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Horn Selection: MARCO TORNADO

shredran

Guest
Guest
Hey fellow COG members, anyone ever heard of this particular horn? Looking for a new one and ALL I care about is making it as loud as humanely possible.

1. Has LOUDEST decibel rating I’ve ever seen, and seems to have good ratings by people who swear by it on Amazon.

- Here is where I discovered it (#1 on the list):
https://happywrench.com/2020/02/01/loudest-motorcycle-horns/

- Here is Amazon link to it:
SUPER LOUD MARCO TORNADO Compact Air Horn for ALL 12V Vehicles: Motorcycles, Cars, & Trucks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FMN90KU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_43JDEbKTZFQC7


2. What type of relay and wiring do I need for this? Exact links appreciated, both to products and install tutorials!

Thanks!
 
It says the relay is included. It draws 20 amps, so you can't wire it through the stock fusebox; you have to run a lead from positive (you can go right to the "+" terminal of the battery, but I much prefer the live terminal on the solenoid, the other end of the battery "+" cable). That much power means 12 ga wire is best.  They don't mention it coming with a fuse or holder, so you might need an inline fuse holder and fuse; they suggest a 25 amp fuse.:

https://www.amazon.com/VOODOO-Gauge-Inline-Holder-Fuseholder/dp/B07DQC25PR/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=inline+25+amp+automotive+fuse&qid=1584810914&s=automotive&sr=1-19

Here's a link to their wiring diagram:

https://items.marco.it/media//attach/booklet/TR2_00_ENG.pdf

Hope this helps!
 
Your horn will have to be mounted somewhere other than the OEM position.
Looks similar to a Steble Nautilus.
https://www.blazenauto.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?i=B00CMX20H4&msclkid=dfdd3e7f074f117848ab60097d22c881


While I was looking I came across this horn.
  Same decibel, plus it has relay and wiring harness.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TRBYC8Y/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07TRBYC8Y&pd_rd_w=QDdtd&pf_rd_p=48d372c1-f7e1-4b8b-9d02-4bd86f5158c5&pd_rd_wg=dXsL9&pf_rd_r=4K8SV9MX253421R9SKWF&pd_rd_r=396335ad-592a-43db-b3cd-1a44e80bbbba&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRTNJNkJaMVpLME5EJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDUyNTg3Nk0yOElNWDVLQkZSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4NTM5NTkzRlMxSFJSSDJTM0pMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I and many others went to the Piaa Slimline's.
Can be mounted in the original position.
  Some members used a relay for the installation, some didn't.. {I did}

Ride safe, Ted
 
Whether I choose the direct positive portion of the battery or the other end of cable coming from it (the solenoid) as you mentioned, is it literally just soldering a wire/lead to either of those two locations and then connecting the other end to the horn? I’m not very experienced with electrical work but a very fast learner. Obviously I can do oil changes, final gear oil, I have also done my valves as well which was very very tedious. Just haven’t done much electrically so I want to make sure I’m careful and take the easiest route possible to get the best result. I know the term relay is quite simple but I’m not even sure how to use one or install one.
 
Thanks Ted. May you have an example of the PIAA model(s) that DO NOT require a relay at all? Looking for something just plug and play if that’s possible :/. And if it uses the OEM setup in terms of mounting location, even better!
 
I went back and reworded my last note as I was unclear.
I meant to say, {Some members used a relay for the installation, some didn't.. (I did)}

Here are the Slimline Piaa's that I used.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PIAA-85114-LOUD-SPORTS-HORN-SLIM-LINE-KIT-SET-OF-TWO-400hz-500hz/121097727601?epid=228224518&hash=item1c31fcae71:g:swkAAOSw409ectIj

I installed mine in the OEM position.
  NOTE: You have to fabricate a mount to do so, but can be done with the Piaa mounts and a little imagination.

When I did mine, another member was selling a custom wiring harness for louder horns.. Unfortunately, it is no longer available.
The relay allows the horns to receive more current without the amperage going thru the horn button. {assures loudness}

Here is an inexpensive auto harness {with basic schematic} that can be used.
Just shorten the wires and install.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Horn-Wiring-Harness-Relay-Kit-For-Car-Truck-Grille-Mount-Blast-Tone-Horns/121920696911?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D226054%26meid%3Dbda3d8d8a962471f8b1df2dbc6c2f112%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D183243462403%26itm%3D121920696911%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Ride safe, Ted

PS: Additional information;

http://forum.cog-online.org/accessories-c14/horn-upgrade-73194/msg638651/#msg638651
 
1. Strip about 1/4 inch off the end of the wire and twist it
2. Get a solderless (crimp-on) connector the right size for 12 gauge wire (sometimes hardware stores have them in drawers) that has a hole big enough to go onto the solenoid terminal
3. Cut or pull the insulator off the solderless connector
4. Get a piece of heat-shrink tubing (hardware store again) that's big enough to go over the connector with some room to spare. Cut it to about 3/4 of an inch
5. Put the heat-shrink tubing onto the wire BEFORE the next step
6. Push the stripped end of the wire into the solderless connector and crimp it really well; I use a side-cutter (Dykes)
7. Solder it and let it cool
8. Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the connection you just made
9 GENTLY heat the heat-shrink tubing with a lighter (or a heat gun, if you have one)

Waterproof, vibration proof and a strong connection. Do it like this and you'll never have a problem with it.
 
Installed the new dual horns today! PIAA Slimlines and used the relay you shared above that I bought via eBay. And man oh man they are SO LOUD!!!! Wow this is gonna be so much better. Anyhow, wanted to say thank you very much to you all for the consultation and assistance with helping me get the ball rolling on this project.
 
Not a problem. Glad to see it worked out.
If they do the National in the West next year, maybe I can meet and hear your horns?

Ride safe, Ted
 
Absolutely! I have never done a live event of any sort with this group yet. I would love to. Hopefully all of us are healthy and the event will go on. Count me in if it does!!
 
Now that's what I'm talking about, COG folks helping the new folks...Awesome :great:
That's what builds a strong group and retains members, great thread!!
 
You know Ted, It would neat to test all the horns at the next rally.
Our smart phones can load sound apps that can test the db rating of each horn.

I have an app that allows me to tune pianos and I have tried other apps that can record sound levels.
 
Harry said:
You know Ted, It would neat to test all the horns at the next rally.
Our smart phones can load sound apps that can test the db rating of each horn.

I have an app that allows me to tune pianos and I have tried other apps that can record sound levels.

+1 Great idea! And for those on hand, we can do in-person audible/acoustics test from parking lot to side road tests to gauge horns.

On a similar note, maybe we can do tests with different LED headlights after sunset! As a bicyclist/commuter, we did this with out local community to see what headlamps/bike lights/rear flashing lights worked best for each of us.
 
I'll be back.
  Headed to the garage to install my Truck "Airhorns"...  :-\
    Biggest problem, is their almost as long as the bike.. <evil grin>

Ride safe, Ted
 
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