Whelen Talons failing - wierd

bpollard

Member
Jun 13, 2010
422
USA, SC
I have two vehicles. One has had a Whelen dual talon in it for a while, that has been "handed down" from previous vehicles for some time. In fact, it is the original "ballast" type that makes sounds when in operation if you know what I am talking about.

My other vehicle has two, single Talons installed from around the same time, they are also ballast models. All of these lights came from surplus, years ago. very likely purchased at the same time.

A few weeks ago, one half of the dual Talon started malfunctioning, only when it's COLD. our weather here in SC isn't too cold, by some standards. I'd say anything below 50 degrees and one half of the talon would barely illuminate at all, or not at all. After the vehicle warms up or during days where the temperature is above 60 degrees or so, it works perfectly.

Within a couple weeks, one of the single talons in my other vehicle started behaving exactly the same way! When its cold it flashes very dimly or not at all, when warm it works just fine.

I'm not complaining, these have worked well for a long time. Just weird that this happens similarly, in completely different light assemblies.

Thought I would share that with you folks

Bob
 

SEPD_52

Member
Dec 24, 2014
95
Illinois
I have two vehicles. One has had a Whelen dual talon in it for a while, that has been "handed down" from previous vehicles for some time. In fact, it is the original "ballast" type that makes sounds when in operation if you know what I am talking about.

My other vehicle has two, single Talons installed from around the same time, they are also ballast models. All of these lights came from surplus, years ago. very likely purchased at the same time.

A few weeks ago, one half of the dual Talon started malfunctioning, only when it's COLD. our weather here in SC isn't too cold, by some standards. I'd say anything below 50 degrees and one half of the talon would barely illuminate at all, or not at all. After the vehicle warms up or during days where the temperature is above 60 degrees or so, it works perfectly.

Within a couple weeks, one of the single talons in my other vehicle started behaving exactly the same way! When its cold it flashes very dimly or not at all, when warm it works just fine.

I'm not complaining, these have worked well for a long time. Just weird that this happens similarly, in completely different light assemblies.

Thought I would share that with you folks

Bob
Seems like it's just a case of electronics showing their age unfortunately. Definitely a good reason to upgrade though!
 

kadetklapp

Member
May 21, 2010
1,568
Indiana
Sounds like solder joints with age are just becoming susceptible to the cooler temps and until they warm up and expand enough to establish a good connection they are inop
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS485

bpollard

Member
Jun 13, 2010
422
USA, SC
Sounds like solder joints with age are just becoming susceptible to the cooler temps and until they warm up and expand enough to establish a good connection they are inop


Old age causing failures, joints not working correctly when its cold....................... are you guys talking about my lights or my body??!!!

Do they make viagra for LEDs??

Bob
 
  • Like
Reactions: fp13-2

Forum Statistics

Threads
53,962
Messages
449,805
Members
19,102
Latest member
Hilux01

About Us

  • Since 1997, eLightbars has been the premier venue for all things emergency warning equipment. Discussions, classified listings, pictures, videos, chat, & more! Our staff members strive to keep the forums organized and clutter-free. All of our offerings are free-of-charge with all costs offset by banner advertising. Premium offerings are available to improve your experience.

User Menu

Secure Browsing & Transactions

eLightbars.org uses SSL to secure all traffic between our server and your browsing device. All browsing and transactions within are secured by an SSL Certificate with high-strength encryption.