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The Best Bullhorn Used To Manage Crowds

A THUN-1200 bullhorn used to manage crowds at an outdoor fair is currently resting on a field beside vendor tents.

Are you getting ready for your next big outdoor event? While there are plenty of factors to prioritize — from sanitation and pest control, to permits, power, and cleanup — the one area you can’t afford to go without is communication. Make sure that you have all of the equipment necessary for keeping your event organized, efficient — and, most importantly, safe. If you’re anticipating a lot of people, here are our suggestions on the communication areas you’ll need to focus on, as well as the best bullhorn used to manage crowds.

Lighting

If your event runs after sunset, do you have the proper lighting planned? This isn’t just for your vendors and performers — we’re also referring to lights that will help your customers know where to park, find their way around your venue, and know where to go in the event of an emergency. And, if the weather ever becomes too troublesome, that lighting could also come in handy with the next item on our list.

Directing Traffic to a Backup Location

Having a secondary location in mind for your event is ideal if you’re anticipating any last-minute changes. Weather is certainly a big one, but it’s possible that other unforeseen circumstances would warrant a new venue. Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to make sure that the majority of your equipment is easy to transport and reassemble at your backup site. The lighting we mentioned above could be part of those efforts if the secondary location is within walking distance, or to identify it for others when arriving by car. 

Coordinating these efforts also means advanced prep work, as well as the best bullhorns to relay instructions if and when the time comes.

Bullhorns (or Megaphones)

Whether you call them bullhorns or megaphones, these are the best tools for interacting with — and directing — large groups of people. Vendors can use them to get more people to come to their tents or displays, parking attendants can use them to direct traffic, and stage performers can use them to get your crowd energized. They’re also ideal for communicating group instructions to event team members while they’re breaking down and transporting equipment, responding to emergencies, or getting attendees to listen to important announcements. 

In our experience, the best bullhorn to manage crowds is the THUN-1200. Referred to as “The Earthquake Maker,” it offers 45 watts of power and a range of up to 2000 yards! 

How loud is that, exactly? We’re talking the same level as a rock concert or a thunder clap. In other words, you will be the loudest voice at your event. 

To stay portable in spite of its size, the THUN-1200 comes with a carrying strap and a palm mic. It’s also designed with heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic to protect it from normal wear and tear, including potential drops that may happen along the way.

Does the THUN-1200 sound like too much megaphone for your event? We offer other models with reduced ranges to fit any venue, crowd size, or personal preference. Check out our full lineup, all of which are on sale as of this post!

Honorable Mention: Industrial Two-Way Radios

Looking for a less conspicuous way to coordinate a crowd? Don’t forget about industrial two-way radios. These are designed to make every aspect of your event appear effortless, thanks to uninterrupted, dependable, crystal-clear communication. You can also pair them with earpieces and speaker mics to give your users a more hands-free experience while they work.

Head over to our friends at Discount Two-Way Radio for more information about the best models that will fit your needs and budget.

Ready To Choose Your Next Bullhorn?

While we think the best bullhorn used to manage crowds is the THUN-1200, don’t be discouraged from comparing all of ThunderPower’s phenomenal models. It really comes down to crowd size, venue location, and what you’ve got planned that will determine the best bullhorn for your needs.

While you can certainly compare the specs for these models on our website, why not make that process easier and talk directly with one of our megaphone specialists? Give us a call at 877-782-7073 when you’re ready to learn more.

Looking for more bullhorn tips when it comes to larger crowds? Check out our three strategies for attracting one!

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What Are Megaphones Used for in Winter?

A THUN-450 megaphone is displayed beside a winter rescue team member riding a snowmobile.

When you think of megaphones, you probably imagine sporting events, protests, and outdoor concerts — basically any situation where you need a tool that increases the volume of the human voice against surrounding noise or over a great distance. But when the temps start to drop, what are megaphones used for in winter? Here are a few options that you may not have thought about, and the recommended models that ThunderPower offers.

1. Winter Sports

Megaphones are great at any sporting event, and those held in winter are no exception. The biggest example that comes to mind is certainly the Winter Olympics. We’ve even had the honor of being the megaphone vendor of choice for the Games up in Canada. Having an assortment of high-quality megaphones makes coordinating large groups of people at these venues much easier, whether they’re the teams setting up and maintaining each event, or the crowds who are there to watch in person.

Recommended model: THUN-250. It’s made with heavy-duty industrial plastic, includes an extra loud siren, and offers a range of up to 1200 yards.

2. Ski Resorts

You don’t have to host a worldwide championship to need megaphones in the snow. Ski resorts depend on these units to maintain operations and make sure that skiers, snowboarders, and tubers remain safe. Emergency response can use them to communicate with customers quickly, as well as signal from the slopes. The fact that cold air affects how sound waves travel, allowing voices to be heard farther away, also helps.

Recommended model: THUN-450. This model offers convenient handling with a shoulder strap and palm mic, and comes with a range of up to 1400 yards.

3. Winter Training

Even if sporting events aren’t being held, that doesn’t mean athletes aren’t practicing — and that includes rowers! Coaches need the best means to direct their rowing teams during winter training to make sure no one gets injured.

Recommended model: THUN-1200. Known as “The Earthquake Maker,” this is the loudest megaphone ThunderPower currently carries, giving you a range of up to 2000 yards.

4. Emergency Kits

We’ve talked before about what items are essential in an emergency kit, and megaphones are definitely one of them. More reliable than cell phones, and easier to keep charged, these units can make all the difference for allowing rescue services to find you. Winter can be one of those times when inclement weather may threaten power, heat, and road travel, which means you want the best communications equipment available to make sure your voice is heard.

Recommended model: Any. This may depend more on your living situation and available storage with your emergency kit, but we think any ThunderPower megaphone will be good enough to help you in a crisis. That said, you can’t go wrong by having the loudest, which means the THUN-1200 may be the one you want to select.

Ready To Purchase Your Next Megaphone?

What are megaphones used for in winter? Turns out, a lot! If there are other examples you can think of that we missed, let us know! And if it’s time to place your order for the best megaphones available on the market, we’ve got plenty of ThunderPower options in stock that are ready to ship as soon as the day they’re purchased!

Call us today at 877-782-7073 to talk about the units you need.

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Bullhorns and Megaphones: What’s the Difference?

Megaphones and bullhorns concept. A vintage, wooden megaphone is compared to a current-day bullhorn, with the tagline,

Maybe you’ve already been using bullhorns and megaphones for a while, or perhaps this is the first time you’re looking to purchase. Either way, you may have wondered: is there a difference between the two? And does that mean you’ve been looking at the wrong products? Learn more about what each term really means, its history, and the models that we recommend.

Is There Really a Difference?

Technically, yes. 

Megaphones came first. These are defined as horn- or cone-shaped tubes that make sound audible over greater-than-normal distances. Bullhorns are actually a type of megaphone, but are defined as those that project sound electronically. 

It’s that simple.

That being said, most people use these terms interchangeably today, to the point that distinguishing them isn’t so important when you decide to go shopping. You can use either term and still find the products you’re looking for, without having to worry about ending up with a simple plastic tube you could have easily fashioned yourself. Not that there’s anything wrong with traditional megaphones — they share a long history with the Olympics and cheerleading, after all.

How Long Have Bullhorns and Megaphones Been Around?

You might think the 1908 Olympics were a long time ago, but megaphones have arguably been in use for far longer. According to Acoustical Engineer, Native Americans and the ancient Greeks both used versions of “speaking horns” to communicate with large crowds and during theater performances, respectively.

By comparison, bullhorns are still babies, having only been around since the 1950s after the development of microelectronics.

How Do Bullhorns and Megaphones Work?

Bullhorns and megaphones depend on the concepts of directivity and acoustic impedance. Again, Acoustical Engineer offers the best summary of each: directivity measures “how much sound energy goes in what direction,” while acoustic impedance measures the amount of resistance that sound encounters as it crosses different forms of matter. For example, when you speak, the sound from your vocal cords encounters acoustic impedance from the air as it leaves your mouth — so much so that some of that sound is even reflected backwards.

Megaphones ease this transition so that more sound is able to pass from you into the air, allowing it to be audible farther away.

Bullhorns operate on the same principles, but offer expanded range thanks to electronic components like microphones and amplified speakers. Most bullhorns are handheld units, although some get large enough that they require these components to be separated. The THUN-1200, for example, is designed to be carried with a shoulder strap, while allowing users to communicate through a corded microphone similar to those you see on mobile two-way radios.

What Are the Best Options?

Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of each of the bullhorns that ThunderPower currently offers, including their ranges and the industries or activities that benefit from them the most. As of this blog post, all of our units are also on sale!

THUN-150. Operating at 15 watts, this bullhorn can project sound up to 600 yards. It requires eight (8) AA batteries, and is ideal for teachers, parade operators, event organizers, tour groups, sporting events, and cheerleading.

THUN-120. Similar to the THUN-150, this unit also operates at 15 watts and takes eight (8) AAs, but increases its maximum range to 800 yards. This comes in handy for coaching and cheerleading, as well as theater productions, school and university crowd control, parades, fairs, and farmers’ markets.

THUN-250. This bullhorn offers 25 watts of power, reaches up to 1200 yards, and requires six (6) C batteries. It’s designed to work best for teachers, coaches, demonstrators, law enforcement, and preachers.

THUN-450. Eight (8) C batteries gives this model 35 watts of power and a range of up to 1400 yards, which is perfect for political rallies, outdoor festivals, religious congregations, and sporting events.

THUN-1200. Commonly referred to as “The Earthquake Maker,” this is the loudest and biggest bullhorn we carry. It packs a punch at 45 watts, giving you a range of up to 2000 yards, and only requires eight (8) C batteries. This model is ideal for military training, law enforcement, firefighters, security professionals, and mass gatherings.

Are You Ready To Buy Your Next Bullhorns or Megaphones?

It doesn’t matter what you call them, it only matters that you’re heard. If you have any questions about the information above or the megaphones and bullhorns that we offer, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 877-782-7073. Our experts are ready to help you find the best models to fit your needs.

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4 Activities You Forgot Actually Depend on Rechargeable Megaphones

A target board from the Winter Olympics rests in the snow beside a ski flag and a ThunderPower megaphone.

You may have seen our earlier discussion about why fall is a great time of year to purchase new megaphones, and some of the venues where they’re particularly helpful. We’ve talked about protests and sporting events, music venues and festivals. We’ve even shown how important these models can be as part of a disaster kit. But the reality is that rechargeable megaphones are important to have at any point in the year — either for activities you perform, or the ones you watch for entertainment.

What exactly do we mean by that? 

Check out our list of the four activities you may have forgotten actually depend on these megaphones.

Boating

Whether you already live by a body of water, or you’re traveling to one around the holidays, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy time out on it (even if it’s too cold to swim). Boating has been a popular pastime as far back as the 1600s, notes Rightboat.com. Fast forward to today, and it’s only become more widespread, thanks to better technology and affordability. Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted more people to look for outdoor activities, making this a logical solution.

That said, all activities carry some degree of risk. What better way to alert your fellow boaters and those along the shore that you’re experiencing an emergency than the crystal-clear audio from a ThunderPower megaphone?

The Olympics

We’ve talked before about how beneficial megaphones are for sporting events, and the Olympics — showcasing the prowess of the best of the best — is clearly no exception. When in doubt, check out these black-and-white images shared by NPR from the Games held in London back in 1908. If you scroll through, you’ll catch a shot of the master of ceremonies with an acoustic model, followed shortly by another man holding one as he assists an ailing runner at the end of a race.

The only difference between then and now is the use of rechargeable megaphones. We know because ThunderPower has had the honor of filling that need — specifically, at the Winter Games in Vancouver.

Rowing

After covering recreational boating and sports, it only makes sense that rechargeable megaphones would also work well when these activities are combined. Right before the pandemic, we had the opportunity to supply a youth rowing club with ThunderPower megaphones and RCA two-way radios. Their trainers loved how our equipment made it effortless for them to communicate key instructions with their teams on how to maintain precise formation, coordination, and power. Choosing long-life, lithium-battery-operated units like ours allowed these trainers to stay in contact with each other and their students at all times.

Note: Rowing teams aren’t the only groups to benefit from combining megaphones and two-way radios. Schools across the US have done the same. In our experience, RCA industrial radios are the best options for improving communication networks and student safety.

Film Production

The idea of megaphones being used for film and television probably conjures up images of directors sitting in tall, wooden chairs, shouting stage instructions right before clapperboards snap and cameras roll.

As for today? While a lot of films may go the CGI route, either to fill in large crowds or add in multiple layers to a single frame, there are still plenty of directors who choose authentic, on-location shoots. These can sometimes be in large areas and require coordinating an army of extras, all of which depends on durable, high-powered megaphones.

Conversely, we’ve also seen how smaller sets can use them to their advantage. We’ve highlighted before how our megaphones ended up on Kirstie Alley’s reality TV series, as well as Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”

How To Choose the Right Rechargeable Megaphone

The bottom line: megaphones are still used for many of the same reasons they once were, and they’ve only gotten better with age. Now they’re able to reach greater distances, offer better sound clarity, and withstand more on-the-job wear and tear. But it’s worth noting that this kind of consistent, reliable performance all depends on ample battery power. Below you’ll find a full list of our megaphone models, how many batteries each one requires, as well as their ranges and decibel (dB) levels. Clicking the link to each will give you further information about that unit, including key features like adjustable volume and pistol grip, along with the sound of its siren alarm.

Note: If you consider our most powerful model, the THUN-1200 — otherwise known as “The Earthquake Maker” — you’ll see that it offers a car charger accessory in addition to battery power.

THUN-150

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 600 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 98 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.
Recommended for: teachers; parade operators; event organizers; tour groups; daycare operators; sporting events; cheerleading.

THUN-120

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 800 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 100 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.
Recommended for: coaching; cheerleading; theater productions; school pickup and drop-off lots; campus crowd control; parades; fairs; farmers’ markets.

THUN-250

Power: 25 watts.
Range: up to 1200 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 102 dB, with siren up to 118 dB.
Number of batteries: six (6) Cs.
Recommended for: teachers; coaching; demonstrators; law enforcement; preachers.

THUN-450

Power: 35 watts.
Range: up to 1400 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 108 dB, with siren up to 120 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.
Recommended for: political rallies; outdoor festivals; religious congregations; sporting events.

THUN-1200

Power: 45 watts.
Range: up to 2000 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 112 dB, with siren up to 122 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.
Recommended for: military training; law enforcement; firefighters; security professionals; massive gatherings (demonstrations, presentations, etc.).

Pro Tip: Want to cut down on battery replacement? Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries instead.

Our Rechargeable Megaphones Are Currently on Sale!

Are you ready to purchase your next megaphone? Call us today to talk about which models are ideal for your specific needs. Plus, take advantage of the current sales discounts we’re offering on all ThunderPower units, which you can review on our website or discuss with one of our megaphone specialists.

Did our mention of two-way radios also get your attention? Head over to our friends at Discount Two-Way Radio to learn more about the best industrial units on the market!

A note on the supply chain: while many suppliers have had delays due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re happy to report that we have plenty of megaphones in stock that are available to ship — often the same day they’re ordered. That means that if you still have money left to spend from your communications budget, now is the perfect time to put it toward purchasing the most effective megaphones on the market.

When you’re ready, give us a call at 877-782-7073.

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Why a Megaphone Is Essential to Your Disaster Kit

A THUN-1200 megaphone is set beside a first aid kit as part of a disaster kit.

You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to understand the value of a good disaster kit. Whether you’re in an area that’s prone to dangerous weather, fires, or other extreme acts of nature, you may already have one assembled. Even if you don’t, read on to learn why we think you should add a megaphone to that survival kit, and which models are ideal. First, let’s do a quick review of the other items you’ll want to make sure to include.

Don’t Forget the Basics

All disaster kits should contain plenty of water (one gallon per person per day) and food (several days’ worth of nonperishables), according to Ready.gov. As for other essentials, FEMA has you covered. Their outline for a basic disaster kit includes flashlights, batteries, first aid, dust masks, plastic sheeting, wrenches and pliers, a manual can opener, and local maps. 

So what about communication? It probably won’t come as a surprise that Ready.gov recommends having a cellphone, preferably with a backup battery. The same goes for a whistle that you can use to signal for help. In our opinion, though, a megaphone would be more reliable than both of these combined. 

Here’s why.

1. Cellphones Can Be Unreliable

Whether we’re talking about older “brick” phones, or the latest smart devices, mobile phones aren’t the most reliable options in an extreme emergency. Cell towers can get overwhelmed when too many users try to connect, which can end up dropping or denying a lot of calls. Plus, if the disaster damages that tower, you’ll be left without any reception.

2. Whistles Are Loud, but Megaphones Are Versatile

We’d like to clarify that we aren’t discouraging you from using whistles. You may already own one that easily competes with the decibel level and range of a megaphone. But whistles only make one sound, and megaphones can carry your voice, so you be the judge of which one is more versatile when you need to get people’s attention for help.

Honorable Mention: Handheld Two-Way Radios

FEMA also mentions having either a battery-powered or hand crank radio. Our friends over at Discount Two-Way Radio would certainly agree. If you want the most durable, cost-effective models on the market, make sure to ask them about RCA.

Which Megaphones Are Ideal

If you’re looking for the best megaphones for your emergency kit, you want models that are easy to carry, and that offer the farthest range, clearest sound quality, and longest battery life. Our top two recommendations are the THUN-450 and THUN-1200.

Operating at 35 watts of power and effective up to 1400 yards, THUN-450s offer voice amplification up to 108 decibels (dB) and sirens at 120 dB. They’re normally recommended for political rallies, outdoor festivals, and religious congregations.

Rocking 45 watts of power and effective up to 2000 yards, THUN-1200s (AKA “Earthquake Makers”) easily reach 112 dB for voice and 122 dB for sirens. They’re normally recommended for military training, firefighters, security, and massive gatherings.

Business, or Personal Use?

We suggest the loudest megaphones because we assume you’ll want to be heard as far away as possible, but there are also less powerful options that are just as durable and reliable, depending on the needs of your situation. Whether you’re ordering these models on behalf of a business or for personal use, all ThunderPower megaphones guarantee that your voice will be heard. And, if you’re part of an on-the-ground relief effort instead of those seeking aid, we have options that are ideal for coordinating emergency response.

Are You Prepared?

Don’t risk being caught unprepared without a proper disaster kit. As the saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Take a look at some of the megaphone models that are currently in stock and available to ship as soon as today, then let us know if you have any questions. 

Looking for additional resources? The Red Cross has a helpful quiz to test your emergency preparedness, and Discount Two-Way Radio offers the most powerful commercial radios on the market.

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5 Reasons Why the THUN-1200 Is the Battery-Powered Megaphone You Need

A THUN-1200 battery-powered megaphone is shown blasted by high waves during a thunderstorm on the beach.

If you want to guarantee that your voice is heard, the THUN-1200 is the battery-powered megaphone you need! Once you try it out, we’re confident you’ll never think twice about who to purchase megaphones from again. Here are the top five (5) reasons why we think you should add this particular ThunderPower model to your communications network.

Reason #1: Sound Amplification

First and foremost, the THUN-1200 is one of the loudest megaphones on the market — so loud, in fact, that it’s actually dubbed “The Earthquake Maker.” Operating at 45 watts, it will easily project your voice up to 2000 yards away! 

Exactly how loud is that, you ask?

Loud enough to clear the streets and rattle the windows. As loud as a rock concert or rolling thunder. (Queue the ACDC.)

Still not sure if that’s really loud enough? Check out our chart that compares the THUN-1200 to other common sounds so that you have a full frame of reference. 

Reason #2: Durability

By their very nature, megaphones and bullhorns must be designed to endure constant handling and continuous movement — even potential harm. Protecting them against normal wear and tear like bumps, scrapes, and drops is essential at a minimum, and ThunderPower more than delivers in this category. All of our units (the THUN-1200 included) are designed with high-density, reinforced plastic. This industrial-grade material maintains the megaphone’s necessary acoustics, while preventing damage from common on-the-job risks. 

Due to its size, the THUN-1200 also comes with a carrying strap, making it both easy to transport, and far less likely to be dropped.

Reason #3: Battery Life

We know this one’s important to you. All ThunderPower megaphones are designed to maximize battery life, and the THUN-1200 is no exception. All it takes are eight (8) C alkaline batteries to operate.

Want to save money? Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries instead of standard ones to reduce how often you have to replace them. 

If you’d rather avoid batteries altogether, the THUN-1200 does offer a cigarette plug that you can use with a vehicle’s power supply.

Reason #4: Additional Features

Would you also like to broadcast music or other audio from your megaphone? The THUN-1200 can do that. It offers an auxiliary audio port for a wired connection with a mobile device or microphone, allowing you to share different media with your audience — like a song to get your crowd motivated.

In fact, if you ever need a little musical inspiration for your next big event, you should definitely check the 10 most famous protest songs in the US, courtesy of Rolling Stone Magazine.

Reason #5: Customer Support

Who you purchase a product from is just as important as the product they offer. (At least, we like to think so.) That’s why any time you need assistance, whether it’s deciding on the right megaphones to purchase or troubleshooting the units you already have, we’re here and ready to help. You’ll get expert advice from a live agent based in the US, without having to deal with any time-consuming phone trees or delayed callbacks. 

Honorable Mentions

All right, you got us — there’s plenty more we can say about why the THUN-1200 is the battery-powered megaphone you need. But we’ll try to contain ourselves to these final two points.

Easily Adjustable Volume. Being loud is certainly important, but it’s also good to have the ability to lower the volume based on the size of your crowd, and whether you move to a different location. The fewer people you have, and the closer everyone is, the less power you’ll need to project your voice and your message.

Powerful Emergency Alerts. Sirens and alarms are a safety must. Similar to two-way radios, your megaphones should include this feature for alerting everyone to urgent news or imminent danger. Before you purchase your next megaphone, it’s a good idea to know what that alert will sound like and how loud it will be. That’s why we make sure to include this information with any megaphone and bullhorn we sell. The THUN-1200’s can be found here.

Check Out This Battery-Powered Megaphone in Action

If you’re looking for a great, newsworthy example of ThunderPower in action — not to mention a good laugh — we’d encourage you to check out this article about a diehard baseball fan who decided to use nearby office space to broadcast a message of disapproval to the Houston Astros. They were playing nearby, and this fan’s goal was to be heard from the batter’s box! We can’t fault him for the megaphone he knew would be able to do that.

Get Your Battery-Powered Megaphone Today

Are you ready to make some noise with the powerful THUN-1200? Choose how many and place your order today. If you have any additional questions — either about the material above, or about other factors related to megaphones and their use — don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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Why Is Fall a Great Time To Buy a Megaphone?

Students in blue school colors celebrate on the sidelines at a sports event.

It’s almost fall, and you know what that means. School’s back in session, and football is kicking into high gear. Here’s one thing they have in common: the need for powerful megaphones. In fact, there are a lot of seasonal events where these devices are essential for maintaining an effective communications network. Check out our full list below to learn why now is a great time to buy a megaphone.

Venues That Are Perfect for Megaphones

It only seems fair that we start with the two we already mentioned.

Football and Cheerleading. As excited and loud as crowds often get to show their team spirit on game day, it’s no surprise when we get a call from a cheerleader who wants to buy a megaphone. These devices have played a key role on the sidelines for a long time. How far back, you ask? Cheerleaders at the University of Michigan claim that their squad was the first to incorporate acoustic megaphones in 1898!

School. Public schools are still adjusting to in-person teaching since the COVID-19 pandemic. That, coupled with safety concerns and large numbers of students, means that it’s important to have the right communications equipment to stay organized and keep everyone safe. Whether it’s relaying information down a crowded hallway in between class, delivering news to a full auditorium, or walking students through safety drills, you want to buy a megaphone that will guarantee your voice is heard. Similar to football, megaphones come in handy for school-related sporting events like track and field, rowing, swimming, and more.

Did You Know? School systems can apply ESSER funds toward new communications equipment, including megaphones and two-way radios.

Outdoor Festivals and Parking. Outdoor festivals are more common in the fall as the temperatures ease and the leaves start to change. They often require coordinated parking and announcers for special attractions that may take place across festival grounds. Megaphones are ideal for organizers because of how convenient and portable they are, thanks to long-lasting batteries, or — in the case of our heftiest model, the THUN-1200 — a car adaptor cable.

Theme Parks and Carnivals. Falling somewhere between sporting events and festivals, theme parks and carnivals are also great for seasonal entertainment. While many of them rely on powerful PA systems to alert visitors to important information, megaphones are still vital for crowd control.

So You Want To Buy a Megaphone — But Which One Should You Choose?

Megaphones come in a variety of models, each developed for a specific range of activity. Here’s what you can expect from those under the ThunderPower brand.

THUN-150: 15 watts of power and effective up to 600 yards, with voice amplification up to 98 decibels (dB) and siren at 112 dB. These are recommended for teachers, parade operators, event organizers, and tour groups.

THUN-120: 15 watts of power and effective up to 800 yards, with voice amplification up to 100 dB and siren at 112 dB. These are recommended for coaching, theater productions, school pickup and dropoff lots, as well as campus crowd control.

THUN-250: 25 watts of power and effective up to 1200 yards, with voice amplification up to 102 dB and siren at 118 dB. These are recommended for law enforcement.

THUN-450: 35 watts of power and effective up to 1400 yards, with voice amplification up to 108 dB and siren at 120 dB. These are recommended for political rallies, outdoor festivals, and religious congregations.

THUN-1200: a whopping 45 watts of power and effective up to 2000 yards, with a voice amplification up to 112 dB and siren at 122 dB. These are recommended for military training, firefighters, security, and massive gatherings.

Ready To Buy a Megaphone? Tell Us Which Ones You Need!

Give us a call today to talk immediately with one of our award-winning customer support representatives. Many of our models are currently in stock and available, and those that aren’t will ship quickly upon order.

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The 4 Best Ways To Improve School Intercom Systems

A teacher uses a THUN-150 megaphone to get the attention of students outside their lockers.

This year, the US is estimated to have more than 49.9 million students in the public school system — that’s a lot of kids! With classes now back in session, it’s imperative that your educators, administrators, and staff have the tools they need to keep programs organized and safe for everyone involved. That organization depends on an effective communications network. If you’re looking for ways to update yours, ThunderPower is here to help! Check out our list of the four (4) best ways to improve school intercom systems.

1. Invest in Powerful Megaphones

Whether you’re trying to be heard over rowdy students at an auditorium meeting, or to get players and fans hyped up during an outdoor game, megaphones and bullhorns will serve you well. They’ve also been an essential component to school intercom systems for many years. Mentioning them may conjure up images of football games, pep rallies, homecoming parades, swim meets, and cheerleading squads. 

They’re equally important to the administrative and security sides of education. School crossing guards, principals, superintendents, and hall monitors can use them to get the attention of large crowds and relay information to keep those people informed and safe.

Regardless of who’s using these devices, there are a couple important questions to keep in mind when choosing the best megaphones for the job:

How many people are you talking to?

How wide of a space are you working in?

For instance, if you’re trying to get the attention of a hallway of students, you’ll probably only need the range of the THUN-150 at most. But if you’re facing a large crowd at a major school sporting event…well, you might need to bust out the “The Earthquake Maker” if you want everyone to hear you.

Regardless of their size or range, the nice part about ThunderPower megaphones is that all of them feature alerts and sirens that are clear and effective at getting people’s attention.

2. Install Wireless PA Systems

We all know how schools love to use public address (PA) systems to make daily announcements, or to send out alerts when classes start and end. But maintaining or updating your system can be both expensive and cumbersome due to the extensive wiring that is required throughout your buildings. 

Wireless PA systems are a great alternative for augmenting school intercom systems. You can make an announcement from anywhere on campus, thanks to a combination of wireless speakers and two-way radios. Speakers work anywhere that you can plug them into a power outlet. Plus, when you choose the best two-way radios in the industry, you’ll have optimum coverage and crystal-clear sound. (More on that below.)

Does this make you worry that you’ll have to gut your current PA system? Don’t sweat it. You can keep what you have and simply integrate wireless units wherever you need. The same goes for syncing them with the two-way radios you’ll use to make these announcements. 

That’s still cheaper and more convenient than updating a wired network.

3. Stock Up on Two-Way Radios

School intercom systems work better with two-way radios. Portable handheld units and compact base stations are the most convenient means of staying in touch with school faculty, custodians, security, contractors, and other officials while on campus. 

We’ll admit, we are a little biased as to what we consider the best two-way radios on the market. Our parent company, Discount Two-Way Radio, has long touted the benefits of the RCA radio brand, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend them here.

Plus, we’ve heard from many school systems that have made the switch to RCA that they appreciate the durability, sound, performance, and battery life of those units. (Need references? We’d be happy to provide them!)

4. Take Advantage of ESSER Funds

During the start of the pandemic, Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program. These ESSER funds are meant to finance school upgrades for minimizing the spread of COVID-19, from stocking up on personal protective equipment (PPE) and installing improved air filters, to updating school communications equipment and emergency response.

Megaphones, wireless PA systems, and two-way radios are generally eligible, although it’s best to check with your state board of education and school district to make sure there aren’t any limitations. The best part is that you don’t have to use these funds immediately — you just have to establish a plan for how you’re going to allocate them. 

While the first of three ESSER funds must be obligated soon (September 30th), you can still apply for ESSER II and ARP ESSER. You can find more information about each ESSER fund here. Should you choose to take advantage of these funds, ESSER II must be obligated by September 30th of next year, and ARP ESSER by September 30th of 2024.

Choosing Solutions for School Intercom Systems

If you’d like to apply any of these solutions to your own intercom system, we’re ready to help. Give us a call today at 877-782-7073 to discuss inventory and pricing, as well as any additional questions you may have.

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Bullhorn for Sale! Tips on Choosing the Right One

A woman straps a ThunderPower 1200 bullhorn over her shoulder while using its connected microphone in the middle of an outdoor festival.

Are you looking for a bullhorn for sale? Or perhaps the word you’re thinking of is megaphone? Both names have become practically interchangeable, because these devices perform the same function: electronically amplify users’ voices so that they’re heard over great distances. That said, not all of these are created equal. What are the factors to keep in mind when choosing a bullhorn for sale? Here’s what we recommend reading before your next purchase.

Bullhorn Ranges

How far do you want your messages to be carried? Bullhorns have different ranges to serve different crowd sizes. If you’re dealing with one on a large scale, you’ll want to be loud and clear to the people at the farthest ends of the group. Conversely, if you’re at a smaller event, you won’t need nearly as much power (and your listeners’ eardrums will thank you for it).

That’s why ThunderPower offers bullhorns with the following ranges:

  • 600 yards
  • 800 yards
  • 1200 yards
  • 1400 yards
  • 2000 yards

But how do you know what your range should be?

Here’s a quick reference guide before you choose a bullhorn for sale:

Six-hundred yards is ideal for teachers, parade operators, event organizers, and tour groups. An eight-hundred yard range is more in line with coaching, theater productions, school pickup and drop-off lots, and campus crowd control. At twelve-hundred yards, you’re into the realm of law enforcement. By fourteen-hundred yards, you’ve reached the size of political rallies, outdoor festivals, and religious congregations. Two-thousand yards is geared more toward military training, firefighters, security, and massive gatherings.

What about sporting events, you ask? These aren’t as easy to narrow down to a specific bullhorn range. With the possible exception of two-thousand yards, all of the others could apply. That being said, we can still think of a few sports venues where “The Earthquake Maker” is the only way you’ll be able to get your voice heard.

Adjustable Volume Control

Worried that your bullhorn will be too loud? That’s why these units offer adjustable volume control to meet the changing needs of the groups you’re in. As those groups may grow or disperse, so too will the amount of effort you’ll have to put forth in order to be heard. Volume control also mitigates noise levels during certain times of the day, or in locations with specific noise ordinances. 

Make sure to account for how much surrounding noise you predict you’ll end up fighting. Group marches, outdoor sporting events, stadiums, and emergency services all deal with different degrees of commotion and human-made interference that influence the effectiveness of your bullhorns.

Sirens and Alarms

Sirens and alarms are essential components of any effective bullhorn. If you need to alert people around you to potential danger, or simply get everyone’s immediate attention, these two features are invaluable. That’s why all ThunderPower bullhorns come equipped with them. 

Not sure what each of those will sound like? We think you should know. Simply click one of our available units below and scroll down to where it says “Listen to the Siren” and “Listen to the Whistle” respectively.

ThunderPower 150 (15 watts, 600-yard range)

ThunderPower 120 (15 watts, 800-yard range)

ThunderPower 250 (25 watts, 1200-yard range)

ThunderPower 450 (35 watts, 1400-yard range)

ThunderPower 1200 (45 watts, 2000-yard range)

Durability and Protection

If you’re looking for a bullhorn for sale, it probably goes without saying that the one you choose needs to be ready for a little wear and tear. Whether it’s the environment it’s being used in, or the number of people who will end up handling it, there’s always the chance for these units to be dropped, scraped, and damaged. That’s why we strongly encourage you to purchase bullhorns that are made with industrial-strength chassis. And, in spite of how ergonomic the handles on many of these bullhorns may already be, including wrist straps made of nylon webbing can be a great way to prevent how often they’re dropped or misplaced.

Measuring Bullhorn Performance

If you’re still on the fence about how loud is loud enough for your next bullhorn, we understand completely. Although we’ve provided ranges, you may still wonder what those numbers actually mean in a real-world setting.

That’s why we include helpful charts under each unit linked above that give you the decibels for that unit, as well as comparable sounds that will allow you to gauge the actual volume of each model.

Batteries for Your Bullhorns

Because bullhorn users tend to move around a lot, most of these units are battery powered. All you need for yours are a few good AA’s to get long-lasting performance. Our most powerful bullhorn, the ThunderPower 1200, also comes with a cigarette-lighter attachment to charge it from a vehicle.

Bullhorn Pro Tip: Cut down on battery costs by purchasing rechargeable ones.

Are You Concerned About the Supply Chain?

Worried that these bullhorns might get lost in the apply chain? Not a chance! If the ones you want aren’t currently in stock, it doesn’t take long for us to get replacements. In other words, you won’t be waiting months for the equipment that you need.

Bullhorn Users Who Made Us Laugh

These days, we all could probably use a little more humor in our lives. Trust us when we tell you that you can have some fun when it comes to bullhorns. 

For example…

  1. Back when sports teams were playing to empty seats, one diehard baseball fan decided to use nearby office space to his advantage and deliver a message of disapproval to the Houston Astros. The fan’s goal was to be heard as far as the batter’s box. Kudos to his use of grade-school math to determine the range he needed on his horn. And we certainly can’t fault him for his choice of megaphone brand that he knew would get that job done.
  1. Have you ever had someone disrespect your lawn by letting their dog use it as a bathroom? If they have, and if it’s bothered you enough, you’d probably appreciate the methods this megaphone user went to when he caught his neighbor’s dog in the act: an air horn to startle them first, followed by a megaphone to tell them (and the neighbor) off.

Where Should You Get a Bullhorn for Sale?

Before you may default to the “let’s buy everything from Amazon” approach, we’d encourage you to take a look at our full lineup of available units. ThunderPower has been a long-standing brand name that has demonstrated time and again why it is the definitive choice for bullhorns (or megaphones). Not only do we carry the best models on the market, we offer US-based customer support that will pick up the phone as soon as you call. No more getting stuck navigating a phone tree in order to get a live person to help you with your order.

Do you have questions about a bullhorn for sale on our website? Our reps are ready to answer them, learn about your business, and give you the best options to meet your needs. 

If you still aren’t convinced, take a look at the reviews others have left us about why they love the ThunderPower brand.

When you’re ready, give us a call at 877-782-7073 to talk about your next order.

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Gwinnett County Public Schools Purchase 544 ThunderPower 1200 Megaphones

When the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) needed top-of-the-line emergency equipment that ensured vital communications could be delivered reliably, and with plenty of volume and clarity to thousands of students, loud, they turned to ThunderPower Megaphones.

The Gwinnett County Public Schools logo.

Considered one of the largest school districts in the State of Georgia, Gwinnett County Public Schools has 182,000 students, 136 different campuses, and multiple off-campus buildings like warehouses, administration offices, and a large sports complex. If there was ever a time when a massive evacuation was necessary or a large district-wide gathering was held, the only way to communicate with that many people would be by using heavy-duty megaphones like the Thunderpower 1200 is the only way to ensure everyone could hear vital instructions.

We purchased enough megaphones to distribute two for every school campus throughout the whole district. They’re outstanding for crowd control or moving people from point A to point B.

Brian Hudson, Emergency Coordinator for Gwinnett County Public Schools

As head of the Gwinnett County Public Schools safety coordination, Brian Hudson was put in charge of making sure each campus had the necessary equipment to ensure each student could hear instructions while in the middle a large crowd.

“We’re just a massive organization, so to make sure every school had the equal opportunity to have the right equipment to be heard, we purchased ThunderPower megaphones. We purchased enough megaphones to distribute two or three for every school campus throughout the whole district. They’re outstanding for crowd control or moving people from point A to point B,” said Brian.

The Gwinnett County Public Schools Administration building.

As a 10-year veteran military policeman with the United States Army, including supervising the security for a chemical weapons demilitarization plant, and several years as a narcotics and explosive detection canine handler, Brian knows a thing or two about keeping people safe in large environments. He also has a Master’s Degree in public policy and is certified by the State of Georgia for Emergency Planning.

“The megaphones are really an important part of overall coordination and contingency planning. For example, once students have to evacuate a building for whatever reason, like a fire, how are you going to communicate with that mass of people?` Some of our high schools have about 4,000 students, and our elementary schools have an average of 600 students. Think about it. How can you address that many students in an environment like a large stadium? How do you communicate with that many people to get them to listen to you and to get them to do what you want? It’s just not possible without a really loud megaphone like the ThunderPower 1200,” explained Brian.

Why Are ThunderPower Megaphones Chosen By School Districts?

The ThunderPower Megaphone is considered one of the most powerful and well-made bullhorns anywhere and is especially popular for schools like the Gwinnett County Public Schools. Because ThunderPower bullhorns come in a variety of sizes and power options, they can be used at every playing field configuration, pool, classroom, stadium or administrative meeting location. But what really makes ThunderPower megaphones so popular is that they are all constructed from industrial grade materials and designed for maximum comfort and ergonomic appeal. The hardware, attached parts, and the lightweight chassis allow the ThunderPower megaphone to pack plenty of power in a lightweight, easy-to-handle design. Most ThunderPower megaphones come with a combination of standard talk speaker mode and a built-in siren and whistle component for maximum attention getting ability.

The ThunderPower 1200 Megaphone

ThunderPower Megaphones During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although all campuses in the GCPS are closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gwinnett County Board of Education is creating multiple contingency plans for getting its kids back into school in August. Part of that planning involved using ThunderPower megaphones.

According to Brian, students are currently learning remotely, but he has been part of creating four different contingency plans for bringing students back. The contingency plans also incorporated the Gwinnett County Department of Health, the federal government, State of Georgia, the Gwinnett Department of Education, the superintendent of schools, and the board of education.

“As part of the contingency guidance plans, each school needed to include megaphones as part of their safety equipment inventory. So, we wanted to get fully stocked to validate that each school had the necessary equipment for a complete safety preparation, and again megaphones were very important for that,” said Brian.