Air Horn for Deterring Bears and Other Potential Intruders
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, surely you remember the post of June 16, 2014, “Who’s That Knockin’ At My Door,” which told the story of the bear trying to break into the Best Little Trailer one moonlit night while we were camped in Ashley National Forest near Flaming Gorge, Utah.
That post stirred the imagination of readers, including one very inventive and skillful engineer friend, Mick. He set to work designing an anti-intruder, dual air-horn device, which I dubbed “the tooter,” because I like technical terms.
Following Mick’s instructions, I set up the tooter on the PVC pipe that supports the Wilson internet antenna.
The air tubing and antenna cable are secured together with plastic ties.
In the next photo, if you look closely, you can see how the device is tightened onto the pole (the silver knob, barely visible, between the pole and the BLT), and also how the horns can be rotated to other positions than downward (the silver knob at the front.) Pretty cool!
The air tubing goes in the side window and runs across the top of the back window by the curtain rod to reach the compressor. You can see the black tubing in the upper right of the next photo. Then it is concealed behind the curtain as it runs down to the compressor box.
The white power cable has a cigarette-type plug that inserts into one of the BLT’s 12-volt sockets next to the connection for cable tv.
The close-up view above shows the yikes-there’s a bear-at-my-window button, otherwise known as the go-away-clingers button. The black air hose connects at that tab sticking out on the right side, halfway down the compressor box.
I I turn on the compressor and insert the air hose……….
WOW! WHAT A BLAST!
Thank you, Mick, for this generous and useful gift! I almost wish a bear would show up so I could try it on him . . .
rvsue
This is the air horn I decided to use.
Kleinn Air Horns Chrome Direct Drive Dual Air Horn Kit
It has metal horns and should be loud. The less expensive models had plastic horns and many reviews said they were flimsy.
The best way to do this would be to mount the compressor near the battery or power panel but this might require some professional help. Then just the “PanicButton” would be mounted anywhere convenient.
I will make the test unit so that the compressor and button mount on the wall and a wire goes to the cigarette plug. This may not give enough power to the compressor but is the easiest way to try it out.
Thoughts anyone?
At 132 decibels it would be comparably loud to the best air horns being marketed.An advantage I see,besides it’s sturdiness,is that it is described by people as having a higher pitch than expected or heard on other brand’s. Therefore it would be more effective in overcoming ambient challenges such as wind or rain that mask noise and,like whistles,adds “shrill” to the list of what well hearing critters find abhorrent.It’s delivery system making the sound continual rather than waning as it drifts off would offer the benefit of working that bit longer needed in at times.I trust all details of mounting and power delivery will work great when you finish figuring it out .Fascinating to watch this idea play out.
I’m excited! You make excellent points about the horn, weather.
Hi, Mick,
I saw the dually air horns along with the PanicButton on my Amazon orders report first thing this morning. I couldn’t help but laugh. I wholeheartedly approve of your choices… The chrome on the horns is so cool and I love the PanicButton, although some of the other ones are appealing. “Burn ya bastard” has an attitude I like. LOL!
In this small space, ANYWHERE the button is located is convenient.
Sure, go ahead with that plan. Sounds great!
As an avid reader (but first time poster)-I’ve wondered about bears and full-timing (particularly since when the time comes to retire my current plan is “steal all sorts of ideas from Sue” LOL )
Will the horns be permanently mounted outside? Or will they be removable and put on after parking? I’m just wondering about driving with them mounted on the antenna and whether that poses any risk of damage to the antenna-or the horns for that matter?
Hi, David,
I love hearing from an “avid reader” of my blog. No need for any stealing. All ideas (mine or from others) are free for the taking! We help each other in many ways and are here for you, too!
You’re right. Traveling with the antenna and horns up on a pole is not good.
The Wilson directional antenna is permanently attached to a PVC pipe pole. When I break camp, I remove the antenna pole/antenna and store it on the aisle floor of the BLT as we go down the road. It’s easy to put the pole back up when we arrive at camp. (See “Internet Antenna” page accessed from header.)
Mick’s plan is to attach the horns to the antenna pole. That way I’ll be placing both the antenna and the horns inside the BLT when preparing to move camp.
It is going to be so cooool!!!
Ah-got it. VERY nice. I look forward to seeing/reading about the final result.
Hi, Sue,
Love the idea for the panic button. I bet it will be very effective when using to detach Clingers!! 🙂
That was one of my first thoughts….. I’ll blast away the clingers with it. . . . heh-heh.
LOL brilliant
Very clever!
I have an idea, how about mounting the horns under the trailer. Wired permanently
to the 12 volt panel, no voltage drop, no extra connectors. They would be closer and louder at a closer range.
I like the under trailer idea, the hoses for the horns will be tricky to make disconnectable so they work easily and reliably.
Permanent mounting solves that.
At 132 Db, under the trailer is not a problem. That is loud….
Wouldn’t the horns be vulnerable to damage when I go over rocky, rough roads?
I like the closer to the electrical panel idea. I think that some of the reviews on Amazon who said the horn was weak had poor connections to the compressor. The compressor needs 20 amps and that means 10 awg wire would be good. I will wire the compressor to a cigarette lighter connector as that is what Sue has available. We will just have to wait until we can test the unit to see how loud it is. Ideally I would like to see the compressor mounted near the left rear corner of the BLT as that would make the air line run short. Also I think the battery is back there and maybe the electrical panel so the compressor could be wired with short wires directly to the 12 volt buss. Then only a small wire would run forward to the “Panic Button” to activate the supplied relay. Short air line and compressor wires would be best. But this means finding a good RV electrician as my arms won’t quite reach from TN.
To hang the horn under the BLT … Noooo! RvSue is a Boondocker Extreme! and that means nasty rutted roads.
I have found a quick disconnect fitting for the air line so it can be disconnected along with the antenna coax. The quick disconnect could be at the horn if the compressor were to be mounted in the rear.
Mick . . . . Feel free to be the “first responder” to comments on this page.
I installed police vehicle sirens and lights for years. We had to install sirens on a series of Cherokees years ago under the vehicle. I would suggest it is a bad idea, the ground absorbs the sound, it didn’t get out well. Having it mounted slightly above the trailer would be best, you want it to be effective. Also the connections for the cables need to be reliable for connect disconnect over a period of time since you are planning to take it down for travelling. Great idea, we all want you safe.
Hi, jonthebru. . . . Important point about ground absorbing sound. I’m sure Mick will provide me with reliable connectors for the cables. He’s good at this stuff!
I have a set of train horns mounted under the bed of the pickup. When a carload of miscreants and their rap crap rattling the walls pulls up beside me at a stoplight, I just trigger the horns and it gets REAL quiet, REAL quick!! I would imagine it would work equally well on a miscreant bear. But it may send him into cardiac arrest!!!
Just my two cents.
Oh, Don.. I love it! “rap crap”… Haha!
I am happy you are getting the airhorns – not just for the bears but for other people you may not wish to talk to. Hoping you will have headphones to block the noise from your ears.
Since the air horns will be mounted on the outside of the BLT and, most likely, I’ll have the windows shut when I push the PanicButton, I won’t need headphones.
I was parked in a Walmart lot once and a less than desirable fella started banging on my trailer door late at night. It was obvious he was up to no good. I pushed the panic button on my tow vehicle and he took off running when the horn started honking. I intend to get these horns and mount them in my truck. Dual purpose and I already have my panic button
Hi, John B…
The PTV doesn’t have a remote alarm. Your experience shows how effectively noise can serve as a deterrent.
The horns Mick chose look to be good quality. I expect I’ll feel empowered knowing I can hit the panic button at any time.
My intention is to face the horns down. They will be about 4 to 5 feet above the ground. I realize the ground will absorb some of the sound depending on the softness of the campsite area. Hopefully the sound will reflect off the ground in all directions and will seem to be emulating from the BLT. The horns are directional and designed to face forward when mounted on a vehicle; so what direction do you point them in this situation. If they were facing rearward and the bear was at the front of the BLT facing away, he would think his companion bear just passed gas and go about his business?
Aren’t the horns loud enough to be effective pointing the same direction as the antenna, even when the bear is at the front of the BLT?
Downward is okay, although aesthetically they may look weird. (says the typical woman)
I’ll try to make the mount so you have some choice.
I don’t want to make this more difficult than it has to be. I’ll be happy with it however you design it.
Mick,how far along are you in the method of attaching the horns to the pole?I ask because at the first mention of having it outside the BLT, I envisioned it pointing downward,and for the reason you mentioned about the sound positioning here.That’s probably because I have several bells here,they hang that way because one doesn’t always know the direction and location of whoever you’re trying to call,warn,etc.
Anyway,I thought maybe a photo displaying them vertically,like silver bells dangle,to compare to the horizontal display the marketer’s show everyone,might be an aid in the decisions here,perhaps saving unnecessary efforts?Just a thought.
I know you do all this stuff just for Sue,yet because of the access so many are thereafter given here,they are led to make choices that help,rather than let a salesperson send them off an RV lot in something with enough power to hear half an emergency broadcast as everything stops working.
The mount, in my mind at this time, consists of one piece that slides up and down the antenna pole and also will rotate 360 degrees. The second piece bolts to the horn and attaches to the pole part with a single bolt. This allows the horns to be rotated around the horizontal axis. So the horn assembly will slide up and down the pole and rotate both horizontally and vertically allowing RvSue to point them anywhere her little heart desires. If she chooses to point the up at the sky, they will fill with rain and stop working in short order. LOL! Have you ever seen a person do a “pole dance”?
(please note the use of gender neutral “person”)
Clever!Really flexible mount design concept,can see how envisioning a pole dancer makes a great demonstration,I have,in fact, seen one,-but only in a TV sitcom a long time ago, memorable motions for sure 🙂
I don’t have two cents worth for this topic. I’m enjoying reading all the stories!
Hi Sue & Co., I am still along with you all – the comments etc. are interesting as well from your followers – I am learning loads as well “Boondocking” – “Clingers” LOL (we would say “Bloody nuisance”) – or ankle bitters for kids….. The bear incident was very scary – I was holding my breath whilst reading – very lucky the dogs didn’t make a sound and attract more bear attention. Anyhow be assured that I am still enjoying your adventures, photos, american expressions and countryside…….Cheers for now
I’m happy you are still following me and the crew! I think you and Glenda are my only Aussies. We don’t say “bloody nuisance” — We say “damn nuisance.” That’s what you get from my blog… Americanisms!
Aussie here, but living in Thailand at the moment.
Mick can Sue’s air horn control be remote? Like a car key or boob tube remote? Just curious. I’m following this one as the air horn is something I will integrate into my trailer (when I get one) as I hope to spend most of my time in the NW that is known bear, mt. lion and of course clinger areas.
Mick will have to answer your question. I don’t know.
Hi MK in NE GA for now, You could use a unit like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Woods-32555-Outdoor-Control-Converter/dp/B001Q9EFUK/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1405959951&sr=8-31&keywords=remote+control
I also posted an answer under the “Bear” post.
Seems to me that there are two very important items missing from all of this…….
A BUCKET AND A SHOVEL for when you scare the crap of the person or bear.
I have both in the PTV, Jeff. I’m prepared!
The horn just arrived via UPS. It is better than I expected, heavy metal trumpets, metal base with plastic caps and the best news … made in Taiwan and not china. I’ll test toot in a few minutes.
That’s great, Mick!
The horns will be here in a couple hours. I have most of the details worked out. I tried to get the electrical diagram for your Casita but had to sign up again and they need to approve my application and it has been a few day and no response … frustrating. I am trying to find out the wire size and fuse rating of your cigarette outlets. Did you see the Extech sound meter on your Amazon report. It only goes to 130 db but should be good for testing. I want to see how much loss I get with 25 feet of air line. I’ll report in the special section.
Hi, Mick,
I did see the sound meter. Thanks for the order! Whatever it takes to help you with your plans . . .
I’m guessing the Casita electrical diagram for the BLT is available from the Casita forum. Is that where you looked? I’ll see if I can find it.
LATER . . . I think I emailed you the 12v wiring diagram when you were working on the solar set-up. It’s part of the Casita Owners Manual which is available from Casitaforum for download. I don’t know if I can download it with 1X and 1 bar. If I can, I could post the diagram on this page.
Is that what you want? The 12v wiring diagram?
Yes, I have not been accepted on the forum yet. I think I had it when working on the solar but can’t find it, new computer.
Just tested the horn in my computer room. I HAD to get my ear muffs that have a 30DB reduction. The horn is definitely above the pain threshold. It took 19 amps from my 50 amp supply. Oh what a nice LOUD horn.
Get the scoop and bucket ready!!!
“definitely above the pain threshold”– Does that means the sound is so loud it’s painful? If so, within what distance?
I think the pain threshold is about 120 db, but it also depends on the exposure time. In my 12 x 12 foot computer room it was quite uncomfortable after 10 seconds or so. In your trailer, with the horn outside, it won’t be bad. I just called a friend about 1/4 mile away and he said it was very loud outside his house. That was through a lot of trees. Bears will run, I’ll bet.
I’m still trying to understand the phrase “above the pain threshold.” When one says that does it mean it’s painful or not painful?
Conversely, what does “below the pain threshold mean?”
I’m not talking about the air horns. I’m wanting to know the meaning of that phrase for my general knowledge.
First, I think the number is soft; it depends on the person and a lot of other things. Above the threshold means it hurts, discomfort or whatever. Below, well it doesn’t hurt as much. If you were exposed to 90 db for 8 hours you would not be happy. RvSue’s comfort threshold my be 50 db; soft conversation.
Maximum Recommended Noise Dose
Exposure Levels
Noise Level (dBA) Maximum Exposure Time per 24 Hours
85 8 hours
88 4 hours
91 2 hours
94 1 hour
97 30 minutes
100 15 minutes
103 7.5 minutes
106 3.7 minutes
109 112 seconds
112 56 seconds
115 28 seconds
118 14 seconds
121 7 seconds
124 3 seconds
127 1 second
130–140 less than 1 second
140 NO EXPOSURE
Decibels (dB(A)) Exposure level Common noise sources
140 Harmful to hearing Jet engine 25m away; Shotgun blast
130 Threshold of pain Jet takeoff 100m away
120 Disco; Propeller aircraft
110 Possible hearing loss Live band; Jet takeoff 600m away
100 Electric mower; Pneumatic drill; Tractor
90 Open top car ride on motorway; Food blender; Heavy traffic 5m away
80 Very noisy Alarm clock; Sink garbage disposal
70 Upper limit for hearing conversation Vacuum cleaner; Private car
60 Conversation at 1m; Singing birds
50 Quiet Light traffic 30m away; Quiet office
40 Dripping tap; Library
30 Very quiet Soft whisper at 5m
20 Broadcasting studio
10 Leaves rustling
0 Threshold of hearing
threshold-what is placed at the bottom of a doorway into a structure housing grain,creating a “hold” for the edible heavy parts of the threshed grain to fall into and remain in, while the lighter inedible chaff blows out the now smaller opening one has to step over to cross.People used broad tined winnowing rakes to throw the harvest airward,the motion and building design separated what should be allowed to enter a humans body from what is unacceptably unhealthy.Today’s application-above the pain threshold=unacceptable by virtue of likelihood to cause lasting damage ,below can be dealt with as being a passing discomfort.
Help, help Please I need help!
I have been trying to get the electrical diagram (schematic) for RvSue’s Casita, a 17 foot Liberty Deluxe?
Casita is being slow about approving my application to the forum and I need the diagram for this horn design.
Is this it mick:
I couldn’t get into casita club but this was on fiberglass rv forum
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21783&d=1247852043
They won’t let me see the document without registering. Would you do me a big favor and download the .pdf file and send that to me.
Thanks Cindy
I sent it three ways….hopefully you got it and can view it. I think you ran off and are now in your shop building it!
Oh and by the way….it’s in another language. 😉
Thanks cinandjules(NY)
Thanks to Phyllis in Oklahoma I have the 12 volt wiring diagram that I needed.
3D CAD of the RV Emergency Airhorn
http://s20.photobucket.com/user/mickent/library/RV%20Emergency%20Horn
or
http://s20.photobucket.com/user/mickent/slideshow/RV%20Emergency%20Horn
Hahaha! I LOVE IT!
With 1X and 1 bar I can’t open up the CAD. The slideshow won’t run either. The photos are lined up in the “tray” at the bottom of the screen. I enlarged the page to get a good look at it. SWEET!
Thanks, Mick. I really do love it. Again, simplicity of design, elegance of function.
I thought having the horns facing downward would look dumb. It doesn’t. It’s cool.!
The colors are to show the different parts. The orange and aqua parts will be black. The knobs will be as shown with knurling.
Great “coincidence” having Mick post the visual on the same date Sue posted Beach Bums with the perfect shot of the BLT and antennae pole to envision it on.Made it easy to “see” with one click of the back arrow button.
Spike sleeping inside….dreaming with his paws twitching… Bridget watching RVSue creep around the BLT trying to close the windows! Finger on the button….presto!
Hey you can use it if you get locked in the BLT! Not a whammy of course!
I could have used it last night while everyone here was celebrating Pioneer Day with anything that would make noise . . . loud music, fireworks, and RVSue’s air horn! (although I do have my little air horn in a drawer… didn’t think of that..)
Things are GOOD! I tested the air horn with 25 feet of tubing and it is still very loud. I’ll do a measurement later with my sound meter. To get the sound meter to read to 140 db, I need to move it the square root of 10 further away. The meter calibration distance is 1 meter (39.37 inches) so the new distance will be 3.162 X 1 meter or 124.5 inches (10 feet, 4.5 inches). The meter reading will be 10 less than the actual db when the meter is located 10′ 4.5″ from the horn. So now you know Cindy.
I measured the air pressure when the horn was blowing and it was under 20 PSI. This will allow the use of a soft, flexible air line that will coil up easily with the antenna coax.
RvSue, I need you to find the 12 volt fuse. I think you will find it in the battery compartment. I need a picture of it. The fuse should be 20 amps and we need to increase it to 25. The circuit is wired with 12 gauge wire and the US Coast Guard says that is good for 20 feet at 25 amps. The air horn compressor draws 19 amps so your existing 20 amp fuse may be OK, but I thought I would include a 25 amp fuse in case it blows.
http://www.bluesea.com/files/resources/newsletter/images/DC_wire_selection_chartlg.jpg
More later, Blogorineos.
Mick,
There’s a 15 amp fuse for the 12v outlet. I’m familiar with it because I’ve replaced it twice. The fuses aren’t in the battery compartment. There’s a box accessed from the aisle. It’s located near the floor next to the kitchen sink area.
Why do you need a picture of it? It’s a standard automotive, blade-type fuse. I have the same type fuse in 25 amp.
YES, THINGS ARE LOOKIN’ GOOD! (You love this stuff, don’t you, Mick. hee-hee)
Good; according to the wiring diagram it has 12 guage wire and 12 gauge wire can take 25 amps for a 20 foot run. You could try a 20 amp fuse first and only go the 25 if the 20 blows. This will work good.
What is the distance from the cigarette outlet to the wall where you want to put the panic button?
I assume you want me to follow hard surfaces which means a 90 degree turn. Right? (I know, dumb question.)
And I have a 20 amp fuse.
5 inches from cigarette outlet to wall, from that point 10 inches down the wall.
Thanks, I’ll make the wire a bit long as it is much easier to shorten than lengthen.
Okay.
Huh? Was that the plain speak version?
You lost me at the….I need to move it the square root of ten…….
It is now later so here are the test results:
One foot air line > 133.2 db
25 foot air line > 132.9 db
Test setup > http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/mickent/RV%20Emergency%20Horn/HornTestSetupDb1_zps99297c0f.jpg
This is happy news. 🙂
I am quite sure I’ll be ready to ship the “Bearterrorizer” by Monday August fourth. If you will be near a receiving point around that time please send the address. USPS is easiest for me.
I’m thrilled, Mick! You work fast. I’ll give you a post office general delivery address as soon as we’re settled in a camp around the 4th-8th.
Great timing . . . . I may very well be in grizzly country before the summer’s over. Thank you, Mick. You’re the best LTA a girl could ever have. 🙂
We need a good name: BLToot, Barterrizer, ScootSkum.
Come on creative Blogorino’s, name the BLT air horn???
A simple name . . . The Tooter. 🙂
How about….exterMICKnator! Hahhhh
Looks like an electrician in Wyoming will have something interesting to install for a change!I’d love to see the look on their face when they’re shown this whole concept.Surely the combination of antennae,pole,mounts ,air horn,solar panels system of attachment-all being original designs will wake them up enough to ensure their best work is done that day!Admiration salute being sent as I raise my coffee cup to you 🙂
An electrician won’t be needed. That’s the beauty of Mick’s design. As I understand it, all I do is attach the air horns to the pole, connect the wires, hang up the “panic” button, and plug it in to the 12 volt socket in the BLT. Presto!
I have people coming up to me frequently to ask about the antenna pole on the BLT and the solar panel on the PTV. I expect the air horns will stir up some curiosity, too.
Oh,for some reason I still thought wiring the compressor to 12 volt buss was something he didn’t expect you to tackle.I’ll love finding out how pleased you are when it’s done,that’s easier to picture then the steps involved to get there 🙂
I won’t have to wire anything because Mick is putting a cigarette-type plug on the device and the BLT has a cigarette-type outlet to receive it. Cool, eh?
Way!
And if bad comes to worse, the horns could be utilized as a “backup alarm!” (Heh, Heh!)
You know what, Don? The PTV has a back-up alarm. . . . those annoying things that beep-beep-beep whenever you drive in reverse. Boy, I had them disconnected in a hurry!
Hi Sue,
I love your blog and read it every day. I appreciate your style of writing and sense of humor and I have to tell you how much I admire you for your lifestyle. You are ONE BRAVE WOMAN!!
My husband and I are slowly preparing to rv fulltime; we can’t wait!! Our house is up for sale and we’ve had 3 yard sales and have the rest of our acquired junk online, several sites, for sale.
My question is this…you are on medicare/supplement. So am I. But if I go outside my hmo, it doesn’t pay much. How did you avoid that? You can pm if you like. I get more info from your blog than any other of the fulltimers. Thanks!!! Diane
Diane… I’m moving your comment to the main page’s comments section and will reply to it over there. It will take me a few minutes. This Air Horn page is a temporary page.
Nice backyard Mick!
I think I missed the panic button part…..gotta go back and re read!
Do you mean M4 > Mix mildly manicured meadow, an environmentally superior lawn substitute, with low maintenance. LOL
http://s20.photobucket.com/user/mickent/slideshow/M4%20-%20Mix%20mildly%20manicured%20meadow
Did you read where I named your project
ExternMICKnator!
Yes, I saw it. It’s cute but it makes me think I’m going to exterminate Mick. 🙁
I’ll probably go with “the tooter.” It’s descriptive and new readers will catch on easily what I’m referring to.
The Tooter is on its way to Pinedale!
Hooray!Guess this page will be on it’s way to removal soon.Thanks for letting me watch how you developed the idea into reality and beyond
I came to this page a bit late (oops), but just wanted to check on something. Mick, you sound like a fantastic engineer, so you probably have this in hand, but I figured it can’t hurt to check (and I didn’t see it specifically mentioned):
You wrote this:
“Good; according to the wiring diagram it has 12 guage wire and 12 gauge wire can take 25 amps for a 20 foot run. You could try a 20 amp fuse first and only go the 25 if the 20 blows. This will work good.”
I just wanted to make sure that you knew (accounted for) the fact that a DC run has to be counted in both directions. In other words, if the positive wire is 20 feet long, then the negative wire is also 20 feet long, and that counts as a 20 foot circuit (not a 20 foot one). So, to put it another way, a wire length of 20 feet from the object to the fuse is a 40 foot run (’cause you have to count it round trip).
I have seen some charts that “do that for you” and so when they say 20′ they “know” it’s really 40 feet; but I don’t think Blue Sea does this (to their credit, as the other way seems more confusing to me, especially since it is not always clearly stated).
Cool project!
Gaah, horrible typo on my part. I wrote:
“In other words, if the positive wire is 20 feet long, then the negative wire is also 20 feet long, and that counts as a 20 foot circuit (not a 20 foot one)”
That last bit should be “counts as a [b]40[/b] foot circuit (not a 20 foot one).”
Geesh, bad proofreading on my part.
And so much for my “bold” tags!
And I think the outlet is less than 10 feet from the distribution center. It is a close situation but the horn duty cycle will be very low and it is double fused; one in the plug I wired to the compressor and one in the BLT. Think about how long the toot of a horn is … 1001, 1002, 1003 … that is a long toot; maybe 5 times a year?? OK
test Test
Understand your reasoning, and yeah duty cycle is pretty short (or someone will go deaf!). I didn’t know the one-way distance was 10′ either. Thanks for replying.
Did I hear a “TOOT” ??