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From: pilotti@telesoft.UUCP (Keith Pilotti @shine)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: after market horns - query
Message-ID: <155@telesoft.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 3-Jul-85 15:06:53 EDT
Article-I.D.: telesoft.155
Posted: Wed Jul  3 15:06:53 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 7-Jul-85 05:06:07 EDT
References: <>
Reply-To: pilotti@telesoft.UUCP (Keith Pilotti @shine)
Organization: TeleSoft, SanDiego CA
Lines: 39
Keywords: HONK, HONK!
Summary: Fiamme electrics reviewed.

Go for the horns!

My own experience has been with two sets of Fiamme electric horns.
They are LOUD!  Some suggestions:

    DEFINITELY direct-wire these horns to your battery through a
    (large, 15A) fuse and 10- or 12-gauge stranded wire.  These
    monsters suck as much current as they can get.  If you have
    quartz-headlamps, running lights, and a killer stereo make
    sure your battery (et al) is in good shape!
    
    DON'T FORGET TO USE A RELAY (controlled by the handlebar button)
    to switch the power line.  It wouldn't hurt to have two relays
    in series for failsafe operation.  (If a single relay jammed in
    the "closed" position your battery would be gone in minutes...)

The only problem I encountered is one of corrosion.  I live in relatively
dry and mild weather, and close to the ocean.  I've also squirted them
(indirectly) with water while washing the machine.  

After a while, about a year, the internal pieces (simply an electromagnetic
"buzzer" like on Mr. Wizard) build corrosion (ie. rust) and eventually
fuse.

[It's possible that regular preventive disassembly, cleaning and sealing
of the horn units (with water repellant) might prolong their life.]

The last few squeeks and squawks are pitiful, and then there is
silence.  I am down the the last few on the survivor in my current pair,
and may just try the air model this time.


/+\ Keith
________________________________________________________
KEITH F. PILOTTI -- TeleSoft         (619) 457-2700 x172
                    10639 Roselle St, SanDiego, CA 92121

    (UUCP) {decvax,ucbvax}!sdcsvax!telesoft!pilotti
    (ARPA) Pilotti@UCSD