HornBlasters Nathan P3 User manual

NATHAN AIRCHIME
INSTALLATION MANUAL
Nathan P3, P5, K3LA, K5LA 540 Kit
WARNING: To ensure the longevity of
your system, reading and following these
instructions are recommended. Make sure
to change lters and to drain the moisture
from your tank on a regular basis.

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
BEFORE GETTING STARTED
Read over the entire instruction guide before you begin your installation.
KIT CONTENTS:
• Nathan AirChime P3, P5, K3LA, K5LA
• Viair 325/400/444/480 Air Compressor
• 1/2” SMC Electric Solenoid Valve
• 17’ 1/2” Airline
• 4 x 1/2” PTC to 1/2” NPT
• 17’ 10 Gauge Wire
• 17’ 18 Gauge Wire
• 1 x Toggle Switch
• 1 x Inline Fuse Holder
• 5 x 18-22 Gauge Butt Connector
• 3 x 10-12 Gauge Butt Connector
• 2 x 18-22 Gauge Ring Terminal
• 1 x 10-22 Gauge Ring Terminal
• 1 x 10-22 Gauge Male Quick Disconnect
• 1 x 18-22 Gauge Male Quick Disconnect
• 1 x 10-12 Gauge Scotch Lock
• 1 x 18-22 Gauge Scotch Lock
• 1 x 35 Amp Fuse
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To prevent the risk of electrical shock or electrocution:
• Do not disassemble any electrical components of this horn kit (air compressor, air valve, pressure switch).
• Do not attempt repairs or modications of any component. Please refer to qualied service agencies for all service
and repairs.
• Do not operate any component where it can fall or be submerged into water or any kind of liquid.
• Do not reach for any component that has fallen or been submerged into water or any kind of liquid.
• Use the included components with 12 volt DC systems only.
• Do not leave the air system unattended during use.
WARNING: To prevent injury:
• Never allow children to operate the compressor or air horn. Use close supervision when operating this equipment
near children.
• The air compressor will become very HOT during and immediately after operation. Do not touch any part of the
compressor with your bare hands during or immediately after use.
• Do not use this product near open ames, explosive materials or where aerosol products are being used.
• Do not operate this product where oxygen is being administered.
• Do not pump anything other than atmospheric air.
• Never use this product while sleepy or drowsy.
• Do not use any tools or attachments with the supplied air source unit without rst determining maximum air
pressure for that tool or attachment.
• Never point any air nozzle or air sprayer toward another person or any part of your body.
• The included compressor is equipped with an automatic reset thermal protector and can automatically restart after
the thermal protector resets. Always cut o󰀨 power source when thermal protector becomes activated.
• Use only in well ventilated areas.
• Do not sound the air horn(s) in close proximity to another person’s or your own ear(s).
• Do not ll the included air tank above 150 PSI. Doing so may result in death or serious injury.
NATHAN AIRCHIME INSTALLATION GUIDE
IMPORTANT: This complete train horn kit uses 12 volt DC components. Only install this kit
with a 12 volt DC power source.
• 1 x 1/4” 175 PSI Safety Valve
• 5 x 1/2” NPT to 1/4” Reducer
• 1 x 1/2“ Plug
• 1 x 3/4” Plug
• 1 x 1/4” Drain Cock
• 1 x Pressure Switch w/ Relay
• 1 x HornBlasters Gauge
• 1 x Teon Tape
• 1 x Horn-Air 5 Gallon Tank

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION
This is the most important step in your installation.
• Plan out the location of each component before starting your installation.
• Make sure you have enough airline and wire to install the system before beginning the installation.
• Make sure mounting locations are secure and void of debris.
• Try to keep the supply wire to the compressor as short as possible. Wires lose voltage over distance therefore
shorter wires will result in better performance.
• Mount your air source unit in a location that is as cool as possible and away from heat sources. This will make your
compressor run cooler and last longer.
• Your air source unit must be mounted upright with the compressor above the tank. Failure to mount the unit in this
position will allow any condensation buildup to drain back in to the compressor and harm its components, and also
will disrupt the compressor’s ability to cool.
• Teon tape or a locking compound should be used on every tting in your air system to prevent air leaks; unless a
white or red PTFE paste is already applied.
• Use the supplied 10 gauge wire or thicker (lower gauge #) wire to power your air compressor.
We recommend installing our kits in a certain conguration. With the 2 gallon tank, you have two 1/2” ports and four
1/4” ports. Install the tank in position where one 1/4” port is facing down for the drain cock. From there place the
gauge, pressure switch and safety blow o󰀨 valve in the remaining three 1/4” ports. For the two 1/2” ports, one of them
will have the 1/2” to 1/4” female reducer bushing for the compressor (1/2” to 3/8” for the Viair 480c) and the other
1/2” port is for the 1/2” PTC to 1/2” NPT M tting for the horns.
I. INSTALLING YOUR HORNBLASTERS TRAIN HORNS
Locate an area for your horns that is dry and free from debris. The horns can be mounted in any direction and still
be heard from all around. The horns should not be mounted where they will be completely submerged or will receive
any kind of impact. Horns may be mounted directly to your vehicle, on a medium such as grommet strips (plumber’s
strap), sheet metal or any sort of custom bracket. Note that air line will be running to each horns rear mount.
1. Locate a secure, dry, and safe position for your horns.
2. Drill a 3/16” hole for the front mount of each horn and a 7/16” hole for each rear mount.
3. Secure the horn using the supplied mounting hardware.
II. INSTALLING YOUR AIR TANK
Locate a secure area close to your air compressor to mount your air tank. The leader hose of the compressor should
be able to reach an available port on the air tank with some slack.
1. Position the tank in its desired location and secure it using standard mounting hardware.
SAFETY DURING INSTALLATION
• Disconnect the ground of your battery before beginning your installation.
• Use eye protection when operating drills.
• Take your time and do not rush your installation.
INSTALLING YOUR TRAIN HORN KIT
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
• 3/8” Long Socket (Horn Front Mount)
• 1/2” Long Socket (Horn Rear Mount)
• 1/2” Wrench
• 9/16” Wrench (1/4” NPT Fittings)
• 7/8” Wrench (1/2” Banjo)
• 10mm Wrench or Socket (Air Source Mounting)
• 12mm Wrench
• Drill (3/16” & 7/16” Bits)
• Wire Cutter/Stripper
• Tubing Cutter/Razor
• Eye and Ear Protection

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
III. INSTALLING YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PUMP
Locate a at and secure installation area that will remain free of dust, dirt, and debris (your compressors performance is directly
a󰀨ected by air quality). Try to keep the distance of the unit from the battery to a minimum to keep your compressor running at
maximum performance.
1. Disconnect the ground cable from the vehicle’s battery.
2. Position the unit in the desired location and secure it using the supplied mounting hardware (8mm).
3. Remove the orange plug in the compressor’s inlet and install the remotely mountable air intake assembly. Using the included
3/8” OD air line and ttings you may relocate the air lter up to 6 feet away from the air compressor.
4. Only hand tighten the check valve.
IV. INSTALLING YOUR AIR TUBING & AIR VALVE
Before cutting any air tubing, make sure to double check your measurements. Make sure to cut equal lengths of air line to connect
each horn to the manifold or the horns may sound at di󰀨erent times. We recommend cutting your lengths with at least an extra
inch per line just to be safe. Unlike compression fittings, the push to pull connectors can be used multiple times. The air valve
should connect to the center fitting of the 4-point banjo fitting. When threading any fittings make sure to use Teflon tape or lock-
tight to prevent air leaks. Some fittings may already have pipe sealant applied on their threads for your convenience. The air
valve may be mounted in any direction but it is preferred that it is mounted vertically. Your tank has seven 1/2” NPT ports and
one 3/4” NPT port.
AIR COMPRESSOR TO TANK:
[Air Compressor] » [1/4” Leader Hose] » [1/2“ to 1/4” NPT F Reducer] » [Air Tank]
1. Carefully connect the air compressor leader hose to the 1/2” to 1/4” NPT F Reducer bushing that is located on either end of the
tank using Teflon tape or paste on the treading. When installing the leader hose DO NOT move the inline check valve
located just above the swivel fitting.
a. If installing a Viair 480c, you will use a 1/2“ to 3/8” NPT F Reducer.
2. Locate a secure location to mount the leader hose using the bracket provided. Avoid locations where the leader hose may
become tangled with wires and other hoses.
a. When mounting the bracket, drill a hole with a 3/16” drill bit and put the self-anchoring hose bracket into the hole.
Route the leader hose through the hose bracket and secure by pressing the bracket clamp into the locker position.
AIR HORNS TO TANK:
[Air Tank] » [1/2” NPT M to 1/2” PTC Fitting] » [1/2” Air Line] » [1/2” NPT M to 1/2” PTC Fitting] » [Air Valve] » [1/2” to 4x 5/16”
NPT M Banjo Fitting] » [5/16” Air Line] » [5/16in P2P to 1/8in NPT F Elbow] » [Rear Horn Mount]
1. Plan out the ttings placement before you begin and make sure you understand the correct order.
2. Make sure that your tank is empty of air and that the compressor is not running during installation.
3. Start by installing the 1/2“ PTC to the tank.
4. Install the valve in a safe location, preferably closer to the horns. If the valve has a directional arrow on its body, the arrow starts
with the inlet and points out the outlet; the arrow should point towards your horns.
5. Next install PTC fittings on both open sides of the valve and on the bottom of the horn manifold. Make sure that the lines are
inserted firmly into their sockets. You do not use Teflon tape or pipe sealant with the PVC fittings.
6. Now run the air line from your horn manifold to the air tank and cut the length required. Make sure the cut end is at and the cut
is completely perpendicular to the tubing length.
7. Finally install the air line carefully between the horns and the air valve making sure not to damge the PTC ttings.
INSTALLING YOUR TRAIN HORN KIT (cont.)
IMPORTANT: Do not rotate or remove the inline check valve in the compressor’s leader hose. Doing so will damage its
seals and will result in damage to your air compressor and voiding of your warranty.
IMPORTANT: Do not make any kinks in your air line. Doing so will disrupt air ow and the damage is irreversible.
IMPORTANT: The air valve is directional and must be properly installed. There is an arrow on the brass body of the valve
that shows the airow direction, the arrow must point towards the horn. Improper installation will cause the
valve to malfunction and create a constant air leak to the horns.

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
DRAIN COCK TO TANK:
1. Install the drain cock into the 1/2” port on the bottom of the tank using the 1/2” to 1/4” NPT F bushing. If the drain cock already
has sealant on its threads it is unnecessary to use Teflon tape on the threads.
PRESSURE SWITCH IN TO TANK:
1. Install the pressure switch into an available 1/2” port on the air tank using Teflon tape or pipe sealant on the threading of the 1/2”
to 1/4” NPT F bushing. Make sure to mount the pressure switch on the side or the top of the tank so that condensation will not
be able to drain in to the pressure switch. Hand tighten only, and don’t tighten by twisting the box.
SAFETY VALVE IN TANK:
1. Install the safety valve into an available 1/2” port on the air tank using Teflon tape or pipe sealant on the threading of the 1/2” to
1/4” NPT F bushing. If the safety valve already has sealant on its threads, it is unnecessary to use Teflon tape on the
threads. Do not mount on bottom of tank, and do not use as drain.
AIR GAUGE IN TANK:
1. Install the Hornblasters Air Gauge into available 1/2” port on the air tank using Teflon tape or pipe sealant on the threading of the
1/2” to 1/4” NPT F bushing. Make sure to mount the air pressure gauge on the side or the top of the tank so that condensation
will not be able to drain in to the gauge.
REMAINING PORTS:
1. If you did not purchase any accessories to go along with your Shocker XL kit, you will have one 1/2” port and one 3/4” port
open. The kit comes with two hex plugs to cover these ports. This does give you the option to run air tools, air source relocation
or many other accessories that we sell.
V. WIRING YOUR VALVE & AIR SOURCE UNIT
Your train horn kit will use two completely independent circuits. One circuit will connect your horn trigger (push-button
switch, or toggled factory button) to your electric solenoid valve. The other circuit will connect your accessory trigger (ignition
wire, accessory wire) to your air source kit. If you have trouble with wiring, you can nd a wiring diagram of your vehicle on
www.the12volt.com. This can help you locate certain wires to properly and safely install your train horn kit!
VALVE WIRING FLOW CHART (CIRCUIT 1)
[Factory Horn Wire] » [Toggle Switch) » [Air Valve] » [Ground]
CIRCUIT 1
1. Begin by wiring your horn trigger.
a. If you are intending to use your factory horn switch, start by locating the load wire of the horn button (positive when horn
button is depressed in a standard vehicle) and wiring it to the included toggle switch (any side).
b. If you are going to use a push button switch (intermittent toggle switch) wire a fused (5A) wire from any 12 volt source
desired (battery) to your switch (any side).
2. Wire your switch to any lead of your air valve.
3. Wire the other side of the air valve to ground.
4. Test your circuit by activating your trigger and listening for a “click” from the valve.
CIRCUIT 2
1. Find the accessory line in your vehicle (this is a wire that is only powered when the key is turned to the ‘accessory’ or ‘on’
positions.
2. Using the supplied 18 gauge wire connect the accessory wire to the “BLUE ignition positive wire” from the pressure switch.
3. Ground your pressure switch using the small “BLACK wire” from the pressure switch.
4. Locate your 12v DC power source that is capable of handling a 26 amp load.
5. Run the supplied 10 gauge or bigger wire to the inline fuse holder using the supplied 35 amp fuse. Then connect this to the
“RED fused 12v positive wire” from the pressure switch.
6. Connect the pressure switch to the air compressor using the “WHITE compressor wire” from the pressure switch to the “RED
wire” from the compressor.
7. Ground the other side of your air compressor using the “BLACK wire”.
8. Your compressor system will now turn on automatically when power is on (key is in ‘Accessory’ or ‘On’ position) and automatically
turn itself o󰀨 upon reaching pressure limits.
YOU’RE DONE!
It’s time to test your horns! Share your install photos on our Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/hornblasters and don’t
forget to check out www.trainhornforums.com, the largest train horn community on the internet!
INSTALLING YOUR TRAIN HORN KIT (cont.)

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
Disconnect electrical components and drain you air system before performing maintenance.
GENERAL AIR HORN SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
• Check your air horns for debris when appropriate and at least once a month and clean when necessary.
• Drain your air system at least every other week, to remove any condensation buildup on the inside of you air tank.
• Make sure you air compressor is clean and free from debris at all times.
• Periodically change your two stage air lter on your compressor.
TIPS
• Make sure your engine is running when you air compressors are in use to insure proper voltage and to prevent damage to your
system.
• Do not run your compressor above its maximum rated working pressure. Doing so will not only void you warranty, but may also
damage your compressor.
• The air horns are pre-tuned to a locomotive chord and to their loudest possible tone. Do not adjust the tuning screw on the
horns. Doing so will void your warranty and may damage the horns if improperly adjusted.
CAN’T FIGURE IT OUT?
No problem! Give us a call at 813-783-8058, or email at [email protected] and we’ll be more than happy to help you x
your system. Also feel free to visit our online horn community, www.trainhornforums.com, for more information.
PROBLEM
MAINTENANCE & TIPS
TROUBLESHOOTING
Air horn will not sound.
1. No pressure in air tank.
2. No power or toggle switch in ‘Off’ position.
3. Blown fuse.
4. Loose connections or bad ground in air valve circuit (circuit 1).
1. Check that air tank is pressurized.
2. Make sure all toggle switches are on.
3. Disconnect electrical components and replace fuse.
4. Check that all electrical circuits are secure and not corroded.
Horn tone changes
when sounded
1. A side tting as used to connect the air source (line from valve) to
the 4-point banjo manifold.
2. Air line connecting the horns is not of equal length.
1. Check that air source (line coming from valve) is entering the
center tting of the 4-point banjo manifold.
2. Check that the air line connecting each horn to the 4-point banjo
manifold is of equal length.
Excessive moisture
in horn or safety
discharge.
1. Excessive water in tank.
2. Compressor is exposed to high humidity.
1. Depressurize tank using safety, then drain tank. Tilt the tank to
drain moisture and drain more frequently.
2. Move the compressor to an area with less humidity.
Compressor will not
run.
1. No power or toggle switch in ‘Off’ position.
2. Blown fuse.
3. Motor overheat.
4. Faulty pressure switch.
1. Make sure all toggle switches are on.
2. Disconnect compressor from power & replace fuse (35A).
3. Let compressor cool off for about 30 minutes for thermal
overload switch to reset.
4. Replace pressure switch.
Thermal overload
protector cuts out
repeatedly.
1. Lack of proper ventilation/ambient temperature too high.
2. Compressor valves failed.
1. Move compressor to a well ventilated area or an area with a lower
ambient temperature.
2. Replace air compressor.
Excessive knocking or
rattling
1. Loose mounting bolts.
2. Worn bearing on eccentric or motor shaft.
3. Cylinder or piston ring is worn.
1. Tighten bolts.
2. Replace compressor.
3. Replace compressor.
Tank pressure drops
when compressor
shuts off
1. Loose drain cock.
2. Air valve or check valve is leaking.
3. Loose connections.
4. Defective safety valve.
1. Tighten drain cock.
2. Replace air valve or check valve.
3. Check all air connections with soap and water solution and
tighten as necessary.
4. Replace safety valve.
Compressor runs
continuously and air
ow lower than normal
1. Excessive air usage.
2. Loose connections.
3. Worn piston ring or inlet valve.
4. Clogged air lter element.
1. Decrease air usage.
2. Check all connections with soap and water solution and tighten
as necessary.
3. Replace compressor
4. Replace air lter element.
Compressor runs
continuously causing
safety valve to open.
1. Faulty pressure switch.
2. Defective safety valve.
1. Replace pressure switch.
2. Replace safety valve.

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
GENERAL PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• Please submit clean, concise photographs. Make sure your subject is clearly visible and in focus.
• You may submit and digital image format either via email at [email protected], or via digital media (CD, DVD, etc).
• Make sure to include some kind of personal information with your submission. We would love to be able to contact you and
thank you.
INSTALLATION GALLERY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• Please take at least one photo of each major components of your installation (horns, compressor, tank, valve, switches, etc).
• Don’t forget to send us some shots of your vehicle too! If we can’t tell what the install is on, we probably won’t post it.
• Include as much installation information as possible.
¤ Who installed the system and when was it installed?
¤ How long did the install take?
¤ What is the year, model, and style of your vehicle?
¤ If you took your system to a shop, would you recommend the shop to others?
¤ Do you have any comments or tips about the installation?
¤ Anything else you want to tell us, we always appreciate your feedback!
• Optionally include a little personal information:
¤ Your name (if you would like your full name to be displayed, you have to let us know!)
GENERAL VIDEO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• We accept all kinds of media. Please provide us with the highest quality media to prevent video degradation.
• We can read all formats of video. We recommend using either the default your camera records with; or if you are compressing
the video, we recommend using AVI containers and Xvid, Divx, or a MPEG codec. We recommend AGAINST using any kind of
Windows Media*, Real Media*, or Apple QuickTime* formats.
• You may submit any digital image format either via email at [email protected], or via digital media (CD, DVD, etc).
• Make sure to include some kind of personal information with your submission. We would love to be able to contact you and
thank you!
*Windows, Windows Media, Real, Real Media, Apple, and QuickTime are all registered trademarks and copyright of their
respective owners.
GET INVOLVED IN THE TRAIN HORN COMMUNITY
No matter what your take is on your new train horn kit, it’s always good to have someone to share your stories with.
Trainhornforums.com is the largest train horn community online and provides a place to share photos of your ride, post videos,
catch up with other train horn and HornBlasters fans, meet other train horn enthusiasts, or even nd help with a complicated
question.
Go online to www.trainhornforums.com and sign up today!
Send in your installation photographs and any other media for a chance to be featured on our web site!
PHOTOGRAPH & MEDIA SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
@hornblasters #hornblasters
/hornblasters
Make sure to follow us on all the popular social media! Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Youtube, and
Instagram. Show o your install and tag us in all your photos!

6511 54th St
Tampa, FL 33610
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hornblasters.com [email protected]
5 GALLON NATHAN AIRCHIME INSTALLATION
WARNING: To ensure the life
of your system, reading and
following these instructions are
recommended. Make sure to
change lters and to drain the
moisture from your tank on a
regular basis. Most factory horns are positively
activated. If your horn system is negatively
activated, then you will need to wire one of the
leads from the value to a direct 12v power source.
Then wire the other lead to the megatively charged
horn wire.