How many flashes per minute does each rotator in a Twin Sonic produce?

[rescue161]

I'm in the process of making a small replica of a Twin Sonic lightbar for an RC car and am trying to code it to the correct flash rate. I initially made it using discrete components, but trying to make the LEDs fade correctly added way too many components. I programmed an MCU to 90 FPM, but it still seems fast. I'll eventually make a post, but wasn't sure of the correct area, since it is just a model of the light. I still need to figure out how I'm going to make the domes.

 

[NPS Ranger]

In the original Model 12 TwinSonic each side had a 2 bulb beacon rotating at 40 RPM, thus 80 flashes/minute per side, same as a Model 17. There were also 3 stepper mirrors for each rotator, multiplying each flash by 4. Thus a total of 320 flashes/minute per side or 640 flashes/minute for the entire bar, which is the figure Federal advertised.

 

[rescue161]

Outstanding. I'm having to use single LEDs to mimic the mirrors, so I'm timing their flashes to the "rotators" on each side, so that it gives the effect of it being a mirrored reflection of the rotator. I initially had it at 90 and it seemed too fast, so I dropped it to 75 and it looked better. I'll try the timing for 80 and see how that looks. Thank you.

Here is a very short cellphone video of the first breadboard design. I have since moved on to the PIC micro-controller.

Well, for some reason, the video won't play here, so here is the link.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eub3ovWC-Kg

 

[Impala9C1]

Cool. What kind of vehicle is the RC?

 

[rescue161]

Sorry for the late reply. Eventually, I want to make an amber Aerodynic for a tow truck.

I made a little beacon to put on an RC plane. I have a strobe and the port/starboard lights, but trying to make the beacon a little smaller.

Also, here is the latest update to the Twin Sonic. It looks much better than my first attempt. One of these days, I'll get around to making the lenses and the frame.

 

[2ADAM46]

Excellent!

 

[fireglen]

Looks like you nailed it!

 

[rescue161]

Thanks. I'm still figuring out how to make the lenses.

 

[fireglen]

Thanks. I'm still figuring out how to make the lenses.

maybe this guy can help?

1:25 scale model California Twinsonic lightbar fire ambulance | Etsy

This is a resin Federal California Twinsonic lightbar for 1/24 and 1/25 scale model emergency vehicles. This is suitable for attachment to any 1970s-1980s emergency vehicle model in a comperable scale. The kit includes two translucent lenses, the lightbar, and two mounting brackets (The image doesnt

www.etsy.com

 

[rescue161]

Those appear to be the same bars that are on Ebay. They are too small.. I have some thin clear plastic sheets and i was thinking of heating them and forming them around a mold that i can make out of wood.

 

[FiremanSketch]

My mind is blown at the fact that you incorporated the mirror flashes into the bar. Absolutely stellar work.

 

[rescue161]

Thanks man. It'll look much better one the lenses are made. I held up some transparent blue and red Monokote and it looks really good. Back during the Covid-19 lockdown, I had more time, but lately, I haven't had much time to mess with it. Hopefully, I can do some more with it soon.

 

[kadetklapp]

I'm watching this. You may have lots of customers if you can make these a boutique item... Wonder if you can get someone with a 3D printer to do a whole housing assembly?

 

[rescue161]

I'm sure I could. I'm just doing it as a one-off, but whenever I finally get it finished, I may look into that.

 

[rescue161]

Here is an amber with forward "reflectors."

 

[167]

Outstanding! Only thing I would add is that if you're going for 100% accuracy, the mirrors were 3 step...

 

[rescue161]

I realized that after the boards were made. I'm trying to make an Aerodynic now, but haven't made it to the etching phase yet. Got tied up with work and don't have as much free time as I did a few months back.