Federal Signal Corporation CN SignalMaster Manual

25500013
REV. B1 0220
Printed in U.S.A.
© Copyright 2016-2020 Federal Signal Corporation
Installation, Maintenance,
and Service Manual
CN SignalMaster™

blank page
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 war-
ranty 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 mer-
chantability, warranty of tness for a particular purpose and any warranty
against failure of its essential purpose.
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]

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Installation, Operation, and Service Manual
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Contents
Safety Messages for Installers and Service Personnel ............................................................... 4
Safety Messages for Operators of Warning Lights ...................................................................... 7
An Overview of the CN SignalMaster ............................................................................................ 8
LED Lights, Colors, and Flash Patterns......................................................................................................8
Installing the CN SignalMaster....................................................................................................... 9
Mounting the CN SignalMaster....................................................................................................................9
Wiring the CN SignalMaster in the Vehicle.............................................................................................10
Wiring the SignalMaster Function......................................................................................................... 11
Wiring the Light Bar Controls................................................................................................................. 11
Setting Configuration Options.................................................................................................................... 13
Testing the Light Bar ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Maintaining and Servicing the CN SignalMaster........................................................................ 15
Replacing a PCB............................................................................................................................................. 15
Replacing a Reflector.................................................................................................................................... 18
Getting Technical Support and Service....................................................................................... 19
Getting Repair Service.................................................................................................................................. 19
Ordering Replacement Parts ...................................................................................................................... 19
Figures
Figure 1 Mounting brackets attached to CN SignalMaster...................................................................... 10
Figure 2 DIP switches on the CN SignalMaster controller PCBA.......................................................... 14
Figure 3 Exploded front view of Model CNSM8 ........................................................................................ 15
Figure 4 Exploded rear view of Model CNSM8 ......................................................................................... 16
Figure 5 Exploded rear view of Model CNSM4 ......................................................................................... 17
Figure 6 Exploded rear view of Model CNSM2X4R ................................................................................. 17
Figure 7 Removing a reflector ........................................................................................................................ 18
Tables
Table 1 Mounting kit contents ...........................................................................................................................9
Table 2 CN SignalMaster controls and wires from the Serial Interface Module................................ 12
Table 3 CN SignalMaster DIP switch settings............................................................................................. 13
Table 4 Common replacement parts ............................................................................................................ 19

4CN SignalMaster™
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Safety Messages for Installers and Service Personnel
Safety Messages for Installers and Service Personnel
For your safety, read and understand this manual thoroughly before installing,
operating, and servicing the CN SignalMaster™. The safety messages presented in this
section and throughout the manual are reminders to exercise extreme care at all times.
Read and understand the safety instructions to installers (doc. no. 256A692), and keep
it close at hand for reference. To download copies of this manual, go to
www.fedsig.com or call the Federal Signal Service Department at 1-800-433-9132,
7a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (CT).
People’s lives depend on your proper installation and servicing of Federal Signal
products. It is important to read and follow all instructions shipped with this product.
Listed below are some other important safety instructions and precautions you should
follow.
Before Installation or Service
Qualifications
• To properly install or service this equipment, you must have a good understanding
of automotive mechanical and electrical procedures and systems, along with
proficiency in the installation and service of safety warning equipment. Always
refer to the vehicle’s service manuals when performing equipment installations on
a vehicle.
Light Hazards
• To be an eective warning device, this product produces bright light that can be
hazardous to your eyesight when viewed at a close range. Do not stare directly
into this lighting product at a close range, or permanent damage to your eyesight
may occur.
• Do not install the light system in an area that would block, impair, or blind the
driver’s vision. Ensure that the light system is mounted in a position that is outside
the driver’s field of vision so the driver can safely operate the vehicle.
• Federal Signal power supplies and light heads are designed to work together as
a system. Combining light heads and a power supply from dierent manufacturers
may reduce the warning eectiveness of the lighting system and may damage the
components. You should verify or test your combination to ensure that the system
works together and meets federal, state, and local standards or guidelines.
Electrical Hazards
• The lighting system components, especially light bulbs, strobe tubes, LEDs, and
the outer housing, get hot during operation. Disconnect power to the system and
allow the system to cool before handling any components.
• A light system is a high current system. In order for the system to function
properly, a separate negative (–) connection and positive (+) connection must
be made. All negative connections should be connected to the negative battery

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Installation, Operation, and Service Manual
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Safety Messages for Installers and Service Personnel
terminal, and a suitable fuse should be installed on the positive battery terminal
connection as close to the battery as possible. Ensure that all wires and fuses are
rated to handle the device and system amperage requirements.
• Never attempt to install aftermarket equipment that connects to the vehicle
wiring without reviewing a vehicle wiring diagram available from the vehicle
manufacturer. Ensure that your installation will not aect vehicle operation or
mandated safety functions or circuits. Check the vehicle for proper operation after
installation.
• Do not mount a radio antenna within 18 inches (45.7 cm) of the lighting system.
Placing the antenna too close to the lighting system could cause the lighting
system to malfunction or be damaged by strong radio fields. Mounting the
antenna too close to the lighting system may also cause the radio noise emitted
from the lighting system to interfere with the reception of the radio transmitter and
reduce radio reception.
• Do not attempt to wash any unsealed electrical device while it is connected to its
power source.
During Installation and Service
• DO NOT get metal shavings inside the product. Metal shavings in the product
can cause the system to fail. If drilling must be done near the unit, place an ESD-
approved cover over the unit. Inspect the unit after mounting to be sure there are
no shavings present in or near the unit.
• DO NOT connect this system to the vehicle battery until ALL other electrical
connections are made, mounting of all components is complete, and you have
verified that no shorts exist. If the wiring is shorted to the vehicle body or frame,
high current conductors can cause hazardous sparks, resulting in electrical fires or
flying molten metal.
• DO NOT install equipment or route wiring (or the plug-in cord) in the deployment
path of an airbag.
• If a vehicle seat is temporarily removed, verify with the vehicle manufacturer if the
seat needs to be recalibrated for proper airbag deployment.
• Before mounting any components, check the manual to be sure that the
component you are installing is suitable for use in that area of the vehicle. Many
components are not suitable for use in the engine compartment or other extreme
environmental exposure areas.
• When drilling into a vehicle structure, ensure that both sides of the surface are
clear of anything that could be damaged. Remove all burrs from drilled holes. To
prevent electrical shorts, grommet all drilled holes through which wiring passes.
Ensure that the mounting screws do not cause electrical or mechanical damage to
the vehicle.
• Refer to the manual packed with the lighting system for proper electrical
connections, additional precautions,and information.

6CN SignalMaster™
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Safety Messages for Installers and Service Personnel
• Tighten adjustment bolts 10 ft-lb to 11 ft-lb to prevent the light bar from sliding
front-to-back when pulling on the mounting bracket. Install keeper plates.
• Locate the light system controls so the VEHICLE and CONTROLS can be operated
safely under all driving conditions.
After Installation or Service
• After installation, test the light system to ensure that it is operating properly.
• Test all vehicle functions, including horn operation, vehicle safety functions, and
vehicle light systems, to ensure proper operation. Ensure that the installation
has not aected the vehicle operation or changed any vehicle safety function or
circuit.
• Scratched or dull reflectors, mirrors, or lenses will reduce the eectiveness of
the lighting system. Avoid heavy pressure and use of caustic or petroleum-based
products when cleaning the lighting system. Replace any optical components that
may have been scratched or crazed during system installation.
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate the light system control while driving in a
hazardous situation.
• Frequently inspect the light system to ensure that it is operating properly and that
it is securely attached to the vehicle.
• After installation and testing are complete, provide a copy of these instructions to
instructional sta and all operating personnel.
• 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.
RETAIN AND REFER TO THIS MESSAGE

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Installation, Operation, and Service Manual
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Safety Messages for Operators of Warning Lights
Safety Messages for Operators of Warning Lights
People’s lives depend on your safe use of our products. Listed below are some
important safety instructions and precautions you should follow.
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate the light system control while driving in a
hazardous situation.
• 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 and man-
made objects are between your vehicle and others, such as raising your hood or
trunk lid. If these situations occur, be especially careful.
• All eective sirens and horns produce loud sounds that may cause, in certain
situations, permanent hearing loss. You and your passengers should consider
taking appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing hearing protection.
• In order to be an eective warning device, this product produces bright light that
can be hazardous to your eyesight when viewed at a close range. Do not stare
directly into this lighting product at a close range, or permanent damage to your
eyesight may occur.
• It is important that you fully understand how to safely operate this warning system
before use.
• Operate your vehicle and its light/sound system in accordance with your
department’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• 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.
• At the start of your shift, ensure that the entire warning light system and the siren
system are securely attached and operating properly.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in property damage, serious injury, or
death.
RETAIN AND REFER TO THIS MESSAGE

8CN SignalMaster™
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
An Overview of the CN SignalMaster
An Overview of the CN SignalMaster
The CN SignalMaster™is a single-level LED light bar with ROC™(Reliable On-Board
Circuitry) and Solaris®LED technologies. ROC eliminates approximately 85 percent of
potential failure points by incorporating a printed circuit board (PCB) in one assembly
to substantially reduce the number of electrical connections. Solaris S2 LED modules
use oset, complex reflector surfaces for accurate beam shaping and the highest
optical eciency. The CN SignalMaster is available in eight-head and four-head
models for both front and rear. It is also available in a rear only, split eight-head model,
with a 12-foot cable joining two four-head units (CNSM2X4R).
LED Lights, Colors, and Flash Patterns
The light bar’s internal microprocessor supplies three priority operational modes
and a library of 27 flash patterns. To increase the safety of ocers, pedestrians, and
motorists, the light bar has standard dimming and intersection warning. Multi-color
heads are available with up to three dierent colored LEDs, eliminating the loss of
primary warning colors in takedown and directional warning positions. Individual
CN SignalMaster lightheads can flash between red, blue, amber, or white. The light
bar operates at a nominal input of 13.6 Vdc (11 Vdc minimum) and an operating
temperature range of –30°C to +65°C.
The functions of the SignalMaster are controlled through the CAT5 serial
communication cable. The cable connects to either a compatible Federal Signal
Serial control head or a Federal Signal Serial Interface Module (P/N 8583446). An
internal PCB assembly within the light bar decodes the control data and performs the
requested function. With the Serial Interface Module, the light bar can be activated by
Federal Signal light bar controllers, SignalMaster controllers, and/or individual low-
current switches.
The housing is an anodized aluminum extrusion. The light bar has 15-foot power and
ground cables and a 25-foot serial cable. Universal mounting hardware is supplied;
vehicle-specific mounting hardware is also available separately.

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Installation, Operation, and Service Manual
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Installing the CN SignalMaster
Installing the CN SignalMaster
After unpacking the CN SignalMaster™, inspect it for damage that may have occurred
in transit. If it has been damaged, do not install it. File a claim immediately with the
carrier, stating the extent of damage. Carefully check all envelopes, shipping labels,
and tags before removing or destroying them. Ensure that the parts listed in Table 1
are included in the package. If you are missing any parts, contact Customer Support
at 1-800-264-3578, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (CT).
An installer-supplied control head is also required for controlling the functions of the
light bar.
Table 1 Mounting kit contents
Qty. Description Part Number
2 Bracket, Mounting, SML 8652180
4 Screw, #10 Type B, Pan 6-Lobe, Blk SS 7011246-06
2 Nut,1/4-20 Keps®,SS 7058050
1 Grommet, Split 228128
NOTE: The CNSM2X4R includes two mounting kits.
Mounting the CN SignalMaster
LOCATING OPERATOR CONTROLS: The controls for the light system must be
located so that the VEHICLE and CONTROLS can be operated safely under all
driving conditions.
SIGNALMASTER ORIENTATION: The CN SignalMaster light bar must be
oriented correctly for proper operation. Install the assembly with the ROC
board on top.
IMPORTANT: Plan all cable routing before completing the installation. Plan the
location of the wire routing hole so that the cables do not have tight bends. For Model
CNSM2X4R, ensure that the board to board connection is in a dry interior location.
To mount the light bar:
1. Determine the appropriate spacing of the mounting holes for your application.
2. Install the mounting brackets to the CN SignalMaster with two #10 6-lobe screws
per bracket. See Figure 1 on page page 10.
3. Mark and drill two 17/64-inch holes for the mounting studs and a 3/4-inch hole for
the cables.
4. Install the grommet, route the cables, and then secure the light bar with the
1/4"-20 Keps nuts. Leave slack in the cables behind the panel to ease the removal
of the light bar.

10 CN SignalMaster™
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Installing the CN SignalMaster
Figure 1 Mounting brackets attached to CN SignalMaster
290A6967
SignalMaster
Aluminum Extrusion
Stud for 14"-20 Keps Nut
#10 Torx Screw (4)
Mounting Bracket (2)
Wiring the CN SignalMaster in the Vehicle
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS: The warning system and/or two-way radio
system may operate improperly if a two-way radio antenna is installed on or
within 18 inches of the light bar. Before permanently installing the light bar or
a two-way radio antenna, test the warning system and two-way radio system.
Some installations may require the relocation of the two-way radio antenna
to the trunk or fender. DO NOT drill holes in the light bar or install auxiliary
devices on the light bar, or the warning system may fail.
Before proceeding, ensure that the light bar has been installed inside the vehicle in
accordance with the instructions included with the mounting kit.
NOTE: The DIP switch on the light bar’s control PCB provides three selectable
options. To change DIP switch selections, refer to “Setting Configuration Options” on
page 13.
The CN SignalMaster™is completely wired at the factory and does not require any
additional internal wiring. Two 16AWG power conductors (red and black) and the
CAT5 communication cable exit the light bar. The conductors necessary to control the
light bar are contained in the CAT5 cable, which connects to a compatible Federal
Signal control head or to the Serial Interface Module.