I am set to purchase a federal sign and signal pa20a and I have a few questions: like modern sirens (295hfsa5, vcon, etc) is it safe to play the tones quietly via the amp or does it HAVE to have a speaker for a few minutes of testing? I'm not too familiar with vintage sirens and I don't want to fry it the second I get it and I've seen mixed answers to similar questions so I need an answer from someone who knows their stuff. If it matters, it came off a fire truck then sat in storage for 20 years. I've seen things about not supplying too much power and whatnot and how much of a concern that'd be? and yes I obviously know to put a fuse on but other than that is there anything else i should watch out for or do before turning it on? Thanks in advance everyone.
Federal Signal Federal Sign & Signal PA20A Question
- Thread starter average emergency guy
- Start date
Back in the day,,,I worked for an outfitter in the early 70s. We never powered up an electronic siren without it being connected to an electronic siren speaker. A PA20 would be connected to a 58 or 100 watt speaker. I’m not savvy on the intricacies of electronics but why take the chance of damage. Just stuff am old T-shirt into the speaker and let it rip.
Noted. Is there any risk after it sitting for a while of any damage when starting it up if you use a full 12v? I don't have an easy way to supply less than that and gradually increase but I also would prefer for it not to explode under sudden power after it sitting for so long.
I've got all three versions of the 'blue face' Interceptor, and they all sound different. I use a 9 volt battery to test them without a speaker. The siren tones can be heard faintly through the circuit board and transformer.
It won't harm the siren, but the power amp does suck a lot of juice out of the battery.
Noted. Given how long it's been sitting is there a good possibility the capacitors aren't in working condition?
Which version of the the PA20A do you have? 2B, 2C, 2D, or 2E? The first two digits of the serial number should tell you which version you have.
2E. I got it and despite some rust on the outside of it and some dirt on the faceplate It's in great condition inside and the faceplate. Tones work great and aren't warbled or anything. Buttons and knobs aren't worn and even the bulb is still functional, just a bit corroded. Even came with a random speaker with it as well. Great grab for 50$ CAD it seems. My next question is if they ever had a specific year stamped on it anywhere?
Series 2E was introduced in the early 1970s and production likely ended in the early 1980s. I have a 2E, but there is no date stamped on it anywhere. Unlike earlier versions, series 2E has high-pitched wail and yelp tones like the electronic sirens we hear nowadays. The PA15A series 1E, PA20A series 2E, PA70, PA100, PA150, PA170, PA200, and PA1000 all sound the same.