Tag: THUN-150

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The Ultimate Protest Machine: ThunderPower Megaphones and Tips for Your Next Rally

ThunderPower ultimate protest machine concept: A woman uses a THUN-250 megaphone to chant while raising her fist and marching in a crowd.

The best way to spark change is to get your voice heard, and that often includes the act of protesting. If you’re preparing for your next rally, we have several recommendations on what to take with you — not the least of which includes our powerful megaphones and bullhorns. Learn why ThunderPower is considered the ultimate protest machine, as well as the other essentials you should pack.

Why ThunderPower Is the Ultimate Protest Machine

Megaphones are the most convenient means of enhancing your voice and projecting it to your intended audience. But in order to do that, they need to offer excellent sound quality, range, and durability. That’s where ThunderPower megaphones shine.

Whether you’re considering our most compact model or our largest, all ThunderPower megaphones offer:

  • Clear sound quality, thanks to their design.
  • Range, thanks to battery power. 
  • Durability, thanks to industrial-grade, heavy-duty plastic.

What you need to ask yourself is: how many people do you want to hear you? That answer will help you decide which of our models are best suited for your next protest.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Crowd size, which will help you determine what range you’ll need from your megaphone.

Location of the protest, and whether you expect to relocate or march, which will help you decide on a smaller megaphone you can carry in one hand, or a larger one that requires a carrying strap.

Length of the protest, which will indicate whether you’ll want to take backup batteries for your megaphone, and whether you’d prefer a model that offers a vehicle charging adaptor.

Megaphone Examples

While ThunderPower offers several megaphone models to choose from, here are three suggestions for your consideration: 

The THUN-150: compact but powerful, this lightweight model is easy to carry while ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear. It offers 15 watts of power, a 600-yard range, 98 decibels (dB) for voice, and 112 dB for siren.

The THUN-250: this is one of the best medium-sized megaphones on the market, offering 25 watts of power, a 1200-yard range, 102 dB for voice, and 118 dB for siren.

The THUN-1200: weighing in at roughly seven (7) pounds, this megaphone is designed to be carried with a shoulder strap and used with a palm mic. Known as “The Earthquake Maker,” it should come as no surprise that the THUN-1200 packs a punch at 45 watts. That means you’ll have a 2000-yard range, 112 dB for voice, and 122 dB for siren.

You can see a full lineup of our available megaphones here. Once you’ve decided which one is right for your needs, let’s review the other protest essentials you’ll want to take with you.

Your Ultimate Protest Machine Checklist

Depending on how long your protest will last, you may consider bringing the following items.

Water. Adequate hydration is important when you aren’t moving, so imagine how much more it will be when you’re standing and marching over the course of several hours. The time of year and weather conditions (heat, humidity) will also determine how much water you’ll want to make sure you bring for yourself and those who may be joining you. It’s worth noting that should any protesters become injured at a rally, water may also be helpful for cleaning dirty wounds and reducing eye irritation.

Food. Based on where you’ll be protesting, you may not have convenient access to food beyond what you bring yourself. Consider stocking up on options like snack bars, fruit, and nuts, as they can all be easy to transport and effective at keeping you healthy and alert.

Appropriate attire. Again, be mindful of the weather and how long you anticipate being out in it. If you’re planning to move a lot, good walking shoes are essential. Hot temperatures can require loose-fitting clothing, hats or visors, and sunglasses — and yes, plenty of sunscreen and deodorant. Inclement weather can mean wearing raincoats and galoshes, as well as carrying umbrellas. You may also decide that it’s best to have a spare change of clothes just in case it becomes necessary.

A backpack. It may seem obvious to mention at this point, but carrying around all of the items we’ve already listed means having a durable backpack or travel bag.

First aid kit. While water can be used to clean wounds, you’ll do well to have basic medical supplies in case someone does get scratched or injured more severely. Gauze, bandaids, and alcohol wipes are some of the first aid options that can come in handy in a pinch. Bringing along hand sanitizer is also recommended as a simple sanitary precaution.

Extra batteries. Your megaphone will thank you.

Flashlights. More than likely, your protest will happen during the day. But for those times of the year when there’s less daylight, or when protests extend into the evening hours, having flashlights can be useful for keeping track of your fellow protesters and staying aware of your surroundings. The tip about extra batteries applies to these, too.

Cash. It’s always good to carry a little in case you need additional supplies.

A pen/pencil/marker and paper. These days, most people probably rely on technology like their smartphones to take notes and send information. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have reliable cell reception when you’re attending a massive rally. Plus, your phone battery might not be sufficient to last for the entire event. A simple writing tool is helpful if and when you need it.

Your protest sign. This probably goes without saying, depending on whether or not you intended to bring one already, but it’s worth keeping in mind how you plan to carry your sign in conjunction with the other items on this list (and how big of a backpack that will require).

Honorable Mention: Protest Songs

What’s a protest without music? Plenty of songs have been written about protesting throughout the ages, with no shortage of popular ones you could use during your next rally. Those include:

Bob Dylan, “Masters of War.”
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, “Ohio.”
Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Fortunate Son.”
Rage Against the Machine, “Killing in the Name.”

What’s the best way to hear that music loud and clear? You guessed it — ThunderPower megaphones. 

Models like the THUN-150 and THUN-1200 come with separate audio inputs that you can use to play music from an attached device.

Are You Ready To Be Your Own Ultimate Protest Machine?

We support your right to protest, and we want to help you make sure your voice is heard! Contact us today at 877-782-7073 to discuss the megaphones and bullhorns we have in stock, and get the ones you need. You can also review our full lineup and available discounts here.

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ThunderPower Spotlight: The THUN-150 Megaphone

A THUN-150 megaphone and lapel mic are displayed next to a school administrator using this megaphone in the hallway around students. A tagline reads, "15 Watts of Power. 600-Yard Range."

Even if a megaphone is small, that doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch. Case in point: the THUN-150. As the most compact member of the ThunderPower lineup, it’s often used by educational staff, parade operators, day care workers, tour group leaders, coaches, and event planners. Learn more about why we call the THUN-150 megaphone “real power in a tiny package,” as well as helpful tips and specials that are currently available for this model.

Sound and Range

All ThunderPower megaphones offer exceptional sound quality and clarity, and that includes the THUN-150. Your voice will easily be heard up to 600 yards away, and you can utilize a siren or whistle when you really need to get people’s immediate attention. An audio input is also available for connecting a lapel mic or other audio devices.

Handling

Its compact size (weighing slightly over 2 pounds) and ergonomic pistol grip both make the THUN-150 a cinch to carry and operate. Volume control and audio selection for voice, siren, and whistle are all conveniently placed above the grip so that you can quickly adjust them with your thumb. 

Durability

Made with industrial-grade plastic, this megaphone is designed to take more than its fair share of bumps and scratches that are expected from repeat use. Plus, all 150s come with reinforced-nylon, web-wrist lanyards to prevent drops and loss.

Power

The THUN-150 boasts 15 watts of power and only requires 8 AA batteries for long-lasting service. When it’s finally time to swap those batteries out for replacements, this megaphone’s design makes it fast and convenient to do so — no complicated searches or tricks to open the battery compartment required. (Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries to save on replacement costs.)

Design

Its five-inch-diameter bell and eight-inch chassis offer 90-degree sound projection that lends itself well for indoor and outdoor situations.

Warranty

All 150s come with a “full 1 year, expedited in-house express warranty” for your complete peace of mind.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of the THUN-150 megaphone, let’s discuss some tips you can apply when using it.

Tip #1: Flip Your Batteries

We already highlighted rechargeable batteries as a way to save money while keeping your megaphone powered. You might also consider flipping your batteries in their slots when you put your megaphone into storage. This prevents the possibility of it being activated while you’re away, which would needlessly drain its batteries.

Tip #2: Add the THUN-150 to Your Disaster Kit

People often think about including flashlights and radios in their disaster kits, but they may not realize just how beneficial megaphones can be. This is especially true for the THUN-150. Thanks to its smaller size and portability, it can be easily stored for emergency use and provide long-lasting power until help arrives.

Tip #3: Speak Loudly and Directly Into the Microphone

If you think your megaphone is too loud, don’t worry about adjusting your voice by speaking softer or by holding the megaphone farther away from you. Always speak directly into the microphone and always speak loudly — adjusting the volume on the model itself will handle the rest.

Current THUN-150 Megaphone Specials

As of this blog post, we’re offering a couple special offers for our THUN-150 megaphones.

  1. Units are currently on sale at 10 percent off normal retail price.
  2. You can get a free THUN-150 when you purchase six (6) or more industrial radios from our friends over at Discount Two-Way Radio!

Questions and Orders

What megaphone questions do you have? Whether it’s about the THUN-150 or other models we currently carry, what discounts you can apply to your next purchase, what the real difference is between a megaphone and a bullhorn, or other megaphone tips for your industry, we want to hear from you! Our megaphones are tested in the USA to verify that their quality is incredible, and we think you’ll be extremely impressed by how they hold up.

Give us a call today at 877-782-7073 to learn more, or to place an order.

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ThunderPower Offers Superior Megaphones for Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders, football players, and a coach all huddle together with a trophy to celebrate a winning game. A cheerleader holds a ThunderPower megaphone.

Cheerleading season may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean squads won’t be practicing over the spring and summer, and they’ll need megaphones! ThunderPower is here to help teams ensure their routines go smoothly and their voices are heard so that they’re ready to crush it at their next major competition or sporting event. Learn how, and which megaphones for cheerleaders we recommend.

The History of Megaphones for Cheerleaders

Megaphones have been a part of cheerleading since they were wooden and acoustic. In fact, their first recorded use with a cheer team dates back to 1898 at the University of Michigan.

These days, ThunderPower’s electronic models — also known as bullhorns — are made with industrial-grade, molded plastic, making them preferable because of their added strength, enhanced clarity, and extended range. We carry several bullhorn models to meet the specific needs of your training.

Megaphone Pro Tip

If you really want some force behind your cheers, make sure to take a look at “The Earthquake Maker,” our most powerful megaphone. Running on 45 watts and offering a range of 2000 yards, the THUN-1200 is guaranteed to make you the loudest person at any event. Plus, it’s big enough to require a carrying strap and speaker mic for ease of use.

ESSER II and ARP ESSER Funds

Not sure if you have the money to budget for new megaphones? Check if your school has funds remaining from ESSER II and ARP ESSER. If you’re not aware, these packages were part of COVID relief authorized by the federal government for schools to make improvements to air quality, cleaning and sanitation, and communications equipment. It’s worth confirming with your district if megaphones apply, and that you make sure to obligate available funds by their respective deadlines (September 30th of this year for ESSER II, and September 30th of next year for ARP ESSER).

Cheerleader Safety

Safety’s a big part of any sport, and cheerleading is no exception. Summer practice can be more difficult due to the heat, which is why TheCheerBuzz offers some tips on how to protect your squad members.

Megaphones also contribute to that safety. If one of your team members feels threatened, they can use a megaphone to call for help, or activate its siren to alert others. (This is why we highly recommend that everyone has a megaphone in their disaster kit.)

ThunderPower Megaphone Suggestions

While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of all of our models, here are the megaphones for cheerleaders we recommend when you’re looking for new ones for your squad.

THUN-150: 15 watts, 600-yard range, 98 decibels (dB) for voice, and 112 dB for siren.

THUN-120: 15 watts, 800-yard range, 100 dB for voice, and 112 dB for siren.

THUN-250: 25 watts, 1200-yard range, 102 dB for voice, and 118 dB for siren.

Questions?

Do you have questions about the megaphones we currently offer? We want to hear about them! Call us today at 877-782-7073 to speak with one of our customer service specialists.

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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.