Carson SA-361-30 User manual

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
5451 North Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
hone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.carsonsirens.com
SA-361-30
REMOTE SIREN AM LIFIER
INSTALLATION AND O ERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Carson is a trademark of Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>12 dBA @ 1 feet) may cause hearing damage.
Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.
(Ref. OSHA 191 .95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)
W
A
I
L
Y
E
L
STANDBY
M
A
N
U
A
L
/
H
A
S
E
R
H
O
R
N
SA
-
361
SPK
SPK
NEG
POS
AUX
MAN
YELP
WAIL
HORN
NEG

Page 2 of 8 SA-361-3 Installation Instructions
12/2 /16 CP5165A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................. 2
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 3
UNPACKING .................................................................................................. 3
INSTALLATION .................................................................................................. 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................... 3
MOUNTING.................................................................................................... 3
OPTION SWITCHES...................................................................................... 4
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ................................................................... 4-5
OPERATION....................................................................................................... 6
POWER ON/OFF ........................................................................................... 6
YELP - STANDBY - WAIL SELECTOR SWITCH........................................... 6
MANUAL / PHASER SWITCH ....................................................................... 6
AUXILIARY INPUT FUNCTIONS.................................................................... 6
Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2)...................................................................... 6
WAIL / YELP TOGGLE MODE ....................................................................... 6
SERVICE............................................................................................................ 7
PROBLEMS ................................................................................................... 7
PARTS and ACCESSORIES .......................................................................... 7
RETURNS ...................................................................................................... 8
WARRANTY ................................................................................................... 8
GENERAL DESCRI TION
The SA-361 Remote Siren Amplifier is designed for single 1 W speaker use. The primary oper-
ating modes are Yelp, Wail and Standby, selected by a 3-position rocker switch. Horn Override,
push-on/push-off Phaser operation in the Yelp and Wail modes, and Manual siren control in the
Standby mode are controlled by a momentary 3-position rocker switch. The unit features instant-
on allowing the unit to produce a tone instantly when a switch is activated The supplied switch
panel or other switches may be used for control. A DIP switch on the amplifier provides options to
select Two-Tone, disable tones, HRC2 operation, Auxiliary polarity & function, and Wail/Yelp
toggle mode. The unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protection systems
for maximum service life.
NOTICE
This Carson siren is intended for use by authorized personnel only. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure they
understand and operate this emergency warning device in compliance with all applicable city, state and federal
laws and regulations.
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.
See www.carsonsirens.com for latest information.
Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>12 dBA @ 1 feet) may cause hearing damage.
Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.
(Ref. OSHA 191 .95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)

SA-361-3 Installation Instructions Page 3 of 8
CP5165A 12/2 /16
S ECIFICATIONS
UN ACKING
Inspect contents for shipping damage. If
found alert carrier immediately.
Contact supplier immediately if any items are
missing.
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 dam-
age to the unit or vehicle and may void warranties.
SAFETY RECAUTIONS
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.
Remote anel Location - Locate the hand control for easy access by the vehicle operator, typi-
cally underneath the vehicle dashboard in a location away from the driver’s or passenger’s legs.
DO NOT locate in air bag deployment area. Mounting hardware is not supplied.
Amplifier Mounting - Flanges are provided for mounting (hardware not supplied). Assure clear-
ances before drilling in vehicle.
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 opera-
tion to assure no damage to vehicle.
This unit is not designed for motorcycle use.
Keep These Instructions - Keep these instructions in the vehicle or other safe place for future
reference. Advise the vehicle operator of the location.
Speaker Load Single 1 W 11ohm
Input Current 8 AMPS (@14 VDC - single 1 W speaker)
Standby Current Less than 5mA
Output Power 1 5 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - single 1 W speaker)
Siren Frequency 7 Hz - 15 Hz (Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)
Tones / Cycle Rates Horn Wail Yelp Phaser Two-Tone
Cycle Rates 1 9 CPS 13 CPM 19 CPM 15 CPS 6 CPM
High Voltage
Protection
16 - 18 VDC will cause siren output to cease, resume at normal voltage
Short Circuit Current 5 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this for 1 second)
Operating Temp. -15° F to +14 °F
Controls 3-position rocker selector switch (Yelp, Wail and Standby).
3-position momentary rocker switch (Horn and Manual/Phaser toggle).
Auxiliary input.
8-position DIP switch option selector.
Connections
(1 -Pin Connector)
(2) Power, (2) Speaker, Auxiliary
Switch inputs for Wail, Yelp, Horn, Manual/Phaser
Size Control Panel: 3-3/4” Wide, 1-3/4” Deep, 1-1/4” High
Amplifier: 6" Wide, 4-1/4" Deep, 1-7/8" High
Weight 2 LBS.
Input Voltage 1 - 16 VDC (negative ground)
Qty Item
1 Amplifier
1 ED1773 Switch Panel Assembly
1 CP4688-1 1 -Pin Terminal Block Plug
6 CP4 62-K2523Terminal, 3/16” Insulated
1 CP5165 Instruction Manual

Page 4 of 8 SA-361-3 Installation Instructions
12/2 /16 CP5165A
O TION SWITCHES
An 8-position DIP switch on the remote amplifier may be changed to select various options.
Adjusting Option Switches - use a small screwdriver to change switch settings.
SW-1 Auxiliary Input olarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated with positive. Turn
switch OFF for negative activation.
SW-4 Two-Tone - Turn this switch OFF to replace Phaser with Two-Tone.
SW-5 Horn Enable - Turn this switch OFF to disable Horn tone. Horn replaced with Yelp.
SW-4 & 5 Siren Tone Disable - All siren tones may be disabled except Horn by turning OFF
both switches. All control inputs will produce Horn tone.
SW-6 Short Manual - The Manual siren tone will normally fall and die out when released. Turn
this switch OFF to have Manual stop immediately.
SW-7 haser Enable - Turn this switch OFF to disable Phaser tone. Phaser replaced with Yelp.
SW-8 Wail / Yelp Toggle Mode - The Wail and Yelp remote switch inputs normally activate the
Wail and Yelp modes of operation. This mode changes the Wail input to Wail/Yelp toggle while
the Yelp input is changed to activate Standby. Turn this switch on to enable this feature. See
OPERATION section for further details.
HORN RING CYCLER 2 (HRC2) - Turn on DIP SW-1 and SW-2 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 Wail tone. Repeatedly tapping the horn ring will
cycle through 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.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical connections to the amplifier are made using a terminal block plug located on the ampli-
fier. A label on the unit identifies each terminal function. 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 5 amps for adequate short circuit
protection and reliable operation. The preferred source is directly at the vehicle battery. The
amplifier is fused near connector.
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 1 ft. use the next larger wire
size. Use only high quality crimp connectors for installation on the vehicle.
ON
Option Switches
Default Setting Shown – All ON
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
SW-2 SW-3 Auxiliary Tone in Standby
ON ON (Default) Produces Horn tone while activated.
OFF ON Produces Phaser tone while activated.
ON OFF Produces Manual siren tone while activated.
OFF OFF Activates Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) function.

SA-361-3 Installation Instructions Page 5 of 8
CP5165A 12/2 /16
Auxiliary Input Connection (Optional) - A momentary input typically connected to the horn ring
of the vehicle or other switch. See OPERATION section for auxiliary input functions.
NOTE: ermanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT recommended.
The auxiliary input may be activated with positive or negative voltage. See Auxiliary olarity
under OPTION SWITCHES section for proper activation polarity. Input current is 1 to 2 mA.
Auxiliary Input
Connection Examples
Activated with
+VDC OR -VDC
Factory Default
DIP SW-1 ON for +VDC
DIP SW-1 OFF for -VDC
HORN RLY
+VDC
or
-VDC
Added
SPDT
Switch
To
AUX
Vehicle
Horn
+VDC
or
-VDC
Momentary
SPST
Switch
To
AUX
Horn
Circuit
Note:
Vehicle horn will also
sound with siren
To
AUX
Vehicle
Horn
Splice
SPK
SPK
NEG
POS
1 -P Terminal Block Plug
(CP4688-1 )
15A Automotive
Type Fuse
Plug into unit first for
terminal identification
Plug installed
this orientation
#18
G BRN
#18
G BRN
#16G RED
#16G BLK
AUX
MAN
YELP
WAIL
HORN
NEG
BAT
+
-
W
A
I
L
Y
E
L
STANDBY
M
A
N
U
A
L
/
H
A
S
E
R
H
O
R
N
SA
-
361
AUX
BLK
WHT
YEL
BLU
GRN
11 ohm
1 W
VIO
All control wires
#22 guage

Page 6 of 8 SA-361-3 Installation Instructions
12/2 /16 CP5165A
O ERATION
OWER ON/OFF
The unit is turned on/off automatically (instant on) with the siren or auxiliary input controls.
YEL - STANDBY - WAIL SELECTOR SWITCH
A 3-position rocker selector switch controls the primary
operating mode of the siren.
Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested areas.
Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.
Standby - A silent mode that may be overridden anytime.
MANUAL/ HASER - HORN SWITCH
This momentary rocker switch provides Manual, Phaser
toggle, or Horn tones.
Manual - With selector switch in Standby, siren tone rises
while pressed and falls when released until silenced.
Horn - Overrides all other siren tones when pressed.
Provides a simulated air-horn tone that can be used to
supplement the normal vehicle horn. Used at intersec-
tions or in low noise areas. Horn tone may be disabled.
See OPTION SWITCHES section.
haser - With selector switch in Wail or Yelp, this tone override is toggled on and off by repeat-
edly pressing switch. A very rapid changing tone used at intersections and very highly congested
areas. May be optionally replaced with Two-Tone or disabled. Two-Tone is two alternating
frequencies like a European. See OPTION SWITCHES section.
AUXILIARY IN UT FUNCTIONS
The switch or horn ring attached is intended to be momentary.
When the selector switch is in Wail or Yelp, activating auxiliary will produce the Horn tone.
With selector switch in Standby, activating auxiliary will normally produce Horn tone. Different
tones are available. See OPTION SWITCHES section.
Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) - this feature may also be added by turning on the HRC2 option.
HRC2 is only available while the unit is in Standby. Tapping the attached horn ring or other
switch, will bring the unit out of standby into Wail tone. Repeatedly tapping the horn ring will cycle
through 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.
WAIL / YEL TOGGLE MODE
This mode must be activated during installation. See ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS section.
Momentarily pressing the Wail/Yelp switch will bring the unit out of standby into Wail mode. Re-
peatedly pressing the Wail/Yelp switch toggles between Wail and Yelp modes. Pressing and
holding the Wail/Yelp switch will produce Horn tone until released. Momentarily pressing the
Standby switch returns the unit to Standby mode. The remaining controls will function as de-
scribed earlier.
Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>12 dBA @ 1 feet) may cause hearing damage.
Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.
(Ref. OSHA 191 .95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)
STANDBY
W
A
I
L
Y
E
L
H
O
R
N
M
A H
N A
U S
A E
L R
Selector
Switch
(Mode)
Manual/ haser
Switch
Horn
Switch
Auxiliary Input
(Horn Ring)
Standby Manual Horn Horn (Default), Short Manual (no fall), Phaser, or HRC2
Wail or Yelp Phaser Toggle Horn Horn

SA-361-3 Installation Instructions Page 7 of 8
CP5165A 12/2 /16
SERVICE
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 or
improper installation. The following chart shows typical symptoms and possible causes.
A blown siren fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead is
shorted the fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and replace
the fuse. If the amplifier makes noise with Wail mode selected and Enable Input powered the
amplifier is OK. Check the speaker or leads for possible shorting.
ROBLEMS
ARTS and ACCESSORIES
The following parts and accessories are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
See www.carsonsirens.com for additional information
or contact our Service Department at:
E-mail [e-mail] or Phone [phone]
Symptom ossible Cause Check
No power or siren
output
Bad speaker
Connector loose
Amplifier fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
Wrong polarity on remote switches
Is the amplifier making noise in Wail?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
Are the Input Polarity option switches set properly?
No siren tones Bad Speaker
High Voltage Protection
All siren tones disabled
Is the amplifier making noise in Wail?
Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.
Are the option switches set properly?
Distorted siren
sound
Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent remote switch connec-
tion
Low vehicle voltage
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Are the remote switches wired properly?
Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Intermittent siren
tone
High Voltage Protection
Connector loose
Bad power connection
Circuit breaker in supply connection
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 a circuit breaker used with at least a 5 A rating?
Horn function
stuck on or
Manual/Phaser
stuck on
Horn switch stuck
Manual/Phaser switch stuck
Switch input improperly connected
Switch Input Polarity Option set
wrong
Aux Input improperly connected
Does the Horn switch return when released?
Does the Manual/Phaser switch return when released?
Are the correct switch terminals wired?
Are the Input Polarity option switches set properly?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong?
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option selected
Tones disabled
Wail/Yelp Toggle Mode selected
Remote switches wired incorrectly
Check option switch settings.
Are the correct switch terminals wired?
Some siren tones
not working
Tone disabled
Remote switches wired incorrectly
Check option switch settings.
Are the correct switch terminals wired?
art Description
CP499 -15 Fuse, 15 Amp Mini Automotive
CP4748-2 Switch, Red Rocker ON - OFF - ON (Yelp - Standby - Wail)
CP4751-2 Switch, Momentary Red Rocker Switch, (ON) - OFF - (ON) (Manual/Phaser - Horn)
Accessory Description * - standard accessory supplied with complete unit
CP4688-1 * Connector, 1 -pin Terminal Block Plug
CP4062-K2523 * Terminal, 3/16" insulated female Q.C.
SA-361-30AMP SA-361-2 Remote Amplifier Only (includes 1 -pin connector)
ED1773 * SA-361 Remote Panel Assembly (includes rocker switches)
CP5165 * Instruction Manual

Page 8 of 8 SA-361-3 Installation Instructions
12/2 /16 CP5165A
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 [email protected]m
If a product must be returned for any reason, please contact our Technical
Service Department to obtain a Returned Merchandise Authorization num-
ber (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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
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 work
manship.
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, im
proper installation or which has not been adequately maintained, nor to units which have
problems related to service or modification at any facility other than Carson Mfg.
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 CON
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH DEFECT IN MATERIALS OR
WORKMANSHIP.