cbigma
Well-known member
This project post will read like a cross between an episode of Tim "The Tool-Man" Taylor and MythBusters so I apologize in advance, but truth be told, I haven't had so much fun since I learned how to make my own black powder in the fourth grade! :shock:
First, some cautionary statements. 150 PSI is not gawd-awful air pressure, but it could hurt you. So if you decide to try any of this stuff, please read all the safety information that comes with your compressor. Also, hearing is a precious gift. Please do not point air horns in close proximity to any living organism with ears. At 150 PSI, these air horns are rated at 150 db, which is just shy of the point where eardrums are reported to rupture (160db) and well above the threshold of pain (120- 130db).
Background:
For a complete introduction to this Project, please read this post Fun With Air Trumpets. I was tired of replacing my electric air horns every couple of years. So I invested in an onboard air compressor package from . Kleinn Air Horns
Fabrication:
The package came complete with a 12v 150 PSI compressor, one gallon storage tank, electric solenoid air valve and most of the valves, fittings and tubing required.
I fabricated a piggy-back mounting box out of 3/4 plywood and installed the compressor and air tank to gain the smallest profile possible. I wanted to minimize the size of this rig, because I wasn't sure whether I was going to keep it, and wanted to make sure it would be unobtrusive if I wanted to hang onto it.
I wired the OEM horn button to fire the air solenoid. That way, when I pushed the button, a full 150-psi blast would hit the horn.
I used a standard quick-release coupling for air tools to allow the compressor/tank assembly to be easily installed in an enclosure.
I chose a small Rubbermaid container to house the compressor/tank assembly to maintain a low profile and keep the unit out of the way.
The on-board air system takes approximately 15 seconds to go from 0 to 150 psi.
The performance? In a word - AWESOME! The first time I fired the horn it was one of those moments when you turn to the person next to you and say "Holy $%@#, did I do that"? We heard a blast echo down river, bank to bank. I was actually afraid that it may be too loud. 8)
I think I’ll keep this unit,,,for now. It is relatively unobtrusive in the cabin, stashed into a back corner that is not used for anything else. Although I did not find the point where the horn diaphragm will rupture, I did establish a reliable and very distinctive air horn system. And I had a “blast” doing it! :lol:
Just how far CAN I push these air trumpets? Hmm…lets see….a SCUBA tank has 3000 psi…. I wonder if I could…………. :shock:
First, some cautionary statements. 150 PSI is not gawd-awful air pressure, but it could hurt you. So if you decide to try any of this stuff, please read all the safety information that comes with your compressor. Also, hearing is a precious gift. Please do not point air horns in close proximity to any living organism with ears. At 150 PSI, these air horns are rated at 150 db, which is just shy of the point where eardrums are reported to rupture (160db) and well above the threshold of pain (120- 130db).
Background:
For a complete introduction to this Project, please read this post Fun With Air Trumpets. I was tired of replacing my electric air horns every couple of years. So I invested in an onboard air compressor package from . Kleinn Air Horns
Fabrication:
The package came complete with a 12v 150 PSI compressor, one gallon storage tank, electric solenoid air valve and most of the valves, fittings and tubing required.
I fabricated a piggy-back mounting box out of 3/4 plywood and installed the compressor and air tank to gain the smallest profile possible. I wanted to minimize the size of this rig, because I wasn't sure whether I was going to keep it, and wanted to make sure it would be unobtrusive if I wanted to hang onto it.
I wired the OEM horn button to fire the air solenoid. That way, when I pushed the button, a full 150-psi blast would hit the horn.
I used a standard quick-release coupling for air tools to allow the compressor/tank assembly to be easily installed in an enclosure.
I chose a small Rubbermaid container to house the compressor/tank assembly to maintain a low profile and keep the unit out of the way.
The on-board air system takes approximately 15 seconds to go from 0 to 150 psi.
The performance? In a word - AWESOME! The first time I fired the horn it was one of those moments when you turn to the person next to you and say "Holy $%@#, did I do that"? We heard a blast echo down river, bank to bank. I was actually afraid that it may be too loud. 8)
I think I’ll keep this unit,,,for now. It is relatively unobtrusive in the cabin, stashed into a back corner that is not used for anything else. Although I did not find the point where the horn diaphragm will rupture, I did establish a reliable and very distinctive air horn system. And I had a “blast” doing it! :lol:
Just how far CAN I push these air trumpets? Hmm…lets see….a SCUBA tank has 3000 psi…. I wonder if I could…………. :shock:
