Using HSN4018A as an PA Speaker

[cpg178]

Trying to experiment with the XPR5500s Internal/External PA mode. No reason for me to install an actual siren system in my car, just want the PA function and the ability to radio rebroadcast which the XPR natively supports. Found a cheap 18w amp on amazon and was gonna hook up a external speaker to it. Would this speaker survive in the engine compartment mounted to front bumper? I see I can buy more rugged "siren speakers" but they are rated for 100w so I am not sure if I will get any sort of good audio level when im only inputing ~18 watts into it. Figured the 13w M speaker would match well.

 

[mmckenna]

I think they are "weather proof", and might work OK for a while. In the engine compartment it's going to be exposed to a lot of heat and I doubt it'll stand up very long. Behind the bumper probably is going to be too wet. Not sure if they use salt on your roads, but just the oil/gas/sediment will probably destroy it pretty quickly.

I think you need a dedicated outdoor rated speaker.

 

[cpg178]

Plenty of salt is used, did not think of that, still in summer mode right now. Do you think having ~18w into a 100w speaker is going to sound quiet? It seems if thats the case id have to get one of those cheap "sirens" off amazon and just hook up the radio to the AUX function and keep it set on that.

 

[a417]

Plenty of salt is used, did not think of that, still in summer mode right now. Do you think having ~18w into a 100w speaker is going to sound quiet? It seems if thats the case id have to get one of those cheap "sirens" off amazon and just hook up the radio to the AUX function and keep it set on that.

How loud do you need want it? We used siren drivers in static displays for training rooms and had to attenuate the ever-living-hell out of the amp to keep it from blowing eardrums out indoors. Considering how cheap a used 100w siren speaker is, I'd get one and try driving it with 18w and see if it's loud enough for your needs?

 

[cpg178]

I might give that a shot. Really just want it so when I’m off the beaten trail and out of the car can hear the radio, in fringe areas where a portable won’t have good reception.

 

[mmckenna]

Couple of ways to do this...

Old Motorola speakers are cheap. You could just replace them when they fail. Not a great solution, but a solution.

Go with a marine "hailer" speaker. They are usually designed for salt water exposure.

Get a wireless speaker mic. They make various versions that'll give you ~300 foot range and allow two way use...

Do a small mobile extender.

Or, the siren speaker.

 

[merlin]

Locate an external siren speaker/bullhorn. That will hold up to outside mobile environment.
The audio won't blast like a siren amp but you can hear it a good 20 yards.
18 watts into one of those will be LOUD.
Just the typical output of any mobile will be loud, good enough to hear over nearby heavy equipment.

 

[cpg178]

Just for clarification. The XPR5550 outputs line level audio when using the PA function. Not just trying to wire up the external speaker output.

 

[mikegilbert]

FWIW, I used a white version of that speaker with a Whelen PAP112 for years. Never skipped a beat.