Code 3 RLS User Manual
INSTALLATION
& OPERATION
MANUAL
3990 SERIES SIRENS
PATENT PENDING
RLS SERIES
SIRENS AND CONTROLS
Contents:
Introduction .....................................................................2
Standard Features........................................................2
Unpacking & Pre-Installation......................................4
Installation & Mounting................................................4
Set-Up and Adjustment...............................................8
Operation ...................................................................... 1 0
Maintenance ................................................................ 1 5
Troubleshooting.......................................................... 1 6
Wiring Diagram...........................................................18
Diagnostic Function................................................... 1 9
Options.......................................................................... 1 9
Specifications .............................................................. 1 9
Parts List .......................................................................21
Warranty ........................................................................2 8
Read all instructions and warnings before installing and using.
IMPORTANT:
INSTALLER This manual must be delivered to the end user
of this equipment.
Introduction
The 3990 series siren is a new series of remote control electronic sirens that has been designed to meet the
needs of all emergency vehicles. This series of sirens incorporates the popular features of the existing
Mastercom siren with microprocessor based circuitry and MOSFET technology. All of the original
features are available along with many new added features that are not available on any other Code 3 siren
such as; Park Kill, Instant "ON", Adj. Backlighting, " Scroll " Mode and more.
Sirens are an integral part of an effective audio/visual emergency warning system.
However, sirens are only short range secondary warning devices. The use of a siren
does not insure that all drivers can or will observe or react to an emergency warning
signal, particularly at long distances or when either vehicle is traveling at a high rate
of speed. Sirens should only be used in a combination with effective warning lights
and never relied upon as a sole warning signal. Never take the right of way for
granted. It is your responsibility to be sure you can proceed safely before entering an
intersection, driving against traffic, or responding at a high rate of speed.
!
WARNING!
SIREN PRODUCTS:
The effectiveness of this warning device is highly dependent upon correct mounting
and wiring. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before installing or using
this device. The vehicle operator should check the equipment daily to insure that all
features of the device operate correctly.
To be effective, sirens must produce high sound levels that potentially can inflict
hearing damage. Installers should be warned to wear hearing protection, clear bystanders from the area and not to operate the siren indoors during testing. Vehicle
operators and occupants should assess their exposure to siren noise and determine
what steps, such as consultation with professionals or use of hearing protection
should be implemented to protect their hearing.
This equipment is intended for use by authorized personnel only. It is the user’s
responsibility to understand and obey all laws regarding emergency warning devices.
The user should check all applicable city, state and federal laws and regulations.
Code 3, Inc., assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this warning
device.
Proper installation is vital to the performance of the siren and the safe operation of the
emergency vehicle. It is important to recognize that the operator of the emergency
vehicle is under psychological and physiological stress caused by the emergency
situation. The siren system should be installed in such a manner as to: A) Not reduce
the acoustical performance of the system, B) Limit as much as practical the noise
level in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, C) Place the controls within
convenient reach of the operator so that he can operate the system without losing eye
contact with the roadway.
Emergency warning devices often require high electrical voltages and/or currents.
Properly protect and use caution around live electrical connections. Grounding or
shorting of electrical connections can cause high current arcing, which can cause
personal injury and/or severe vehicle damage, including fire.
PROPER INSTALLATION COMBINED WITH OPERATOR TRAINING IN THE
PROPER USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE
THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.
Standard Features
The 3990 series sirens consist of remotely mounted siren amplifier with integral lighting control which is
operated by a compact control panel designed to be conveniently mounted near the operator. The models are
as follows:
3997/3997R - Primary Tones: Wail, Yelp, Hi-Lo, Air Horn
- Secondary Tones: HyperYelp, HyperLo
- 6 auxiliary lighting controls
- Integral Arrow Stik Control
3998/3998R - Primary Tones: Wail, Yelp, Hi-Lo, Air Horn
- Secondary Tones: HyperYelp, HyperLo
- 6 auxiliary lighting controls
2
2
3999/3999R
- Primary Tones: Wail, Yelp, Hi-Lo, Air Horn
- Secondary Tones: HyperYelp, HyperLo
- 6 auxiliary lighting controls
- Integral Arrow Stik Control
- NIGHTPROBE
TM
Spotlight controller
optionally available
- 8 additional auxiliary relay outputs
optionally available
The following features are standard in the RLS series
sirens (tones and sequences may differ with model and
options):
3-Level
Lighting
Switch
Switch A
Switch B
Switch C
Switch D
Switch E
Switch F
Instant-On- There is no " ON/OFF " switch. Selecting
any
siren function, or keying the microphone will activate the
selected siren function, assuming the siren is properly
installed and the vehicle's ignition is switched on.
Manual/Air
Horn
Push-
buttons
Figure 1 - 3999 Control Panel
Special
Function
Switches
Park Kill- This feature deactivates the siren tones and
drops-out the Level 3 lighting when the vehicle is shifted
into park. Once PKILL is activated the siren will remain
deactivated until the vehicle is shifted into drive and an
action occurs such as depressing one of the siren
3-Level
Lighting
Switch
Switch A
Switch B
Switch C
Switch D
Switch E
Switch F
control switches, changing the position of the lighting
level switch or keying the microphone. Any of these
actions will cause the siren tones to start again.
Adjustable Backlighting- Backlighting is independent
of siren power. Allows connecting to dimmer if desired.
Automatic Short Circuit Protection- The siren will
sense a short circuit on the speaker terminals and
automatically go to standby until the fault is removed.
Once the fault is removed the siren will return to normal
operation.
Manual
Air Horn
Switches
Special
Function
Switches
Lighting Level "3 " Dropout- When vehicle is shifted
to PARK and the PKILL feature is connected, Level 3
Figure 1A - 3997R Control Panel
lighting will dropout. This is a power down mode and can
be defeated by setting the 4 -position rear dip switch to the PKILL "OFF" position on the lighting board. This is
indicated by the "red" LED extinguishing.
Scroll Mode- Setting the slide switch on the rear of the siren to the SCROLL position will put siren in scroll mode.
This will allow "scrolling" through tones utilizing sharp taps on the horn ring, or a switch, via the Remote siren
input. In this mode holding the horn ring for prolonged durations will produce the Airhorn sound. See OPERATION
section for further details.
Hit-n-Go Mode - Setting the slide switch on the rear of the siren to the Hit-N-Go position will put the siren in the
Hit-n-Go mode. This mode will be most familiar to existing
users. A seven second override is
standard for all tones when activated by the Remote input. See OPERATION section for details.
Automatic Siren Tones - Industry standard Wail, Yelp, and Hi-Lo tones.
AIR HORN Tone - Electronic AIR HORN sound.
Instant Public Address - Public Address override of all siren functions when the microphone Push-to-Talk key is
pressed.
3
Status LED - An indicator LED, visible on the front of the remote siren amplifier indicates that the unit is on
when lighted.
Radio Rebroadcast - Broadcast Two-way radio reception over siren speakers. These inputs are transformer
coupled to prevent loading of the radio.
Remote Siren Switching - The siren accepts either a positive or a ground (earth) signal, usually from the
vehicle's horn switch (or other user supplied switch), to remotely activate the MANUAL or AIR HORN functions.
(MANUAL or AIRHORN is selected via the slide switch located on the front panel of the siren amplifier. The
siren is factory set for a GND (Earth) signal and may be reconfigured to accept a positive signal. See
SETUP and Adjustments and Operation sections for details.
Noise Cancelling Microphone - Plug-in microphone that is easily unplugged for service or replacement.
Power Distribution Section - A three level progressive switch for primary warning light system control plus 6
push-on/push-off auxiliary switches.
Each auxiliary switch can be custom labeled with the supplied label kit. Each switch is backlighted when
activated to alert the operator. Each position of the progressive switch has its own indicator LED.
Horn Ring Transfer - Built in horn transfer relay that is automatically activated at Levels 2 and 3 of the
progressive warning light switch.
Unpacking & Preinstallation
After unpacking your RLS series
siren, carefully inspect the unit and
associated parts for any damage that
may have been caused in transit.
Report any damage to the carrier
immediately.
Installation &
Mounting
The RLS series siren control may be
mounted above the dash, below the
dash, on a tunnel or in a rack with
the mounting hardware supplied (see
Fig. 2). Ease of operation and
All devices should be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and securely
!
WARNING!
fastened to vehicle elements of sufficient strength to withstand the forces applied to the device. Ease
of operation and convenience to the operator should be the prime consideration when mounting the
siren and controls. Adjust the mounting angle to allow maximum operator visibility. Do not mount the
Control Head Module in a location that will obstruct the drivers view. Mount the microphone clip in a
convenient location to allow the operator easy access. Devices should be mounted only in locations
that conform to their SAE identification code as described in SAE Standard J1849. For example,
electronics designed for interior mounting should not be placed underhood, etc. Controls should be
placed within convenient reach* of the driver or if intended for two person operation the driver and/or
passenger. In some vehicles, multiple control switches and/or using methods such as “horn ring
transfer” which utilizes the vehicle horn switch to toggle between siren tones may be necessary for
convenient operation from two positions.
Figure 2
4
convenience to the operator should be the prime consideration when mounting the siren and controls
NOTE: Setups and adjustments will be made in subsequent steps, depending upon the model and options
purchased, that may require access to the rear area of the unit. Plan the installation and wiring accordingly.
Amplifier Connections
Siren Amplifier Connector - As a standard feature, the Siren and Auxiliary sections of your unit
come equipped with a combination plug-in terminal block/connector. To terminate the wires, strip
approximately 1/4" of insulation from the end of each wire and insert it in the appropriate hole in the
terminal block. Tighten the setscrew and proceed to the next connection.
Should you ever have to remove the unit, pull the terminal block straight out. It will unplug from the
unit, leaving the wiring in place.
Terminal Block Connections
Light Control Terminal Plug- (see wiring diagram page 15)
COM - Connect to the wire from one 100 W ( 11 ohm ) speaker terminal 1.
SPKR - Speaker - Connect to the wire from 100 W ( 11 ohm ) speaker terminal 2.
NOTE: For all RLS sirens manufactured after April 2004, two 100W speakers may be connected in
parallel for 200 W operation. Correct phasing is important and can be accomplished by connecting
both speaker terminals marked " 1 " to the COM terminal and both speaker terminals marked " 2" to
the SPKR terminal. For sirens manufactured prior to April 2004, 200W operation was an optional
feature. Refer to the siren's wiring label to determine the power rating on these units.
!
WARNING!
REMOTE - Remote switch (Horn ring or foot switch). Circuit can be configured for both ground (earth)
or positive signals. A horn ring transfer circuit is standard in all 3990 series. Connect to the
"REMOTE" terminal on the Lighting Control Section terminal block. Unit is configured for a ground (
earth ) at the factory. See page 8 for details on configuring for a +12V input.
Larger wires and tight connections will provide longer service life for components. For highcurrent
wires it is highly recommended that terminal blocks or soldered connections be used with shrink tubing to
protect the connections. Do not use insulation displacement connectors(e.g. 3M® ) Scotchlock type
connectors). Route wiring using grommets and sealant when passing through compartment walls.
Minimize the number of splices to reduce voltage drop. High ambient temperatures (e.g. underhood) will
significantly reduce the current carrying capacity of wires, fuses, and circuit breakers. Use "SXL" type
wire in engine compartment. All wiring should conform to the minimum wire size and other
ecommendations of the manufacturer and be protected from moving parts and hot surfaces.
Looms, grommets, cable ties, and similar installation hardware should be used to anchor and protect all
wiring.
Fuses or circuit breakers should be located as close to the power takeoff points as possible and
properly sized to protect the wiring and devices. Particular attention should be paid to the location and
method of making electrical connections and splices to protect these points from corrosion and loss
of conductivity. Ground (Earth) terminations should only be made to substantial chassis
components, preferably directly to the vehicle battery.
The user should install a circuit breaker sized to approximately 125% of the maximum Amp
capacity in the supply line to protect against short circuits. For example, a 30 Amp circuit breaker
should carry a maximum of 24 Amps.
DO NOT USE 1/4" DIAMETER GLASS FUSES AS THEY ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR
CONTINUOUS DUTY IN SIZES ABOVE 15 AMPS. Circuit breakers are very sensitive to high
temperatures and will "false trip" when mounted in hot environments or operated close to their
capacity.
5
!
WARNING!
LTG- Provides +12V to siren backlighting. Connect to a vehicle circuit that is powered when the
ignition switch is " on ". If backlighting dimming is desired, connect to the dash lights' circuit.
Caution- If connected to the battery the backlighting will be active at all times.
PKILL- This feature automatically deactivates siren tones when the vehicle is shifted into PARK.
When the 3-Level switch is set to Level-3, Level-3 will " dropout " when the vehicle is shifted to PARK
if this feature is enabled via the rear panel dip switch. Siren tones will be disabled until the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK and the front panel selector switched is either returned to standby ( or another
function is selected ) or the lighting level control is returned to level 1. This circuit is activated by a
negative signal. Connect this input to a circuit that is GROUNDED (Earth) when the vehicle is shifted
into PARK. It is the installer's responsibility to determine an appropriate location in the vehicle
circuitry to connect this wire.
CONNECTION OF A 58 WATT SPEAKER TO THE SPKR TERMINAL WILL CAUSE THE
SPEAKER TO BURN OUT, AND WILL VOID THE SPEAKER WARRANTY!
The sound projecting opening should be pointed forward, parallel to the ground, and not
obstructed or muffled by structural components of the vehicle. Concealed or underhood
mountings in some cases will result in a dramatic reduction in performance. To minimize this
reduction, mount the speaker so the sound emitted is projected directly forward and obstruction by
vehicle components such as hoses, brackets, grille, etc. is minimized.
Electromechanical sirens and electronic siren speakers should be mounted as far from the
occupants as possible using acoustically insulated compartments and isolation mountings to
minimize the transmission of sound into the vehicle. It may be helpful to mount the device
on the front bumper, engine cowl or fender; heavily insulate the passenger compartment;
and operate the siren only with the windows closed.
Each of these approaches may cause significant operational problems, including loss of
siren performance from road slush, increased likelihood of damage to the siren in minor
collisions, and the inability to hear the sirens on other emergency vehicles.
APPROPRIATE TRAINING OF VEHICLE OPERATORS IS RECOMMENDED TO ALERT
THEM TO THESE PROBLEMS AND MINIMIZE THE EFFECT OF THESE PROBLEMS
DURING OPERATIONS.
RRB - Connect to one side of the two-way radio speaker.
RRB - Connect to the second side of the two-way radio speaker.
InterClear® - Connect to the device or circuit that is to be activated by the InterClear feature. The
InterClear circuit is internally current limited at 1 Amp. Should your application require higher
currents, use the InterClear Power Booster Kit (# INTBS), available from your Code 3 supplier.
1/4" Male Quick-Connect Printed Circuit Board Terminals
+12V - Connect to a positive +12 volt DC source. It is recommended that the user protect this wire
with a 20 Amp fuse or circuit breaker located at the source. Use #14 gauge wire terminated with 1/4"
female, fully insulated quick-connect terminals only.
NEG - Connect to the negative terminal of the battery. This supplies ground (earth) to the siren. Use
#14 gauge wire terminated with 1/4" female, fully insulated quick-connect terminals only.
Power Distribution Connections
A #8 stud is provided on the rear of the unit and is intended for use ONLY as a convenient ground
(earth) " tie-point " for the light bar wiring. It is not an adequate ground (earth) for the siren or the
light bar. It is recommended all ground (earth) wires attached here be terminated with a crimpon ring terminal.
6
Terminal Plugs - Rear Panel- (See Wiring Diagram page 16)
IMPORTANT!
Remember auxiliary outputs A,B,D,E,F can supply a maximum of 20 Amps each for a
combined total of 30 Amps. Install appropriate fuses in each output wire as close to the siren
as possible.
SW A - Connect to the load to be controlled by Auxiliary Switch "A".
SW B - Connect to the load to be controlled by Auxiliary Switch "B".
SW C NO - Connect to the load to be controlled by the normally-open contact on Auxiliary Switch "C".
SW C NC - Connect to the load to be controlled by the normally-closed contact on Auxiliary Switch
"C".
SW C COM - Common or power feed for Auxiliary Switch "C". Terminals are a SPDT circuit that
may be connected as latching (Push-On/Push-Off) or timed momentary circuit. This terminal may
also be connected to the vehicle's ignition circuit for added security when used with electric gun
locks. A switch accessible through the back of the siren control head allows the 10 second timed
output feature to be disabled thus making this switch operate as a Push-On/Push-Off function.
This circuit will handle up to 10 Amps, and should be protected with a fuse at the supply source.
SW D - Connect to the load to be controlled by Auxiliary Switch "D"
.
SW E - Connect to the load to be controlled by Auxiliary Switch "E".
SW F - Connect to the load to be controlled by Auxiliary Switch "F".
HORN RING - Connect to the wire coming from the vehicle horn switch at the steering wheel.
HORN - Connect to the vehicle horn or vehicle horn ring relay.
REMTE - Connect to the Remote terminal on the Siren Amplifier Connector.
#8 GAUGE RED WIRE PIGTAIL - provides power to the 3-Level, progressive lighting outputs only.
The wire can be ordered with an optional connector to allow for convenient removal. The
connector should be soldered to each wire, NOT crimped. This connection is designed to provide
50 amp service and therefore nothing smaller than #8 gauge wire should be connected to it. The
circuit breaker used should be sized for the actual load of the lighting used and located as close to
the battery positive as possible.
4 POSITION SCREW-TYPE TERMINAL BLOCK CONNECTOR
+12VAUX - Connect to the positive terminal of the battery with 30 Amp circuit protection. Locate the
fuse or circuit breaker at the battery and use #10 gauge wire minimum. This terminal provides output
power for switches A,B,D,E & F and must be connected whether these auxiliary outputs are used
or not.
IMPORTANT!
The Level 1-3 outputs can supply a maximum of 30 Amps each for a combined total of 50
Amps. Install appropriate fuses in each output wire as close to the siren as possible.
LEVEL 1 - Connect to the first level of warning lights (Green LED) position "1" on level switch.
LEVEL 2 - Connect to the second level of warning lights (Yellow LED) position "2" on level switch.
LEVEL 3 - Connect to the third level of warning lights (Red LED) position "3" on level switch.
7
NOTE: LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, switch progressively. Switch position 1 provides +12 volts at
Level 1 terminal. Switch position 2 provides +12 volts at terminals 1
provides +12 volts at terminals 1, 2, and 3.
and 2. Switch position 3
SETUP AND ADJUSTMENT
All of the adjustments, except MAXIMUM P.A. ADJUSTMENT, and setup switches are
accessible from the rear of the unit. Make these adjustments and position the setup switches
prior to placing the unit inside their bail bracket (see wiring diagram, page 15).
Audio Adjustments
Radio Rebroadcast Adjustment - Place the selector switch in the RADIO position. The trimmer
located on the rear panel of the siren sets the maximum level RRB will reach with the knob fully
clockwise. To adjust properly, set the volume knob fully clockwise and adjust the trimmer such
that normal two-way radio volume inside the vehicle produces the desired volume outside the
vehicle.
Maximum P.A. Volume Adjustment - This trimmer ( located on the front panel next to the volume
control knob ) sets the maximum level that the P.A. volume will reach with the front panel VOLUME
control in the fully clockwise position. To adjust properly, set the front panel volume control fully
clockwise and adjust the trimmer while keying the microphone until the maximum volume out of the
speaker is such that there is no feedback and is
intelligible.
Remote Input - The remote input can be configured to
accept either a positive +12V or negative GND ( Earth )
signal for actuation. All 3990 series sirens are shipped
setup to accept the GND (Earth) signal present on most
vehicles from the vehicle horn switch. To reconfigure the
Remote Input to accept a +12V signal the amplifier cover
must be removed (see exploded view, page 20). Move
both jumpers towards the "+ " position. Refer to detail "A"
for a complete illustration.
4-Position DIP Switch (located on the siren amplifier, rear panel)
Gently set the SirenLock, and PKILL setup switches to the desired position using the point of a ball
point pin or some other similar tool. These switches are present on all models. If SirenLock is
switched on, all of the tones except AIRHORN, are muted until the Warning Light Switch is in either
the Level 3 or the Level 2 or 3 positions. Additionally, if the PKILL switch is on and the PKILL input
is connected to the vehicle's NSSW (Neutral Safety
Switch) circuit, all siren tones except AIRHORN are
muted while the vehicle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
SirenLock - (sw 2-3) When switch 3 is on the siren
tones are allowed to sound when the 3-Level switch
is placed in the Level-3 position. When both switches
2 & 3 are on the siren tones are allowed to sound
when the 3-Level switch is placed in either
Level 2 or in Level 3 position.
Factory Setting
Figure 3, 4-Position DIP Switch
8
PKILL- If this switch (sw 4) is in the on postition, lighting level-3 will "drop-out" when vehicle is shifted
to PARK. This is intended to reduce power consumption while vehicle is not moving. If it is not
desired to have level 3 "drop-out" this switch should be set to the " OFF " position on the dip switch.
Please note that DIP switch 1 is not used.
2-Position DIP Switch (located on the control head, rear panel)
Gently set the LightAlert, and Timed Output setup switches
to the desired position using the point of a ball point pin or
some other similar tool. These switches are present on all
models.
LightAlert - LightAlert is intended to alert the operator with an
audibe tone, when any lighting switch is activated. When this
switch is in the OFF position, the LightAlert tone is disabled.
Timed Output - Output "C" may be configured as a timed
output, providing a ten second, timed output for applications
such as electric gunlock. The SPDT relay allows an additional
level of security to
be added by connecting this output through the vehicle's
ignition circuit thereby requiring that the ignition be on in order
for the output to be activated. When this switch is in the OFF
position, output "C" becomes a latched output and may be toggled ON/OFF like switches A, B, D, E
& F.
Figure 4, 2-Position DIP Switch &
WAIL/YELP Jumper (Push-Button
Control Heads only).
Initial Siren Mode
WAIL/YELP - A three pin jumper located on the rear panel of the Push-Button version of the RLS
Control Head allows the siren may be configured to automatically start the siren in either WAIL or YELP
mode when the 3-level lighting switch is moved to a position higher than the selected SirenLock level.
Inserting the jumper across the left two pins will cause the Initial Siren Mode (ISM) to be WAIL.
Similarly, moving the jumper to the right two pins will select YELP mode. If no siren tone is desired
the jumper should be moved to a position which only covers one of the pins. In this position, the
siren tones may still be activated by the front panel switches or the vehicle's horn switch but will not
be automatically started when the position of the 3-level lighting control switch is changed.
Note that this jumper is not used on the 399xR control heads. For systems equipped with the
399xR Rotary Switch version of the RLS Control Head, the initial siren tone is selected by the
position of the front panel rotary control switch.
Hit-N-Go / Scroll Selector Switch (located on the siren amplifier, rear panel)
The siren has two distinct modes, Hit-N-Go and Scroll. Set rear panel slide switch, Figure 3, to the
desired mode by sliding left or right. See operation section for a detailed description of operation in
each mode.
Custom Labeling
Labels supplied with the RLS series siren should be selected and placed in the appropriate windows.
Refer to Figure 1for the RLS Control Head switch A-F window designations.
!
WARNING!
"Wail" and "Yelp" tones are in some cases (such as in the state of California) the only recognized
siren tones for calling for the right of way. Ancillary tones such as "Air Horn", "Hi-Lo", "Hyperyelp",
and "Hyperlo" in some cases do not provide as high a sound pressure level. It is recommended that
these tones beused in a secondary mode to alert motorists to the presence of an emergency vehicle.
9
Loading...