VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1932 BA Horn Blues

Ok

So we have this horn on the '32 BA. It just doesnt vibrate to make any sound. I know the horn mechanism works becouse it slams shut or what ever they do, but it doesnt vibrate. What i've done was clean the points, try to adjust the center nut (to no avail) and i inspected the diaphram. It hasnt any cracks but the dang thing wont vibrate. I note a little tar connection to the side that looks like some sort of condencer or something that is held by just a simple slip clip.

I admit i am no horn man and i dont know the first thing to working on a horn other than the basics (SEE WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG) clean and adjust. But is there any way i can fix this myself? What would be the reason that this horn dont vibrate?

The operation of the horn is very simple. An electomagnet is energized and deenergized to deflect a metal plate producing a audible noise. The springy nature of the metal plate and a set of points controls the engerization/deenerization. The screw adjusts the contact pressure on the points. There must be current flow through the horn circuit for it to work. This is critical: Adjust the points so that there is continuity, then so the continuity is broken and finally just to the point that continuity is restored. Also make sure that the stud on the metal plate is aligned with the points (and the contact point is insulated) so they open and close with vibrations in the metal plate. The horn should make a noise that can be maximized with minor adjustment of the screw.

Still doesnt work. I dont know what to do. I know the magnet works but it just doesnt vibrate.

I worked on mine a bit before I could get it to work properly. The adjustment is critical and must be worked with a lot to have the horn work. I found out that the vibrating plate cannot be totally flat; it must be a bit warped or rolled so that when the back is placed ont the horn, it will have some "spring" in it to vibrate. Not too much but just enough curve to allow it to react to the solenoid pulling it in and then releasing to vibrate. Good luck.

Any idea where a guy could get a diaphram for a Klaxon? I see where you can get gaskets and covers for the points but did not see an offering for a diaphram through FS.