of the way they were recorded or if Im just wrong. In any event, I have a short video of a unitrol siren being run if you'd like it. It only has wail and one of those other tones (not sure if its hetro, ultra hi-lo, or futura). Anyway, I know that is current because the local PD around here uses them and they sound the same.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 4:35 am

All of those tones sound quite current to me. The 'sweep' wav even has a sound that my Touchmaster doesn't. They sound a little off because of the way they were recorded. Sounds like the controllers were connected to a Moto Spectra speaker and recorded via the mic. They sound a lot better when you connect an actual 100 watt siren speaker to them.

jedi_saber · Post by **jedi_saber** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:57 am

The tones are indeed current. Keep in mind that the unitrol sounds you are hearing from the sample sounds like they are from the Omega90 amp (the only unitrol siren capable of sweeping through all tones - TM does it too, but usually only 3 tones).
Federal Signal bought out Unitrol and some of the tones have indeed changed. If you want the classic unitrol sound, go with an older model touchmaster, or the real classic, 80k amps (with switchcombo, 480k).
I used to sport a daisychained 480k with dual amps/dual speakers - it was the bomb.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:24 am

The Nasco "riot" tone should be called the "Inkjet Printer".

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 1:19 pm

Unitrol tones are quite simply the best. Nothing else gets noticed like that except maybe dual amp whelen b-link setup.

Try piercer and 800 Hz constant tone sometimes... makes you feel ill in the pit of your stomach. Very unsettling.

obmax1212 · Post by **obmax1212** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:28 pm

I stand corrected, it was in deed the way they were recorded that made them sound alittle off. Thanks for the clarification. And btw, yes, Unitrols are bad ass

What do these siren tones sound like?

What do these siren tones sound like?

Anyone? Anyone?

You can try this site...