Carson LCS-7-01 User Manual

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Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

5451 North Rural Street

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.carsonsirens.com

TECHNICAL BULLETIN

ELP
STBY
WAIL

OFF

1

2

ON
OFF
RAD

3

LCS-7

MAN/PHSR

L ALY AUX 2

OLUME

RADHORN

UX 1R ALY

PA

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATING MANUAL

LCS-7-01 14V

Carson is a trademark of Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>120dBA @ 10 feet) may cause hearing damage.

Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.

(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)

TB0349A Page 1 of 12 09/22/05

LCS-7-01 SPECIFICATIONS

AMPLIFIER INPUT POWER: 9-16 Volts DC, 8 Amps DC per 100W Speaker

SIREN MODE
OUTPUT POWER: 15 VDC input, 100W speaker(s)

One speaker – 105 Watts RMS

Two speakers - 180 Watts RMS

AUDIO MODE
OUTPUT POWER: 14 VDC input, 100W speaker(s)

One speaker – 40 Watts RMS

Two speakers - 80 Watts RMS

SIREN
FREQUENCY: 700Hz - 1450Hz Nominal

CYCLE RATES: WAIL - 15 cycles/min

YELP - 210 cycles/min
PHASER - 15 cycle/sec
TWO-TONE – 1 cycle/min

AUDIO
RESPONSE: 200Hz - 10KHz +/-3db

Harmonic Distortion Less than 3% @ 1KHz

RADIO INPUT
SENSITIVITY: 0.75VAC Input Min. for 40 Watts RMS Output (1 spkr)

OPERATING
TEMPERATURE: -15° F to +140° F

SIZE: 6-1/8" Wide X 2-3/4" High X 5-7/8" Deep

WEIGHT: 5 pounds

NIGHT VISIBILITY: Backlit front control panel when power is on

AMPLIFIER PROTECTION: High Voltage – Siren output stops with input voltage above highest rating

Stops high output power from blowing speaker

Reverse Polarity – Fuse(s) blows when power is wired backwards
Shorted Output – Fuse(s) blows if speaker shorts (a common problem)

LIGHT CONTROL INPUT POWER: 9-16 Volts DC, 140 Amps Max. not including siren input current.

LEVER SWITCH OUTPUTS: 30 Amps Max. per circuit, 60Amps Max. Total.

FOUR AUXILIARY OUTPUTS: 20 Amps Max. per circuit.

LIGHT C0NTROL PROTECTION: None.

NOTICE

Due to continuous product improvements, we must reserve the right to change any specifications and information,
contained in this manual at any time without notice.
Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to,
the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.

TB0349A Page 2 of 12 09/22/05

INSTALLATION

Proper installation of the unit is essential for years of safe, reliable operation. Please read all instruction before
installing the unit. Failure to follow these instructions can cause serious damage to the unit or vehicle and may void
warranties.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

For the safety of the installer, vehicle operator, passengers and the community please observe the following safety
precautions. Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result in property damage, injury or

death.
Qualifications - The installer must have a firm knowledge of basic electricity, vehicle electrical systems and

emergency equipment.

Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>120dBA @ 10 feet) may cause hearing damage.

Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.

(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)

Mounting - Mount the unit for easy access by the vehicle operator. DO NOT mount in air bag deployment area.
Assure clearances before drilling in vehicle. To prevent internal damage mounting bolts must not enter case more
than 1/4".
Wiring - Use wiring capable of handling the current required. Make sure all connections are tight. Route wiring to
prevent wear, overheating and interference with air bag deployment. Install and check all wiring before connection to
vehicle battery.
Testing - Test all siren functions after installation to assure proper operation. Test vehicle operation to assure no
damage to vehicle.
Keep These Instructions - Keep these instructions in the vehicle or other safe place for future reference. Advise the
vehicle operator of the location.

MOUNTING

The mounting bracket supplied can be installed above or below the unit. Choose a mounting location convenient to
the operator and away from any air bag deployment areas. Inspect behind mounting area for clearance. Assure
adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Consider wire routing and access to connections, as well as microphone
bracket placement. Install mounting bracket to vehicle using 1/4" hardware (not supplied).
If mounting in a rack or console, make sure that mounting bolts do not enter case more than 1/4".

A microphone clip along with mounting screws (CP3633) holds the microphone in place.

CP3571 Mounting Bracket

1/4-20 Bolt
(CP3966)

Bolt must not pass through
cover more than 1/4”

TB0349A Page 3 of 12 09/22/05

INSTALLER-SELECTABLE OPTIONS

Carefully cutting programming resistor jumpers or traces on the printed circuit
board inside the case can select various options. The cover must be removed
to access the jumpers. The cover is held in place by a snap-fastener on the
back of the unit. Hold the unit with the front case flange on the edge of a hard
surface and press hard on the back of the unit. The chassis will slide out the

FUSE

T-T AUX P CUT P PHSR AUX I

front of the cover.

Auxiliary Input Function - The auxiliary input normally activates the Horn

OPTION JUMPERS

function. To activate the Man/Phsr function with the auxiliary input cut the
jumper resistor labeled "AUX I".

Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated by connecting to ground. To activate by connecting
to positive cut the jumper resistor labeled "AUX P".

Cutout Input Polarity - The cutout input is normally activated by connecting to ground. To activate by connecting to
positive cut the jumper resistor labeled "CUT P".

Two-Tone - Two-Tone can replace Phaser by cutting the jumper resistor labeled "T-T".

Phaser Disable - The Phaser function can be completely disabled by cutting the jumper resistor labeled "PHSR".

Horn Ring Cycler option (HRC) - This option allows selection of Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby by repeatedly

pressing horn ring or other switch connected to the auxiliary input. It is selected by cutting both the "AUX I" and
"PHSR" jumper resistors. This disables Phaser operation in the Wail or Yelp positions

Horn Disable - The Horn function can b e disabled by cutting the trace on the back of the
board at the location designated "cut to disable horn".

Cut to
Disable horn

Automatic Siren Disable - To disable automatic siren operation when the lever switch is in position 3, cut and remove
the red wire attached to the lever switch relay board inside the unit.

TB0349A Page 4 of 12 09/22/05

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Disconnect vehicle battery before making any electrical connections.

Make electrical connections with supplied terminal block plug for siren functions and spliced lead wires for light control
outputs. Wiring is not supplied.

Siren Connections

Electrical connections to the siren section are made
using a removable terminal block plug located on the
back. A label on the unit identifies the terminal function.
You should install the connector on the unit before
wiring. If the unit needs service the connector can be
easily removed without unwiring the connector.
The power supply of the unit must be capable of
delivering peak currents up to 50 amps for adequate
short circuit protection and reliable operation. The
preferred source is directly at the vehicle battery. The
unit is internally fused.
Attach leads by stripping 3/8", inserting into connector
and clamp by tightening screw. Make sure the screw is
tight and the wire can't be pulled out. Failure to

adequately tighten the screw can result in improper
operation or burning the connector and wire.

Wire Size and Termination - The diagram shows the

minimum wire size used for each connection, along with
recommended lead color. If the wire is longer than 10 ft.
use the next larger wire size. Use only high quality
crimp connectors for installation on the vehicle.

(2) #22 A WG BLU
Connect to output

jac k, ter mi nals or
spe a k er of r adi o

(2) #18 AWG BRN

(#16 - 2 SPKR)

2 - SPKR - C onn ect for

same phase (+ to +)

RADIO

••••••••••

POS →

POS →

RAD →

RAD →

SPKR →

SPKR →

CONNECTIONS AT REAR OF UNIT WITH

CP4688-10 POWER CONNECTOR (10-Pin)

AU X →

#2 2 A WG WH T (S ee bel o w)

#2 2 A WG GR N ( Se e bel o w)

CUT →

NEG →

NEG →

#1 4 A WG R ED

Use second lead

for 2 - SPKR

+

BAT

-

#14 AWG BLK

Use second lead

for 2 - SPKR

Header

10-P Terminal Block Plug (CP4688-10)

Install with screw terminals face down

TB0349A Page 5 of 12 09/22/05

Auxiliary Input Connection - The Auxiliary
Input allows activation by an external source

+VDC

of either the Horn or Man/Phsr function. The
adjacent diagram shows three connection
examples. See the INSTALLER­SELECTABLE OPTIONS section for

HOR N

RING

SWITCH

SP LICE

programming details.
If positive switching is used for the auxiliary
(AUX) Input and the connection to the

AUX

destination device (horn) is removed a
resistor (1 supplied) must be added between
the AUX input and ground for proper

+VDC Switching examples

Must cut AUX P option resistor

operation. A symptom of this problem is
continual activation of the auxiliary function
when the horn ring is not pressed.
NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the
vehicle horn is NOT recommended.

Cutout Input Connection - The Cutout Input turns off any
siren tone output when activated, and remains off until a control
is activated or changed. The adjacent diagram shows two
connection examples. See the INSTALLER-SELECTABLE
OPTIONS section for programming details.

+VDC

Adde d

HOR N

RING

SWITCH

HOR N

AUX (Add resistor to GND)

SPDT

Switch

Ad ded r esi stor t o GN D

1K @ 1/4 w att

••••••••••

POS →

SPKR →

SPKR →

ADDED RESISTOR FOR

POSITIVE SWITCHING

+VDC

DOOR

SWITCH

+VDC Switching

Must cut CUT P option resistor

SP LIC E

CUT

Example

HOR N

POS →

DOM E
LIGHT

MOMENTARY

FOOT

SWITCH

AUX

-VDC

switching

example

RAD →

CUT →

RAD →

AU X →

NEG →

NEG →

ADDED

DOOR

SWITCH

CUT

-VDC

switching

example

TB0349A Page 6 of 12 09/22/05

Light Control Connections

In addition to these instructions a label located on the bottom of the unit shows the light control switch connections.

Fuses / Breakers

The lighting control circuits of this unit are not fused

. Automotive fuses or circuit breakers must be connected

between the power source and the unit properly rated for the circuit requirements. Failure to install proper circuit

breakers or fuses can result in damage to the unit and/or vehicle.

Lever Switch Connections

The following diagram shows proper connection of the lever switch leads located at the rear.

Note: Negative (NEG) connection must also be made on 10-Pin connector for proper operation.

Recommended

Wire Size

Amps Size

5 - 10 #16

10 - 15 #14

15 - 25 #12

25 - 40 #10

40 - 60 #8

60 - 80 #6

Use next larger size

if longer than 10 ft.

LOAD 1

LOAD 2

LOAD 3

YEL

GRN

RED

Circuit Breaker

or Fu se

60 AMP Max.

+

BLU

Off 1 2 3

Lever

Positi on

Off All off

1 Load 1 only

2 Loads 1 and 2
3 Loads 1, 2 and 3

BATT

-

Turns

On

TB0349A Page 7 of 12 09/22/05

Light Control Rocker Switch Connections

The following diagram shows proper connection of the rocker switch leads located at the rear.

Note: Negative (NEG) connection must also be made on 10-Pin connector for rocker switches to light up.

WARNING: The lighting control circuits of this unit are not fused

. Automotive fuses or circuit breakers must be

connected between the power source and the unit properly rated for the circuit requirements. Failure to install

proper circuit breakers or fuses can result in damage to the unit and/or vehicle.

A B C D

GRN

LOAD A

YEL

BLU

YEL

RED

A B C D

LOAD B

+

BATT

-

Switch Lead Sets

Switch Leads Hole

A GRN/YEL Center

B BLU/RED Center

C GRN/YEL Left
D BLU/RED Left

Recommended

Wire Size

Amps Size

5 - 10 #16

10 - 15 #14

15 - 30 #12

30 - 40 #10

40 - 50 #8

50 - 60 #6

Use next larger size

i f lo ng e r t ha n 1 0 ft .

LOAD C

LOAD D

GRN

BLU

Circu i t B rea ker s

or Fu ses

20 AMP Max.

RED

TB0349A Page 8 of 12 09/22/05

OPERATION

Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>120dBA @ 10 feet) may cause hearing damage.

Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.

(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)

SIREN CONTROLS

Two 3-position rocker switches control the primary operating modes of siren.
These modes are as follows:

On: Applies power to the siren system for operation independent of

light control system. It also turns on backlighting for night use.
The switch should be turned off when vehicle is not being used to

YELP
STBY
WAIL

ON
OFF
RAD

conserve battery power.

Off: Turns off power to the siren section.

Radio: This mode reproduces, or repeats, the output of a radio. The radio must be connected and RADIO

VOLUME on the face adjusted. No siren tones or PA operation are available in this position.

Wail: The siren produces a normal rise-fall tone pattern. This mode may be used on highways or areas with

constant traffic flow.

Yelp: The siren produces a moderate warble tone. This mode may be used in lightly congested areas.

Standby: A silent mode that allows Manual, Horn and Public Address operation.

Manual /
Phaser: With the mode switch in the Standby position this push-button switch

provides Manual siren tone control, rising when pressed and falling when
released. When the mode switch is in the Yelp or Wail positions, the
push-button provides Phaser tone. This tone is a very fast warble tone

MAN/PHSR HORN

used at intersections or in highly congested areas. Pressing the button
once changes to the Phaser tone and pressing again changes the tone
back to Yelp or Wail. Optional operation includes replacement of the
Phaser tone with Two-Tone or disabling the Phaser tone entirely

Horn: This push-button switch provides a simulated air-horn tone while pressed. This can be used to

supplement the normal vehicle horn and is useful at intersections or in low noise areas. This tone will
override all other siren tones.

PA: Pressing the microphone button in any mode except Radio changes the unit to PA (Public Address). The

siren mode resumes when the button is released. Adjust the PA Volume and hold the microphone close
to your lips for proper operation.

Volume Controls

Volume controls are provided for radio repeat function volume and public address volume.
These should be set when the vehicle is parked. Set the RAD volume with the selector switch
in the Radio position and the radio volume set to desired level. Set the PA volume to the
maximum level with no feedback (squeal).

VOLUME

RAD PA

TB0349A Page 9 of 12 09/22/05

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Auxiliary Input

During installation an auxiliary input may be connected to the horn ring or other switching device. It provides the same
operation as pressing the Horn button or optionally the Man/Phsr button.

Cutout

During installation a cutout input may be connected to a door switch. It turns off any siren tone when the door is
opened. The siren tone will continue to be cut off even when the door is closed. Changing any siren control switch or
input will restore normal function.

Horn Ring Cycler (Optional)

During installation, the auxiliary input may be connected to the horn ring or other switching device, and the HRC option
programmed. With the mode switch set to the Standby position, the horn ring can be pressed repeatedly to select the
Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby tones or modes in succession. Operating any other switch resumes normal
operation. Please note that this option disables Phaser selection in the Wail or Yelp selector switch positions.

LIGHT SYSTEM CONTROLS

This unit provides large, durable switches for light control function. A 4-position lever switch provides control of
primary lighting functions. It also provides automatic activation of the siren system.
Setting the siren control switch to the On position can turn on backlighting of the light control switches.

Lever Switch

The lever switch provides additive control of lighting functions. Position 1 turns on a
single lighting function, such as lights pointing to the rear. Position 2 turns on an

OFF 1 2 3

additional light function, such as lights pointing to the front. Position 3 turns on an
additional 3rd lighting function, such as strobes. Position 3 also turns on a siren
function (see below). The installer determines actual function.

Automatic Siren

Position 3 of the lever switch provides automatic siren control. With both siren control rocker switches set at center
position (Stby/Off) the unit will activate the Wail siren tone. With the siren control switches set at Yelp/Off position 3
will activate the Yelp siren tone. The Man/Phsr and Horn switches will operate as if the siren control switches were set
at the corresponding positions. PA override is also functional. Automatic siren operation will not work if the right siren
control switch is set in the Rad position or the installer has disabled the function.

Rocker Switches

Four rocker switches are provided for various other lighting functions, such as alley lights, deck lights, headlight
flashers, etc. The switches light when turned on for night use.

L ALY

UX 1R ALY

UX 2

TB0349A Page 10 of 12 09/22/05

SERVICE

This unit is designed to provide years of reliable service under even the worst conditions. Many times there may
appear to be a problem with the unit when the true problem is in the speaker(s), controlled devices, or improper
installation. The following chart shows typical symptoms and possible causes.

A blown internal siren fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead is shorted this
fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and replace the fuse. If the unit itself emits a
low level sound when in the Yelp position it is OK. Check the speaker(s) or leads for possible shorting.

PROBLEMS

Symptom Possible Cause Check

No Power or siren output Power switch not turned on

Bad Speaker
Connector or connections loose
Internal siren fuse blown

Loose connection at power source
No siren tone –
PA works

No PA PA volume not set properly

Distorted siren sound Speaker assembly loose

Intermittent siren tone High Voltage Protection

Horn or Manual or
Phaser stuck on

No Radio Unit not connected to a radio

Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option installed.

Phaser not working Phaser disabled Is the PHSR option jumper cut?
Horn not working Horn disabled Is the trace cut that disables the Horn switch?
Automatic Siren not
working
Automatic Siren in all
lever switch positions

Lever switch not working
in all positions
Lever switch not working
in some positions
Lever switch not working
in some positions
Lever switch output
stays on
Rocker switch outputs
not working

High Voltage Protection

Mic button stuck

Cutout activated

Cutout Polarity Option set wrong

Selector in Radio position

Intermittent Aux Input connection

Low vehicle voltage

Connector or connections loose

Loose connection at power source

Mic button activation

Circuit breaker in supply

connection

Horn switch stuck

Man/Phsr switch stuck

Aux Input improperly connected

Aux Input Polarity Option set

wrong

Radio volume too low

Aux Input set to wrong function

Selector in Radio position

Automatic Siren disabled

No power to red lever switch lead Do the lever switch relays turn on devices?

No power to red lever switch lead

No ground at siren connector

Loose lever switch output

connection on lead

Loose lever switch output

connection on lead

Internal relay contacts fused from

overheating

No power to rocker switch

Loose rocker switch output

connection on lead

Does backlighting come on?
Do you hear a “pop” when turned on?

With siren on, yelp selected, listen for tone in amplifier.

Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the power leads connected to a good buss?
The input voltage must be less than highest rating.
Does mic button release properly?
Does siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?
Is the CUT P option properly configured?
Try turning the PA volume control.
PA is not available in the Radio position.
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
The input voltage must be greater than lowest rating.
Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?
Is the connector tight on the back of the unit?
Check for loose leads back to power source.
Is something lying on the microphone?
Is a circuit breaker used with at least 50A rating?

Does the Horn switch return fully when released?
Does the Man/Phsr switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the AUX P option properly configured?

Is the radio connected properly to the unit?
Can you hear the radio in the vehicle?
Try turning the RAD volume control.
Is the T-T option jumper cut?
Is the AUX I option jumper configured properly?

Siren tone is not available in Radio position.
Is the internal red lead cut from lever switch board?

Check for power at red lever switch lead.

Do the lever switch indicators light?
Check for power at red lever switch lead.
Does the lever switch indicator light?

Does the lever switch indicator light?

Is the output current exceeding 20AMPS?

Is the corresponding fuse blown?
Does the rocker switch indicator light turn on?

TB0349A Page 11 of 12 09/22/05

A

A

ALY

V

Y

RETURN

If you have any questions concerning this or any other Carson product, please contact our Technical Service
Department at [phone]. Many issues can be handled over the phone. We can also be reached via e-mail at
[e-mail]

If a product must be returned for any reason, please contact our Technical Service Department to obtain a Returned
Merchandise Authorization number (RMA#) before you ship the product to Carson. Please write the RMA# clearly on
the package near the mailing label. Be sure to provide a return address, contact and phone number, along with a brief
description of the problem.

PARTS

7

1

11

ELP

STBY
WAIL

OFF

1

2

10

ON

OFF

MAN/PHSR

RAD

2

3

L ALY

LCS-7

5

OLUME

PA

RAD

HORN

R

UX 2

UX 1

9

12

8

6

3

13

4

Item Part # Description

1 Actuator, white (for rocker selector switch) (substitute CP4968 red actuator)

CP3966 Bolt, mounting, 1/4-20 X 3/8 (2 required)

CP3571 Bracket, mounting
2 CP4686 Button, white (for pushbutton switch) (substitute CP4837 red button)
3 CP4687-10 Connector, 10-P header
4 CP4688-10 Connector, 10-P terminal block plug
5 CP4684 Control, volume, PA or RAD (1K ohm)
6 CP4691-1 Cover with stud (does not include CP4690 Chassis)
7 CP4700 Knob, lever switch, red (substitute CP4960 black knob)
8 CP4692 Label, front panel (substitute CP4844 label)

CP3570 Microphone, Noise Canceling

CP3633 Microphone clip with mounting screws

SR-15-1 Microphone strain relief

CP4701 Relay, 40A SPST light control
9 CP4699 Switch, lever

10 CP4685 Switch, pushbutton, Horn or Man/Phsr
11 CP4695 Switch, rocker selector, YELP-STBY-WAIL or ON-OFF-RAD (includes red actuator)
12 CP4696 Switch, rocker, Aux light control
13 CP4119 Transistor, output (2 required) (Industry standard TIP36C, Not Texas Instruments)

ED1558 Kit, Hardware (includes CP3966 bolts, CP4688-10 connector, CP3633 mic clip)

TB0349A Page 12 of 12 09/22/05