Carson SA-500-27 User Manual

Y

V

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

5451 North Rural Street

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.carsonsirens.com

SA-500-27

SIREN AMPLIFIER

WITH MECHANICAL TONE

→P→W

MECH

STBY

RADIO

MANUAL

O
F
F

OUTPUT

HORN PA

O
N

OLUME

RAD

SA-500

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-500-27 14 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

MANUAL SWITCH ............................................................................................ 8

HORN SWITCH ................................................................................................ 8

MICROPHONE (PA Override) .......................................................................... 9

PA VOLUME CONTROL................................................................................... 9

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

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

CUTOUT INPUT ...............................................................................................9

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

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

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

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

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

LIMITED 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

09/09/08 CP5015A

SA-500-27 14 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 3 of 12

The SA-500 Siren Amplifier with Mechanical Tone is a premium unit designed for single or dual
100W speaker use. A 4-position rotary selector switch controls the primary operating modes of
Yelp -> Phaser -> Wail, Mechanical, Standby and Radio. Two-Tone may optionally replace
Phaser. A Horn push-button switch provides Horn override in all modes except Radio. A Manual
push-button switch provides Manual control of the output tone or toggling between tones depend­ing on the selector switch setting. An independent rocker switch controls power. A permanently
mounted Noise Canceling PA microphone overrides all modes except Radio. PA and Radio
volume controls are provided on the front panel. An Auxiliary input is provided for connection to a
positive or negative horn ring circuit or switch. A latching siren Cutout input is provided for con­nection to a door switch, etc. to stop siren tones when exiting the vehicle. An internal 8-Position
DIP switch allows selection of various options. The front panel is backlit with LED's for night
visibility. This compact unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protection
systems for maximum service life. Output indicator light on face for diagnostics.

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 = 435 & 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 Temp. -15° F to +140°F

Controls 4-position rotary mode switch (Y->P->W, Mechanical, Standby and Radio).

Connections (10-Pin Conn) (2) Positive, (2) Negative, (2) Speaker, (2) Radio, Cutout, Auxiliary

Size 6-1/8" Wide, 5-7/8" Deep, 2-1/8" High

Weight 4-1/2 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

Momentary push-button Horn switch.
Momentary push-button Manual switch.
Front panel PA and Radio volume controls.
Auxiliary input connection programmable for positive or negative activation.
Cutout input connection programmable for positive or negative latching operation.
Internal 8-Position DIP switch option selector.

CP5015A 09/09/08

Page 4 of 12 SA-500-27 14 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.

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.

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:

Qty Item

1 Amplifier Unit with attached Microphone (SA-500-27 14)

1 Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount (CP3571)

1 Hardware Kit (ED1558)

(Kit contains 2 Bolts, 1 10-P Term Block Plug, and 1 Mic Clip)

1 Instruction Manual (CP5015 This Manual)

.

09/09/08 CP5015A

SA-500-27 14 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

SIDE VIEW

COVER REMOVED

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

FUSE

Accessing Option Switches - 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 chas-

OPTION SWITCHES

sis will slide out the front of the cover.

Adjusting Option Switches - the DIP Switch is located on

87654321

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.

ON

Default Setting Shown
SW-1 and SW -2 ON

SW-1 Cutout Input Polarity - The cutout input is normally activated with positive. Turn this
switch OFF for negative activation.

SW-2 Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated with positive. Turn this
switch OFF for negative activation.

SW-3 Auxiliary Input Function - The auxiliary input normally activates the Horn function. Turn
this switch ON to activate the Manual function. (Manual push-button)

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

SW-5 Manual Wail - The Manual push-button normally operates Manual Mechanical in Standby

mode. Turn this switch ON to operate Manual Wail instead.

SW-6 Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) - Turn ON this switch 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-7 Wail Default - When the rotary selector switch is changed to Yelp -> Phaser -> Wail mode,
the initial tone is Yelp. Turn this switch ON to make the initial tone Wail.

SW-8 Short Manual - The Manual Mechanical or Manual Wail tone normally falls and dies out
when the Manual push-button is released. Turn this switch ON to have the tone stop immediately.

CP5015A 09/09/08

Page 6 of 12 SA-500-27 14 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 a removable terminal block plug located on the
back. A label on the unit identifies the terminal function. You should 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 internally fused.
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.

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 on front of unit.

Auxiliary Input Connection (Optional) - The Auxiliary Input allows activation by an external
source of either the Horn or Manual function. Typically connected to the horn ring circuit of the
vehicle or other momentary switch. May need to set activation polarity.
See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.

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

Cutout Input Connection (Optional) - The Cutout Input turns off any siren tone output when

activated, and remains off until a face control is activated or changed. May need to set activation
polarity. See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.

09/09/08 CP5015A

SA-500-27 14 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 7 of 12

S

S

S

s orientatio

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CONTINUED

DIP SW-2 ON for +VDC

DIP SW-2 OFF for -VDC

DIP SW-1 ON for +VDC

DIP SW-1 OFF for -VDC

Auxiliary Input

Connection Examples

Activated with

+VDC OR -VDC

Factory Default

Cutout Input

Connection Examples

Activated with

+VDC OR -VDC

Factory Default

Connect to

output jack, terminals

or speaker of r adio

100W

Speaker(s)

+

-

Momentary

Momentary

RADIO

SPST

witch

+VDC

or

-VDC

To

AUX

SPST

witch

+VDC

or

-VDC

To

CUT

(AUX) Auxiliary Input

#22 AWG BLU (2 LEADS)

+-#16 AWG BRN

(2 LEADS)

HORN RLY

To

AUX

Door
Switch
Circuit

Splice

To
CUT

#22 AWG WHT

+VDC

-VDC

Added
SPDT

witch

Vehicle

Horn

Dome

Light

or

Horn

Circuit

Splice

Vehicle horn will also

sound with siren

To

AUX

#22 AWG GRN
(CUT) Cutout Input

#14 AWG RED

(2 LEADS)

#14 AWG BLK

(2 LEADS)

Vehicle

Horn

Note:

+

BAT

-

Connect second speaker

for same phase (+ to +)

10-P Terminal Block Plug

(CP4688-10)

20A Automotive Type Fuse

is inside unit

CP5015A 09/09/08

Plug into unit first for

terminal identification

POSÆ

POSÆ

SPKRÆ

RADÆ

SPKRÆ

AUXÆ

CUTÆ

RADÆ

NEGÆ

NEGÆ

Plug installed

thi

n

Page 8 of 12 SA-500-27 14 Installation and Operating Instructions

Y

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)

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 4-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 mode. The radio must be
connected and radio volume adjusted for this mode to function.
Standby - A silent mode that may be overridden anytime with the
Manual or Horn or PA operation.

Mech - A simulated mechanical siren tone used anytime.
Yelp -> Phaser -> Wail - This mode provides tones by pressing the Manual push-button to step

through the tones. The initial tone is Yelp or optionally may be Wail.
See OPTION SWITCHES section.

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.

Rotary

Operating

Switch

Y->P->W Yelp Horn Switch (Manual Switch option)

Standby Silent Horn Switch (Manual Switch option) (HRC2 option)

Radio Radio Radio

See OPTION SWITCHES section.

MANUAL SWITCH

This momentary push-button switch provides manual tone control
or stepping through tones depending on the selector switch posi­tion. Manual tone control is used to momentarily alert motorists or
in low noise areas.

Manual Wail - Manual control of Wail tone rise and fall.
Manual Mech - Manual control of Mech tone rise and fall.

HORN SWITCH

This momentary 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 overrides other siren tones.

Mode

Mech Mech Horn Switch (Manual Switch option)

Manual

Switch

Yelp->Phaser->Wail Loop

(Wail start option)

Manual Mechanical

Manual Mechanical

(Manual Wail option)

Radio

Horn

Switch

Horn

Horn

Horn

Radio

Auxiliary Input

→P→W

MECH

STBY

RADIO

HORNMANUAL

09/09/08 CP5015A

SA-500-27 14 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 9 of 12

MICROPHONE (PA Override)

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

PA VOLUME CONTROL

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

RADIO VOLUME CONTROL

With the vehicle parked and the radio volume itself set to a nor­mal level, set the siren radio volume to the desired level.

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 Manual button.
See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.

CUTOUT INPUT

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 switch on the face of the unit will restore normal function.

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.

VOLUME

H L H L

RAD PA

CP5015A 09/09/08

Page 10 of 12 SA-500-27 14 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 internal fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead
is shorted the internal fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and
replace the fuse. If the OUTPUT light comes on (dim lighting to see) with power on and Yelp
selected 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 function
stuck on
No Radio Unit not connected to radio

Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option installed

Power switch not turned on
Bad speaker(s)
Connector loose
Internal fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck
Cutout activated
Cutout Polarity Option set wrong

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

Horn switch stuck
Manual switch stuck
Aux Input improperly connected
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong

Radio volume too low

Aux Input set to wrong function
Manual Wail option installed

Does backlighting come on?
Do you hear a "pop" when turned on?
Is the OUTPUT light on front panel coming on in Yelp?
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?
Does the siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?
Is the option switch properly configured?
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 Auxiliary 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 Horn switch return fully when released?
Does the Manual switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the option switch properly configured?
Is the radio connected properly to the unit?
Can you here the radio in the vehicle?
Have you tried turning the RAD volume control?
Is the Two-Tone option switch selected?
Is the Auxiliary Input option switch configured properly?
Is the Manual Wail option switch selected?

See www.carsonsirens.com for additional information.

or contact our Service Department at:

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

SERVICE

09/09/08 CP5015A

SA-500-27 14 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

CP5017 Button, Switch Cap Chrome (for push-button switch)

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

CP4680-1 Cover (not including chassis)

ATO/ATC 20A Fuse, 20 Amp Automotive

CP4852 Knob, Selector Switch

CP5016 Label, SA-500-27 Front Panel

CP4750 Microphone, Noise Canceling w/Connector

SR-15-1 Microphone Strain Relief

CP4685 Switch, Momentary Push Button (Manual and Horn)

CP3962 Switch, Power Rocker

CP4683 Switch, Rotary 4-Pos. Selector

CP4119 Transistor, output (2 required)

Accessory Description * - standard accessory supplied with unit

CP3633 * Bracket, Microphone Clip with mounting screws

CP3571 * Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount

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

ED1756 Cable, 10-P Lead Assembly 8FT (made w/ CP4688-10 Conn)

CP4688-10 * Connector, 10-P Terminal Block Plug

ED1558 * Hardware Kit (2 Bolts, CP3633 Mic Clip, CP4688-10 Connector)

CP5015 * Manual, SA-500-27 Instruction

See www.carsonsirens.com for additional information.

or contact our Service Department at:

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

CP5015A 09/09/08

Page 12 of 12 SA-500-27 14 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 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 the manufac­turer.

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.

09/09/08 CP5015A

LIMITED WARRANTY