Federal Signal Corporation MODULATOR Series User manual

MODULATOR SERIES
SPEAKER ARRAYS
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
255253G
REV. G 12/99

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
SECTION I -CHARACTERISTICS
1-1Scope of this Manual …………………………………………………………….……… 1-1
1-2General ……………………………………………………………………………………. 1-1
1-3Siren Description …………………………………………………………………………. 1-1
1-4Signal Description ………………………………………………………………………… 1-2
1-5Features …………………………………………………………………………………… 1-2
SECTION II -SPECIFICATIONS
2-1Siren ………………………………………………………………………….…………… 2-1
SECTION III -INSTALLATION
3-1Siren Location ……………………………………………………………………………... 3-1
3-2Siren Installation ………………………………………………………………………... 3-1
3-3Speaker Connections ……………………………………………………………………. 3-3
3-4Pre-operation checkout …………………………………………………………………. 3-3
SECTION IV -SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
4-1General …………………………………………………………………………………….. 4-1
4-2Preventive Maintenance ……………………………………………………….………… 4-1
4-3Driver Replacement ………………………………………………………..…………….. 4-1

i
SAFETY NOTICES
People’s lives depend on your safe installation, service, and operation of
our products. It is important to read, understand and follow all instructions
shipped with this product. In addition, listed below are some other important
safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
INSTALLATION & SERVICE
•Electrocution or severe personal injury can occur when performing various
installation and service functions such as making electrical connections,
drilling holes, or lifting equipment. Therefore installation should be performed
by experienced electricians in accordance with national, state and any other
electrical codes having jurisdiction. All work should be performed under the
direction of the installation or service crew safety foreman.
•The sound output of sirens is capable of causing permanent hearing damage.
To prevent excessive exposure, carefully plan siren placement, post warnings
and restrict access to areas near the sirens. Whenever possible, disconnect the
siren batteries before working near the speaker array.
•After installation or service, test the siren system to confirm that it is
operating properly. Test the system regularly to confirm that it will be
operational in an emergency.
•If future service personnel do not have these warnings and all other
instructions shipped with the equipment to refer to, the siren system may not
provide the intended audible warning and service personnel may be exposed to
death, permanent hearing loss, or other bodily injury. File these instructions in
a safe place and refer to them periodically. Give a copy of these instructions to
new recruits and trainees. Also, give a copy to anyone who is going to service or
repair the sirens. For additional copies, call the Federal Signal Community
Warning Systems Group at 800-548-7229 or write to them at 2645 Federal
Signal Drive, University Park, II. 60466.
OPERATION
•Failure to understand the capabilities and limitations of your siren system
could result in permanent hearing loss, other serious injuries or death to
persons too close to the sirens when you activate them or to those you need to
warn. Carefully read and thoroughly understand all safety notices on both sides
of this sheet and all operations-related-items in all instruction manuals
shipped with the equipment. Thoroughly discuss all contingency plans with
those responsible for warning people in your community, company, or
jurisdiction.

ii
SAFETY NOTICES
People’s lives depend on your selection of suitable equipment and installation
sites and your safe installation, service, and operation of our products. Follow
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations. Obtain
copies of the latest revision of FEMA’S Outdoor Warning Guide (CPG 1-17) and
a Civil Preparedness, Principals of Warning (CPG 1-14) by calling FEMA at
[phone] or writing to them at 500 C St., South West, Washington, D.C.
20472. It is also important to read, understand and follow all instructions
shipped with this product. In addition, listed below are some other important
safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
PLANNING
•If suitable warning equipment is not selected, the installation site for the
siren is not selected properly or the siren is not installed properly, it may
not produce the intended optimum audible warning. Follow Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations.
•If the sirens are not activated in a timely manner when an emergency
condition exists, they cannot provide the intended audible warning. It is
imperative that knowledgeable people, who are provided with the necessary
information, are available at all times to authorize the activation of the
sirens.
•When sirens are used out of doors, people indoors may not be able to hear
the warning signals. Separate warning devices or procedures may be
needed to effectively warn people indoors.
•The sound output of sirens is capable of causing permanent hearing
damage. To prevent excessive exposure, carefully plan siren placement,
post warnings, and restrict access to areas near sirens.
•Activating the sirens may not result in people taking the desired actions if
those to be warned are not properly trained about the meaning of siren
sounds. Siren users should follow FEMA recommendations and instruct
those to be warned of correct actions to be taken.
•A siren that doesn’t work won’t provide any warning. After installation,
servicing, or repair, test the siren system to confirm that it is operating
properly. Test the system regularly to confirm that it will be operational in
an emergency.
•If future service and operating personnel do not have these instructions to refer to, the siren
system may not provide the intended audible warning and service personnel may be exposed to
death, permanent hearing loss, or other bodily injury. File these instructions in a safe place
and refer to them periodically. Give a copy of these instructions to new recruits and trainees.
Also give a copy to anyone who is going to service or repair the siren.

iii
LIMITED WARRANTY
The Signal Division, Federal Signal Corporation (Federal), warrants each new product to be free
from defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of two years
on parts replacement and one year on labor from the date of delivery to the first user-purchaser.
During this warranty period, the obligation of Federal is limited to repairing or replacing, as
Federal may elect, any part or parts of such product, which after examination by Federal discloses
to be defective in material and/or workmanship.
Federal will provide warranty for any unit which is delivered, transported prepaid, to the Federal
factory or designated authorized warranty service center for examination and such examination
reveals a defect in material and/or workmanship.
This warranty does not cover travel expenses, the cost of specialized equipment for gaining access
to the product, or labor charges for removal and re-installation of the product. Batteries are not
covered under warranty.
This warranty does not extend to any unit which has been subjected to abuse, misuse, improper
installation or which has been inadequately maintained, nor to units which have problems relating
to service or modification at any facility other than the Federal factory or authorized warranty
service centers.
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 FEDERAL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF
ROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH
DEFECT IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Federal Signal reserves the right to make changes to devices and specifications detailed in this
manual at any time in order to improve reliability, function or design. The information in this
book has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however no responsibility is as-
sumed for any inaccuracies.

1-1
SECTION I
CHARACTERISTICS
1-1. SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL.
This service manual describes the characteristics, specifications, installation, theory of
operation, and service and maintenance of the Federal Modulator Series Outdoor Warning
Siren speaker arrays.
1-2. GENERAL.
Federal Signal’s Modulator Series Siren products are a family of electronic sirens that
are capable of producing high intensity warning signals over a large area. The siren consists
of a speaker array (figure 1-1) and a control unit/battery box. A highly efficient design
enables the siren to produce a high sound level, while making moderate demands on the
power source.
1-3. SIREN DESCRIPTION.
Federal Signal’s innovative omnidirectional, electronic Modulator siren series consist of
aluminum modules that utilize four 100 watt drivers per module. The Modulator series is
available in several models which have the following sound output rating at 100 feet.*
MOD1004 106dBC
MOD2008 112dBC
MOD3012 115dBC
MOD4016 118dBC
MOD6024 121dBC
MOD6048 125dBC
*Based on measurements at 500 feet.
1-4. FREQUENCY RESPONSE.
The Modulator Series siren provides virtually flat frequency response from 200 -2000
Hertz. This gives the siren the ability to produce loud and clear voice messages as well as the
ability to produce a full spectrum of warning tones.
1-5. FEATURES.
The siren features 360 degree omnidirectional operation with negligible variation in
sound output. However, with the addition of the MCTURBO option the sirens sound pattern
can become directional, increasing the sound output level 3dB in one of two directions. See
installation section for details. The Aerodynamic patented design minimizes wind loading
concerns. Advanced hyperbolic horn configuration provides an excellent range of frequency
response. Supplied with either pole or flat mount supports and lifting eye for easy
installation. See Section 3.
A Modulator Series control unit (MCP) is needed for complete operation.

1-2
Figure 1-1. Modulator series Outline Drawing

2-1
SECTION II
SPECIFICATIONS
2-1. SIREN.
Color Weather Guard White II
Paint Type TGIC Polyester Powder coat
Modular Horn Type Hyperbolic Flare
Frequency Response 200 -2000 Hz.
Horizontal Coverage 360 Degree
Bottom (non-active) Module*
Dimensions 15-1/2 x 44 -1/2" Diameter
MOD1004
Number of Active Modules 1
Power 400 Watts
dB output 106 dBC @100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 43.17"
Weight 181 lbs.
MOD2008
Number of Active Modules 2
Power 800 Watts
dB output 112 dBC @100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 63.70"
Weight 296 lbs.
MOD3012
Number of Active Modules 3
Power 1200 Watts
dB output 115 dBC @ 100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 84.30"
Weight 411 lbs.
MOD4016
Number of Active Modules 4
Power 1600 Watts
dB output 118 dBC @ 100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 105.00"
Weight 526 lbs.

2-2
MOD5020
Number of Active Modules 5
Power 2000 Watts
dB output 120 dBC @ 100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 125.50"
Weight 640 lbs.
MOD6024
Number of Active Modules 6
Power 2400 Watts
dB output 121 dBC @ 100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 146.08"
Weight 760 lbs.
MOD6048
Number of Active Modules 6
Power 4800 Watts
dB output 125 dBC @ 100 feet
Height of Speaker Array 146.08"
Weight 928 lbs.
*The bottom module of the siren is a passive device that does not contain any drivers.
Its functional use is to complete the horn formed by the bottom and the first active module.

3-1
SECTION III
INSTALLATION
DANGER
Electrocution or severe personal
injury can occur when making
electrical connections, drilling holes,
or lifting equipment. Therefore,
installation should be performed by
experienced electricians in
accordance with national and local
electrical codes
3-1. SIREN LOCATION.
The information in this section
provides guidelines to aid the user in
the selection of an installation site
that makes the best possible use of the
siren.
WARNING
The output level of a Modulator
Series Siren is capable of causing
permanent hearing damage. To
prevent excessive exposure, carefully
plan placement of siren and post
warnings.
If the siren is being installed as
part of a Civil Defense Warning
system, ALWAYS follow Federal
Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) recommendations.
Careful consideration of the
factors affecting the propagation of
sound from the siren and the response
of the human ear to the sound will
optimize the ability of the siren to
effectively warn the community
outdoors.
The reduction of signal intensity,
as the distance from the siren
increases and the minimum desired
signal level at the fringe of the outdoor
area to be covered are important
considerations when choosing a siren
installation site. As the distance from
the siren increases, sound level losses
accumulate. These losses are a result
of weather conditions, the terrain,
obstructions in the sound path, the
pitch of the sound and the height of
the siren.
Optimum sound propagation
conditions exist when there are no
obstructions in the sound path, the
terrain is flat, and the air is calm.
Under these conditions, each time the
distance from the siren is doubled, the
sound level decreases by
approximately 10dB. For example, the
sound level at 100 feet (30.5m) from a
MOD6024 is 121dB. At 200 feet (61m),
the level drops to 111dB; at 400 feet
(122m) the sound level drops to
101dB; etc. This is referred to as the
“loss per distance doubled”.
A loss per distance doubled of
10dB is usually experienced because
buildings and other obstructions are
frequently present in the sound path.
In addition, the atmosphere is rarely
calm, the terrain may not be flat, and
humidity conditions may vary. As a
result, a typical loss per distance
doubled in residential areas may be
10dB, and as high as 12dB in areas
having tall buildings or other factors
detrimental to sound propagation.
Ideally in a free field, the loss would
be 6dB per distance doubled.
Experience indicates an
individual with normal hearing will
probably hear a warning signal whose
intensity is at least as high as the
ambient noise level.
Experience has also shown that
the ambient outdoor noise level in
industrial districts is typically 90dB.

3-2
Therefore, for a person to hear a
warning signal in an industrial area,
the sound level intensity of that signal
must also be at least 90dB. In this
situation, any point receiving a signal
having less than 90dB intensity is
considered to be outside the effective
range of the siren.
In business districts an ambient
noise level of 80dB is common, and in
residential areas, 68dB of ambient
noise is typical. Assuming a 10dB loss
per distance doubled and a 68dB
minimum sound level, the effective
range of the MOD6024 is
approximately 3900 feet.
Wind speed and direction often
affect the propagation of sound from
the siren. Consequently, the direction
of the prevailing wind may also be a
factor to consider when selecting the
installation site(s) of a small, one or
two-siren system. For example, if the
prevailing wind is from the west, it
may be desirable to install the siren
toward the western edge of the area to
be covered.
Other factors to consider before
selecting the installation site include
the availability of electrical power, the
ease of installation and maintenance,
the height of surrounding
obstructions, and security against
vandalism.
The Modulator Controller (MCP)
comes with an optional and phase-
phase option (turbo mode) which can
increase the sound level output by 3db
inoneoftwodirections(180°). When installing the Modulator with this option it should be mounted in the
direction of the arrow on the mounting base, or the 1” fitting at the base of the siren.
3-2. SIREN INSTALLATION.
A. General.
Most siren installations are
one of two types: Pole Mount or Flat
Surface Mount. These two
configurations make it possible to
install a siren in almost any situation.
If the installations in this paragraph
are not suitable, modification of one of
the configurations may be practical.
A siren is typically installed
40 -50 ft. above the ground. If the
installation is located less than 50 ft.
above the ground, the sound intensity
at close range may increase, but at the
same time the effective range of the
siren may be reduced. Conversely, if
the siren is located more than 50 ft.
above ground, the effective range of
the siren may increase, but the sound
may skip over areas closer to the
siren. These variables may make it
desirable to test the sound coverage of
the siren at various heights and
locations whenever possible.
B. Pole Mounting.
A typical pole-mounted siren
installation is shown in figure 3-1. The
siren is mounted on a Class 2 utility
pole (ANSI type wooden pole or
equivalent) with a minimum
horizontal ground stress rating of
3,700 pounds (1682 Kg). (Insure that
soil loads will conform to this size
utility pole). It is attached to the pole
by means of legs, as shown in figure 3-
2.
Using the 3 ft. long angle
iron legs, the siren is mounted on the
Class 2 utility pole as follows:
1. Uncrate the siren and
remove the nuts that hold the siren on
the shipping base. Lift the siren
approximately 3-1/2 ft. with a crane or
hoist.
2. Install the four legs on
the siren mounting plate, as shown in
figure 3-2. Use two 1/2" bolts, nuts and
lockwashers (provided) for each leg.
Do not tighten the bolts completely.

3-3
WARNING
The eyebolt does NOT have sufficient
strength to support the combined
weight of the siren and a utility pole.
Therefore, do NOT attempt to erect
the pole and siren together using the
eyebolt as a lifting point.
3. Erect the utility pole in
accordance with accepted practices
and FEMA guidelines.
4. Raise the siren to the
necessary height, and lower it over the
pole.Maintain tension on lifting chain
until all bolts are tightened.
5. Adjust the legs and
insert shims, if necessary, between the
siren legs and pole. Bolt the siren to
the pole using two user supplied 5/8"
lag bolts, at least four inches long for
each leg. Tighten all bolts, including
those from step 2 above.
C. Flat Surface Mount.
This installation
configuration is practical when the
installation site is on a flat roofed
building. The siren can be anchored
directly to the roof, on a platform as
shown in figure 3-4, or on a weight
distribution mat like the one shown in
figure 3-5.
This mat is required when
the siren mounting surface is unable
to support over 176 pounds per
square foot (859kg per square meter).
The mat shown in figure 3-5
distributes the siren weight to
approximately 25 pounds per square
foot (122kg per square meter). When
installing the siren on a flat roof, be
sure that it clears the parapets or
other obstructions by at least ten feet.
To install a Modulator Series
Siren on a flat roof or other flat
surface, proceed as follows:
1. If desired, construct a
platform for mounting the siren, which
must be capable of supporting at least
800 lbs. as well as withstanding a
siren wind load of 100 mph. The
platform must also be capable of
distributing its own weight plus the
siren to a value that is safe for the
mounting surface. Platform design
and construction details are left to the
installer. Locate the platform at the
siren installation site. Using suitable
hardware (not supplied), anchor the
platform to the mounting surface.
WARNING
The eyebolt and hoisting bracket do
not have sufficient strength to
support the combined weight of the
siren and the platform. Therefore, do
NOT lift the siren and platform
together using the eyebolt as a lifting
point.
2. Hoist the siren to the
installation site using the eyebolt as a
lifting point (refer to WARNING
above).
3. Anchor the siren to the
mounting surface with a user
supplied 1/2" lag bolts or nuts and
bolts, as appropriate through the
mounting holes (one in each corner) in
the siren base plate (see figure 3-4,
detail A). If the siren is mounted
directly on a roof, (without a platform
or weight distribution mat) be sure to
install user supplied waterproof joints
at the points where the mounting bolts
pass through the roof so that water
does not enter the building.
3-3. SPEAKER CONNECTIONS.
Depending on the model of siren used
the number of speaker connections
and colors will vary. This is due to the
different number of drivers required
for each model. In either case

3-4
OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY when
making these connections. The striped
wire is common and goes to position 2.
The solid colored wire is signal high
and goes to position 1. Each speaker
connection is color coded. Refer to the
table below for wiring and position.
The bottom module in the speaker
array is an inactive module. This
means there are no drivers contained
in the module. The next module up is
called module number one. The next
one above module one is called
module number two etc. These are
referred to as active modules. Each
active module contains four (4) drivers
(2 pairs).
Each pair is connected in parallel. The
drivers contained in module number
one are labeled A 1 and 2 (wired in
parallel) and B 1 and 2 (wired in
parallel). A, C, E, G, I, and K drivers
are in line with the conduit fitting at
the base of the siren. Module number
2 contains drivers C and D etc. Refer
to figure 3-3 for driver orientation and
wire location for active module one
only.
Each speaker array is supplied
with a 50 foot cable. The number of
conductors and colors vary from
module to module. Model MOD4016
and MOD6024 contain junction boxes
in series with the 50 foot cable to allow
connection to the speaker array. Refer
to list below for number of wires per
module and how many wires are used.
MOD1004 -8 wires only 4
are used.
MOD2008 -8 wires all are
used.
MOD3012 -16 wires only
12 are used.
MOD4016 -16 wires all
are used.
MOD6024 -24 wires all are
used.
MOD6048 -24 wires all are
used.
3-4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKOUT.
After the siren has been
completely installed, perform the
following checks before putting the
siren into service.
WARNING
The output sound level of a siren is
capable of causing severe hearing
discomfort or permanent hearing
damage. Therefore, ALWAYS wear
appropriate hearing protection when
performing tests or maintenance on
the siren, and post warnings to warn
people before they are exposed to
excessive sound pressure levels.
A. Make sure all connections in
the Control Unit/Battery Box are
correct and properly tightened.
B. Activate wail on the control
panel. Check for proper sound output
and siren tone.
C. After the installation is
complete and it has been established
that the siren is operating properly,
Federal recommends that all control
devices be padlocked to discourage
tampering and vandalism.

3-5

SECTION IV
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
4-1. GENERAL.
WARNING
Service or maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel familiar
with the siren, associated controls, and power sources being used.
The sound output of the siren is capable of causing permanent hearing
damage. Use adequate hearing protection and avoid excessive exposure.
Before servicing or maintaining, ensure that remote activation can not occur
and disconnect power to the siren and its controls.
The Modulator Series Siren is designed to require a minimum of maintenance. In
addition, experience has shown that all Federal sirens are highly reliable devices. However,
if a siren failure does occur, Federal will provide technical assistance with problems that
cannot be handled satisfactorily and promptly locally. If assistance is desired, contact:
FWS Service Department
Federal Signal Corporation
2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, Illinois 60466
1 [phone]
WARNING
The output level of a Modulator Series Siren is capable of causing permanent
hearing damage. Therefore, ALWAYS wear hearing protection when
performing tests or maintenance on the siren.
To prevent the siren from sounding always turn off the power to the siren at
the disconnect switch and remove any DC power being supplied by the
Battery Box before inspecting or maintaining the siren.
4-2. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
Test the Siren for proper operation at least once a month. A daily test at noon, curfew,
or other selected time is preferred. This not only enhances the usefulness of the siren and
varifies that it remains ready for use in an emergency, but instills public confidence in the
reliability of the warning system.
In order to minimize the possibility of siren failure, annual inspection and maintenance
is desirable.
Perform a driver inspection as described in Section 4-3.

4-3. DRIVER REPLACEMENT
To determine if a driver is bad refer to the procedure outlined in the installation instruction
for the amplifier control unit or remove the speaker circuit from the terminal block and
measure the impedence of the circuit. The impedence will measure approximately 2.7 ohms.
If the reading is higher (5.4 ohms) one driver is bad. If the circuit is open, then either both
drivers are bad, or a wire has been severed.
To determine the location of the bad driver refer to the wiring table in Section 3 and Figure
3-3.
To replace a defective driver remove the four Hex head 1/4 inch mounting bolts that are
holding the inspection plate. Make sure the flat washer and split washer are not misplaced.
Note the color and location of the wires going to the driver. Remove the wire from the
terminals on the driver. Remove the driver by turning it counter clockwise. Add new driver
by turning it clockwise. Make sure that the male threads are greased. Reconnect the wires
as previously noted. Reinstall the inspection plate.