How is the A & C-Series Thunderbolts vary?

[Tyler]

How are they different i'm just curios.

[coastalsyrolover]

The C series has a vertically mounted blower, an "easy access" blower box, I think it's a little smaller on the blower side of it as well, and I think the coupling had something different with it too? Other than that I believe the head is identical and the panel is identical.

[Stormsetter4]

The head isn't exact; the box on the C series is about an inch wider on the bottom to compensate for the capacitor on the rotator motor. The A2 series did have this as well though. Also, I believe the terminal strip is different on the bottom of the RCM. I may be wrong though.

[coastalsyrolover]

The head isn't exact; the box on the C series is about an inch wider on the bottom to compensate for the capacitor on the rotator motor. The A2 series did have this as well though. Also, I believe the terminal strip is different on the bottom of the RCM. I may be wrong though.

It might have been wider for easier access too.

[DJ2226]

A1 VS A2.

[Andys Live WX]

Haven't we already discussed this a million times in previous threads?

[Tyler]

Haven't we already discussed this a million times in previous threads?

I don't think so


Isn't the head on the C-Series smaller than the A-Series?

[Stormsetter4]

Haven't we already discussed this a million times in previous threads?

I don't think so


Isn't the head on the C-Series smaller than the A-Series?

No. The blower is what was smaller.

[Westgate Thunderbolt]

Most of the siren head differences have been mentioned, so I'll touch on the blowers.

A series blowers had the horizontal mount Sutorbilt 6M blower. The A2 series utilized the same blower frame but with a smaller horizontal mount Sutorbilt 5M blower. The only change to the frame was location of the mounting holes to accommodate the smaller blower. The late A2 series blower also still utilized the same frame as its predesors, but again the blower size was reduced to a horizontal mount Sutorbilt 4M. Again, the blower mounting holes were changed to accommodate the even smaller blower. All of the A series blowers had a cumbersome cover that had to be lifted off and luged away for servicing. Later on Federal did offer a hinged modification update for the cover. For the B series the blower was redesigned. The frame was smaller. It utilized a wide chanel beam as the blower standpipe upright support versus the welded together sections if 90 degree angle iron previously used on the prior blower frames. The Sutorbilt 4M blower continued to be used, but the vertical mount option was used to save on space. The more compact blower design also used a smaller blower cover that now was hinged to the blower skid and had a support prop when open. This same blower design carried over to the C series. All of the blowers from A to C series were belt driven.