Carson SA-365-20 User manual

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
5451 North Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
hone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.carsonsirens.com
SA-365-20
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)

Page 2 of 8 SA-365-2 Installation Instructions
5/26/2 CP5166A
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 - HORN SWITCH ............................................................................... 6
AUXILIARY INPUT FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................... 6
Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) .......................................................................................... 6
SERVICE ................................................................................................................................... 7
PROBLEMS .......................................................................................................................... 7
PARTS and ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................... 7
RETURNS ............................................................................................................................. 8
WARRANTY ......................................................................................................................... 8
GENERAL DESCRI TION
The SA-365 Siren Amplifier is designed for single 1 W speaker use. The primary operating
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. A DIP switch provides
options such as Two-Tone, Power C, disable tones, HRC2 operation, Auxiliary function, etc. The
unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protection systems for maximum ser-
vice life. An output light indicates siren signal output for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
NOTICE
Due to continuous product improvements, we must reserve the right to change any specifications and information,
contained in this manual at any time without notice.
Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.
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-365-2 Installation Instructions Page 3 of 8
CP5166A 5/26/2
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.
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. 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".
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.
Keep These Instructions - Keep these instructions in the vehicle or other safe place for future
reference. Advise the vehicle operator of the location.
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)
Speaker Load Single 1 W 11ohm
Input Voltage 1 - 16 VDC (negative ground)
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 Power C Yelp Phaser Two-Tone
1 9 CPS 13 CPM 1 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).
Positive or Negative Auxiliary input.
8-position DIP switch option selector.
Connections (6-Pin Conn) (2) Power, (2) Speaker, and Auxiliary +/-.
Size 4-1/2" Wide, 1-13/16" High, 4-13/16" Deep
Weight 3 LBS.
Qty Item
1 Amplifier
1 CP4688- 6 6-Pin Terminal Block Plug
1 CP5166 Instruction Manual
1 CP5 37 Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount
2 CP3966 Bolts, ‘U’ Mounting Bracket

Page 4 of 8 SA-365-2 Installation Instructions
5/26/2 CP5166A
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 ower C Enable - Turn this switch OFF to enable Power C tone. Phaser replaced with
Power C.
SW-8 haser Override - While in standby mode, the manual switch will normally activate manual
tone. Turn this switch OFF to momentarily activate Phaser tone.
HORN RING CYCLER 2 (HRC2) - Turn on DIP SW-2 and SW-3 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 unit are made using a removable terminal block plug located on the
back. 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 unit is fused near connector.
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 1 ft. use the next larger wire
size. Use only high quality crimp connectors for installation on the vehicle.
Auxiliary Input Connection (AUX) (Optional) - A momentary input typically connected to the
horn ring of the vehicle or other switch. The auxiliary input may be activated with positive or
negative voltage. Input current is less than 1 mA.
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-365-2 Installation Instructions Page 5 of 8
CP5166A 5/26/2
See OPTION SWITCHES section for polarity selection.
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.

Page 6 of 8 SA-365-2 Installation Instructions
5/26/2 CP5166A
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.
May be optionally replaced with Phaser.
See OPTION SWITCHES section.
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 intersections 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 repeated-
ly pressing switch. A very rapid changing tone used at intersections and very highly congested
areas. May be optionally replaced with Two-Tone or ower C. 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.
Selector
Switch
(Mode)
Manual/ haser
Switch
Horn
Switch
Auxiliary Input
(Horn Ring)
Standby Manual (Default) or Phaser Horn Horn (Default), Manual, Phaser, or HRC2
Wail or Yelp Phaser Toggle Horn Horn
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-365-2 Installation Instructions Page 7 of 8
CP5166A 5/26/2
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 SPK leads and replace the
fuse. If the OUT light on face of unit comes on with Wail switch activated 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]
art Description
CP5 35 Cover (not including chassis)
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
CP5 37 * Bracket, ‘U’ Dash Mount
CP3966 * Bolts, ‘U’ Mounting Bracket (typically 2 ea required)
CP4688- 6 * Connector, 6-pin Terminal Block Plug
CP5166 * Instruction Manual
Symptom ossible Cause Check
No power or siren
output
Bad speaker
Connector loose
Amplifier fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
Is the OUT light on face coming on in Wail?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
No siren tones Bad Speaker
High Voltage Protection
All siren tones disabled
Is the OUT light on face coming on in Wail?
Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.
Are the option switches set properly?
Distorted siren
sound
Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent Aux Input connection
Low vehicle voltage
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Is the Aux Input used and 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
Aux Input improperly connected
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong
Does the Horn switch return when released?
Does the Manual/Phaser switch return when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the correct polarity used?
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option selected
Tones disabled
Check option switch settings.
Some siren tones
not working
Tone disabled
Remote switches wired incorrectly
Check option switch settings.
Are the correct switch terminals wired?

Page 8 of 8 SA-365-2 Installation Instructions
5/26/2 CP5166A
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]
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.