Ford Explorer Install (Pic + Movie)
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- jedi_saber
- Batboard $upporter
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- PriorityOne
- Posts: 82
- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2003 2:02 pm
Its not my explorer, I just helped with the install. You can see the rest of the photos and the evolution of the vehicle at this link.
The LEDs in the grill at TIR3's set to signal alert in an X pattern. The Talon can't fit above the mirror because the mirror is much larger then it needs to be. Its a rather large brick. But overall, you can't tell the vehicle has lights unless you really are looking for them.
The LEDs in the grill at TIR3's set to signal alert in an X pattern. The Talon can't fit above the mirror because the mirror is much larger then it needs to be. Its a rather large brick. But overall, you can't tell the vehicle has lights unless you really are looking for them.
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Agreed re: placement of the Talon. I tried very hard to get it above the mirror, but it just wouldn't fit. This rearview mirror has some unnecessary electronics in it that gives it its bulk. The LS12 would fit, but not the Talon. Thus the compromise.
All said and done, I'm very happy with the install. Couldn't have done it without some creative help from ESDA20
All said and done, I'm very happy with the install. Couldn't have done it without some creative help from ESDA20
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- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:28 am
The TIR3s are a hair brighter than the NOVAs, but there is no comparison in overall effectiveness. The TIR3s are bright from just about any angle. The NOVAs, on the other hand, were only bright direct on. Quite disappointing. I still have a pair of NOVAs mounted in the cargo area pointing to the sides. They are the next to come down. But at this point, I have no idea what will replace them.
As far as red/blue and EMA in Illinois .. last year, the vehicle code was updated to permit the state EMA to run red/blue/siren on all their vehicles. Also, county EMAs can run red/blue/sirens on their emergency vehicles.
As I progress from year to year at the annual Illinois EMA conference, more and more local agency vehicles are migrating from amber lighting to red/blues, presumably as a result of the new code.
P.S. tvsjr: with immense pleasure!
As far as red/blue and EMA in Illinois .. last year, the vehicle code was updated to permit the state EMA to run red/blue/siren on all their vehicles. Also, county EMAs can run red/blue/sirens on their emergency vehicles.
As I progress from year to year at the annual Illinois EMA conference, more and more local agency vehicles are migrating from amber lighting to red/blues, presumably as a result of the new code.
P.S. tvsjr: with immense pleasure!
- apco25
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I thought the IVC update only really addressed fire/ema volunteer lighting issues and simply added ESDA/EMA for county/municipal vehicles as their own entry instead of being covered by the general emergency vehicle definition.
Most EMA/ESDA have run all red or red blue for years on county/municipal vehicles.
Most EMA/ESDA have run all red or red blue for years on county/municipal vehicles.
"Some men just don't know their limitations"
EMA/ESDA were actually never really covered under the IVC until the more recent updates. Thus the reason many ESDAs claimed since they were "Search and Rescue", they'd fall under the "Rescue vehicle" clause.
The further south in the state you go, the more and more yellow/amber EMA/ESDA vehicles you see. As the state progresses and EMA evolves, so do these agencies.
Thus, any vehicle which is declared an official emergency vehicle (to include this one), is permitted red & blues. This is in essence, the same rule as fire chiefs and their POVs.
And the little people still get blue.
The further south in the state you go, the more and more yellow/amber EMA/ESDA vehicles you see. As the state progresses and EMA evolves, so do these agencies.
Thus, any vehicle which is declared an official emergency vehicle (to include this one), is permitted red & blues. This is in essence, the same rule as fire chiefs and their POVs.
And the little people still get blue.
Here in KY, Police, EMS, Vol Fire and "Rescue Squad" vehicles are all defined. No one but Police/Sheriff/Constable can use Blue/Blue or Blue/Red and that clearly shows that those combinations are police only. I don't guess your volly firefighters are permitted blue/red? That could get scary. I do think it is neat you are allowed blue/red.
For KY EMA officials and it's volunteers, we are Red/Red, Red/Amber, Red/Clear like all the other vollies, EMS and Fire.
For KY EMA officials and it's volunteers, we are Red/Red, Red/Amber, Red/Clear like all the other vollies, EMS and Fire.
I find the variances in light laws interesting. Here in Texas, there's a definition for an "authorized emergency vehicle," which includes fire/police vehicles, vollies, etc. Anyone that falls under those rules can have anything they want. There's nothing saying a fire engine can't run solid blue, if they felt like it. Whereas, in many other states, they're *very* picky about what colors can be used where.Adam wrote:Here in KY, Police, EMS, Vol Fire and "Rescue Squad" vehicles are all defined. No one but Police/Sheriff/Constable can use Blue/Blue or Blue/Red and that clearly shows that those combinations are police only. I don't guess your volly firefighters are permitted blue/red? That could get scary. I do think it is neat you are allowed blue/red.
For KY EMA officials and it's volunteers, we are Red/Red, Red/Amber, Red/Clear like all the other vollies, EMS and Fire.
Regardless, I stay away from blue on our apparatus and my POV. People still see blue and immediately think police down here.
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- Batboard $upporter
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Wacky idea...
Pardon the thread hijacking, but here's a really wacky idea: For the states to get any federal highway money, they need to conform to a standard warning light scheme. Red=Fire/EMS, Blue=LEO, Amber, everyone else.
Want federal funds for radio's - It has to be P25. Why not extend this to warning lights?
Martin
Want federal funds for radio's - It has to be P25. Why not extend this to warning lights?
Martin
Discussions are fine.. disagreements, arguements are what causes problems.
I think Texas has interesting laws as well. You think a cop is coming red/blue and an electric company truck passes you. lol
Trying to stay on topic. That's a sweet install.
How did you mount and run the wires from the TIR3s on the bumper?
I think Texas has interesting laws as well. You think a cop is coming red/blue and an electric company truck passes you. lol
Trying to stay on topic. That's a sweet install.
How did you mount and run the wires from the TIR3s on the bumper?
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- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:28 am
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- Posts: 34
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:28 am
As promised, new photos are on-line. I have close-up photos of the grille and how the TIR3s are mounted.
I have also posted a couple of photos with the laptop in place.
Finally, I shot 8 10-second videos of the warning lights in action. They're all Quicktime .MOV files.
They include various shots of the TIR3s, the dual Talons, rear warning, etc. My favorite video is of the 4 grille-mounted TIR3s shot from a 45 degree angle. Shows how much punch these lights have off-center.
http://landofzoz.com/explorer
p.s. please be selective when downloading the video clips ... I'm not sure how much bandwidth I'm alloted.
I have also posted a couple of photos with the laptop in place.
Finally, I shot 8 10-second videos of the warning lights in action. They're all Quicktime .MOV files.
They include various shots of the TIR3s, the dual Talons, rear warning, etc. My favorite video is of the 4 grille-mounted TIR3s shot from a 45 degree angle. Shows how much punch these lights have off-center.
http://landofzoz.com/explorer
p.s. please be selective when downloading the video clips ... I'm not sure how much bandwidth I'm alloted.