Low Head Foghorn
The only operational "G" type diaphone in the world
In 1929 the Foghorn was installed at the Low Head Lightstation to warn ships masters, by means of a unique signal, that they were approaching the shore of Low Head, hidden by heavy river and sea fog. The Foghorn was installed and operated by the Australian Government Shipping and Navigation Authorities. In 1973 its use was abandoned because of technical advances in navigation. "The Sound Had Gone". With responsibility moving from one Commonwealth Department to another, the installation remained untouched for 27 years. In 2000-2001 a group of volunteers, in conjunction with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Department (the present owners of the equipment), decided to investigate the possibility of restoring the Foghorn to its former glory. The "roar of 1000 elephants" from the restored foghorn may be heard as it is operated every Sunday by the Pilot Station Support Group's foghorn team.
- Specifications
- Type "G" Diaphone.
- Date Built: 1929.
- Builder: Chance Brothers
- Two Reavell air compressors (1 standby) supplied air to two joined/tandem air receivers each with a capacity of 7.5 cubic metres to an operating pressure of 35lbs/sq.in
- Original Engine: Model 2 DCR 19hp
- Engine Builder: Gardener
- Fuel : Kerosene
- Current engine: Induction motor 20hp
- Fuel: Electric
- More technical details may be found in the document Fog Horn used at Low Head lighthouse, Tasmania by Lyndon O'Grady of the Navigation Safety Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Gardner Engine Model 2 DCR
The Gardner Model 2 DCR engine is located at the Low Head Fog Horn in Northern Tasmania. Originally one of two installed in 1929 it was used to drive the compressor to pressurise the air receivers. It is started using petrol then after a few minutes changed over to kerosene. We believe it to be one of the last working motors of this type. It is no longer used for the Low Head Fog Horn operations. It is started periodically and maintained by volunteers of the Low Head Pilot Station Support Group.