Federal Signal SiraTone
 | This article needs more citations. (November 2021) |
 A SiraTone model EOWS*612 located in Battle Creek, Michigan. | |
| Type | Outdoor warning siren |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Joel G. Lacono, Ronald J. Koval |
| Manufacturer | Federal Signal Corporation |
| Available | 1981–2007 |
| Models made | EOWS* M12, 115, Prototype 1212, 408, 612, 812, 1212 |
SiraTone is a defunct variety of electronic outdoor warning sirens produced by Federal Signal Corporation beginning in the early 1980s. These sirens were designed to broadcast high-intensity warning signals over large areas for public safety applications. SiraTone systems were used for natural disaster notification, HAZMAT incident alerts, fire call systems, and other emergency warning purposes.[1]
The SiraTone product line is no longer in production. It was succeeded by the Modulator series and Directional Speaker Array (DSA) electronic outdoor warning systems.[2]
Products
[edit]Six primary models of outdoor warning sirens were produced under the SiraTone brand. Model numbers are designated by the prefix EOWS (Electronic Outdoor Warning Siren), followed by an asterisk and a number representing the siren's power output or speaker configuration. All models utilize re-entrant speaker horns, arrays of 100-watt speaker drivers, and electronic tone generation.
- EOWS*115 – The first SiraTone model produced; a 1200-watt omnidirectional siren equipped with 12 vertical Atlas Sound CJ-44 speaker horns.
- EOWS*1212 – A 1200-watt omnidirectional siren and updated version of the EOWS*115, using 12 circular University Sound DR-42 speaker horns.
- Prototype EOWS 1212 – A prototype version of the 1212 with minor design differences, utilizing 12 Atlas CJ-44 speaker horns.
- EOWS*408 – An 800-watt rotating siren with 4 circular University Sound DR-42 speaker horns.
- EOWS*612 – A 1200-watt rotating siren with 6 circular University Sound DR-42 speaker horns; the most widely produced model in the SiraTone series.
- EOWS*812 – A 1200-watt rotating siren with 8 circular University Sound DR-42 speaker horns; later discontinued and effectively replaced by the EOWS*612.
A mobile, vehicle-mounted variant known as the EOWS*M12 was also proposed, though it is believed that few or none were manufactured.
Signals
[edit]SiraTone sirens are capable of producing multiple warning tones:
- Alert – A steady siren tone.[3]
- Wail – A rising and falling siren tone.[4]
- Alternating steady – A tone alternating between high and low frequencies at half-second intervals, similar to European emergency vehicle sirens.[5]
- Alternating wail – A wail tone alternating between high and low frequencies.[6]
- Pulsed wail – A pulsating wail tone at half-second intervals.[7]
- Pulsed steady – A pulsating steady tone at half-second intervals.
- Whoop – A repeating rising tone that cycles continuously.[8]
- Auxiliary tone – A customizable tone selectable by the operator.[9]
- Westminster chimes – A non-emergency chime tone used for testing.[10]
- Yeow - A Rising tone that descends in pitch that repeats continuously.
A distinctive feature of the SiraTone series was its ability to perform routine tests using a Westminster chime melody instead of traditional alarm tones. This allowed municipalities to verify system functionality without causing public alarm. Additional tones could be programmed upon request.[11]
Gallery
[edit]
Model EOWS*612 in Irving, Texas. It has since been replaced with a 508.
Model EOWS*612 in civil defense yellow livery. *Replaced*
Model EOWS*612 near a train station; later removed and reportedly preserved by an enthusiast as of July 2025.
References
[edit]- ↑ "Federal Signal SiraTone". Air Raid Sirens Wiki. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ↑ "Warning and Mass Notification Outdoor Sirens and Speakers". Federal Signal. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
- ↑ TheSirenGeek (2022-04-09). FS EOWS 612 Tornado Siren Test - Alert - Battle Creek, MI. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
- ↑ DSRX100 (2023-12-08). Federal Signal EOWS 612 | Attack/Wail | Forest Hills, PA. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ mn_sirens (2024-03-07). Federal Signal EOWS-612 Siren Test - Full Hi-Lo - Aberdeen, South Dakota. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Sirens Of The Southwest (2020-07-18). EOWS 612 | Alternate Wail | 7/18/20. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
- ↑ TboltTX1 (2013-06-13). EOWS 612 Pulsed Wail. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ gilramirez12 (2009-07-16). 6/7/05 - Illinois Statewide Monthly Siren Test - Barrington EOWS 612 (Whoop). Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Pulsed Steady, WIKIPEDIA LINK. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via www.youtube.com.
- ↑ Central Ohio Sirens (2024-10-20). FS EOWS*612 - SiraTone Westminster Chimes - Forest Hills, PA. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Archived 2021-09-14 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]
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