Use of the "Q" siren in Cincinnati

[firebuff123]

After nearly two decades living right outside the City of Cincinnati, I've decided to ask a curious question.  I often see Cincinnati rigs responding, including Ladder 2 (rearmount E-one) right past my work place.  These units seem to have no Federal Q sirens.  Is there a specific reason?

In contrast, Golf Manor and many other suburbs around here do use their Q sirens.  Don't they clear traffic better? 

Thanks in advance if you can answer me.   

[doomonyou]

Most likely cost.

My hometown of Akron runs 2 100 watt speakers with a Code 3 siren.

Columbus runs a Q on all apparatus and I believe electronic Q on squads.

Q is traditional al the way and preferable. But I don't get worked up about it. A few of our rides don't have them but, most do. I do think they work better as a warning device.

I think fire apparatus should have a mandatory 2 100 speakers for electronic sirens the same as ambulances.

[START WATER]

THE PHILA .FD  RUNS  Q'S AND OTHER SIRENS  ,HOWEVER THE BEST THING I HAVE FOUND IS AIR HORNS . THEY SEEM TO REALLY CLEAR TRAFFIC .

[firemedicburr]

Cost is definately a major factor. An electronic siren and two speakers, depending on how fancy, is $400-$500. A Federal Q is in the area of $1200-$1500 depending if it's flush mounted or has a chrome housing. Our newest trucks have Power Call sirens (GAG) and a Q. I personally feel the use of both at the same time is most effective. I use the electronic siren on yelp, or what ever the heck Power Call calls their sound, and the Q. Air horns are great too.

[firebuff123]

Thanks for the replies.  This makes things clearer.  I didn't realize the big cost factor!

[squad546]

I know another reason some FDs don't use the "Q" as much anymore is due to the noise. A load of BS if you ask me, but I know several places where this has happened. It should also be mentioned the "Q"s last much longer and are less likely to "fail" then their electronic counterpart.

[firebuff123]

Like you said, the more "noise," the better.....the rigs will be able to arrive at the scene faster because the traffic will get out of the way!  I wonder why anyone would complain about this type of noise.   

[PFD1]

They could get in the same boat with the guys from Chicago that sued Federal because the sirens were too loud....seriously? Go get a job at the library. I think I'll sue because I have to get up in the middle of the night and I'm not getting my rest.  I laugh at the "dog collars" and baffles they put in the Q's. Let's buy a siren because it's loud and effective and then muffle it. I don't understand.

[FAO25]

I have heard the old complaint aboout two Mechanical sirens synchronizing so two pieces of apparatus responding can't hear each other and collide.
I have also heard of twin speaker Electronic Sirens having a Stereo Effect, bouncing off buildings so you can't tell where they are coming from.

[MFDPhoto1]

I am reasonably sure that I don't understand all that I know about anything, but [in my humble opinion]...I think "air-horn(s)" are as effective as anything for moving traffic, as they are more "directional" than sirens of any type.   

[cbk1]

some have not elected to place q's on the rigs due to the amp draw on the electrical system.