Question about a siren...

[Wheels]

I just recently purchased a FS PA150 siren in really great shape. After reading info about this siren, it says that it’s very similar to a PA200 except that is has a wired-in mic and PA/manual settings. So I went to the FS website and it also states the PA150 has a wired-in mic mounted underneath the siren box. Here’s the thing….my PA150 doesn’t have a wired-in mic. On the back of the unit, it has a connection to add a mic. My question is….do I have a rare siren because of this? Or was this a feature added just before they were discontinued?

 

[shues]

It looks like the rear microphone connector is an unfortunate aftermarket addition to an otherwise nice siren. That sure doesn't look like a factory job to me.

 

[Wailer]

I find it odd that a mic jack would be mounted on the back of a siren. I think someone punched a hole in the back of the chassis and put in the four pin screw-on jack.

 

[crescentstar69]

It was probably an add on by a shop or installer. I have seen a bunch where the same connector was punched into the faceplate, which I never understood. Our local S.O. had them.

 

[Wheels]

That's strange. If this is an add-on by an installer, who ever did it made it look factory. I guess the factory mount underneath gets in the way of other equipment...so i assume they mount a rear mic for clearance as an option.

 

[squad 51 fan]

I find it odd that a mic jack would be mounted on the back of a siren. I think someone punched a hole in the back of the chassis and put in the four pin screw-on jack.

les, look at the serial number! it looks like it was connected with the fn-203 harness to a mocom-70 ,

 

[Wheels]

That was another question i was going to ask. Federal states that PA150s can begin with either "T1A" or "Y1A". The serial number on mine is different because it begins with "N1A." So it makes me wonder if this feature was changed by Federal at sometime.

 

[Wailer]

T1A means the siren has the Tap II option.


Y1A means the siren has the 'instant yelp' option.


N1A means the siren doesn't have either option.


As of 1985, only the PA200 was available in T1A and Y1A versions.


The PA150 was intended to replace the PA15A Director as Federal's new 'economy' model full-size self-contained electronic siren.

 

[crescentstar69]

Placement of the mic connector might have been a contract spec for a large customer