12 volt system and 24 volt horn

[Reming870]

I acquired a 24 volt horn from an old ship. This will wake up the neighborhood at 24 volts and is still impressive at 12 volts. I would really like to install this at 24 volts on my boat.

My question: How can I get 24 volt from the system safely to hook this horn up? I have a dual battery system but am thinking of adding a third battery in series to only the horn.

Any advice?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: 12 volt system and 24 volt horn

A small motor cycle sized battery in series with the horn would give you the 24 volts you are looking for.

It will need to be recharged separately,
but considering that you will be using the horn for maybe 3 minutes a year, that should not be a big issue.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: 12 volt system and 24 volt horn

I would get a DC to DC converter that can turn a 12 volt source into a 24 volt output. Solar Converters makes one, there are others. I think Samlex makes one too.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: 12 volt system and 24 volt horn

I would get a DC to DC converter that can turn a 12 volt source into a 24 volt output. Solar Converters makes one, there are others. I think Samlex makes one too.

Watch the power spec for the converter.
Horns are known to pull a lot of amps when they sound.
5 to 10 amps is not uncommon.
They are loud because they use a lot of power.