Carson SA-400 Classic User manual

SA-400
SIREN AMPLIFIER
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
5451 N. Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.carsonsirens.com
Carson
MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
RADIORADIO
HORNHORN
MANMAN
WAILWAIL
YELPYELP
PHASERPHASER
SIRENSIREN
PAPA
VOLVOL
SASA--400400
OO
FF
FF
OO
NN
CarsonCarson

Page 2SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions
9/6/01 CP4825A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................3
SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS....................................................................................4
UNPACKING........................................................................................................4
OPTION SWITCHES...........................................................................................4
MOUNTING..........................................................................................................5
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS...........................................................................5
OPERATION.............................................................................................................6
GENERAL ............................................................................................................6
SELECTOR SWITCH..........................................................................................6
SIREN SWITCH...................................................................................................6
MICROPHONE ....................................................................................................6
PA VOL.................................................................................................................6
AUXILIARY INPUT ..............................................................................................6
RADIO VOLUME .................................................................................................7
OVERRIDE FUNCTIONS....................................................................................7
HORN RING CYCLER (Optional) .......................................................................7
SHORT MANUAL (Optional) ...............................................................................7
SERVICE ..................................................................................................................8
PROBLEMS .........................................................................................................8
PARTS..................................................................................................................9
RETURN ............................................................................................................10
LIMITED WARRANTY.......................................................................................11
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, includ-
ing, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular pur-
pose.
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-400 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 3
CP4825A 9/6/01
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The SA400 Siren Amplifier is a premium unit designed for single or dual 100W
speaker use from a 12 volt DC power source (negative ground). A 6-position rotary
switch controls the primary operating modes of Phaser, Yelp, Wail, Manual, Horn and
Radio. A Siren control button is provided for control of the output tone when in the
Manual mode, and control of Horn and Yelp Overrides, depending on the function
switch setting. An independent rocker switch controls power. A permanently
mounted noise canceling PA microphone with front panel volume control overrides all
modes except Radio. An internal control is used to adjust Radio volume. An auxiliary
input is provided for connection to a positive or negative horn ring circuit or switch,
performing the same function as the Siren button. An internal 5-position DIP switch
allows selection of various options: Two-Tone to replace Phaser, Phaser disable,
Horn disable, short Manual and Horn Ring Cycler (HRC), which allows cycling
through Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby by pressing the horn ring when the function
switch is in the Horn position. The front panel is backlighted with LED's for night visi-
bility. This durable unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protec-
tion systems for maximum service life over a wide temperature range.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage 9 -16 VDC (negative ground)
Input Current 8.0 AMPS (@14.0 VDC -single 100W speaker)
16 AMPS (@14.0 VDC -dual 100W speakers)
Standby Current Less than 150 mA
Audio Fre-
quency 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)
180 WATTS RMS MAX. (15.0 VDC -dual 100W speakers)
Siren Frequency 700Hz -1500Hz (Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)
Tones / Cycle
Rates Horn Wail Yelp Phaser Two-Tone 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
Short Circuit
Current 50 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this)
Operating
Temperature -15° F to +140°F
Controls 6-position rotary mode switch (Phaser, Yelp, Wail, Manual, Horn
and Radio).
Momentary push-button Siren switch.
Front panel mounted PA volume control, internal Radio adjust
Auxiliary input for positive or negative connection.
Internal 5-position DIP switch option selector.
Connections
(9-Pin Conn) (2) Positive, (2) Negative, (2) Speaker, (2) Radio, Auxiliary
Size 6-1/8" Wide, 5-3/8" Deep, 2-1/2" High
Weight 5-1/2 LBS.

Page 4SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions
9/6/01 CP4825A
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 perma-
nent 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".
Wiring -Use wiring capable of handling the current required. Make sure all connec-
tions 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, wiring harness, mounting bracket, mi-
crophone bracket with 2 screws, 2 mounting bolts and these instructions. Contact
supplier immediately if any components are missing.
OPTION SWITCHES
Various options can be controlled by
turning on or off any of 5 DIP
switches internally mounted on the
right side of the PC board.
Cover Removal -The cover is held
in place by a snap-fastener on the
back of the unit. While holding the
case on the sides press hard with
your fingers on the back of the unit.
The chassis will slide out the front.
Two-Tone -Two-Tone can replace
Phaser by turning on the switch labeled "T-T".
Phaser Disable -The Phaser function can be completely disabled by turning on the
switch labeled "P_I".
Horn Disable -The Horn function can be disabled by turning on the switch labeled
“H_I”.
Horn Ring Cycler option (HRC) -This option allows selection of Wail, Yelp, Phaser
and Standby by repeatedly tapping the Siren button, horn ring or other switch con-
nected to the AUX input. It also provides Horn operation by pressing and holding the
switch or ring. Select this option by turning on the switch labeled “HRC”.
Short Manual -The Manual function can be set to immediately cut off when the Siren
button is released. This is selected by turning on the switch labeled “SM”.
OPTION SWITCHES

SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 5
CP4825A 9/6/01
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" hard-
ware (not supplied).
If mounting in a rack or console, make sure that mounting bolts do not enter case
more than 1/4".
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical connections to the unit are made
using the wiring harness supplied. If the
unit needs service the connector can be
easily removed without unwiring the har-
ness.
The power supply of the unit must be capa-
ble 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. A
fuse on the rear of the unit protects from
overload.
Disconnect vehicle battery before mak-
ing any electrical connections.
Extend leads using adequately sized wiring
and terminals or splices.
Wire Size and Termination -The diagram
shows the minimum wire size used for each
connection, 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.
Negative Connection (Black) -Both leads must be used. Connect to the negative
battery connector or to chassis ground.
Positive Connection (Red) -Both leads must be used. Connect to the positive bat-
tery connector or to a high current power buss. A power relay may be used.
Speaker Connection (Brown) -Both leads must be used. Connect 1 lead to each
terminal or lead of the speaker. When used with 2 speakers connect each brown
lead to both speaker terminals or leads (parallel circuit). Observe polarity (phasing)
when connecting 2 speakers.
Radio Input Connection (Blue) -Connect 1 lead to each ter-
minal of the radio speaker or output connector. The input is
isolated and polarity is not important.
Auxiliary Input Connection (White) -The Auxiliary Input al-
lows activation by an external source of the Siren push button
function. The adjacent diagram shows a horn ring connection
example.
NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT
recommended. HORN RING
CONNECTION
HORN
RING
SWITCH AUX
Added
SPDT
Switch
HORN
WIRING HARNESS CONNECTIONS
(2) #18 AWG BRN
(#16 -2 SPKR)
2 -SPKR -Connect for
same phase (+ to +)
#18 AWG WHT (See below)
(2) #18 AWG BLU
Connect to output
jack, terminals or
speaker of radio
#14 AWG RED
Use both leads
Extend with #12
#14 AWG BLK
Use both leads
Extend with #12
RADIO
+
BAT -
AUX
CP2560
CABLE

Page 6SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions
9/6/01 CP4825A
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 op-
eration.
SELECTOR SWITCH
The 6-position rotary selector switch controls the primary operating function of the
siren.
Phaser -A very rapidly changing tone used at in-
tersections or in highly congested areas. Can be
optionally disabled or replaced with Two-Tone.
Yelp -A rapidly changing tone used in congested
areas.
Wail -A slower changing tone used on highways.
Man -Or Manual, the siren tone is controlled
manually by the Siren button or auxiliary input.
Horn -A standby mode that allows Horn Override.
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.
SIREN SWITCH
This momentary push-button switch provides various control functions in conjunction
with the Selector Switch. These functions are man-
ual tone control in the Manual position, Horn Over-
ride in the Phaser, Yelp and Horn positions, and
Yelp Override in the Wail position. It can optionally
control Horn Ring Cycler operation in the Horn posi-
tion if the HRC option is selected.
MICROPHONE (PA Override)
The attached noise-canceling microphone is used
for public address operation and overrides any siren
tone when the button on the side is pressed.
PA VOL
This control adjusts the PA volume. With the vehicle parked, 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 Siren button.
SELECTOR SWITCH
RADIO
HORN
MAN
WAIL
YELP
PHASER
SIREN SWITCH
SIREN
PA VOLUME
PA
VOL

SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 7
CP4825A 9/6/01
RADIO VOLUME
The radio repeat volume level is set
using an adjustment inside the case
just behind the PA volume control.
Press on the rear of the case to
open the unit, then set the Selector
Switch to the Radio position and turn
on the power. With the radio volume
set to normal level, adjust the siren
radio repeat control to the desired
level. Turn off power and press the
unit back into the case.
OVERRIDE FUNCTIONS
In addition to PA Override, two other override functions are available and controlled
by the Siren button or auxiliary input.
Horn Override -With the Selector Switch in the Phaser, Yelp or Horn positions the
Siren button or auxiliary input activates a simulated air-horn tone. This can optionally
be disabled.
Yelp Override -With the Selector Switch in the Wail position, pressing the Siren but-
ton or activating the auxiliary input toggles between the Wail and Yelp 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 selected. With the Selector Switch set to the
Horn position, the horn ring or Siren button can be tapped repeatedly to select the
Wail, Yelp, Phaser and Standby tones or modes in succession. Pressing and holding
the horn ring or Siren button operates the Horn tone without changing the basic tone
selection.
SHORT MANUAL (Optional)
Under normal operation in the Manual position, when the Siren button is pressed the
siren tone gradually increases to a peak level, then gradually falls when the button is
released. This option eliminates the gradual fall of the tone upon button release,
stopping tone output immediately.
RADIO ADJUST

Page 8SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions
9/6/01 CP4825A
SERVICE
This unit is designed to provide years of reliable service under even the worst condi-
tions. Many times there may appear to be a problem with the unit when the true prob-
lem is in the speaker(s) or improper installation. The following chart shows typical
symptoms and possible causes.
A blown rear panel fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or
speaker lead is shorted this 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 posi-
tion it is OK. Check the speaker(s) or leads for possible shorting.
PROBLEMS
Symptom Possible Cause Check
No power Power switch not turned on
Connector loose
Internal fuse blown
Loose connection at power
source
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?
No siren
tone -PA
works
High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck
The input voltage must be less than 16
volts.
Does mic button release properly?
No PA PA volume not set properly
Selector in Radio position Have you tried turning the PA volume con- trol?
PA is not available in the Radio position
Distorted
siren sound Speaker assembly loose Intermittent Aux Input con-
nection
Low vehicle voltage
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
The input voltage must be greater than 9
volts.
Intermittent
siren tone High Voltage Protection Connector loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
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 something lying on the microphone?
Is a circuit breaker used with at least a
50A rating?
Horn function
Or Manual
stuck on
Siren switch stuck
Aux Input improperly con-
nected
Does the Siren switch return fully when
released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
No Radio Unit not connected to radio
Radio volume too low Is the radio connected properly to the unit? Can you here the radio in the vehicle?
Have you tried turning the RAD volume
control?
Wrong siren
tone Two-Tone option installed Is the T-T option switch turned on?
Phaser not
working Phaser disabled Is the P_I option switch turned on?
Horn not
working Horn disabled Is the H_I option switch turned on?

SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 9
CP4825A 9/6/01
PARTS
The following parts are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
Part Description
CP3966 Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/8" Hex Locking
CP3633 Bracket, Microphone with Screws
CP3571 Bracket, Mounting
CP4732 Control, 1K Vertical Trimmer
CP3547 Control, 350 Ohm Mini-Pot
ES00026-03 Cover, Std. Siren Painted W/Stud
ATO/ATC 20A Fuse, 20 Amp Automotive
CP4702 Knob, Selector Switch Knob
CP4824 Knob, Volume Control
CP4826 Label, SA-400 Front Panel
ED1680 Lead Asmb, SA-400 Chassis Plug
CP2560 Lead Asmb, Standard Siren Cable
CP4825 Manual, SA-400 14V Instruction
CP4750 Microphone, Noise Canceling W/Connector
8025 DRS/CAP Nut, 1/4-40 Dress W/Cap, Red
SR-15-1Strain Relief, Microphone
CP4822 Switch, Momentary Push Button
CP3962 Switch, Power
CP3548 Switch, Rotary 6-Pos. Selector
CP4119 Transistor, TIP36C Power

Page 10 SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions
9/6/01 CP4825A
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.

SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 11
CP4825A 9/6/01
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 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, IN-
CLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY 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.

Page 12 SA-400 Installation and Operating Instructions
9/6/01 CP4825A
INSTALLATION INFORMATION
MODEL: SA-400-__________________ OPTIONS
SERIAL NO: ______________________ _____ Two-Tone enabled
PURCHASE DATE: _________________ _____ Phaser disabled
DEALER: _________________________ _____ Horn disabled
INSTALL DATE:____________________ _____ HRC enabled
INSTALLER:_______________________ _____ Short Manual enabled
AUX CONNECTION: ________________ _____ Radio Input connected
Model and serial number located on bottom of unit
NOTES