Carson SA-400-17 User Manual

Y

V

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

5451 North Rural Street

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.carsonsirens.com

SA-400-17

SIREN AMPLIFIER

WITH MECHANICAL TONE

RADIO

STBY

MECH

WAIL

ELP

PHASER

O
F
F

SA-400

SIREN

PA

OL

O
N

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 12 SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................... 3

SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................. 3

INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................... 4

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................4

UNPACKING.....................................................................................................4

OPTION SWITCHES ........................................................................................ 5

MOUNTING....................................................................................................... 6

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ........................................................................6

OPERATION.......................................................................................................... 8

GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 8

SELECTOR SWITCH........................................................................................ 8

MICROPHONE ................................................................................................. 8

PA VOL .............................................................................................................8

SIREN SWITCH ................................................................................................ 9

AUXILIARY INPUT............................................................................................ 9

HORN RING CYCLER 2 (HRC2)...................................................................... 9

RADIO VOLUME............................................................................................... 9

SERVICE ............................................................................................................. 10

PROBLEMS ....................................................................................................10

PARTS and ACCESSORIES ..........................................................................11

RETURN .........................................................................................................12

WARRANTY.................................................................................................... 12

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.

NOTICE

See www.carsonsirens.com for latest information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

08/06/08 CP5012A

SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 3 of 12

The SA-400 Siren Amplifier with Mechanical Tone is a premium unit designed for single or dual
100W speaker use. A 6-position rotary selector switch controls the primary operating modes of
Radio, Standby, Mechanical, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser. Two-Tone may optionally replace Phaser.
A Siren push-button switch is provided for Manual control of the output tone or Horn override,
depending on the selector switch and option switch settings. An independent rocker switch con­trols power. A permanently mounted noise canceling PA microphone with front panel volume
control overrides all modes except Radio. An internal control is used to adjust Radio volume. An
auxiliary input is provided for connection to a positive or negative horn ring circuit or switch, per­forming the same function as the Siren push-button. An internal 8-position DIP switch allows
selection of various options. The front panel is backlighted with LED's for night visibility. This
durable unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protection systems for maxi­mum service life over a wide temperature range.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage 9 - 16 VDC (negative ground)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

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

Standby Current Less than 150 mA

Audio Frequency 200Hz - 10 kHz + 3db

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

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

Audio Input 0.75V RMS MIN. 400 ohms + 10%

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

Siren Frequency 700Hz - 1500Hz (Mechanical 700Hz - 1600Hz, Two-Tone = 435Hz & 585Hz)

Tones / Cycle Rates Mech Wail Yelp Phaser Two-Tone

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

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

Operating Temperature -15° F to +140°F

Controls 6-position rotary mode switch (Radio, Standby, Mechanical, Wail, Yelp, and

Connections (9-Pin Conn) (2) Positive, (2) Negative, (2) Speaker, (2) Radio, Auxiliary

Size 6-1/8" Wide, 5-3/8" Deep, 2-1/2" High

Weight 5-1/2 LBS.

16 AMPS (@14 VDC - dual 100W speakers)

180 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - dual 100W speakers)

6 CPM 13 CPM 190 CPM 15 CPS 60 CPM

Phaser)
Momentary push-button Siren switch.
Front panel mounted PA volume control, internal Radio adjust
Auxiliary input for positive or negative connection.
Internal 8-position DIP switch option selector.

CP5012A 08/06/08

Page 4 of 12 SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions

Proper installation of the unit is essential for years of safe, reliable operation. Please read all

INSTALLATION

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 components are missing.
Contents of box should include the following items:

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)

.

Qty Item

1 Amplifier Unit with attached Microphone (SA-400-17 14)

1 Bracket, Microphone Clip with mounting screws (CP3633)

1 Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount (CP3571)

2 Bolts, ‘U’ Mounting Bracket (CP3966)
1 Cable Assembly, 9-P Wiring Harness 3FT (CP2560)

1 Instruction Manual (CP5012 This Manual)

08/06/08 CP5012A

SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 5 of 12

OPTION SWITCHES

An internal 8-position DIP switch on the circuit
board may be changed to select various op-

SIDE VIEW

COVER REMOVED

tions. The cover for the unit must be removed
to access the DIP switch.

Accessing Option Switches - The cover is
held in place by a snap-fastener on the back of
the unit. While holding the cover on the sides
press hard with your fingers on the back of the
unit. The chassis will slide out the front.

OPTION SWITCHES

Adjusting Option Switches - the DIP Switch is located on

the internal PCB assembly board toward the right side of
the unit. Switch 1 is toward the back of the unit. Switch
‘ON’ position is toward the inside side of the unit.

87654321

ON

Default Setting Shown
SW-7 and SW -8 ON

SW-1 Two-Tone - Turn this switch on to replace Phaser with Two-Tone.
.
SW-2 Mechanical Override - Pressing the Siren push-button normally produces Horn tone while
the rotary selector switch is in Mechanical. Turn this switch on to manually override Mechanical
tone instead.

SW-3 SW-4 Siren push-button and Auxiliary Input Function

with Rotary Selector Switch in Standby

OFF OFF (Default) Produces Horn tone while pressed.

ON OFF Manual control of Mechanical tone.

Also Mechanical tone continues to fall when Rotary Selector
Switch is changed from Mechanical Position.

OFF ON Manual control of Wail tone.

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

SW-5 Not Used… Leave Off.

HORN RING CYCLER 2 (HRC2) - Turn on DIP SW-3 and SW-4 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 Mechanical tone. Repeatedly tapping the horn ring
will cycle through Mechanical, 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.

SW-6 SW-7 SW-8

ON OFF OFF
OFF ON ON
OFF ON OFF

Positive and Negative Activation (Traditional Auxiliary)
Positive Only Activation (Factory Default)
Negative Only Activation

Auxiliary Input Activation Polarity

Traditional Auxiliary Input - On earlier models of the SA-400, the auxiliary input is activated with

positive (+VDC) AND negative (-VDC). A normally open horn ring circuit or switch is required for
proper operation. Possibly use this setting if the auxiliary input is wired for an earlier SA-400.

CP5012A 08/06/08

Page 6 of 12 SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions

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 the wiring harness supplied. If the unit needs
service the connector can be easily removed without unwiring the harness.
The power supply for 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. A fuse on the rear of the unit protects from overload.

Disconnect vehicle battery before making any electrical connections.

Extend leads using adequately sized wiring and terminals or splices.
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.

Radio Input Connection (Optional) - Connect 1 lead to each terminal of the radio speaker or
output connector. The input is isolated and polarity is not important. May need to set RADIO
VOLUME ADJUST on side of unit.

Auxiliary Input Connection (Optional) - Used for Siren Control. Performs the same function as
Siren push-button. Typically connected to the horn ring circuit of the vehicle or other momentary
switch. See below for further details on activation polarity.

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

Traditional Auxiliary Input Activation - On earlier models of the SA-400, the auxiliary input is

activated with positive (+VDC) AND negative (-VDC). A normally open horn ring circuit or switch
is required for proper operation.
Possibly use this setting if the auxiliary input is wired for an earlier SA-400.
See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.

Polarity Selectable Auxiliary Input Activation - The auxiliary input may be activated with
positive (+VDC) OR negative (-VDC).
See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.

08/06/08 CP5012A

SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 7 of 12

(

)

S

S

S

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CONTINUED

Traditional Activation

Auxiliary Input

Connection Examples

Activated with

+VDC AND -VDC

DIP SW-6 ON

SW-7 and 8 OFF

Polarized Activation

Auxiliary Input

Connection Examples

Activated with

+VDC OR -VDC

DIP SW-6 OFF

Connect to

output jack, terminals

or speaker of radio

100W

Speaker(s)

Connect second speaker

for same phase (+ to +)

SW-7 ON

+

-

Momentary

Momentary

#18 AWG BLU

RADIO

+-#16 AWG BRN

2 LEADS

SPST

witch

To

AUX

SPST

witch

+VDC - DIP SW-8 ON

-VDC - DIP SW-8 OFF

To

AUX

(2 LEADS)

HORN RLY

+VDC

or

-VDC

+VDC

or

-VDC

Activation

Wiring Harness

(CP2560)

+VDC

or

-VDC

Added
SPDT

witch

Vehicle

To

AUX

Horn

Horn

Circuit

To

AUX

(AUX)

Auxiliary Input

#18 AWG WHT

#14 AWG RED Use both leads

Extend pair with #10 AWG

#14 AWG BLK Use both le ads

Extend pair with #10 AWG

Automotive Type

20 AMP Fuse

Vehicle

Horn

Splice

Activation

+VDC - DIP SW-8 ON

-VDC - DIP SW-8 OFF

Note:

Vehicle horn will also

sound with siren

Auxiliary Input is

Low input current

Less than 20m A

Extend with #22 AWG

+

BAT

-

Location BLK

(2 Leads)

Location BLU

(2 Leads)

Location BRN

(2 Leads)

CP5012A 08/06/08

Location WHT

Location RED

(2 Leads)

Page 8 of 12 SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions

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)

GENERAL

This unit is designed for easy operation under the stress associated with high-speed pursuit.
Most siren functions are accessible with one simple motion without repetitive activation of
switches or automatic timed switching that can interfere with desired operation.

SELECTOR SWITCH

The 6-position rotary selector switch controls the primary oper­ating mode of the siren.
Radio - Also known as Radio Repeat, this function amplifies a
radio speaker input for re-broadcast outside the vehicle. No
siren tones or PA operation are available in this position.
The radio must be connected and RADIO VOLUME ADJUSTed
for this mode to function.
Standby - A silent mode that maybe overridden anytime with
the Siren push-button.

Mech - A simulated mechanical siren tone used anytime.
Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.
Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested areas.
Phaser - A very rapidly changing tone used at intersections or

in highly congested areas. May be optionally replaced with
Two-Tone which is two alternating frequencies like a
European HI-LO. See OPTION SWITCHES section.

Rotary
Switch

Standby Silent Horn (Default) or Manual Mech or Manual Wail or HRC2

Phaser Phaser Horn

MICROPHONE (PA Override)

The attached noise-canceling microphone is used for public address operation and overrides any
siren tone when the push-to-talk button on the side of the microphone is pressed.

PA VOL

This control adjusts the PA volume. With the vehicle parked, set the PA volume
to the maximum level with no feedback (squeal).

Operating

Mode

Radio Radio No Change

(See SIREN SWITCH section)

Mech Mech Horn (Default) or Manual Mech (See SIREN SWITCH section)

Wail Wail Horn

Yelp Yelp Horn

OPERATION

Activate Siren push-button or Auxiliary Input

VOL

PHASER

PA

RADIO

STBY

MECH

WAIL

YELP

08/06/08 CP5012A

SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 9 of 12

SIREN SWITCH

This momentary push-button switch provides Horn or Manual tone control.
It can optionally control Horn Ring Cycler 2 operation in the Standby position

SIREN

if the HRC2 option is selected.
Horn - A simulated Air-horn tone momentarily sounded.
Manual Wail - Manual control of Wail tone rise and fall.
Manual Mech - Manual control of Mech tone rise and fall.

The Siren push-button optionally provides the following function while in Standby mode.
See OPTION SWITCHES section.

DIP

SW-3

DIP

SW-4

Siren push-button and Auxiliary Input Function

with Rotary Selector Switch in Standby

OFF OFF (Default) Produces Horn tone while pressed.

ON OFF Manual control of Mechanical tone.

Also Mechanical tone continues to fall when Rotary Selector
Switch is changed from Mechanical Position.

OFF ON Manual control of Wail tone.

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

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 Siren push-button.

HORN RING CYCLER 2 (HRC2)

During installation, the auxiliary input must be connected and the HRC2 option selected. While
the siren is in standby, tap the horn ring to bring the unit out of standby into Mechanical tone.
Repeatedly tapping the horn ring will cycle through Mechanical, 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.
See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.

RADIO VOLUME

The radio repeat volume level is set using an adjustment inside the case
just behind the PA volume control. Press on the rear of the case to open
the unit Set the Selector Switch to the Radio position and turn on the
power. With the radio volume itself set to a normal level, set the siren
radio volume adjust control to the desired level. Turn off power and
press the unit back into the case.

RADIO ADJUST

CP5012A 08/06/08

Page 10 of 12 SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions

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)
or improper installation. The following chart shows typical symptoms and possible causes.
A blown rear panel 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 siren emits a 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

No siren tone ­PA works
No PA PA volume not set properly

Distorted siren
sound

Intermittent siren
tone

Horn function
Or Manual stuck
on
No Radio Unit not connected to radio

Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option installed Is the T-T option switch turned on?

Power switch not turned on
Bad speaker(s)
Connector loose
Fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck

Selector in Radio position
Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent Aux Input connection
Low vehicle voltage
High Voltage Protection
Connector loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
Circuit breaker in supply connection
Siren switch stuck
Aux Input improperly connected

Radio volume too low

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 negative leads connected to a good ground?
Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.
Does mic button release properly?
Have you tried 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?
Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?
Is the connector 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?
Does the Siren switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Aux Input is activated with positive or negative.
Is the radio connected properly to the unit?
Can you here the radio in the vehicle?
Have you tried turning the RAD volume control?

See www.carsonsirens.com for additional information.

or contact our Service Department at:

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

SERVICE

08/06/08 CP5012A

SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 11 of 12

PARTS and ACCESSORIES

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

Part Description

CP3965 Button, Switch Cap Black (for Siren pushbutton)

CP4732 Control, 1K Vertical Trimmer (Radio Volume)

CP3547 Control, 350 Ohm Mini-Pot (PA volume)

ES00026-03 Cover (not including chassis)

ATO/ATC 20A Fuse, 20 Amp Automotive

CP4852 Knob, Selector Switch

CP4853 Knob, PA Volume Control

CP5013 Label, SA-400-17 Front Panel

ED1680 Lead Asmb, Chassis Plug (internal)

CP4750 Microphone, Noise Canceling w/Connector

SR-15-1 Microphone Strain Relief

CP5014 Nut, 1/4-40 Dress (for Siren pushbutton)

CP4822 Switch, Momentary Push Button, Right Angle (Siren Pushbutton)

CP3962 Switch, Power Rocker

CP3548 Switch, Rotary 6-Pos. Selector

CP4119 Transistor, output (2 required)

Accessory Description * - standard accessory supplied with unit

CP4899 Bracket, Flush Mounting

CP3633 * Bracket, Microphone Clip with mounting screws

CP3571 * Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount

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

CP2560 * Cable Assembly, 9-P Wiring Harness 3FT

CP5012 * Manual, SA-400-17 Instruction

See www.carsonsirens.com for additional information.

or contact our Service Department at:

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

CP5012A 08/06/08

Page 12 of 12 SA-400-17 Installation and Operating Instructions

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.

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 user-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

which after examination by Carson Manufacturing is determined to be defective in mate-

rial 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 the manufac-

turer.

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 MANU-

FACTURING 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.

08/06/08 CP5012A

LIMITED WARRANTY