Federal Signal Corporation SignalMaster SMC14 Instruction Manual

Safety Message to Installers of Sound/Light Equipment
People’s lives depend on your safe installation of our products. It is important to read, understand
and follow all instructions shipped with the products. Listed below are some other important safety
instructions and precautions you should follow:
• To properly install this light, you must have a good understanding of automotive electrical procedures
and systems, along with proficiency in the installation and use of safety warning equipment.
• When drilling into a vehicle structure, ensure that both sides of the surface are clear of anything that
could be damaged. All drilled holes should be deburred and all sharp edges should be smoothed.
All wires going through drilled holes should be protected by a grommet or convolute/split-loom
tubing. Additionally, all exterior drilled holes must be sealed with Motorcraft seam sealer T-A-2-B or
equivalent to prevent the potential exposure to carbon monoxide or other potentially harmful fumes.
Failure to observe this warning could cause serious injury or death.
• In order for the light to function properly, a good ground connection must be made. At a minimum, it
must be attached to a solid metal body or chassis part that will provide an eective ground path as
long as the light system is to be used.
• Locate light control so the VEHICLE and CONTROL can be operated safely under all driving
conditions.
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate light control while driving in a hazardous situation.
• Frequently inspect the light to ensure that it is operating properly and that it is securely attached to
the vehicle.
• File these instructions in a safe place and refer to them when maintaining and/or reinstalling the
product.
Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result in property damage, serious injury, or
death to you or others.
Overview
The SignalMaster®SMC14 is an economical, low profile, solid state, directional light control that is
designed to operate with two Federal Signal four-lamp directional light assemblies (Model SML4-30). The
unit is reversed polarity protected to avoid damage if the positive and negative power connections are
connected incorrectly.
This model provides three distinctive directional signals: left arrow, right arrow, and center out. In
addition, an alternating flash pattern produces a warning signal for use when a directional signal may
not be appropriate. When a directional signal is selected, the lamps are individually illuminated in a
sequential sweeping motion until all eight lamps are illuminated.
2561155 Rev. A1 0420
Installing the SignalMaster®
SMC14 and SML4-30

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Table 1 Specications
Input Voltage 11 Vdc to 16 Vdc
Polarity Negative ground only
Operating Temperature Range -30°C to +65°C (-22°F to 149°F)
Standby Current 0 A
+BAT Fuse 25 A
+IGN/BAT Fuse 1 A
Output Drive Capacity (Total) Eight 27 W lamps
Table 2 Flash Rate
Directional 35 patterns/min
Warn 60 patterns/min
Table 3 Dimensions
Height 1-1/2 inches
Width 6-1/8 inches
Depth 5 inches
Shipping Weight 2.0 pounds
Installing the Unit
These lights are intended for secondary warning only. They are not intended for use as a
primary warning system.
SignalMaster®Light Assembly (Model SML4-30)
Install the light assembly as described in the instructions packed with the mounting kit. Route the cable
near the eventual location of the control unit.
Control Unit
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: Do not install equipment or route wiring in the deployment path of an
airbag. Failure to observe this warning will reduce the eectiveness of the airbag or potentially
dislodge the equipment, causing serious injury to you or others.
Install the control unit in an adequately ventilated area. Never install near heater ducts.
The supplied mounting bracket allows the control unit to be mounted in a variety of positions. When
selecting a mounting location for the control unit, it is necessary to keep in mind that the cable is 30feet
long. Plan wiring and cable routing before installation.

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To install the control unit:
1. Select a mounting location for the control unit that allows the vehicle and controls to be operated
safely at all times.
2. Use the mounting bracket as a template and scribe two drill position marks at the selected mounting
location.
DRILLING PRECAUTIONS: Before drilling holes, check the area into which you are drilling
to ensure that you do not damage vehicle components while drilling. All wire routings going
through drilled holes should be protected by a grommet or convoluted/split loom tubing.
3. Drill two holes at the previously scribed position marks.
4. Secure the mounting bracket to the mounting surface with two user-supplied, thread-forming, 1/4-20
screws.
Figure 1 Securing the mounting bracket
Making the Eectrical Connections
HIGH CURRENT ARCING: Do not connect this system to the vehicle battery until ALL other
electrical connections are made and you have veried that no shorts exist. High current
conductors can cause hazardous sparks or burning wire resulting in electrical res.
The control unit is supplied with a six-position connector and a eleven-position terminal block to perform
the electrical installation. User-supplied, 14-gauge red and black wires are required for the (+) BAT and
(-) GND connections on the six-position connector. User-supplied, 18 AWG red and green wires are
required for the (+) BAT/IGN and CASE GROUND connections on the six-position connector. Using
Figure2 as a guide, complete this portion of the installation.

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Figure 2 Connections
Power Connections
To avoid damage and ensure proper operation, the red and black wires MUST be installed in the
six-position connector as shown in Figure 3.
1. Strip 1/4 inch of insulation o each wire. See Figure 3. Use a small blade screwdriver to depress the
spring in the connector. Insert the proper wire and remove the screwdriver to release the spring.
2. Connect the red and black 14 AWG wires to the connector as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Connecting the wires
3. Route the red and black 14 AWG wires through the firewall and toward the battery. Connect the black
wire to a good frame ground near the battery. In most vehicles, a wire from the negative terminal
of the battery is routed and attached to the body/frame at the fender. This is a convenient point to
connect the 14 AWG black wire. Do not connect the red wire to the (+) positive terminal at this time.
4. Connect the 18 AWG red and green wires to the connector as shown in Figure 3.
IMPORTANT: The 18 AWG red wire’s termination point determines when the directional signal can be
activated. When the wire is attached to a vehicle fuse that is powered when the ignition switch is in
the run or start position, the vehicle’s ignition switch must be in the run or start position to operate the
directional signal. When the wire is attached to the vehicle battery, the directional signal can be operated
at any time. Note that the unit draws no current when in the “o” position.
5. Select the desired termination point. As applicable, route the 18 AWG red wire toward the vehicle
fuse block or through the firewall toward the battery. Install a user-supplied, 1 A, in-line fuse in the
18AWG red wire as close to the power source as possible and terminate as required.

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6. Route the 18 AWG green wire to a known good chassis ground near the SMC14 control. To provide a
good ground connection, scrape any painted surface to bare metal and terminate as required.
7. Ensure that positions 5 and 6 of the six-position connector are not used. See Figure 2.
8. Plug the six-position connector into the mating connector on the control unit and apply pressure until
it locks into place.
SignalMaster®Cable Connections
1. Route the SignalMaster cable towards the control unit, while being careful not to scrape the wires on
any sharp edges.
2. If necessary, cut the cable to the appropriate length.
3. Connect the both sets of SML4 wires to the terminal block as shown in Figure 2. Positions 9 and 10
are not used. Ensure that the driver and passenger wire sets are connected to the terminal block
EXACTLY as shown in Figure 2.
Inspection and Final Installation
1. Ensure that there are no loose wire strands or other bare wires that may cause a short circuit. All
wires must be protected from any sharp edges that could eventually cut through the insulation.
2. Connect the remaining end of 14 AWG red wire from the six position connector to the (+) positive
terminal of the battery with an in-line, user-supplied fuseholder and 25 A fuse. Locate the fuse as
near the battery as possible to protect the entire length of wire.
3. Test for proper operation of all functions.
4. Secure the mounting bracket to the control unit with the 1/4-20 hex head, thread forming screws and
1/4-inch external tooth lock washers. See Figure 1.
Safety Message To Operators
Peoples’ lives depend on your safe use of our products. Listed below are some important safety
instructions and precautions you should follow:
• Although your warning system is operating properly, it may not be completely eective. People may
not see or heed your warning signal. You must recognize this fact and continue to drive cautiously.
• Situations may occur that obstruct your warning signal when natural or man-made objects are
between your vehicle and others, such as raising your hood or trunk lid. If these situations occur, be
especially careful.
• At the start of your shift, ensure that the light is securely attached and all lamps are operating
properly. The LED display on the control only simulates the operation of the lamps.
• If a selected function does not perform properly or if any of the lamps remain illuminated when the
control is o, disconnect the power connector from the control unit and contact the nearest service
center.
Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in property damage, serious injury, or death to you,
to passengers, or to others.
Retain and refer to these messages.

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Operating the Unit
All controls utilized during normal operation of the SignalMaster®directional light are located on the front
panel of the control unit. The LED display simulates the light pattern being executed by the directional
light. See Figure 4.
Figure 4 SignalMaster LED display
Slide Switch.
• LEFT (Position 1): In this position, the driver side unit produces a left arrow flashing pattern, instructing
trac to move left.
• CENTER OUT (Position 2): In this position, a center out flashing pattern is produced on both the driver
and passenger side units, instructing trac to move around either side of the vehicle.
• RIGHT (Position 3): In this position, the passenger side unit produces a right arrow flashing pattern,
instructing trac to move right.
WARN switch
When this switch is pressed, an alternating pattern is produced. The driver side unit activates alternately
with the passenger side unit. This pattern will override any of the slide switch functions.
Maintaining the Unit
Cleaning the Lens
CRAZING/CRACKING Crazing (ne cracks) of lenses causes reduced eectiveness of the light.
Do not use cleaning agents (which cause crazing) such as strong detergents, solvents, or
petroleum products. If crazing of the lenses does occur, the reliability of light for emergency
signaling purposes may be reduced until the lenses are replaced.
CLEANING the POLYCARBONATE LENSES: To extend the life of this device, periodic cleaning
is necessary. Clean the lens with a mild, non-abrasive, neutral-pH cleaning agent and a soft,
clean cloth. Rinse the device thoroughly to ensure that no cleaning agent residue remains. To
avoid water spots, dry the device with a soft clean cloth. Failure to follow this precaution can
cause crazing or cracking of the lens/dome and voids the warranty claims for the light.
Use a mild, non-abrasive, neutral-pH cleaning agent and a soft, clean cloth when cleaning the lighting
system. The use of strong, non-neutral-pH cleaners voids the warranty. Should fine scratches or a haze
appear on a lens, they can ordinarily be removed with a non-abrasive, high quality, one-step, automotive
paste cleaner/wax and a soft cloth.

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Replacing the Lamp
Use of higher wattage lamps can result in damage to the colored lenses.
Remove and retain the two screws which secure the lens. Carefully pull the lens straight away from the
light assembly. See Figure 5.
Figure 5 Parts
Service life of lamp will be shortened if glass is touched. If glass has been handled, clean with a
grease solvent.
1. Carefully pull the defective lamp out of the socket. To install the new lamp, align the pins on the lamp
base with the holes in the socket, and carefully push the lamp into the socket.
2. Replace the lens using the previously removed screws.
Getting Technical Support
For technical support, please contact:
Federal Signal Corporation
Service Department
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Getting Repair Service
The Federal Signal factory provides technical assistance with any problems that cannot be handled
locally. Any product returned to Federal Signal for service, inspection, or repair must be accompanied
by a Return Material Authorization (RMA). Obtain a RMA from a local Distributor or Manufacturer’s
Representative. Provide a brief explanation of the service requested, or the nature of the malfunction.
Address all communications and shipments to the following:
Federal Signal Corporation
Service Department
2645 Federal Signal Dr.
University Park, IL 60484-3167

2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, Illinois 60484-3167
www.fedsig.com
Customer Support
Police/Fire-EMS: 800-264-3578 • [phone]
Work Truck: 800-824-0254 • [phone]
Technical Support: 800-433-9132 • [phone]
© Copyright 1994-2020 Federal Signal Corporation
Limited Warranty
This product is subject to and covered by a limited warranty, a copy of which can be found at
www.fedsig.com/SSG-Warranty. A copy of this limited warranty can also be obtained by written request to
Federal Signal Corporation, 2645 Federal Signal Drive, University Park, IL 60484, email to
[email protected] or call [phone].
This limited warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, contractual or statutory,
including, but not limited to the warranty of merchantability, warranty of fitness for a particular purpose
and any warranty against failure of its essential purpose.
Ordering Replacement Parts
To order replacement parts, call Customer Support at 1-800-264-3578, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday (CT) or contact your nearest distributor.
Table 4 Replacement Parts
Description Part Number
Printed Circuit Board Assembly 2001135
Knob, Pushbutton 8573065
Knob, Slide Switch 8536C1041
Bezel, Slide Switch 8573060
Connector, Female, 6-Position 140325-04
Bracket, Mounting 8573070
Screw, Hex Head, Mounting 7011164B-08
Lockwasher, 1/4 inch 7075078
Chassis 8573068
Cover 8573066
Microprocessor SM144100
Lamp, G.E. GH-22, 27-watt 8573007
Lens, Amber 8573001-02