Propane cannons are devices used to scare away nuisance birds from agricultural fields. They produce loud explosive sounds to frighten birds and prevent them from feeding on crops. Propane cannons come in different sizes and decibel levels, with some models being louder than others. Farmers looking for maximum noise to scare birds over large areas often want to know which propane cannon is the overall loudest on the market.
What is a propane cannon?
A propane cannon is a gas-powered noisemaking device that runs on propane. It consists of a propane tank connected to a combustion chamber with an ignition source. When turned on, it sends an electrical spark to ignite a controlled explosion of propane gas which creates a loud bang. The noise is designed to frighten pesky birds away from crops.
Propane cannons are also sometimes known as bird bangers, bird bombs, or bird scarers. They offer an alternative to pesticides for agricultural bird control. The loud noises scare birds but do not cause permanent harm.
How do propane cannons work?
Here are the general steps a propane cannon goes through during operation:
- Propane gas from a tank flows into a combustion chamber
- An electronic ignition source creates a spark
- The gas ignites in a controlled explosion, creating a loud bang
- A timing device automatically resets and repeats the banging sound every few minutes
The combustion chamber allows a controlled amount of propane to ignite, creating a louder and more focused bang than an open explosion. The periodic banging noises frighten birds away. The sounds are random to prevent birds from getting used to regular timing.
Loudest Propane Cannons
Several manufacturers produce propane cannons that claim to be the loudest on the market. Following are some of the loudest models available.
Zon Mark 4
– Decibel level: Over 180 dB at 40 feet
– Designed for very large areas up to 180 acres
– Runs on a 20 lb. propane tank
– Features one of the highest decibel outputs of any cannon
Reed Joseph Electronix Propane Cannon
– Decibel level: 162-168 dB
– Covers areas up to around 40-50 acres
– Equipped with a noise dampener to direct sound output upward
– Has user-adjustable settings for sound frequency
Midwest Cannon Sledger
– Decibel level: Around 160-165 dB
– For areas up to 60 acres
– Has a two-step electric spark ignition for reliable performance
– All stainless steel construction
| Cannon | Decibel Level | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Zon Mark 4 | Over 180 dB | Up to 180 acres |
| Reed Joseph Electronix | 162-168 dB | Up to 40-50 acres |
| Midwest Cannon Sledger | 160-165 dB | Up to 60 acres |
As the data shows, the Zon Mark 4 produces the loudest claimed decibel level at over 180 dB. This makes it suitable for very large agricultural fields up to 180 acres. The Reed Joseph Electronix and Midwest Cannon models produce slightly lower decibel levels but are still among the loudest cannons available.
Factors affecting loudness
Several factors affect how loud a particular propane cannon will sound:
– Maximum decibel output – The cannon’s specs will indicate its decibel level measured at a standard distance, allowing comparison between models. A higher dB output means louder sound.
– Distance – Decibel level drops significantly with distance from the cannon. A 180 dB cannon at 40 feet may produce just 110-120 dB at 500 feet.
– Direction – A cannon focused to project sound upward will seem quieter at ground level. Some models aim sound sideways to cover wider areas.
– Gas pressure – Higher propane tank pressure can increase explosive force for louder bangs. Too much pressure risks damage.
– Frequency settings – Adjustable cannons allow tuning the bang frequency, from one per minute to one every 10+ minutes. Less frequent bangs seem louder.
– Location – Positioning the cannon elevated on a stand can increase the distance its sound travels. Surrounding objects and terrain also affect sound projection.
So while specifications can indicate the maximum loudness, real-world results depend on factors like placement and settings.
Usage Tips for Propane Cannons
Here are some tips to use propane cannons most effectively:
Position strategically
– Place cannons within 100-200 feet of the area needing protection. Closer positioning allows louder sound levels at the target area.
– Elevate cannons using stands/platforms to increase the distance the sound can travel.
– Position them upwind of the protected area so the wind helps carry the sound.
– Make sure the cannons have an open field of fire without buildings or landmasses blocking sound projection.
Adjust frequency settings
– Use random, unpredictable firing intervals from 5-15 minutes. This prevents birds from getting accustomed to regular timing.
– Lengthen the interval between firings as much as feasible to increase the startle factor of each bang.
– Utilize any remote programming features to frequently alter timing patterns.
Move cannons regularly
– Shift cannons to different locations around the property every 2-3 days. This helps prevent birds pinpointing their exact locations.
– Try positioning some cannons closer to bird entry/exit flight paths to scare them most effectively.
Combine with other methods
– Use propane cannons alongside other techniques like reflective tape, predator bird kites, or distress call systems for enhanced effectiveness. Varying multiple scare tactics works best.
Following these tips will help maximize the loudness and bird-scaring capabilities of propane cannons protecting crops. Check that cannons are legal in your local area first.
Conclusion
In summary, propane cannons are an effective bird deterrent tool for agriculture. The loudest cannons can produce over 180 decibels measured close by. This intense noise frightens birds away from up to 180 acres. The Zon Mark 4 cannon has among the highest sound output of available models.
Several factors like placement, direction, and frequency settings affect the loudness of propane cannons in real field use. Following usage tips like optimal positioning, elevation, and timing adjustments enables farmers to achieve the maximum sound levels from their cannons. Combining propane cannons with other scare tactics provides best results in keeping birds away from crops. Carefully selected high-decibel cannons are the loudest propane scare devices available.
