Tag: THUN-1200

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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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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.