Klaxon

"Unscheduled off-world activation!"

- Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman

The alarm klaxon, or base alarm, is a mechanism that is installed in Stargate Command.

Types
The alarm klaxon has three blaring modes: a high-pitched mode used for unscheduled off-world activations, a low-pitched mode used for internal conflicts, and a slow low-pitched mode used for the self-destruct countdown. Several types of alarm klaxons exist, inlcuding stationary klaxons, vibrating klaxons, and spinning klaxons. All types of klaxons, except the vibrating klaxon, can illuminate the immediate area.

The klaxon button is a large red button that activates the part of the klaxon system designed to deal with internal conflicts.

Placement
The embarkation room of Stargate Command contains two spinning klaxons, one next to each exit door; additionally, two vibrating klaxons also exist on either side of the Stargate. One stationary klaxon exists in the control room, above the gate technician's head, and stationary klaxons are found throughout the rest of the base. Additionally, a number of klaxons seem to work when the SGC's main power is down; thus, the klaxons are powered by the base's auxiliary power system.

Use
The alarm klaxon is automatically activated by a program each time the Stargate receives an incoming wormhole. The klaxon can also be manually activated through a klaxon button in case of an emergency. To differentiate between off-world activations and internal conflicts, the button is designed to activate the production of a lower pitched sound. When the base self-destruct is activated, a slower, lower-pitched sound is produced by the klaxons. If the base power is ever lost, the spinning and stationary klaxons serve as mechanisms of illumination for the base personnel.