1/2” air actuated valve for train horn???

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by tnc110, Aug 28, 2022.

  1. tnc110

    tnc110 Light Load Member

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    Anyone have any suggestions for a fast moving air actuated valve for a train horn? 1/2” line. Will be using 1/4” to actuate
     
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  3. W923

    W923 Road Train Member

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    Guessing a brake relay valve would do the trick
    I think 1/4 line would be plenty for actuation
     
  4. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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  5. Mr Bob

    Mr Bob Light Load Member

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    thats what i was thinkin.
     
  6. tnc110

    tnc110 Light Load Member

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    Problem with a brake relay is I was going to use the factory air horn valve to actuate. Which doesn’t have an exhaust, so a brake relay wouldn’t shut off once energized. A foot valve has an exhaust. Or am I looking at this wrong
     
  7. W923

    W923 Road Train Member

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    Your correct the brake relay will keep going until the signal is withdrawn. A typical air horn valve may or may not relieve the pressure when released. It wouldn’t have to to function but might because of the way it’s built. A small leak in the line will probably work ok to let it shut off if the horn valve doesn’t release pressure. I don’t think a foot valve will work because it’s meant to send a signal so probably not going to flow enough it will be considerably more expensive and it’s not air piloted.
    Are you going to give it a dedicated tank?
     
  8. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Shouldn’t need an exhaust for the horns. The air exhausts through them. With a ball valve you can slowly crack it open to control the sound.
    A trolly valve will do the same because it graduates the psi instead of just open and closed like a regular horn pull.
     
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  9. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    I use a 1/2” electric / air
    I have a toggle on the dash instead of the grab handle on the floor or the existing rope pull
    I did 1/2” line direct to the horns and got rid of all that 1/4 line

    I’ll find the part and update the post

    edit
    Not the exact one I have but same concept
    Black Widow 1/2" Electric Air Valve
     
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  10. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    JMO.. but this ^^^^^^^ is the cleanest and simplest way
    I myself literally hate that high dollar chrome air line with a ball value mounted right beside the seat ... its something more to be in the way and make your cab look clutter.. besides that's the way all the Super truckers wanta roll and I haven't earned my Super Trucker card and flip flops yet
     
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  11. dngrous_dime

    dngrous_dime Road Train Member

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    Which horns do you run, assuming you got them from there? I need something in addition to my factory horn that will make people crap their souls.
     
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