Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Horns-Air Versus Electric

Hello again.

I like Zounds "Eco-Blast" air horns. However, they are not very reliable.

I waited until the temp was up to forty degrees, to give it a fair chance . Hisssss... Nothing.

And it's my third Zounds horn.

My Lowrider has a 12 volt 7 amp/hour battery, so I went to the NAPA Auto Parts Store and bought a generic car horn.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo_0015.jpg

I mounted the horn on the bottom of the fairing. I had to move it forward to avoid rubbing the tire.

I wired it in parallel with a 115 Db piezo alarm. It is really nice and loud now.

I was afraid the Piezo alone would cause a problem, because the law that requires a horn or a bell on a bike specifically metions sirens and whistles as being illegal.

The switch is a push button, but not momentary. I have to click it on, and click it off. My question is; is the pushbutton legal, or should I get a momentary contact that opens the circuit when I lift my finger?

Just get a mom on switch and be done with it.

I think you should swap out the piezo alarm with an air horn that plays Dixie (http://www.autobarn.net/dukes-of-hazzard-general-lee-dixie-car-horn.html)

I think you should swap out the piezo alarm with an air horn that plays Dixie (http://www.autobarn.net/dukes-of-hazzard-general-lee-dixie-car-horn.html)

That's a blast, literally.
I have a 1/25 scale die-cast model of the General Lee (Dodge Charger), and my Nephew was over, playing with the toy car, and then he's getting frustrated because the doors don't open ( on some die cast cars, the doors open). I explained to him that the doors are welded shut and the Duke boys get in and out though the windows. I told him to watch the Dukes of Hazzard and see for himself, now he watches the show.

I would do it, and if you get stopped just say you didn't know. How much of a hard time should they give you about a horn?

OP,

I want to see video and/or you riding that bike. :) Seriously! Looks nice but I gotta see someone one it!

I would do it, and if you get stopped just say you didn't know. How much of a hard time should they give you about a horn?

Well, many states outlaw Klaxons and many also seem to dislike any that play a discernable melody and anything beyond a dual-note horn. You WILL get a write-up and audition it for the judge.

I found an Electra bell is as effective as anything except me making whoops, hollers and the occasional "Bronx cheer" (don't tell Mom) at the totally clueless and knowbetters. Yes, the Idaho Ave-Oregon St intersection is no fun.

Now this is a HORN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkJwcR21VLk)

Love the bike photo. Got any closeups?

Hello again.

I like Zounds "Eco-Blast" air horns. However, they are not very reliable.

I waited until the temp was up to forty degrees, to give it a fair chance . Hisssss... Nothing.

...

I'm not sure what the problem is here, or maybe I'm just one of the lucky ones who got a working Airzounds horn. I have used mine for over 3000 miles of commuting, in all kinds of weather - rain, snow, sleet, hail, and occaisionally, sunshine, in all kinds of temperatures, from a low of 19 deg. F to highs in the 80s. I have never once had a problem with my Airzounds horn. As long as it has enough pressure, it will make lots of noise! I've had no trouble with it. Reliable? For me, it has been rock solid!

On the flip side, when the pressure gets too low, it will hiss when I activate it.

Never had a problem with my Zound either except when there's not enough air in it.

Now this is a HORN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkJwcR21VLk)

Where the HELL do you get an item like that? Also how large is that? I /need/ one of those units. Those guys must have had the ipods on to not notice 2 honks till the train horn went off.

The only way I would ever buy one of those horns is if I had a Smart Car.