AirChime K5LLA

AirChime K5LLA

The picture illustrates a common arrangement of the horn bells, with the 1L bell reversed. In this configuration, the horn would be designated a K5LLAR1L. The first "L" indicates the use of a low-profile manifold, the second "L" indicates the use of the low pitched 1L bell replacing the 5 bell of the standard K5LA.
As with the K5HL, the K5LLA began appearing on US railroads in 2004, apparently in response to a change in the US Code of Federal Regulations (49CFR229.129) that specified a maximum as well as a minimum decibel requirement. The combination of notes is a dischord, even when all bells are machined to their proper fundamental frequencies.
Intended tuning is: C,D#,F#,G#,B (261, 311, 370, 415, 494 Hz) The horn uses the K-series #1L, 1, 2, 3A, and 4A bells In practice, variations in manufacturing often result in bells whose pitches are not on-spec.
K5LLA horns began appearing on new EMD locomotives in late 2004.
K5LLA sound samples: UP SD70ACe: Sample 1...74kB...4 seconds Sample 2...668kB...43 seconds Sample 3...457kB...29 seconds Sample 4...362kB...23 seconds Courtesy Tom Hallendorf Sample 5...167kB...10 seconds Sample 6...407kB...26 seconds