Carson
WAIL
OO
OO
SASA--500500
CarsonCarson
MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
SA-500
SIREN AMPLIFIER
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
YELPYELP
WAIL
STBYSTBY
RADIORADIO
MAN/PHSRMAN/PHSR
FF
FF
HORNHORN PAPA
NN
INSTRUCTIONS
5451 N. Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (888) 577-6877
Fax: (317) 254-2667
Website: www.carsonsirens.com
VOLUME
RADRAD
Page 2 SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions
INSTALLATION INFORMATION
MODEL: SA-500- _______________________ OPTIONS
SERIAL NO: ___________________________ ______ Horn Ring connection
PURCHASE DATE: _____________________ ______Door Switch connection
DEALER: ______________________________ ______ Two-Tone enabled
INSTALL DATE: ________________________ ______HRC enabled
INSTALLER: ___________________________ __________________________
Model and serial number located on bottom of unit
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................3
SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................................3
UNPACKING ........................................................................................................4
MOUNTING ..........................................................................................................4
INSTALLER-SELECTABLE OPTIONS ...............................................................4
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ...........................................................................5
OPERATION .............................................................................................................6
GENERAL ............................................................................................................6
SELECTOR SWITCH ..........................................................................................6
MAN/PHSR ..........................................................................................................6
HORN ...................................................................................................................6
MICROPHONE ....................................................................................................6
VOLUME CONTROLS .........................................................................................6
AUXILIARY INPUT ..............................................................................................6
CUTOUT ..............................................................................................................6
HORN RING CYCLER (Optional) .......................................................................6
SERVICE ..................................................................................................................7
PROBLEMS .........................................................................................................7
PARTS ..................................................................................................................7
RETURN ..............................................................................................................8
LIMITED WARRANTY .........................................................................................8
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
9/14/01 CP4836A
SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 3
The SA500 Siren Amplifier is a premium unit designed for single or dual 100W speaker use. The
primary operating modes are Yelp, Wail, Standby and Radio. A Noise Canceling PA Override and
push-button Horn Override are available in all modes except Radio. A push-button is provided for
push-on/push-off Phaser operation in the Yelp and Wail modes, and Manual siren control in the
Standby mode. The Phaser function can be optionally replaced by Two-Tone or disabled entirely
with program jumpers. Another option allows cycling through Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby by
pressing the horn ring when the function switch is in the Standby position (Horn Ring Cycler).
Latching siren cutout input is provided for connection to a door switch, etc. to disable the siren
when exiting the vehicle. Radio and PA volume controls are provided on the front panel. The
front panel is backlighted with LED's for night visibility. This compact unit utilizes short circuit,
high voltage, and reverse polarity protection systems for maximum service life.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Input Voltage 9 - 16 VDC (negative ground)
Input Current 8.0 AMPS (@14.0 VDC - single 100W speaker)
Standby Current Less than 200 ma
Audio Frequency 200Hz - 10 kHz + 3db
Audio Distortion Less than 3% (@1 kHz - single 100W speaker)
Audio Output 40 watts (@14.0 VDC - single 100W speaker)
Audio Input 400 ohms + 10%
Output Power 105 WATTS RMS MAX. (15.0 VDC - single 100W speaker)
Siren Frequency 700Hz - 1450Hz (Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)
Tones / Cycle Rates Horn Wail Yelp Phaser Two-Tone
Cycle Rates 109 CPS 15 CPM 210 CPM 15 CPS 60 CPM
High Voltage
Protection
Short Circuit Current 50 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this)
Operating
Temperature
Controls 4-position rotary mode switch (Yelp, Wail, Standby and Radio).
Connections
(10-Pin Conn)
Size 6-1/8" Wide, 5-7/8" Deep, 2-1/8" High
Weight 4-1/2 LBS.
16 AMPS (@14.0 VDC - dual 100W speakers)
180 WATTS RMS MAX. (15.0 VDC - dual 100W speakers)
16 - 18 VDC will cause siren output to cease, resume at normal
-15° F to +140°F
Momentary push-button Horn switch.
Momentary push-button Manual/Phaser toggle switch.
Auxiliary input connection jumper-programmable for positive or negative Horn,
Manual/Phaser or Horn Ring Cycler operation.
Cutout input connection jumper-programmable for positive or negative latching
cutout operation.
(2) Positive, (2) Negative, (2) Speaker, (2) Radio, Cutout, Auxiliary
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 Hazards - Sound levels produced by attached speakers can cause permanent hearing
loss. Never operate this unit without adequate hearing protection for you and others in the area.
(OSHA 1910.95)
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".
CP4836A 9/14/01
Page 4 SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions
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. Contents should include unit with attached microphone, mounting bracket, microphone bracket with 2 screws, 2
mounting bolts, connector and these instructions. Contact supplier immediately if any components are missing.
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".
INSTALLER-SELECTABLE OPTIONS
Carefully cutting programming resistor jumpers
or traces on the printed circuit board inside the
case can select various options.
Cover Removal - The cover is held in place by
a snap-fastener on the back of the unit. Hold
FUSE
AUX P
T-T AUX I PHSR CUT P
the unit with the front case flange on the edge
of a hard surface and press hard on the back of
the unit. The chassis will slide out the front of
the cover.
Auxiliary Input Function - The auxiliary input
OPTION JUMPERS
normally activates the Horn function. To activate the Man/Phsr function with the auxiliary input cut the jumper resistor labeled "AUX I".
Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated by connecting to positive. To
activate by connecting to ground cut the two jumper resistors labeled "AUX P".
Cutout Input Polarity - The cutout input is normally activated by connecting to positive. To activate by connecting to ground cut the two jumper resistors labeled "CUT P".
Two-Tone - Two-Tone can replace Phaser by cutting the jumper resistor labeled "T-T".
Phaser Disable - The Phaser function can be completely disabled by cutting the jumper resistor
labeled "PHSR".
Horn Disable - The Horn function can be disabled by
cutting the trace on the back of the board at the location
designated "cut to disable horn".
Horn Ring Cycler option (HRC) - This option allows
selection of Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby by repeatedly pressing horn ring or other switch connected to the
AUX input. It is selected by cutting both the "AUX I" and
Cut to
→
Disable horn
"PHSR" jumper resistors. This disables Phaser operation in the Wail or Yelp positions.
OPTION TRACE CUT
9/14/01 CP4836A
SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 5
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical connections to the unit are made
using a removable pressure connector
located on the back. A label on the unit
identifies the terminal function. You
should install the connector on the unit
before wiring. If the unit needs service the
connector can be easily removed without
unwiring the connector.
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 connector 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 The Auxiliary Input allows activation by an external source of
either the Horn or Man/Phsr
function. The adjacent diagram
shows three connection examples. See the INSTALLERSELECTABLE OPTIONS section for programming details.
NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT
recommended.
Cutout Input Connection - The Cutout Input turns
off any siren tone output when activated, and remains
off until a control is activated or changed. The adjacent diagram shows two connection examples. See
the INSTALLER-SELECTABLE OPTIONS section for
programming details.
HORN
RING
SWITCH
(2) #18 AWG BRN
(#16 - 2 SPKR)
2 - SPKR - Connect for
same phase (+ to +)
+12
SPLICE
AUX
+12 Switching examples
(2) #22 AWG BLU
Connect to output
jack, terminals or
speaker of radio
RADIO
••••••••••
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
POS
POS
SPKR
CONNECTIONS AT REAR OF UNIT
SWITCH
HORN
DOOR
SWITCH
RAD
SPKR
+12
HORN
RING
+12
SPLICE
CUT
+12 Switching
example
Added
SPDT
Switch
→
→
RAD
AUX
→
→
AUX
HORN
DOME
LIGHT
#22 AWG GRN (See below)
#22 AWG WHT (See below)
→
→
→
→
→
→
CUT
NEG
NEG
MOMENTARY
SWITCH
Ground
switching
example
Must cut AUX P
option resistors
Ground
switching
example
Must cut CUT P
option resistors
#14 AWG RED
Use second lead
for 2 - SPKR
+
BAT
-
#14 AWG BLK
Use second lead
for 2 - SPKR
FOOT
AUX
ADDED
DOOR
SWITCH
CUT
CP4836A 9/14/01
Page 6 SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions
OPERATION
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 rotary selector switch controls the primary operating function of the siren.
Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested
areas.
Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.
Stby - A silent mode that allows Manual, Horn and
Public Address operation.
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.
MAN/PHSR
This momentary push-button switch provides a very rapid changing tone (Phaser) when the selector switch is in the Yelp or Wail positions. This tone is used at intersections and very highly congested areas. Pressing the button once changes to the Phaser tone and pressing again changes
the tone back to Yelp or Wail.
With the selector switch in the Stby position this switch
provides Manual siren tone control, rising when pressed
and falling when released. This is used to momentarily
alert motorists or in low noise areas.
Optional operation includes replacement of the Phaser
tone with Two-Tone or disabling the Phaser tone entirely. These options are selected during installation
and may be governed by State or Local laws.
HORN
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 will override all other siren tones.
MICROPHONE
The attached noise-canceling microphone is used for public address operation and overrides any
siren tone when the button on the side is pressed.
VOLUME CONTROLS
Volume controls are provided for radio repeat function volume
and public address volume. These should be set when the vehicle is parked. Set the RAD volume with the selector switch in the
Radio position and the radio volume set to desired level. Set the
PA volume to the maximum level with no feedback (squeal).
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 Man/Phsr button.
CUTOUT
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 or input will restore normal function.
HORN RING CYCLER (Optional)
During installation, the auxiliary input may be connected to the horn ring or other switching device,
and the HRC option programmed. With the Selector Switch set to the STBY position, the horn
ring can be pressed repeatedly to select the Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby tones or modes in
succession. Operating any other switch resumes normal operation. Please note that this option
disables Phaser selection in the Wail or Yelp selector switch positions.
9/14/01 CP4836A
MAN/PHSR HORN
VOLUME
H L H L
RAD PA
YELP
WAIL
STBY
RADIO
SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 7
This unit is designed to provide years of reliable service under even the worst conditions. Many
SERVICE
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 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 Power switch not turned on
No siren tone PA works
No PA PA volume not set properly
Distorted siren
sound
Intermittent siren
tone
Horn function
or
Manual or Phaser
stuck on
No Radio Unit not connected to radio
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option installed
Phaser not work-
ing
Horn not working Horn disabled Is the trace cut that disables the Horn switch?
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
Man/Phsr switch stuck
Aux Input improperly connected
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong
Radio volume too low
Aux Input set to wrong function
Phaser disabled Is the PHSR option jumper cut?
Does backlighting come on?
Do you hear a "pop" when turned on?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
The input voltage must be less than 16 volts.
Does mic button release properly?
Does the siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?
Is the CUT P option 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 Aux Input used and wired properly?
The input voltage must be greater than 9 volts.
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 Man/Phsr switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the AUX P option 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 T-T option jumper cut?
Is the AUX I jumper configured properly?
PARTS
The following parts are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
Part Description
CP4680-1 Siren Cover
ED1558 Hardware Kit (Connector, bolts, microphone bracket with screws)
CP4688-10 Power Connector
CP3633 Microphone Bracket with Screws
CP3966 1/4-20 x 3/8" Hex Locking Bolt
ATO/ATC 20A 20 Amp Automotive Fuse
CP4750 Noise Canceling Microphone W/Connector
SR-15-1 Microphone Strain Relief
CP4119 TIP36C Power Transistor
CP4702 Selector Switch Knob
CP3571 Mounting Bracket
CP4836 Instruction Manual
CP4836A 9/14/01
Page 8 SA-500 Installation and Operating Instructions
RETURN
If you have any questions concerning this or any other Carson product,
please contact our Technical Service Department at (888) 577-6877.
Many issues can be handled over the phone. We can also be reached via
e-mail at service@carsonsirens.com
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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
9/14/01 CP4836A
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