Carson SA-380-10 User manual

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
5451 North Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.carsonsirens.com
SA-380-10
SIREN AMPLIFIER
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 8 SA-380-10 Installation Instructions
07/29/05 CP4964A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION....................................................................................3
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................3
UNPACKING.....................................................................................................4
MOUNTING.......................................................................................................4
OPTION SWITCHES.........................................................................................4
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.........................................................................5
OPERATION..........................................................................................................6
POWER ON/OFF ..............................................................................................6
ROTARY SELECTOR SWITCH........................................................................6
SIREN BUTTON................................................................................................6
AUXILIARY INPUT FUNCTIONS......................................................................6
PA (Public Address) ..........................................................................................6
SERVICE ...............................................................................................................7
PROBLEMS ......................................................................................................7
PARTS ..............................................................................................................7
RETURNS .........................................................................................................8
WARRANTY ......................................................................................................8
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 lim-
ited 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.

SA-380-10 Installation Instructions Page 3 of 8
CP4964A 07/29/05
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The SA-380 Siren Amplifier is designed for single 100W speaker use. The primary operating
modes are Standby, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser, selected by a 4-position rotary switch. A Noise Can-
celing PA Override and push-button override are available in all modes. PA volume control pro-
vided on front panel. Auxiliary input is provided for connection to horn ring circuit or switch for
additional siren control. Power for the unit is controlled by an enable input or optional instant on
feature with the front panel controls. An internal DIP switch provides options to select Two-Tone,
disable tones, HRC2 operation, Auxiliary function, etc. The front panel is backlit with LED’s for
night visibility. The unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protection systems
for maximum service life. An output light indicates siren signal output for troubleshooting.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage 9 - 16 VDC (negative ground)
Input Current 8 AMPS (@14 VDC - 100W speaker)
Standby Current Less than 150 mA (@ 14 VDC w/ enable lead energized)
Audio Frequency 200Hz - 10 kHz + 3db
Audio Distortion Less than 3% (@1 kHz - 100W speaker)
Audio Output 40 watts (@14 VDC - 100W Speaker)
Output Power 105 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - 100W speaker)
Siren Frequency 700Hz - 1500Hz (Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)
Tones / Cycle Rates Horn Wail Yelp Phaser Two-Tone
Cycle Rates 109 CPS 13 CPM 190 CPM 15 CPS 60 CPM
High Voltage
Protection
16 - 18 VDC will cause siren output to cease, resume at normal voltage
Short Circuit Current 50 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this)
Operating Temp. -15° F to +140°F
Controls 4-position rotary selector switch (Standby, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser).
Momentary push-button override switch (Manual siren control and Horn).
Front panel PA volume control.
Auxiliary input programmable for positive or negative activation.
Internal 8-position DIP switch option selector.
Connections (leads) Positive with in-line fuse, Negative, (2) Speaker, Auxiliary and Enable inputs.
Size 6" Wide, 6" Deep, 2" High
Weight 4 LBS.
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 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.
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.
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 (>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 4 of 8 SA-380-10 Installation Instructions
07/29/05 CP4964A
UNPACKING
Inspect contents for shipping damage. If found alert carrier immediately. Contents should in-
clude unit with attached microphone, mounting bracket, microphone bracket with 2 screws,
mounting hardware and these instructions. Contact supplier immediately if any components are
missing.
MOUNTING
The mounting bracket supplied can be installed above
or below the unit. Mounting bolts slide into channels
on each side of the case. Lockwashers should be
used between the case and bracket as well as be-
tween the bracket and nut. Choose a mounting loca-
tion 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).
OPTION SWITCHES
An internal 8-position DIP switch on the circuit board may be changed to select various options.
Accessing Option Switches - the DIP switch is located just behind the front panel of the ampli-
fier. Use a 7/64” allen wrench to remove the 4 corner screws and front panel. Be careful not to
unplug internal microphone connection.
1 (AUX_P) Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated by positive. Turn
switch off to activate with negative.
2 (AUX_F) Auxiliary Function - The auxiliary input normally activates Manual siren tone while in
standby, turn switch on to activate Horn tone instead.
3 (HRC) Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) - While the siren is in standby, the auxiliary input can cycle
through Wail, Yelp, and Phaser tones by repeatedly activating the auxiliary input. Turn switch on
to enable this feature. See OPERATION section for further details.
4 (T-T) Two-Tone - Two-Tone replaces Phaser tone by turning on switch.
5 (P_I) Phaser Disable - Phaser and Two-Tone tones are disabled by turning on switch.
4 & 5 Siren Tone Disable - Disable all siren tones (except Horn) by turning switch 4 and 5 on.
6 (H_I) Horn Disable - Horn tone is disabled by turning on switch.
7 (SM) Short Manual - The Manual siren tone will normally die out and stop when activation is
released. Turn switch on to have the Manual siren tone stop immediately.
8 (INST_ON) Instant On - The Enable input is normally required to turn on the unit. With this
switch on, the siren controls will instantly power on the unit even without the Enable input active.
See OPERATION section.
Lockwashers
Nut
Channel
(from rear)
Bolt
Bracket

SA-380-10 Installation Instructions Page 5 of 8
CP4964A 07/29/05
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical connections to the unit are made using common
butt splices (not supplied) attached to the leads provided.
A label on the unit identifies the lead function. The power
supply of the unit must be capable of delivering peak cur-
rents up to 50 amps for adequate short circuit protection
and reliable operation. The preferred source is directly at
the vehicle battery. The unit is provided with an in-line
fuse. Failure to adequately crimp splices can result in
improper operation or burning the wire.
Wire Size and Termination - The diagram shows the mini-
mum wire size used for each connection, along with recom-
mended lead color. If the wire is longer than 10 ft. use the
next larger wire size. Use only high quality crimp connec-
tors for installation on the vehicle. Tape insulate lead to
prevent accidental shorting and activation.
Siren Enable Connection (orange lead) - This is like a power switch for the unit. Connect to a
positive circuit controlled by the vehicle ignition switch, usually a terminal at the vehicle fuse block.
Permanent power connection is not recommended as this keeps unit on unattended and may
drain battery.
Note: The Siren enable lead may not be necessary if Instant On option is used. See OPTION
SWITCHES section.
Auxiliary Input Connection (violet lead) - A momentary input typically connected to the horn
ring of the vehicle. See Auxiliary Polarity under OPTION SWITCHES section for proper activa-
tion polarity. The orange Siren Enable lead connection is required for the Auxiliary Input to func-
tion when the rotary switch is in Standby.
CONNECTIONS AT REAR OF UNIT
(2) #18 AWG BRN
#22 AWG ORG
Siren Enable
#14 AWG
BLK
#14 AWG RED
With in-line fuse
+
BAT
-
#22 AWG VIO
Auxiliary Input
+VDC Switching examples
HORN
RING
SWITCH
+VDC
AUX
SPLICE
HORN
RING
SWITCH
+VDC
Added
SPDT
Switch
HORN
HORN
-VDC
switching
example
MOMENTARY
FOOT
SWITCH
AUX
AUX

Page 6 of 8 SA-380-10 Installation Instructions
07/29/05 CP4964A
OPERATION
POWER ON/OFF
Power is turned on and off by switching the orange siren enable lead. If the Instant On option is
selected (See OPTION SWITCHES section), then changing rotary switch from Standby, pressing
the Siren button, or keying the Microphone will power up the unit even if orange siren enable lead
is not activated.
ROTARY SELECTOR SWITCH
A rotary switch controls the primary operating mode of the siren.
Standby - A silent mode that allows Manual or Horn or PA opera-
tion.
Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.
Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested areas.
Phaser - A very rapid changing tone used at intersections or very
highly congested areas. May be optionally replaced with Two-Tone
(or Hi - Lo, a common European tone) or disabled entirely. See
OPTION SWITCHES section.
SIREN BUTTON
This momentary push-button switch provides Manual or Horn tones.
Manual - With selector switch in Standby, siren tone rises while pressed and falls when
released until silenced.
Horn - With selector switch out of Standby, produces a simulated air-horn tone that can
be used to supplement the normal vehicle horn. Used at intersections or in low noise
areas.
AUXILIARY INPUT FUNCTIONS (orange siren enable lead must be activated)
The switch or horn ring attached is intended to be momentary.
Manual - With selector switch in Standby, activates Manual siren tone or Optional Horn tone. See
OPTION SWITCHES section.
Horn - With selector switch out of Standby, produces Horn tone.
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.
PA (Public Address)
The noise canceling microphone is used for public address operation and over-
rides any siren mode when the button on the side is pressed (PTT). Adjust the
PA Volume and hold the microphone close to your lips for proper 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)
Rotary
Position
Normal
Tone
Siren
Push-Button
Auxiliary Input
(Horn Ring)
Standby Silent Manual Siren Manual Siren or Momentary Horn or HRC2
Wail Wail Momentary Horn Momentary Horn
Yelp Yelp Momentary Horn Momentary Horn
Phaser Phaser Momentary Horn Momentary Horn

SA-380-10 Installation Instructions Page 7 of 8
CP4964A 07/29/05
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 in-line fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead is
shorted the in-line fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and
replace the fuse. If the OUTPUT light comes on with siren power enabled and Yelp mode se-
lected it is OK. Check the speaker or leads for possible shorting.
PROBLEMS
PARTS
The following parts are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
Symptom Possible Cause Check
No power or siren
output
No power to orange Enable lead
Bad Speaker
Connections loose
In-line fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
Does backlighting come 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?
No siren tone -
PA works
High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck
All siren tones disabled
Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.
Does mic button release properly?
Check option switch settings.
No PA PA volume not set properly. Have you tried turning the PA volume control?
Distorted siren
sound
Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent Aux input connection
Low vehicle voltage
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Is the Auxiliary input used and wired properly?
Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Intermittent siren
tone
High Voltage Protection
Connection loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
Circuit breaker in supply connection
Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?
Are the connections 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?
Horn function
stuck on or
Manual stuck on
Siren button stuck
Aux input improperly connected
Aux input polarity set wrong
Does the siren button return fully when released?
Is the auxiliary input used and wired properly?
Is the auxiliary polarity option set properly?
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option selected
Aux function option set wrong
Check option switch settings?
Some siren tones
not working
Particular siren tones disabled Check option switch settings?
Part Description
CP3571 Bracket, Mounting
ATO/ATC 15A Fuse, 15 Amp Automotive
CP4852 Knob, selector switch
CP4750 Microphone, Noise Canceling w/Connector
CP3633 Microphone Bracket with mounting screws
SR-15-1 Microphone Strain Relief
CP4119 Transistor, output (2 required) (Industry standard TIP36C, Not Texas Instruments)
ED1602 Hardware Kit (bolts, nuts, lockwashers)
CP4964 Instruction Manual

Page 8 of 8 SA-380-10 Installation Instructions
07/29/05 CP4964A
RETURNS
If you have any questions concerning this or any other Carson product, please contact our Tech-
nical 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.
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.