Carson SA-385-10 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

5451 North Rural Street

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.carsonsirens.com

SA-385-10

SIREN AMPLIFIER

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING

INSTRUCTIONS

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)

Page 2 of 8 SA-385-10 Installation Instructions

06/10/10 CP5042A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................................. 2

SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 2

INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................................... 3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................... 3

UNPACKING............................................................................................................................................. 3

OPTION SWITCHES................................................................................................................................. 4

MOUNTING............................................................................................................................................... 5

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS................................................................................................................. 5

OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................... 6

POWER ON/OFF ...................................................................................................................................... 6

ROTARY SELECTOR SWITCH................................................................................................................ 6

SIREN BUTTON........................................................................................................................................ 6

AUXILIARY INPUT FUNCTIONS.............................................................................................................. 6

Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) .............................................................................................................. 6

PA (Public Address) .................................................................................................................................. 6

SERVICE ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

PROBLEMS .............................................................................................................................................. 7

PARTS and ACCESSORIES .................................................................................................................... 7

RETURNS ................................................................................................................................................. 8

WARRANTY .............................................................................................................................................. 8

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The SA-385 Siren Amplifier is designed for single 100W speaker use. The primary operating modes are Standby,
Wail, Yelp, and Phaser, selected by a 4-position rotary switch. A Noise Canceling PA Override and push-button
override are available in all modes. PA volume control provided on front panel. Auxiliary input is provided for
connection to horn ring circuit or switch for additional siren control. The unit features instant-on allowing the unit to
produce a tone or PA instantly when a control is activated. A DIP switch provides options such as Two-Tone,
disable tones, HRC2 operation, Auxiliary function, etc. The unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse
polarity protection systems for maximum service life. Output indicator light on face for diagnostics.

SPECIFICATIONS

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.

See www.carsonsirens.com for latest information.

Speaker Load Single 100W 11ohm

Input Current 8 AMPS (@14 VDC - single 100W speaker)

Standby Current 0 mA (20mA for backlight lamp)

Output Power 105 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - single 100W speaker)

Siren Frequency 700Hz - 1500Hz (Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)

Tones / Cycle Rates Horn Wail Yelp Phaser Two-Tone

Cycle Rates 109 CPS 13 CPM 190 CPM 15 CPS 60 CPM

High Voltage Protection 16 - 18 VDC will cause siren output to cease, resume at normal voltage

Short Circuit Current 50 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this for 1 second)

Operating Temp. -15° F to +140°F

Controls 4-position rotary selector switch (Standby, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser).

Momentary push-button override switch (Manual siren control and Horn).
Front panel PA volume control.
Auxiliary input programmable for positive or negative activation.
8-position DIP switch option selector.

Connections (6-Pin Conn) Positive, Negative, (2) Speaker, Backlight Lamp, Auxiliary

Size 4-1/2" Wide, 1-15/16" High, 5-9/16" Deep

Weight 4 LBS.

Input Voltage 10 - 16 VDC (negative ground)

Audio Frequency 200Hz - 10kHz + 3db

Audio Distortion Less than 3% (@1 kHz - 100W speaker)

Audio Output 40 watts (@14 VDC - 100W Speaker)

SA-385-10 Installation Instructions Page 3 of 8

CP5042A 06/10/10

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.

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.

UNPACKING

Inspect contents for shipping damage. If found alert carrier immediately

.
Contact supplier immediately if any items are missing.
Contents of box should include the following items:

Qty Item

1 Amplifier Unit (SA-385-10 14)

1 Connector, 6-P Terminal Block Plug (CP4688-06)

1 Instruction Manual (CP5042 This Manual)

1 Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount (CP5037)

2 Bolts, ‘U’ Mounting Bracket (CP3966)

1 Bracket, Microphone Clip with mounting screws (CP3633)

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)

Page 4 of 8 SA-385-10 Installation Instructions

06/10/10 CP5042A

OPTION SWITCHES

An 8-position DIP switch on the remote amplifier may be changed to select various options.

SW-1 Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated with positive, turn this
switch ON for negative activation.

SW-4 Two-Tone - Turn this switch ON to replace Phaser with Two-Tone.

SW-5 Phaser Inhibit - Turn this switch ON to disable Phaser tone. Phaser replaced with Yelp.

SW-4 and 5 Siren Tone Disable - All siren tones may be disabled except Horn by turning ON

both switches. The Siren push-button switch and Auxiliary input will produce Horn tone.

SW-6 Horn Inhibit - Turn this switch ON to disable Horn tone. Horn replaced with Yelp.

SW-7 Short Manual - The manual tone normally falls and dies out when the manual switch is

released. Turn this switch ON to have the tone stop immediately.

SW-8 Horn Override - While in standby mode, the Siren push-button switch will normally activate
manual tone. Turn this switch ON to momentarily activate Horn tone.

HORN RING CYCLER 2 (HRC2) - Turn on DIP SW-2 and SW-3 to enable this feature. Also
connect the auxiliary input to the horn ring or other switch. While the siren is in standby, tap the
horn ring to bring the unit out of standby into Wail tone. Repeatedly tapping the horn ring will
cycle through Wail, Yelp, and Phaser tones. Tapping the horn ring twice quickly will stop the siren
tones and return the unit to standby. Pressing and holding the horn ring will produce Horn tone
until released. Then the siren will return to its previous siren tone or standby.

ON

1234567 8

Option Switches

Default Setting Shown (Switches OFF)

Option Switches

On Side

SW-2 SW-3 Auxiliary Input Function

with Unit set to Standby

OFF OFF (Default) Produces Horn tone while activated.

ON OFF Produces Phaser tone while activated.

OFF ON Produces Manual siren tone.

ON ON Activates Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) function.

SA-385-10 Installation Instructions Page 5 of 8

CP5042A 06/10/10

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".

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Electrical connections to the unit are made using a removable terminal block plug located on the
back. A label on the unit identifies each terminal function. Install the plug on the unit before
wiring. If the unit needs service the plug can be easily removed without unwiring. 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 fused near connector.
Attach leads by stripping 3/8", inserting into plug 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 connec-

tion, 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.

Auxiliary Input Connection (AUX) (Optional) - A momentary input typically connected to the
horn ring of the vehicle or other switch. The auxiliary input may be activated with positive or
negative voltage. Input current is less than 10 mA.
See OPTION SWITCHES section for polarity selection.

NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT recommended.

Auxiliary Input

Connection Examples

Activated with

+VDC OR -VDC

Factory Default

DIP SW-1 OFF for +VDC

DIP SW-1 ON for -VDC

HORN RLY

+VDC

or

-VDC

Added

SPDT

S

witch

To

AUX

Vehicle

Horn

+VDC

or

-VDC

Momentary

SPST

S

witch

To

AUX

Horn

Circuit

Note:

Vehicle horn will also

sound with siren

To

AUX

Vehicle

Horn

Splice

6-P Terminal Block Plug

(CP4688-06)

15A Automotive

Type Fuse

Plug into unit first for

terminal identification

Plug installed

this orientation

#18G BRN

#18G BRN

#16G RED

#16G BLK

POS

AU

X

SPKSP

K

NEG

LMP

BAT

+

-

AUX

11 ohm

100W

#22G WHT

Backlight Lamp (Optional)

connected to dash lights

(see note below)

Note: Backlight Lamp will
automatically come on
when the unit is active.
May also be connected to
an ignition switch controlled
circuit. The required
current is low

(

20mA).

LMP

#22G YEL

Page 6 of 8 SA-385-10 Installation Instructions

06/10/10 CP5042A

OPERATION

POWER ON/OFF

The unit is turned on/off automatically (instant on) with the siren, PA, or auxiliary input controls.
The Backlight will also turn on automatically. The backlight may also turn on independently with
vehicle ignition switch. See INSTALLATION section.

ROTARY SELECTOR SWITCH

A rotary switch controls the primary operating mode of the siren.

Standby - A silent mode that may be overridden anytime.
Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.
Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested areas.
Phaser - A very rapid changing tone used at intersections or very

highly congested areas. May be optionally replaced with Two-Tone
or disabled. Two-Tone is two alternating frequencies like a Euro­pean Hi-Lo. See OPTION SWITCHES section.

SIREN BUTTON

This momentary push-button switch provides Manual or Horn tones.
Manual - With selector switch in Standby, siren tone rises while pressed and falls when
released until silenced. May be optionally replaced with Horn tone.
See OPTION SWITCHES section.
Horn - With selector switch out of Standby, produces a simulated air-horn tone that can
be used to supplement the normal vehicle horn. Used at intersections or in low noise
areas.

AUXILIARY INPUT FUNCTIONS

The switch or horn ring attached is intended to be momentary.
When the selector switch is in Wail, Yelp, or Phaser activating auxiliary will produce Horn tone.
With selector switch in Standby, activating auxiliary will normally produce Horn tone. Different
tones are available. See OPTION SWITCHES section.

Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) - this feature may also be added by turning on the HRC2 option.
HRC2 is only available while the unit is in Standby. Tapping the attached horn ring or other
switch, will bring the unit out of standby into Wail tone. Repeatedly tapping the horn ring will cycle
through Wail, Yelp, and Phaser tones. Tapping the horn ring twice quickly will stop the siren
tones and return the unit to standby. Pressing and holding the horn ring will produce Horn tone
until released. Then the siren will return to its previous siren tone or standby.

PA (Public Address)

The noise canceling microphone is used for public address operation and over­rides any siren mode when the button on the side is pressed (PTT). Adjust the
PA Volume and hold the microphone close to your lips for proper operation.

Selector Switch

(Mode)

Siren

Switch

Auxiliary Input

(Horn Ring)

Standby Manual (Default) or Horn Horn (Default), Manual, Phaser, or HRC2

Wail, Yelp, or Phaser Horn Horn

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)

SA-385-10 Installation Instructions Page 7 of 8

CP5042A 06/10/10

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 or
improper installation. The following chart shows typical symptoms and possible causes.

A blown siren fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead is
shorted the fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPK leads and replace the
fuse. If the OUTPUT light on face of unit comes on with Yelp mode selected the amplifier is OK.
Check the speaker or leads for possible shorting.

PROBLEMS

PARTS and ACCESSORIES

The following parts and accessories are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:

See www.carsonsirens.com for additional information

or contact our Service Department at:

E-mail [e-mail] or Phone [phone]

Part Description

CP4837 Button, Switch Cap Red (for push-button switch)

CP4684 Control, 1K Vertical w/ Knurled Shaft (PA Volume)

CP5041 Cover (not including chassis)

CP4990-150 Fuse, 15 Amp Mini Automotive

CP4852 Knob, Selector Switch

CP5043 Label, SA-385-10 Front Panel

CP4750 Microphone, Noise Canceling w/Connector

SR-15-1 Microphone Strain Relief

CP4685 Switch, Momentary Push Button (Siren)

CP4969 Switch, Rotary 4-Pos. Selector

CP4119 Transistor, output (replace in pairs, 2 required)

Accessory Description * - standard accessory supplied with complete unit

CP3633 * Bracket, Microphone Clip with mounting screws

CP5037 * Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount

CP3966 * Bolts, ‘U’ Mounting Bracket (typically 2 ea required)

CP4688-06 * Connector, 6-pin Terminal Block Plug

CP5042 * Instruction Manual

Symptom Possible Cause Check

No power or siren
output

Bad speaker
Connector loose
Amplifier fuse blown
Loose connection at power source

Is the OUTPUT light on face coming on in Yelp?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Is the backlighting coming on.

Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
No siren tone ­PA works

High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck
All siren tones disabled

Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.

Does mic button release properly?

Are the option switches set properly?
No PA PA volume not set properly. Have you tried turning the PA volume control?

Distorted siren
sound

Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent Aux Input connection
Low vehicle voltage

Is the speaker bell or tip loose?

Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?

Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Intermittent siren
tone

High Voltage Protection
Connector loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
Circuit breaker in supply connection

Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?

Are the connections tight on the back of the unit?

Is there a loose connection on a power lead?

Is something lying on the microphone?

Is a circuit breaker used with at least a 50A rating?
Horn function
stuck on or
Manual stuck on

Siren button stuck
Aux input improperly connected
Aux input polarity set wrong

Does the siren button return fully when released?

Is the auxiliary input used and wired properly?

Is the auxiliary polarity option set properly?
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option selected

Tones disabled

Check option switch settings.

Some siren tones
not working

Particular siren tones disabled Check option switch settings.

Page 8 of 8 SA-385-10 Installation Instructions

06/10/10 CP5042A

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.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc. warrants this new product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of five (5) years from
the date of delivery to the first us er-purchaser.

During this warranty period the obligation of Carson Manufacturing is limited to repairing or
replacing, as Carson Manufacturing may elect, any part or parts of such product whic h after
examination by Carson M anufacturing is determined to be defective in material and/or work­manship.

This warranty does not cover labor charges for removal or re-installation of the product.
Fuses and lamps are not covered under this warranty.

This warranty does not extend to any unit that has been subjected to abuse, misuse, im­proper installation or which has not been adequately maintained, nor to units which have
problems related to service or modification at any facility other than Carson Mfg.

THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL CARSON MANUFACTURING
COMPANY, INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT OR CON­SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH DEFECT IN MATERIALS OR
WORKMANSHIP.