D&R ELECTRONICS RDS17S User manual

Part#:212-0042 1 July 31, 2019
Contents
Unpacking ........................................................................ 2
Description ...................................................................... 2
Installation ........................................................................ 2
Safety .................................................................. 2
Mounting ............................................................. 3
Wiring ............................................ 3
Operating Instructions ..................................................6
Standard Features ............................................ 6
Operation ........................................................ 6
Programming .....................................................7
RDS Push Button Label Installation Instruction 11
Vehicle Boosting ............................................... 12
RDS Packing Lists………………………………… 13
Service and Maintenance ............................................ 14
Troubleshooting ................................................ 14
Specifications ....................................................15
MANUAL RDS17S
LIGHT AND SIREN CONTROL SYSTEM
Model: RDS17S

July 31, 2019 2 Part#: 212-0042
Installation
Safety
Installer Qualifications
For proper installation of this product: you must have a good understanding of automotive electrical systems and procedures,
vehicle sound, lighting and warning equipment.
Figure 1 - RDS 17S Wiring
Diagram

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RDS17S - Siren Rear Panel wiring connection points
GND – The ground terminal should be connected to the negative terminal of the battery or vehicle chassis
using a black 8 gauge wire. When connecting the ground wire, ensure that it is physically secured to
the chassis or battery terminal. Ensure the electrical connection is not obstructed by paint on the
chassis. Never run two ground cables for one ground connection, thus creating a ground loop.
12V – This is the main power connection and should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery
using an 8 gauge wire. A fuse or circuit breaker should be installed on this wire in a location as close
to the battery as possible.
Outputs 1 to 3 (+12V outputs) – These 3 outputs can be used to control light modules or other devices.
These outputs are controlled by the SS1, SS 2, and SS 3. High power loads can be connected to
these outputs as they have a higher output current rating than the remaining outputs (see specifica-
tions).
Outputs 4 to 8 (+12V outputs) – These outputs are used for triggering and for loads that draw less
than 8A. These outputs are controlled by SW3, SW6, SW7 and SW8.
Output 9 (Relay Contact output)
Output 9 can be set to provide either +12VDC or GND depending on the jumper setting of J5. The
maximum current load for this pin is 5A and it is controlled by SW8.
Output 9 can also be configured to behave as path interrupt in this mode input 9 and Out 9 are nor-
mally connected through. When the relay is activated (called by the touch pad), then the path be-
tween the input and output will be interrupted.
NOTE: in this mode the jumper on J5 must be removed.
P. KILL – Park Kill input is +12VDC or GROUND activated, and used to immediately disable all siren
tones when a vehicle is shifted into park. Connect the P. KILL pin to the vehicle transmission neutral
safety switch signal wire. This wire should output a signal when the vehicle is shifted into park.
Output 10 & 11 ( HLF +12V outputs) – the outputs from these terminals can be used to alternate
flash the headlights on a vehicle. The maximum load for these outputs is 8A each. The output is
programmed according to table 1-11 and controlled by SW4.
Output 13 & 14 (+12V outputs) – Activated by SW16, when the arrowstick is enabled in “911 mode”
are used to activate the “LEFT ARROW”, “RIGHT ARROW” and “CENTER OUT” functions.
IGN – Ignition input should be connected to the vehicle ignition signal that outputs 12V only when the igni-
tion is “ON”.
HORN RING – This is an input, it uses the horn activation signal to trigger the siren while the unit is in
standby.
HORN – This is an output used to activate the regular vehicle horn during normal vehicle operation (no
siren or air horn).
MICR –Microphone input., for the P.A.
1.
RADIO – Connect the two (2) RADIO pins to either side of the two-way radio speaker in the vehicle. This
is for the Radio Rebroadcast feature, any incoming radio signal is sent to the PA system, by press-
ing SW10., this must be programmed see figure 6 interclear/Radio programming.
SPEAKER – Speaker output pins to be connected to a DRSC100 or compatible speaker.
Touch pad
The RDS17S is a remote keypad model, this allows for the installation of the siren “main box” in an remote
location. This is useful when the space in a vehicle’s console does not permit the mounting of the whole
siren and touch pad combination. The keypad layout is configured when the order is placed by the cus-
tomer.

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Volume Set Controls
On the backside of the siren unit there are two (2) variable resistors labeled: MICR and RADIO. These are
used to adjust the volume of the microphone and the radio respectively. To adjust the volume, use a preci-
sion screw driver to rotate the plastic screw-head for the appropriate variable resistor. Clock-wise will in-
crease volume and counter-clock-wise will decrease volume.
Operating Instructions
Standard Features:
The following are standard for the RDS17S, along with the features covered in the previous section of this
manual.
Adjustable Touch Pad Backlighting – Activated by the ignition, the touchpad buttons have LED’s to
light every button. The backlight brightness is adjusted by holding SW9 (STBY/PA).
Beep Alert – Alerts the user that a system function is active. When functions are left ”ON” for several
minutes, touchpad will beep to remind user that functions are activated.
Master Slide Switch: This is a 3 position switch that can be programmed to provide one-touch activation
of essential emergency lights and other functions. The switch positions are factory set to a default
which can be changed to meet a clients requirement. The slider positions can also be field pro-
grammed to activate other output and feature combinations (see page 8 for programming these).
Outputs: Up to 14 outputs are available. These are controlled by push-button switches on the controller
panel. Some of the outputs are controlled in pairs. Two (2) outputs are capable of being made to
flash. One output can be made to function as momentary, 9 SEC timer or 30 SEC timer button if
necessary.
Siren Tones: Three siren tones are standard: – WAIL (SW11), YELP (SW12), and STINGER (SW13) si-
ren tones are activated by pressing the appropriate touch button on the touchpad.
Air Horn/MANUAL: (SW14) The electronic air horn can be sounded by pressing this button. This function
overrides other siren tones and this is the factory default for this switch. When programmed to the
manual mode see table 2-9 sounds a wail tone which will override all siren tones instead of the air
horn.
STBY/PA– (SW9) when pressed, all siren tones are forced off and standby mode is activated. When in
standby mode, pressing the vehicle horn will sound a momentary AIR HORN. This switch can be
programmed to give a WAIL tone instead (SEE Table 1 - 14).
Programming
Check all program functions and features and select correct program mode to set the outputs and
functions for the installation.
In program mode 1 and 2, the bottom row of switches on the touch pad are used as an index to the func-
tions that are outlined in both Table 1 and 2. By setting the switches or ON/OFF while in the programming
mode the function or output will follow what is shown in the tables.
For example if the equipment configuration requires a momentary output
1) Look at table 1, is there a function for momentary output? NO then look at table 2. Yes, from this table
SW8 can be set to momentary.
2) Go back to table 1, confirm that SW8 can be set to output, YES (this is the factory default) and this
switch controls output 9 on the RDS16AS main relay box.
3) Enter program mode 1 confirm that SW13 is ON, if YES save the configuration, if NO set it to ON and
save the configuration.

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SW OFF ON
9SINGLE FLASH RATE (sets the rate of any
flashing output) *DOUBLE FLASH RATE
10 FLASH WITH MASTER (Output 6-7) SOLID WITH MASTER (Output 6-7) *
11 FLASH WHEN ACTIVE (Output 10-11) SOLID WHEN ACTIVE (Output 10-11) *
12 SW4 (Output 10-11) WITH DRL SW4 (Output 10-11) W/O DRL *
13 SW8 DRL FUNCTION SW8 SET TO OUTPUT (Output 9) *
14 AIR HORN ON STANDBY *WAIL on STANDBY
15 BEEP ALERT ON *BEEP ALERT OFF
16 PARK KILL DISABLED PARK KILL ENABLED *
Program MODE 1 - Using Table 1
1) Enter setup mode by holding SW6+SW8 (see Figure 2 ) and wait for the 2 beeps.
2) Select the program feature you wish to change or set from Table 1.
3) Change the status (OFF/ON) of SW9 to SW16 to activate the desired function from Table 1.
4) To save the configuration; press and hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the pro-
gram is saved.
Figure 2 - Program Mode 1
* Factory
Default
Table 1 - Program Mode 1 - Function setting by SW9 to SW16
BOTTOM ROW SW9 TO SW16 are FUNCTION set switches, these are used after
entering “PROGRAM MODE”
4) Enter program mode 2, check SW13 set it to ON, save the configuration.
In this example SW8 which controls Output 9 is now set to act as a push button momentary switch.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Output 9 is a relay contact that can be used for different control functions, Check J5 on the RDS17S Main
Relay Box, and set the jumper to provide the correct output polarity or function when SW8 is pressed. Use
the wiring diagram on page 4&5 to help set this up.

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*Factory
Default
Program MODE 2 - Using Table 2
1) Enter setup mode Enter by holding SW7+SW8 (see Figure 3) and wait for the 2 beeps
2) Select the program feature you wish to change or set from table 2
3) Change the status (OFF/ON) of SW9 to SW16 to activate the desired function in Table 2.
4) To save the configuration; press and hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the pro-
gram is saved.
SW OFF ON
9SW14 AIR HORN *SW14 MANUAL
10 DO NOT CHANGE *
11 ARROWSTICK ENABLED and controlled by
SW16 ARROWSTICK DISABLED *
12 STANDARD ARROW CTRL (CODE 3) *911 ARROW CONTROL
13 SW8 SOLID *SW8 MOMENTARY
14 SW15 (Output 12) ACTIVE W/O IGNITION *SW15 (Output 12) ACTIVE W/I INGITION
15 SEE TABLE 3 *
16 SEE TABLE 3 *
Figure 3 - Program Mode 2
Table 2 - Program Mode 2 - Function setting by SW9 to SW16
SETTING SW15 SW16 OUTPUT 4 TIMER FUNCTION
1OFF OFF OUTPUT 12 SOLID
2OFF ON OUTPUT 12 TIMER (30 SEC)
3ON OFF OUTPUT 12 MOMENTARY
4ON ON OUTPUT 12 TIMER (9 SEC)
Table 3 - Timer Output for SW15 output 12
BOTTOM ROW SW9 TO SW16 are FUNCTION set switches, these are used after
entering “PROGRAM MODE”

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Programming Master Switch
SLIDE 1
1) Enter setup mode Enter by holding SW3+SW8 and wait for the 2 beeps
2) Select which switches will be ON with Master.
3) Save the configuration; press and hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the
program is saved.
SLIDE 2
1) Enter setup mode Enter by holding SW4+SW8 and wait for the 2 beeps
2) Select which switches will be ON with Master.
3) Save the configuration; press and hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the
program is saved.
SLIDE 3
1) Enter setup mode Enter by holding SW5+SW8 and wait for the 2 beeps
2) Select which switches will be ON with Master.
3) Save the configuration; press and hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the
program is saved.
Figure 4.1 - Program
Master Switch 1
Figure 4.2 - Program
Master Switch 2
Figure 4.3 - Program
Master Switch 3

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Arrow Stick with Master - When the Arrow Stick (AS) is activated by the master switch only
one preset pattern will be displayed, the factory default is the “CENTER OUT” pattern, if one of
the other 6 patterns is desired this must be programmed separately.
These patterns can be programmed into the individual Slide Switch master modes;
* AS on SS1 press and hold SW3+SW7
** AS on SS2 press and hold SW4+SW7
***AS on SS3 press and hold SW5+SW7
1) Entering the setup mode press and hold the indicated keys and wait for the 2 beeps
2) Select the arrow stick pattern from table 3 below.
3) The 3 LED’s above SW16 will show the pattern selected from Table 3. Save the
configuration; press and hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the program
is saved.
Arrowstick Modes: - When ARROWSTICK is enabled the RDS17S has two modes of arrowstick control:
CODE3 system (default) - this mode it is a data control only arrowstick and it needs a D&R traffic
director or a D&R digital to analog convertor box in order to control standard ground controlled traffic direc-
tors. Using SW16 the following patterns can be activated: LEFT ARROW, RIGHT ARROW, CENTER OUT,
CENTER FLASH, ALTERNATE LEFT-RIGHT, RANDOM FLASH.
911 system - in this mode the RDS17S uses OUT13 and OUT14 for traffic director control. Using
SW16 the following functions can be activated: LEFT ARROW (OUT13), RIGHT ARROW (OUT 14),
CENTER OUT (OUT13 & OUT14).
Pattern SWITCH SWITCH SETTING only one at a time can be ON
LEFT ARROW SW10 ON off off off off off
RIGHT ARROW SW11 off ON off off off off
CENTER OUT SW12 off off ON off off off
CENTER FLASH SW13 off off off ON off off
ALTERNATE LEFT & RIGHT SW14 off off off off ON off
RANDOM BAR FLASH SW15 off off off off off ON
Figure 5- Programming Arrow Stick

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Programming Inter Clear or Radio Rebroadcasting
1) Enter setup mode Enter by holding SW6+SW7 and wait for the 2 beeps
2) Set SW11 ON for Inter Clear or SW11 OFF for Radio rebroadcast. Save the configuration, press and
hold SW9 (STBY/PA) until the long beep, this confirms the program is saved.
Factory Default Reset
The keypad setup can be reset to the factory default by following these steps:
- disconnecting the keypad data pigtail from the extension data cable;
- press and hold down the STBY/PA switch
- reconnect the keypad data pigtail to the extension cable and release the STBY/PA switch after
the unit makes a long beep (aprox. 2 sec.)
The system is reset to factory default.
Figure 6- Programming RADIO-rebroadcasting
RDS17S PUSH BUTTON LABEL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
- Remove the Slide Switch red knob.
- Depress the locking tab on each end
to separate the front and back covers.
- Slowly remove the front cover and
change the push button labels.
- Assemble the front and rear covers
and make sure that the side tabs are
locked.
- Install the Slide Switch knob.

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PACKING LIST RDS-
16P
Part Number Description QTY (√)
201-0013 HOUSING BLACK H.D. 75 AMP 1
201-0046 HOUSING BLUE H.D. 75A AMP 1
196-0002 PIN H.D. 75 AMP, 6 - 8 AWG 1
196-0003 PIN H.D. 75A AMP, 10 - 12 AWG 1
300-0029 GROMMET 75 AMP H.D. 2
201-0020 PLUG 8 PIN VERT ENTRELEC 1
201-0030 PLUG 10 PIN VERT ENTRELEC 1
201-0034 PLUG 5 PIN VERT ENTRELEC 1
PA-MIC MICROPHONE W/ JACK PLUG 1
CA-0113 MICROPHONE CLIP (HEAVYDUTY) 1
215-0151 MICROPHONE CABLE, 18 ft 1
215-0016 DATA CABLE 1
200-0139 DATA CABLE COUPLING BOX 1
401-0009 SCREW 10-32 X 3/8 4
401-0007 WASHER #10 ZINC 4
401-0010 LOCK WASHER #10 ZINC 4
811-0037A SIREN MOUNTING BRACKET 1
RDS17S RDS17S SYSTEM 1
212-0042 RDS17S INSTALLATION MANUAL 1
216-0014 TOUCHPAD LABEL SHEET 1
211-0008 PACKING BOX 1
813-0016A REMOTE TOUCH PAD MNT BRKT 1
813-0017A RDS TP MTG BKT 1
401-0155 SCREW 6-32 X 1/2 4
403-0001 WASHER #6 ZINC 4
403-0018 LOCK WASHER #6 ZINC 4

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Service and Maintenance Troubleshooting
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE PROBABLE SOLUTION
System runs properly but shuts down
when heavy outputs are turned on.
Vehicle battery is low on
charge. Bad wiring
Recharge vehicle battery or use outputs
when vehicle is running and check the
car wiring.
Some functions do not operate proper-
ly.
Bad wiring in the car. Ensure proper fuse rating when replac-
ing a fuse and check the car wiring.
Functions work but there is no back-
lighting, when engine is running.
No power to “12V FROM IGN”
pin.
Check 12V-ignition wire for any shorts or
improper connections.
System runs properly but shuts down
while running and starts again.
Vehicle circuit breaker not rat-
ed properly, and is overheat-
ing.
Use circuit breaker with 1.25 times the
amperage rating for full load operation.
Some functions blow the fuses every
time.
Ensure proper fuse rating and the car
wiring. Ensure load does not exceed
maximum output rating.
There is a burning smell when heavy
loads come on. Lights are dim and
wires are heating up.
Loads are exceeding absolute
maximum limits of system.
Ensure proper fuse rating and ensure
that loads are not exceeding limit of
each output.
Lights dim when another light is turned
on.
Improper wire gauge being
used on power or ground con-
nections.
Ensure that all proper wire gauge are
used for the system’s power and ground
lines.
Siren’s tone changes when another
light or heavy load comes on.
The electronics may not be
operating properly.
Ensure that all screws of terminal blocks
are tight.
While using the two-way radio, lights
come on, or function(s) is/are unstable.
Loose or poor ground connec-
tion, or improper power wiring.
Use dedicated power and ground wires
from battery to system.
Dedicate separate power and ground
wires to the radio.
The system is emitting a buzzing
sound and/or some functions are not
operating properly.
Improper or poor wiring.
Vehicle battery charge is low.
Ensure that all power and ground wiring
connections are firmly secured. Ensure
that all plugs are plugged in firmly and all
screws on the terminal blocks are tight.
Recharge vehicle battery.
Siren tone does not operate when it is
selected, but corresponding red LED
light does come on.
Possible microphone line
problem (microphone signal
over-rides all siren tones).
Fuse blown.
Ensure secure connection of micro-
phone and its extension cable
Try another microphone.
Check siren fuse.
When powering the siren on standby
mode, the siren goes on.
Horn and Horn Ring wires are
reversed.
Reverse the Horn and Horn Ring wires.
Functions work but there is no sound
output.
Poor speaker connection.
Blown speaker.
Ensure secure connection of speaker
wires.
Check and replace speaker if necessary.
All LED's are on but no functions will
operate.
System is locked up (due to a
power surge on battery boost).
Disconnect power to unit then
reconnect.

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Specifications
General
Input Voltage ....................................... 11 to 16 Volts DC
Input Fuse ....................................... 60 Amps (external)
Operating Temperature Ranges ......... -30oC to +65oC
Standby Current .................................. 50mA + 10%
Weight ................................................. 8 lbs/ 5 Kg
Physical Dimensions
Height ................................. 2.45”
Width .................................. 6.66”
Depth .................................. 6.44”
Depth (with touchpad) ......... 7.42”
Siren
Operating Current .............................. 10 Amps
Frequency Range .............................. 734 to 1311 Hz (nominal)
Cycle Rate
Wail .................................... 20 cycles/min
Yelp .................................... 200 cycles/min
Stinger ............................... 800 cycles/min
Nominal Voltage Output ..................... 48V p-p (11Ω load)
Audio Frequency Response ............... 100 – 4000 Hz + 3dB
Audio Distortion ................................. 10% or less
Audio Power ....................................... 32 watt
Input Impedance ............................... 600Ω (radio)
TOTAL current draw not to exceed 60A including siren

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NOTES:

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D & R Electronics warrants its new products to be free from defects in material and workman-
ship, under normal use and service for a period of one year on parts replacement.
This warranty applies only to original purchasers acquiring the product directly from D&R
Electronics, or its authorized dealers. Warranty will not be recognized without proof of pur-
chase or bill of sale.
This warranty is not transferable.
The warranty begins on the date of delivery to the first user/purchaser.
This warranty shall not apply to products which must be repaired due to normal wear and tear,
negligence, improper installation, abuse, misuse, or which have been altered or modified at a
facility other than D & R Electronics, or its authorized depot centers.
Units proved to be defective within the warranty period, based on an examination by D&R
Electronics, will be replaced or repaired at D & R Electronics’ option. This warranty does not
cover travel expenses or labor charges for removal or installation.
Lamps, flash tubes, batteries or other items considered consumables are not covered under
warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties. D&R Electronics makes no warranties,
expressed or implied, other than the express warranties contained herein.
WARRANTY
PRODUCT RETURN POLICY
In order to provide you with faster service, product returns for repair or replacement, must
have a Return Goods Authorization Number (RGA number). Please contact our company to
obtain a RGA number before you return the product to D & R ELECTRONICS. Write the RGA
number clearly on the package. Be sure you use sufficient packing materials to avoid damage
to the product being returned while in transit.
D & R ELECTRONICS assumes no responsibility or liability for expenses incurred for the re-
moval and/or the installation of products requiring service and/or repair. Repairing or replacing
product is at the discretion of D & R ELECTRONICS.
CANADA
8820 George Bolton Pkwy.
Bolton, Ontario L7E 2Y4
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA
2299 Kenmore Avenue
Building 3, Doors 11-14
Buffalo, New York 14207
Toll Free: 1-800-538-7338
www.dandrelectronics.com
D&R ELECTRONICS Co. LTD.