Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
5451 North Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (888) 577-6877 Fax: (317) 254-2667
www.carsonsirens.com
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
PA
OL
SA400
RADIO
HORN
MAN
WAIL
ELP
PHASER
ON
SIREN
OFF
INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING MANUAL
SA-400-73 WITH SQUARE FLAT SIREN BUTTON
(OLD VERSION)
SA-400-73 14V
SA-400-73 28V
SA-400-73 PG (Positive GND)
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)
TB0322B Page 1 of 8 10/18/03
SA-400-73 (old version) SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT POWER: 11-16 Volts DC, 8 Amps DC per 100W Speaker (SA-400-73 14,PG)
22-32 Volts DC, 4 Amps DC per 100W Speaker (SA-400-73 28)
SIREN MODE
OUTPUT POWER: 15 VDC input, 100W speaker(s) (SA-400-73 14,PG)
30 VDC input, 100W speaker(s) (SA-400-73 28)
One speaker - 105 Watts RMS
Two speakers - 180 Watts RMS
Rating not available for 58W or 80W speakers
AUDIO MODE
OUTPUT POWER: 14 VDC input, 100W speaker(s) (SA-400-73 14,PG)
28 VDC input, 100W speaker(s) (SA-400-73 28)
One speaker - 40 Watts RMS
Two speakers - 80 Watts RMS
Rating not available for 58W or 80W speakers
SIREN
FREQUENCY: 660Hz - 1350Hz Nominal
CYCLE RATES: WAIL - 14 cycles/min
YELP - 190 cycles/min
PHASER - 15 cycles/sec
AUDIO
RESPONSE: 200Hz - 10KHz +/-3db
Harmonic Distortion Less than 3% @ 1KHz (SA-400-73 14,PG)
Harmonic Distortion Less than 7% @ 1KHz (SA-400-73 28)
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 2-1/2" High X 5-3/8" Deep
WEIGHT: 4 pounds
NIGHT VISIBILITY: Backlit front control panel when power is on
PROTECTION: High Voltage – Siren output stops with input voltage above highest rating
Stops high output power from blowing speaker
Reverse Polarity - Fuse blows when power is wired backwards
Shorted Output – Fuse blows if speaker shorts (a common problem)
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.
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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".
May need to set RADIO VOLUME ADJUST inside the unit before final mounting and installation
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”
TB0322B Page 3 of 8 10/18/03