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)