The Horn and Whistle Board

Here is some more install pictures of my K5LA horn set up. I'm almost ready to be able to sound the K5LA real soon. All I have to do is plum it all up. In the pictures below is the 30 gallon ASME 200psi Manchester Tank installed in my tool box and the Oasis XD4000 Extreme Continuous Duty Compressor mounted in the toolbox.

Here's a link to my web page look under tab K5LA Rig Setup http://home.comcast.net/~eric_miller1971/

Let me know what all of you think of my new set up.

Eric,
Well good Buddy,
I listened to all of your sound clips and
your K5LA has some major tuning issues

The notes each bell are intended to voice
are as follows:

#1 Bell D# (below middle A note on your Keyboard)
#2 Bell F#
#3a Bell G#
#4a Bell B
#5 Bell D# (above middle A note on your Keyboard)

Right off:
the#1 Bell [Low D#] and the #5 bell [Hi D#] are not on key with each other and they need to be in harmony!
Usually its the #5 bell thats off -
that is sharp, voicing an E note instead of the D#.

The #2 K Bells usually voice a G note instead of the F#
again one note or step to sharp or high.

This condition is normal for most late production K horns.
The Factory Diecast molds are off causing these "off key" voicings on some bell numbers.

If you can take each bell off the bracket and compare by blowing them individually one at a time with the notes on your keyboard, you will hear what I've discribed above very clearly - especially if you "Play by Ear" as I do.

The Bells can be fixed by machining or shiming the nozzle bore area.
There are 2 Members (Craftsmen) on here that offer such services.

Now,
If you are happy with the voicing as it is,
then do nothing and enjoy.
I always tell people,
If it sounds good to you and you are satified,
then that is the main goal.

Cool Horn set-up, Ram Truck, J.D.Tractors and Web site.

Welcome to the board and if you have more questions,
let us know on here,
Gary

I just updated my web page for those of you that would like to see it all plumed up. I still have to make a plate to mount it were my spare tire was and then I will be ready to sound my K5LA horn.

Gary,
Thank's for the input no I don't think it sounds that good. But I only had it on 3/8od airline on those sound clips. I hope it sounds better on the 1/2id airline that I have it on now. And if it doesn't sound good after I sound it it is going to get retuned by somebody on here.

Eric,

I forgot to mention,

There may be an air restricter* in that puppy.
You might want to take it out if you haven't already.
Its located in the main intake air supply at the base of the horn.

You'll need an Allen wrench - [feel Hex size to fit]

They* come in different air orific sizes by numbers stamped
on them.

Here are some pics,
double click on the pics for a close up view.

Gary

I to just bought a K5HL...Im afraid to see whats gonna need machine work..

Gary,
Yes I took out air restricter in the K5LA when I got it. I just hope it sounds a lot better on the 1/2id airline I will try to get it all hooked up in the up coming week and I will post a new sound clip of it with the 1/2id airline.

Eric

Here is 3 new sound clips of my K5LA with 1/2id airline @ 130psi. Let me know what all of you think. I think it needs to be retuned because it doesn't sound the way I think it should.
http://home.comcast.net/~eric_miller1971/videos/MOV01343.mp3

http://home.comcast.net/~eric_miller1971/videos/MOV01348.mp3

http://home.comcast.net/~eric_miller1971/videos/MOV01350.mp3

Hmmmm...

Possibly a new diaphragm set for starters - that might get rid of the 'Goose Honk' sound. Usually in these K5LA's, a fresh set of diaphragms/cushion rings makes a big difference in sound for the better - especially if you're on a tight budget. The horn has potential but needs some TLC.

Eric-