Dietz 235 Electronic Siren-Light

[theroofable]

While swapping out old radios for a fire department, I came across one of these. Seems to be a pretty old unit, Im guessing from the 60's. Anyone see one of these around? The radio was also a classic 4 channel crystal radio.

 

[ryan]

I am sure they would love a new siren in place of that one!

 

[theroofable]

I thought about offering them a swap. I didnt turn it on because it was pretty early in the morning, anyone have a clip of it? Is it uncommon? I have only seen the older pa model sirens around here in the older trucks. This was a 1970s f250 brush truck.

 

[Wailer]

The siren looks to be mid-1960s vintage, and I think it was designed to be used in conjunction with the Dietz speaker/light of that period. The light was a 711 (or 211) mounted to a low-profile radial horn type speaker base. Someone on the forum probably has one of those lights or a picture of it.

 

[rickcallebs]

For what its worth, the radio in question is a Regency BTH-204. 4 channel, VHF high band (150-174 MHz) and about 20 watts output. Back in the day, that was the bottom of the barrel for cheap, low powered radio equipment. That radio was eventually replaced by Regency's Microcom series, which offered higher power and slightly better electronics inside the metal case. I've seen several of those sirens years ago, but don't have much specific info about them. Nice find!

 

[theroofable]

Yes, it was quite the upgrade from that. It was working in good condition too. It was replaced with a Kenwood TK-2360. The truck was a 70-80s model ford f250, not sure on the specific year. Its always interesting to see whats around when everyone is switching to new radios to narrow band!