Hey brotha, so so so so appreciative of you going out of your way to make this video. Just started to look for a PA as another project to keep the mind turning. Landed on this one and was worried about not being able to find a video because few reviews. There was no sound test on the page but you cleared that up. Will be using your link so hopefully some money comes your way. Cheers!
Thanks Danny! Really appreciate it. Originally, I just wanted a PA for my Uniden CB. But they were all too quiet. Then, I ordered a powered Spenco PA speaker. It failed - wasn't loud enough and the volume controller was faulty. I didn't want to buy a crappy $25-$100 system on eBay that would go out quickly. Plus, didn't want to pay $300+ for the Whelen or Feniex stuff. I rolled the dice, did the research - and this Thunderwave is Very LOUD. I like the options - and it is very solid as well. Hope you enjoy yours!
Sounds extremely similar to the Feniex Typhoon sirens. Not that I'm complaining or nothing but I honestly think Lamphus just used a Feniex amp and made their own keypad. Still sounds good though and pretty affordable. Thanks for the install vid!
In mine they reversed the polarity. If you did everything right and the fuse is still blowing. Open the unit and switch the orange(+) and black(-) wires.(common manufacturing mistake) worked fine after. Orange(+) should be furthest from the back plate.
Most likely the cord is the issue. Most phone cables are stereo. This radio needs a mono cable. But then some of the newer phones are unable to convert their new plugs over to the type of plugs that these PA systems take.
Anyone know how to make the option work where you can connect your phone using the 3.5 MM jack and playing sounds on the Thunderwave? I connect the 3.5 jack but doesn't seem to work. everything else works. Any ideas anyone?
Firstly, you have to push and hold the “Radio” button until it beeps. That turns on the Jack/radio in feature. The 3.5mm Jack is unusual (that’s the only word I can think of). I wouldn’t say defective- because I’ve tried two. I initially thought I needed to use a mono cable (rather than a stereo cable). I had them send me a new panel. I tried the supplied stereo cable. Didn’t work. Then the mono. That was partially working. What I finally found that worked was that the plug has to be partially inserted- not shoved all the way in. Then it works. Not sure why. But that did it for me. I’ve never encountered a 3.5mm jack issue like this. Just try fiddling with the plug insertion while playing music or something and see if you can find the sweet spot.
@@TheRealWorld737 I found the manual and in it says first you press the radio button once so it turns on and turns orange, after that hold it for 5 seconds. That did it for me and works fine now and I don't have that issue you talking about, where you say put in 3.5 mm half way or something. Works fine for me fully plugged in.
@@TheRealWorld737 Based on the manual, connect the 3.5 jack to unit or phone/tablet. Turn the unit on. Press the radio button once so the orange light comes on, press the radio button again, hold for 5 seconds until you hear a beep. Works like a charm for me.
Hey I know this vid is 2 years old but I’ve got some questions hopefully you can answer. Mine seems to be playing the volume pretty weak, I think I have a good enough ground and power but I’m not sure how good it needs to be. I did have to put the speaker directly behind my cone intakes so maybe the sound it getting muffled? It’s white literally fully face touching the cone intakes. Any ideas on why the volume seems pretty quiet? I can’t even hear the mic and sirens when I’m in the car driving because it’s too quiet that the road noice blocks it out
Definitely a huge difference if they are behind something. These aren’t going to be as powerful as a true emergency vehicle pa. So they need as much help as possible. Don’t forget there is a volume control on the mike. I ended up adding another speaker. Also, you’re not going to hear much from inside the vehicle on the road since the speakers are directional. Best to have someone drive in front of you and ask how much they hear.
Question for you on the PA loudness. Do you feel your voice is loud enough to be heard on the PA by your fellow drivers while at normal speeds 45-70? or is it drowned out by road/wind noise? Thanks for your input!
Well… I did just install a second speaker (same model) and it increases the volume in my estimation about 60%. To answer your question- the only time I think someone could hear me at those speeds are when I’m right next to them and they aren’t blaring their stereo. I find this most useful at stop lights when people are buried in their phone and don’t see the light change. It’s fun to say “Put the phone down!!”. Here’s the link to the second speaker which is easy to add; amzn.to/3X2RkJN If it’s not in stock they have other options that will work like one from Feniex.
does this come with the fuse or do I need to buy it separately. I know you said you bought it separately but do I even need it for this. I wont be wiring additional lights
I've been using it for over a year now & it's done very well. Still loud, still clear. Fun for when someone is in front of you at a red light; they are staring at their phone and the light turns green and they haven't moved yet!! They get moving real fast. I've used it in other "appropriate" situations and it works well. amzn.to/3XyTqT1
Turns out you need a special plug and if memory serves me right, you need a mono plug not a stereo one. If I’m wrong- feel free to comment and correct. It’s been a while since I tried to play through the aux.
I had a hot wire already that was coming off a relay that was activated when the truck ignition is on. It was for the lights or something. Then tied into that and of course it was fused.
I did. First - I had to push and hold the radio button until it beeped. Then, the plug is finicky. If I pushed it in all the way - it didn’t work. But if I pushed it in all the way then, backed it out slightly it did. Or if I didn’t push it in quite all the way. Not sure why this is. I even tried a mono plug vs a stereo one. Same results.
I have a lamphus sound alert. If I went to install this lamphus thunder wave, would the connection be the same? I just don’t want to run another power lead through the firewall.
Hey brotha, so so so so appreciative of you going out of your way to make this video. Just started to look for a PA as another project to keep the mind turning. Landed on this one and was worried about not being able to find a video because few reviews. There was no sound test on the page but you cleared that up. Will be using your link so hopefully some money comes your way. Cheers!
Thanks Danny! Really appreciate it. Originally, I just wanted a PA for my Uniden CB. But they were all too quiet. Then, I ordered a powered Spenco PA speaker. It failed - wasn't loud enough and the volume controller was faulty. I didn't want to buy a crappy $25-$100 system on eBay that would go out quickly. Plus, didn't want to pay $300+ for the Whelen or Feniex stuff. I rolled the dice, did the research - and this Thunderwave is Very LOUD. I like the options - and it is very solid as well. Hope you enjoy yours!
This is such a good video for folks wanting to see how this thing works. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Sounds extremely similar to the Feniex Typhoon sirens. Not that I'm complaining or nothing but I honestly think Lamphus just used a Feniex amp and made their own keypad.
Still sounds good though and pretty affordable. Thanks for the install vid!
The tones sound familiar to the feniex sirens
I agree
In mine they reversed the polarity. If you did everything right and the fuse is still blowing. Open the unit and switch the orange(+) and black(-) wires.(common manufacturing mistake) worked fine after. Orange(+) should be furthest from the back plate.
Thanks!
What does the radio function do. I'm having trouble with my phone in the aux cord getting it to play
Most likely the cord is the issue. Most phone cables are stereo. This radio needs a mono cable. But then some of the newer phones are unable to convert their new plugs over to the type of plugs that these PA systems take.
Anyone know how to make the option work where you can connect your phone using the 3.5 MM jack and playing sounds on the Thunderwave? I connect the 3.5 jack but doesn't seem to work. everything else works. Any ideas anyone?
Firstly, you have to push and hold the “Radio” button until it beeps. That turns on the Jack/radio in feature. The 3.5mm Jack is unusual (that’s the only word I can think of). I wouldn’t say defective- because I’ve tried two. I initially thought I needed to use a mono cable (rather than a stereo cable). I had them send me a new panel. I tried the supplied stereo cable. Didn’t work. Then the mono. That was partially working. What I finally found that worked was that the plug has to be partially inserted- not shoved all the way in. Then it works. Not sure why. But that did it for me. I’ve never encountered a 3.5mm jack issue like this. Just try fiddling with the plug insertion while playing music or something and see if you can find the sweet spot.
@@TheRealWorld737 I found the manual and in it says first you press the radio button once so it turns on and turns orange, after that hold it for 5 seconds. That did it for me and works fine now and I don't have that issue you talking about, where you say put in 3.5 mm half way or something. Works fine for me fully plugged in.
@@TheRealWorld737 Based on the manual, connect the 3.5 jack to unit or phone/tablet. Turn the unit on. Press the radio button once so the orange light comes on, press the radio button again, hold for 5 seconds until you hear a beep. Works like a charm for me.
Hey I know this vid is 2 years old but I’ve got some questions hopefully you can answer. Mine seems to be playing the volume pretty weak, I think I have a good enough ground and power but I’m not sure how good it needs to be. I did have to put the speaker directly behind my cone intakes so maybe the sound it getting muffled? It’s white literally fully face touching the cone intakes. Any ideas on why the volume seems pretty quiet? I can’t even hear the mic and sirens when I’m in the car driving because it’s too quiet that the road noice blocks it out
Definitely a huge difference if they are behind something. These aren’t going to be as powerful as a true emergency vehicle pa. So they need as much help as possible. Don’t forget there is a volume control on the mike. I ended up adding another speaker. Also, you’re not going to hear much from inside the vehicle on the road since the speakers are directional. Best to have someone drive in front of you and ask how much they hear.
Question for you on the PA loudness. Do you feel your voice is loud enough to be heard on the PA by your fellow drivers while at normal speeds 45-70? or is it drowned out by road/wind noise? Thanks for your input!
Well… I did just install a second speaker (same model) and it increases the volume in my estimation about 60%. To answer your question- the only time I think someone could hear me at those speeds are when I’m right next to them and they aren’t blaring their stereo. I find this most useful at stop lights when people are buried in their phone and don’t see the light change. It’s fun to say “Put the phone down!!”. Here’s the link to the second speaker which is easy to add; amzn.to/3X2RkJN
If it’s not in stock they have other options that will work like one from Feniex.
Where did you reposition the factoey horn?
Just moved it over by the headlight and zip tied. Light and small- so fit just about anywhere easily.
does this come with the fuse or do I need to buy it separately. I know you said you bought it separately but do I even need it for this. I wont be wiring additional lights
No- it’s just a bare red wire.
How did the unit hold up? Is the sound of the Pa clear from far away?
I've been using it for over a year now & it's done very well. Still loud, still clear. Fun for when someone is in front of you at a red light; they are staring at their phone and the light turns green and they haven't moved yet!! They get moving real fast. I've used it in other "appropriate" situations and it works well. amzn.to/3XyTqT1
Can you plug it into your cb and talk through the cb?
Turns out you need a special plug and if memory serves me right, you need a mono plug not a stereo one. If I’m wrong- feel free to comment and correct. It’s been a while since I tried to play through the aux.
I got this installed, works great.
Excellent- I recently bought a 2nd speaker for it. It’s not 2x as loud - but maybe 150%
Did you connect the red wire directly to the battery?
I had a hot wire already that was coming off a relay that was activated when the truck ignition is on. It was for the lights or something. Then tied into that and of course it was fused.
Were you ever able to get the aux to work to play your phone or something
I did. First - I had to push and hold the radio button until it beeped. Then, the plug is finicky. If I pushed it in all the way - it didn’t work. But if I pushed it in all the way then, backed it out slightly it did. Or if I didn’t push it in quite all the way. Not sure why this is. I even tried a mono plug vs a stereo one. Same results.
I have a lamphus sound alert. If I went to install this lamphus thunder wave, would the connection be the same? I just don’t want to run another power lead through the firewall.
Power will be the same. It’s just a simple 12v connection. But if you’re talking about the entire harness + plug - it’s probably different
Greetings, the control, is it waterproof?
Good question- IDK. But I doubt it.
Hey brotha have you tried using aux cord to phone or anything? I have tried and can’t get anything to play
No. Haven’t tried that. Sorry.
Sounds good
Hey, about how long did this entire process take you? Looking to install a similar system on a 2016 F-450.
With the grille mods and everything about 6 hours. But they included tidying up wiring.
Thank you sir
Let the tones play out, you cut them off so fast I want to hear the wail more. It started off weak but wanted to hear it cycle again..