has anyone rigged up some type of external speaker on a cab tractor

[dragoneggs]

You promised you'd visit the Penguin the day you got out.

Blues Brothers- the Penguin - YouTube

 

[k0ua]

I have not used this but the price is right, and it looks like it would do what you wanted.
Pyle Pro Siren Horn Speaker System with Handheld PA PSRNTK23 B&H

While the Pyle horn/siren looks interesting, the specification have me puzzled. They list it as a 30 watt device, yet the current draw is listed as 1500 Milliamperes. Which is another way of saying 1.5 amps at 12 volts. Even considering that your voltage source will likely be about 13.8 volts when running, that is around 20 watts of input power, and even considering that it might have a Class B audio amp inside instead of the higher fidelity yet less efficient Class A amplifier, you couldn't possibly get more than 10 watts of output power out of it and likely less. Not that 10 watts wouldn't be plenty. They mention a sound pressure of 115 dB +- 3dB, well, that would be plenty loud for this application. But someone needs to review those specifications. The price seems reasonable.
Sorry, old engineering habits die hard....

 

[lpigott]

Good topic, especially since I was wanting the same thing for the same reason. We are raising 2 young grandchildren and my tractor shed is fairly close to the house. I will also be doing commercial work for others which could attract unsuspecting people into the danger zone. A PA would easily allow me to warn them away from the cab without having to completely stop work and get out and explain that they need to keep clear. I have already had an issue where the kids where come running towards the tractor when they see pops driving up. I think it is a small investment in safety to be able to grab a mic and stop them in their tracks. Although their are far cheaper systems, I am going to spend a little more and get a more professional unit that offers far more capability and will likely last. The unit I am getting also allows external radio input so you can listen to your radio outside the tractor and also allows you to connect it to your stock horn button and project a horn or siren tone through the PA speaker by just hitting the tractor horn button.
I am ordering this system. Amazon.com: LAMPHUS SoundAlert Siren & Slim Speaker PA System [1��W] [6 Modes] [Heavy Duty] [12�-13�dB] [Microphone] [Hands-Free] [Dual 2�A Switches] Emergency Horn Sound System for Police Cars & Fire Trucks: Automotive

 

[square1]

 

[skills4lou]

Cheaper method: buy a watermelon. Let the kids feel how hard the rind is, then talk about how soft they are. Give them a demonstration of what happens if something (like a watermelon, or their head) gets run over. Explain why they need to stay plumb away from papa until the motor is off.

 

[Industrial Toys]

There are always siren/PA outfits on E-Bay. If you are going to use the siren, make sure you use the proper high power speaker. If not, the PA would work with a lesser speaker, but would destroy it if switched to siren. I like the Air Horn function!

I use surplus Motorola Radio equipment for Farm communications. Mobiles, bases and walkie talkies. Just bought a 4J Thundering Mini Horn, which is a rugged, low profile speaker used in high noise environments. E-Bay of course. I bought it for the tractor, so you can hear the mobile, but It would be a good choice for such a PA function as well.

I have a few old S&W Siren/PA units that I bought from the Federal Gov years ago. They will probably never be used again. Too bad, you aren't closer. I'd give you one.