Open letter to Power Arc

[JohnMarcson]

Please use this thread to list and discuss complaints, compliments and suggestions for Power Arc products. Any bashing or complaints without details will be removed. People from the manufacturers read this site and will most likely see this, so keep it professional.


-----Just an FYI guys, I'd like these "open letters" to be something the companies and other users can actually get some decent data from. If you want to complain about the product please provide enough detail that others and the company that makes the item can get some info from it. I know it's tempting to just say "blank product is awful", but that's really not helpful. There have been some really great replies to these threads, let make sure we keep it professional and detailed.


Thanks


John

 

[JohnMarcson]

I am a sucker for oscillating stuff, I won't deny that. I personally really like the surface mount lights with one flashing and one oscillating LED. I always have concerns about whether adding motion to LEDs is even necessary, but there is something to be said for sweeping arcs of light. I think if they marketd a bar with super bright LED alleys and take downs they might get a better response from law enforcement. I'd also like to see a multi purpose that is an adjustable takedown or an oscillator.

 

[RL1]

I think Power Arc needs to do more clear lensed products (they may make an all clear lens bar but I haven't seen it).


Also, I think it would be cool to see a light that had different colors on the same oscillator--- such as red on one side, blue on the other so you get both to the front.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I am a sucker for oscillating stuff, I won't deny that. I personally really like the surface mount lights with one flashing and one oscillating LED. I always have concerns about whether adding motion to LEDs is even necessary, but there is something to be said for sweeping arcs of light. I think if they marketd a bar with super bright LED alleys and take downs they might get a better response from law enforcement. I'd also like to see a multi purpose that is an adjustable takedown or an oscillator.

John,


I hope you don't mind if I reply here as the East Coast distributor for PowerArc.


All I can say is stay tuned. The next update to the VOLT light bar is doing one with all P14 style heads and a combination of P14 and M90 heads. After that they will be working the MP13 into the bar towards the end of 2011 or the beginning of 2012. I don't think there are any plans for a "smart M90" anytime soon tho, but I will bring it with Ken and Joe the next time I talk to them.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I think Power Arc needs to do more clear lensed products (they may make an all clear lens bar but I haven't seen it).

Also, I think it would be cool to see a light that had different colors on the same oscillator--- such as red on one side, blue on the other so you get both to the front.

We do, all M90s are shipped with clear lenses unless ordered with colored lenses and all of the light heads from the M90 to the LED210 and LED180 have the ability to have split colors. We have even done custom split colors on the M90 and DL12 (red light with white outter edge lights). The P14 and the MP13 do split colors top and bottom.

 

[grfd711]

My paid FD has two M90HL's on the front of the rig and the performance is spectacular. One is red and one is white. It's caught my attention during the day when I was off work and had no clue the on duty crew was responding. From the opposite service road across six lanes of traffic, they got my attention.


We have had problems out of one. When PowerArc themselves were notified (as our dealer drug his feet), they had a replacement to us in a few days. They stated there was an identified problem when that board was manufactured. It was under warranty, they replaced it free of charge and all was well.


My vollie FD has an all halogen setup on their reserve engine (as of three years ago it was the first out engine, hence the package being installed). It's an old rig, so the alternator isn't that great, and if it's parked at idle, we'll have to shed lighting or idle it up manually to keep lights from dimming and slowing. As far as light output, for just being halogen, it still holds up better than other lighting packages IMO.


Buddy of mine is running the DL12 dashlight, half red and half white, in his POV for coming up on a year. He gets a better response with it then he did with his Slimighter TIR6, strobe HAWs and LIN3s on the front bumper and strobes behind the grille.


Trusty warranty, massive performance you can't get from stationary LEDs and honest customer support, as well as genuine sincerity when I've been to a few conferences, gets my approval for PowerArc. Sure, they're different lights and you may put out a bit more power than flashing LEDs to power a motor, but dammit, that oscillating LED is just something that's gotta be seen in person to appreciate!

 

[nerdly_dood]

I'd like to see some fully-rotating LEDs from them, even if it's just their beacons for fire truck rear mounting.

 

[Newberry13]

I love their gear. I've never seen one have a problem. The only thing I would like to see in a smaller, magnetic mount beacon that provides 360 degree coverage. Also take down and alley light options for the lightbars. Other then that, keep up the good work!

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I will bring up the 360 degree rotators the next time I talk to Ken and Joe, but the consensus has been that a fully rotating LED beacon or light would be too expensive and that there currently is not enough demand.


We do offer Alleys and Take-downs for the XT and SL series lightbars.

 

[liberal noob]

I will bring up the 360 degree rotators the next time I talk to Ken and Joe, but the consensus has been that a fully rotating LED beacon or light would be too expensive and that there currently is not enough demand.

A 360 degree Mini-Bar would be a wonderful alternative.


A side mirror mount oscillating LED light would be a big seller methinks.


A flush mount lightbar with KKK-compliant flash patterns for the ambulance market would be nice.


Are there any plans to enter the European market?

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

A 360 degree Mini-Bar would be a wonderful alternative.

I will add making the XT and SL bars in an 18" unit for the next call I am on.

A side mirror mount oscillating LED light would be a big seller methinks.

I don't believe there is a mirror made with the required 2" depth without interference for the M90/DL12 to be mounted in.

A flush mount lightbar with KKK-compliant flash patterns for the ambulance market would be nice.

Stay tuned, there might be something in the works for the coming year, it all depends on items already in the pipeline. And currently all of the LED flashing light heads are KKK compliant as well as the M90/DL12 and the LED180, LED210, as well as all three LED light bars. All of the Halogen products have been KKK compliant from the first day.

Are there any plans to enter the European market?

They are currently leaving that up to the individual dealers.

 

[Station 3]

I love your lights i think they are the future in lighting but please lower the prices a bit its the only thing stoping me from buying your products.

 

[liberal noob]

The website's Chassis Mounting Guide needs to be updated. Here is a list of popular emergency vehicles that is not on the list or had a major "face lift" of the top of my head...


GMC:


Yukon


Sierra


Savana


Nissan:


Frontier


Titan


Pathfinder


Jeep:


Wrangler


Liberty


Chevy:


Express


Tahoe


Suburban


Impala


Ford:


F-150, F-250, F-350, etc.


E-150, E-250, E-350


Escape


Explorer


Expedition


Ranger


Dodge:


Durango


Sprinter


Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chassis Cab


Charger


KME chassis:


Predator http://fire.kovatch.com/ProductDivisions/FireDivision/Products/Chassis/PredatorChassis.aspx


Panther http://fire.kovatch.com/ProductDivisions/FireDivision/Products/Chassis/PantherChassis.aspx


Force http://fire.kovatch.com/ProductDivisions/FireDivision/Products/FireDivisionAirport/FireDivisionAirportClass45.aspx


Severe Service http://fire.kovatch.com/ProductDivisions/FireDivision/Products/Chassis/SevereService.aspx


ALL Ferrara Chassis http://www.ferrarafire.com/FerraraCustom/Chassis/Chassis.html


Western Star:


4900FA http://www.westernstartrucks.com/Trucks/SevereExtreme/FireEms/4900fa.asp


4900SA http://www.westernstartrucks.com/Trucks/SevereExtreme/FireEms/4900sa.asp


Mack:


Granite


TerraPro


http://www.macktrucks.com/#/home


International:


WorkStar http://www.navistar.com/Trucks/Trucks/Series/WorkStar


PayStar http://www.navistar.com/Trucks/Trucks/Series/PayStar


TerraStar http://www.navistar.com/Trucks/Trucks/Series/TerraStar


TranStar http://www.navistar.com/Trucks/Trucks/Series/TranStar


9000 Series http://www.navistar.com/Trucks/Trucks/Series/9000+Series


American LaFrance:


Eagle http://www.americanlafrance.com/DATASHEET/CabChas.pdf


Metropolitan http://www.americanlafrance.com/DATASHEET/CabChas.pdf


Spartan:


Furion http://www.spartanchassis.com/er/furion/furion.asp


FYI: The Gladiator site has a truck decked out with PowerArc gear!


E-One:


The Quest http://www.e-one.com/products/main-line/custom-chassis/the-quest


Titan http://www.e-one.com/products/main-line/arff/titan-hpr-6x6


Titan Force http://www.e-one.com/products/main-line/arff/the-titan-force-f6


Pierce:


Velocity http://www.piercemfg.com/Model.html?ModelId=fcd3ab35-be66-421b-9132-64df1b81dd43


Impel http://www.piercemfg.com/Model.html?ModelId=fdeb1742-d4b4-4e5f-8493-642c9a40e3cb


Quantum http://www.piercemfg.com/Model.html?ModelId=ee4e0da6-d8fc-4ad1-a3d1-9fc0e731dbc6


Rosenbauer:


AARF Panther http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/deliveries/type/?t=ARFF+Panther


Centurion http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/media/documents/pdf/centurion_eng.pdf


Commander http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/media/documents/pdf/Commander_AT_Brochure.pdf

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I love your lights i think they are the future in lighting but please lower the prices a bit its the only thing stoping me from buying your products.

If/When the prices of parts and manufacturing come down, I am sure the retail pricing will come down as well. Just a note, PowerArc has held the same pricing over the past 5-6 years.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

The website's Chassis Mounting Guide needs to be updated. Here is a list of popular emergency vehicles that is not on the list or had a major "face lift" of the top of my head...

The Chassis mounting guide was set up as a way to show what adapters are needed for what vehicles. Did you happen to look at the adapters needed for most of the vehicles? 90 % of the vehicles on the website as well as those you listed require no adapter from front mounting.


If you have a specific vehicle and light in mind, please let us know, otherwise anyone at the factory that answers the phone will either be able to help you with what adapter if any is needed or put you in touch with someone that can.


95 % of the vehicles shown are either fire or ambulance chassis. 90% of all sales are still for large apparatus (engines, ambulances, etc), and we are just now starting to see some interest in smaller/mid sized vehicles used as Chiefs vehicles and Utility vehicles (SUVs, 1500/F-150 size trucks, etc) and most of the brackets listed will work with all of them, but it depends on the light and the location.


Thank you for the list, and I will forward it on, but I doubt it will get updated since in the past couple of years, the manufacturers have created their own adapters as opposed to purchasing the adapter from PowerArc.

 

[JohnMarcson]

Asking for lower prices is pointless. The companies are selling their items for the lowest price they can/will already. Please keep the comments about the products and features.

 

[gfpd26]

Just a note for this open letter. I spoke to Ken Menke III, the president of the company. He is aware of the letter and is watching it. He said that anyone who wishes to speak to him directly may have his information, which I have. This is a great company to deal with.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

Just a note for this open letter. I spoke to Ken Menke III, the president of the company. He is aware of the letter and is watching it. He said that anyone who wishes to speak to him directly may have his information, which I have. This is a great company to deal with.

Actually he is not following it, but on the sales call today he advised to post his contact info:


Ken Menke III


President


PowerArc


800-990-8455


kmenke@powerarc.net


He also advised that the webpage is do to be updated in the next week, so stay tuned.


Any questions or requests, feel free to contact him directly, you will find him to be very responsive.

 

[liberal noob]

How about line of products for motorcycles?

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I believe there are several MA State Police motor units that have XM12s mounted to them.


What else do you have in mind?

 

[liberal noob]

I believe there are several MA State Police motor units that have XM12s mounted to them.

Awesome, I need to keep a lookout for them.

What else do you have in mind?

Interior lightbar.

 

[NCFD43]

Howabout a slim dash light. only 1 row of LED's instead of 2, slim down the size, make it fit in tighter spots.


A beacon that oscilates back and forth, just put 1 forward facing and 1 rear facing light.


AND...


Howabout a dash light that can go left right, up and down as it oscilates.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

Awesome, I need to keep a lookout for them.



Interior lightbar.

PowerArc is first and foremost an apparatus light manufacturer, the smaller vehicles (P/U trucks, SUVs, etc) are a secondary market, with all products being designed and manufactured with the NFPA zone requirements and KKK requirements in mind.


If a compelling arguement can be made for a product please do so, but at this time, I do not see where an interior light bar fits into the plan at the time, I will pass it on though and see what Ken says.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

Howabout a slim dash light. only 1 row of LED's instead of 2, slim down the size, make it fit in tighter spots.

With the P14 flashing light, a slimmed down version (P-7) is on the drawing board.

A beacon that oscilates back and forth, just put 1 forward facing and 1 rear facing light.

Just out of curiousity, would you pay $260.00 for a beacon?

AND...


Howabout a dash light that can go left right, up and down as it oscilates.

Side to side is the only option at the time, I will send the suggestion to Ken and see what he thinks.

 

[nerdly_dood]

Just out of curiousity, would you pay $260.00 for a beacon?

Whelen's L31 LED beacon has a list price of $516 for amber, blue or red surface mount, all the way up to $745 for white, magnetic mount. Naturally the list price is inflated, but they sell plenty of those lights and they aren't cheap. Go for it!

 

[apu]

How about scene flood/spot lights for apparatus that could be adjusted toward the front or rear of the unit to focus the light where you need it.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

How about scene flood/spot lights for apparatus that could be adjusted toward the front or rear of the unit to focus the light where you need it.

PowerArc already partners with FRC to provide a Q09 and Q14 LED scene/flood/spot light, mainly for mount with the VOLT light bar, but the FRC lights can be ordered separately for mounting however you like. The FRC light come with a 5 Year warranty.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

Whelen's L31 LED beacon has a list price of $516 for amber, blue or red surface mount, all the way up to $745 for white, magnetic mount. Naturally the list price is inflated, but they sell plenty of those lights and they aren't cheap. Go for it!

I'll bring that up to Ken as well, not sure how much re-engineering would be needed to change the current LED beacon from rear corner coverage to full 360 coverage.

 

[Kevin K.]

I've just browsed the latest catalog, and it appears that the VOLT is now available with all stationary (P14) pulsing LED modules, which I believe is the first lightbar this company is offering without the inclusion of oscillating modules. There isn't a difference in pricing between the VOLT with all M90 modules versus the VOLT with all P14 modules.


I understand that the P7 modules are forthcoming. Perhaps we'll see a version of the VOLT with all P7 modules, which may see some success in the POV or police market. Also, I'd like to see PowerArc develop an LED flasher designed for use with the stationary modules. A variety of patterns (other than pulsing) should make this more competitive with the other manufacturers.


Does PowerArc have any plans for offering sirens?

 

[apu]

PowerArc already partners with FRC to provide a Q09 and Q14 LED scene/flood/spot light, mainly for mount with the VOLT light bar, but the FRC lights can be ordered separately for mounting however you like. The FRC light come with a 5 Year warranty.

I was thinking of more of a flush mount style like Power Arc's perimiter lights or Whelen 900 style. Not even sure it would be possible.

 

[Fast LT1]

all products being designed and manufactured with the NFPA zone requirements and KKK requirements in mind.

I didn't know that KKK members could have lights on their POV's much less have their own requirements for lighting manufacturers! LOL

 

[Newberry13]

I didn't know that KKK members could have lights on their POV's much less have their own requirements for lighting manufacturers! LOL

I thought the same thing when I first heard that Ambulances are governed by GSA file KKK!

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I've just browsed the latest catalog, and it appears that the VOLT is now available with all stationary (P14) pulsing LED modules, which I believe is the first lightbar this company is offering without the inclusion of oscillating modules. There isn't a difference in pricing between the VOLT with all M90 modules versus the VOLT with all P14 modules.

The pricing is the same regardless of the modules wether it be all M90s, all P14s or a combination of the two.

I understand that the P7 modules are forthcoming. Perhaps we'll see a version of the VOLT with all P7 modules, which may see some success in the POV or police market. Also, I'd like to see PowerArc develop an LED flasher designed for use with the stationary modules. A variety of patterns (other than pulsing) should make this more competitive with the other manufacturers.

No current plans for a P7 light head, and no current plans for an alternate flasher for the P14 (it already has 13 patterns built in.

Does PowerArc have any plans for offering sirens?

No.