Light's on "Beeper" - Where can I find?

code3media · Post by **code3media** » Sat Jan 25, 2003 2:01 pm

I live in Los Angeles County and have noticed that the Co. Sheriffs Cars and CHP (CA Highway Patrol)are equipped with a "Courtesy Beeper". What it is is a Low Volume Beeper that beeps every 5 seconds to let you know that you have the outside lights on "Similar to the Unitrol TM4 Clicking Noise" Some have recomended a back up alarm, or a piezo buzzer from Radio shack, but that's not it. What I have been able to narrow this down to is this. Both Agencies use the GE Rangr Model radios. Could this function be built into the radio? Any other Ideas on what to use as a courtesy beeper?

kens · Post by **kens** » Sat Jan 25, 2003 10:34 pm

When I need to duplicate the Tm-4 type clicking I have used an alternating flasher unit that is made by Kay-Lab and is common to older school bus warning lights. Since I don't want to pay the $50+ cost, I try to find a used one at the local bus garage, remove the cover and dress the contacts (usually they arc and burn from large amp draw). This makes a pretty loud click at about 60 per min.

Post by Pj » Sun Jan 26, 2003 8:57 am

Now that I look at that head at a good size, its starting to grow on me...

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Sun Jan 26, 2003 12:15 pm

Hehe, Pj you're not the only one. I actually got to play with one the other day and I was quite impressed. I'm getting tempted.....

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Sun Jan 26, 2003 1:48 pm

Pj wrote:Now that I look at that head at a good size, its starting to grow on me...

Actually, I was just thinking of how ugly it looks. My mother (still driving her school bus after FORTY years!) has some sort of EDACS mess in her bus, and a close friend of mine is on the job in an EDACS town. I see on the head above all the wear, the two I just mentioned I've seen are also looking pretty worn.

It's ugly - now I know why I like Motorola.

Sorry.

It's nothing personal.

Post by Pj » Sun Jan 26, 2003 8:46 pm

What I would like to see or play with, are those new intergrated touch screen light/siren/radio control heads that are coming out. Seems too much of everything in one unit, but again, I haven't played with one yet.

code3media · Post by **code3media** » Wed Jan 29, 2003 7:18 pm

BACK TO THE SUBJECT, ANY IDEAS ON THIS "BEEPER"?

Threeshot223 · Post by **Threeshot223** » Wed Jan 29, 2003 9:27 pm

Hey, nothin bad about GE. The CHP uses those in their statewide fleet for a reason, and it ain't "lowest bidder". Those heads are pretty much 100% waterproof..theres more features on the GE's than on any comparable M product, plus, they were very modular and easy to work with. One head is conventional and one is trunking, and the same head worked with an array of radios. None of this /\/\ BS, what, with 20 different heads that can be used in one application, and using the wrond head/cable/radio would smoke some, if not all the components involved.

Hell, the only /\/\ product I'll use is a handheld- it's guaranteed to work.

007 · Post by **007** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 9:42 pm

The annoying-as-hell beep in the CHP cars is activated when the mobile repeater is turned on in the car. Activating the lights doesn't make the radio beep, as the lighting functions are displayed either on the LCD display or via red lights on the corners of the buttons.

Example: If the SignalMaster is making a right arrow, then the S825 control head LCD will make a sequencially-built right arrow from left to right on the LCD:

>
->
-->
--->
---->
----->
------>

When the arrow is "built" the display flashes the current mode/channel selection, then builds another arrow. This process continues until the lights are reset.

It is the coolest thing I have ever seen as far as light/radio intergration!!

As far as a beeper, get a Unitrol or a SmartSiren. I have my SmartSiren set to beep every 10-12 seconds when the lights or siren are activated. It is a neat feature, and it has reminded me a few times to shut the lights down!

Threeshot223 · Post by **Threeshot223** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 10:05 pm

The only drawback to the CHP S825 units is that they are tailor-made for the CHP. Any old, off-the-shelf S825 will not actually "display" the functions activated. Unfortunately, the CHP units are, for now, practically impossible to obtain.

007 · Post by **007** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 10:17 pm

I forgot to mention that...the heads have custom firmware to allow the interface to work that way.

However, it is possible to do some of what CHP does with a stock version. I have been talking to Federal Signal and M/A Com, and the the SmartSiren that interfaces with the S825 is still available. The M/A com rep was fairly certain that he could find the right software/firmware set to program the head to do the proper interface.

It is getting very tempting to try it out!!!

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 11:01 pm

hehehe good old IVC code.. Illinois recently changed the IVC around quite a bit in regards to who uses lights and for what these days. Interesting post 9-11 commentary if you ask me.

S-825 is cool.....a bit big though. Had one a while back and I should have kept it. My 2 MA/COM mobile will be a low-band Orion and 800 MDX Now those are cool.

Something to keep my spectras company

007 · Post by **007** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 11:13 am

I was reading the IVC a couple days ago at work to anwser a question when I stumbled over what I have posted....

I put it in my footer, because I'm confident that it was written into code for Federal Signal, so they can still "legally" use their display cars. How many cops do you know that would give the FS rep a hard time??

They'd probably hold him at gunpoint and take the newest toys!

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 2:12 pm

Yep, it also applies to install/radio shops and the like. Ray O'herron public safety supply up in Oak Brook Terrace had a display car. last one I saw was a 1996 Caprice done as a unmarked clean roof car with full red/blue lighting, cage and radio install. I believe they have a 02 CV now. Down state parent store probably has some as well.

Also most of the law changed regarding light colors for volunteer fire and emergency management volunteers making BLUE and CLEAR the color combo for those people.

Also green got made into an official security vehicle color, although security can use red/blue on certain circumstances.

I;m still suprised green hasn;t been identified in statute as incident command or EMS light.