Things You Need to Know About Horns
Car horns are one of the instruments in cars that are generally used to give certain signals. The horn can also serve as a warning for other cars or drivers. For example, if your car wants to cross an intersection without traffic lights, as a driver, your hand will instinctively be ready to press the horn button.
Horns are also often used to remind other vehicles that suddenly stop or halt when the green light is on. Moreover, many modern cars have connected the horn to the security alarm system. But, do you know how the horn works and the types of horns? To better understand everything about horns, here is a complete explanation regarding types of horns and how they work.
Types of Horns
Usually, trucks, buses, and other large vehicles use horns that are different from those on personal cars. Based on the sound source, horns can be classified into two types, namely Electric Horn and Air Horn. The Electric Horn is commonly used by personal cars, while the Air Horn is used by larger vehicles.
Then based on type and specifications, horns can be divided into three types. The most commonly used horn type is the Disc Horn. This type is slim and tends to be waterproof. The Disc Horn produces sound by utilizing the resonance of a plate/disc. The components that make up this horn include a resonance plate, membrane, anchor, electric magnet, spring, contact breaker, fastening bolts, contact adjustment bolts, contact adjustment nuts, and capacitor.
The second type is Fanfare or Snail Horn. This type is widely used by vehicles in Europe that desire a sound similar to a trumpet's clarity. The Fanfare has a long bell which makes it prone to water ingress. However, the sound produced by the fanfare has harmonization because it is equipped with a bass tone. Therefore, the Fanfare is also often used by large vehicles that are based on Air Horn. The components of this horn include an electric magnet mounting plate, membrane, electric magnet, anchor, fastening nuts, contact breaker, capacitor, contact adjustment bolts, and resonance bell.
The third type is Nautilus. Without consuming a large amount of electricity, this horn can produce a loud sound because it has an air tube. In fact, this horn belongs to the type of ship horn. However, many cars have started using this horn. Of course, if you want to apply it to your car, you should pay attention to the car's electrical stability. The downside of the Nautilus is its very large size. You also need to consider the right position for the Nautilus horn.
How Horns Work
In the Electric Horn, the horn will sound when there is an electric current flowing. The spiral steel will move due to electromagnetic force. This electric current must come from a battery. The electric current will then affect the poles of the magnet until alternating current (AC) occurs. Then, this alternating current will cause vibrations in the membrane, resulting in sound production.
There are also electric horns that do not apply alternating current, but direct current (DC). Therefore, direct current horns require a contact breaker. The open-close force of the contact breaker that occurs continuously will produce vibrations and sound.
On the other hand, the Air Horn will function when it receives energy in the form of air pressure. Similar to a trumpet, the length and shortness of the bell can affect the character of the sound produced. To produce maximum sound, we need a compressor or electro-pneumatic valve. The valve should also be placed close to the horn to support response speed.
It turns out that there are many types of horns, right? Even ship horns can now be applied to cars. Additionally, the principle of how horns work cannot be said to be simple. Horns operate complexly and require other supporting instruments. Now you know the types and how horns work. What type of horn do you currently use? After reading the explanation above, which type of horn is your favorite?
Read also: Types of Car Horns and Their Benefits
