HornBlasters Outlaw 232 User manual

HORNBLASTERSTM
OutLaw 232TM Locomotive Air Horn System Manual

1
HornBlastersTM
Outlaw 232TM Locomotive Air Horn System
Installation Guide
Support Line: [phone]
Fax Line: [phone]
[email protected]
www.hornblasters.com/support
Before Getting Started
Read over the entire instruction guide before you begin your installation.
Kit Contents:
HornBlasters OutLaw Horns TM
ViAir 232C Heavy Duty 12 Volt Air Compressor Pump
ViAir 110/150 PSI 40 Amp Weather-proof Pressure Switch
HornAirTM 2 Gallon 6 Port Air Tank
Fitting Kit, Air Line, Wiring Kit, Replacement Air Filter
IMPORTANT: This complete train horn kit uses 12 volt DC components. Only install this kit
with a 12 volt DC power source.
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 modifications of any component. Please refer to qualified 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 this compressor with your bare hands during or immediately after use.
Do not use this product near open flames or 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 first 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 air compressor is equipped with an automatic reset thermal protector and can automatically
restart after the thermal protector resets. Always cut off 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 fill the included air tank above 150 PSI. Doing so may result in death or serious injury.
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.

1
HornBlastersTM
Outlaw 232TM Locomotive Air Horn System
Installation Guide
Support Line: [phone]
Fax Line: [phone]
[email protected]
www.hornblasters.com/support
Before Getting Started
Read over the entire instruction guide before you begin your installation.
Kit Contents:
HornBlasters OutLaw Horns TM
ViAir 232C Heavy Duty 12 Volt Air Compressor Pump
ViAir 110/150 PSI 40 Amp Weather-proof Pressure Switch
HornAirTM 2 Gallon 6 Port Air Tank
Fitting Kit, Air Line, Wiring Kit, Replacement Air Filter
IMPORTANT: This complete train horn kit uses 12 volt DC components. Only install this kit
with a 12 volt DC power source.
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 modifications of any component. Please refer to qualified 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 this compressor with your bare hands during or immediately after use.
Do not use this product near open flames or 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 first 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 air compressor is equipped with an automatic reset thermal protector and can automatically
restart after the thermal protector resets. Always cut off 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 fill the included air tank above 150 PSI. Doing so may result in death or serious injury.
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.
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II. Installing Your Air Compressor Pump
Locate a flat and secure installation area that will remain free of dust, dirt and debris (your compressors
performance is directly affected 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 fittings you may relocate the air filter up to six feet away from the
air compressor.
Installing Your Train Horn Kit
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 air line 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
thereforeshorter 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 foul its
components, and also will disrupt the compressor’s ability to cool.
Teflon tape or a locking compound should be used on every fitting in your air system to prevent air leaks.
Air valves can be mounted in every direction but are recommended to be mounted vertically with the pilot
housing above the valve body.
Use the supplied 12 gauge wire or thicker (lower gauge #) wire to power your air compressor.
Recommended Tools
3/8” Long Socket (Horn Front Mount)
1/2” Long Socket (Horn Rear Mount)
1/2” Wrench (Std. Compression Fittings)
9/16” Wrench (1/4 NPT Fittings)
10mm Wrench or Socket (Air Source Mounting)
12mm Wrench (Metric Compression Fittings)
Drill (With 3/16” Bit)
Wire Cutter/Stripper
Tubing Cutter/Razor
Eye Protection
I. Installing Your HornBlasters Train Horn
Locate an area for your horn that is dry and free from debris. The horn 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.
1. Locate a se cure, dry, safe positionfor your horns.
2.
Using the mounting template drill 3/16” holes for the mounting bracket of the horn.
Make a mounting template by tracing the mounting bracket on the horn.
3.
4. Secure the horn using the supplied mounting hardware.

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III. 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.
IV. Installing Your Air Tubing & Air Valve
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 flow and is irreversible.
Air Compressor to Tank:
[Air Compressor] » [1/4” Leader Hose] » [1/4” NPT F Port] » [Air Tank]
1. Carefully connect the air compressor leader hose to a free 1/4” NPT port that is located on the side or top
(side facing up after the tank has been mounted) using Teflon tape or paste on the threading. When
installing the leader hose DO NOT move the inline check valve located just above the swivel fitting.
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 push 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.
Pressure Switch in to Tank:
[Air Tank] » [1/4” NPT to 1/8” NPT Reducer Bushing] » [Pressure Switch Unit]
1. Install the 1/4” to 1/8” NPT reducing bushing into an available port on the air tank using Teflon tape or
paste on the threading. Make sure to mount the pressure switch on the side or top of the tank so that
condensation will not be able to drain in to the pressure switch.
2. Install the pressure switch unit into the reducer bushing again using Teflon tape or paste on the threading.
Air Horns to Tank:
[Air Tank] » [3/8” NPT Port] » [1/2” to 3/8” NPT M Fitting] » [1/2” Line] »
[1/2” to 1/2” NPT M Fitting] » [Air Valve]
1. Plan out the fittings’ placement out 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.
4.
Connect your air valve’s inlet port to your air tank using 1/2” air line using the 1/2” Straight to 1/2”
NPT M fittings. As above use a side or top port on your tank so that condensation will not drain in to your
air valve.
Drain Cock in Tank:
1. Install the drain cock into the bottom 1/4” NPT port on your air tank. If the drain cock already has sealant
on its threads it is unnecessary to use Teflon tape on the threads.
Before cutting any air tubing make sure to double check your measurementsWhen threading any brass fittings
make sure to use Teflon tape or pipe sealant to prevent air leaks. Some fittings may already have pipe
sealant applied on their threads for your convenience. Your tank has two 3/8” NPT ports and four 1/4” NPT
ports. Your train horn kit should use one of the 3/8” ports and the other may be reduced to 1/4” using the
supplied 1/4” reducer bushing if necessary.

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III. 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.
IV. Installing Your Air Tubing & Air Valve
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 flow and is irreversible.
Air Compressor to Tank:
[Air Compressor] » [1/4” Leader Hose] » [1/4” NPT F Port] » [Air Tank]
1. Carefully connect the air compressor leader hose to a free 1/4” NPT port that is located on the side or top
(side facing up after the tank has been mounted) using Teflon tape or paste on the threading. When
installing the leader hose DO NOT move the inline check valve located just above the swivel fitting.
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 push 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.
Pressure Switch in to Tank:
[Air Tank] » [1/4” NPT to 1/8” NPT Reducer Bushing] » [Pressure Switch Unit]
1. Install the 1/4” to 1/8” NPT reducing bushing into an available port on the air tank using Teflon tape or
paste on the threading. Make sure to mount the pressure switch on the side or top of the tank so that
condensation will not be able to drain in to the pressure switch.
2. Install the pressure switch unit into the reducer bushing again using Teflon tape or paste on the threading.
Air Horns to Tank:
[Air Tank] » [3/8” NPT Port] » [1/2” to 3/8” NPT M Fitting] » [1/2” Line] »
[1/2” to 1/2” NPT M Fitting] » [Air Valve]
1. Plan out the fittings’ placement out 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.
4.
Connect your air valve’s inlet port to your air tank using 1/2” air line using the 1/2” Straight to 1/2”
NPT M fittings. As above use a side or top port on your tank so that condensation will not drain in to your
air valve.
Drain Cock in Tank:
1. Install the drain cock into the bottom 1/4” NPT port on your air tank. If the drain cock already has sealant
on its threads it is unnecessary to use Teflon tape on the threads.
Before cutting any air tubing make sure to double check your measurementsWhen threading any brass fittings
make sure to use Teflon tape or pipe sealant to prevent air leaks. Some fittings may already have pipe
sealant applied on their threads for your convenience. Your tank has two 3/8” NPT ports and four 1/4” NPT
ports. Your train horn kit should use one of the 3/8” ports and the other may be reduced to 1/4” using the
supplied 1/4” reducer bushing if necessary.
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Safety Valve in Tank:
1. Install the drain cock into any spare 1/4” NPT port on your air tank. If the safety valve already has
sealant on its threads, it is unnecessary to use Teflon tape on the threads.
Extra Port in Tank:
1. Install the supplied 1/4” NPT plug in the remaining 1/4” NPT port using Teflon tape or paste on the
threads.
V. Wiring Your Valve & Air Compressor
Your train horn kit will use two completely independent circuits. One circuit will connect your horn trigger (push-
button intermittent 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.
Valve Wiring Flow Chart (Circuit 1)
[Horn Trigger]» [Air Valve] » [Ground]
Air Source Wiring Flow Chart (Circuit 2)
[Accessory Trigger] » [(Small Red) Pressure Switch (Black)] » [Ground]
[12V DC Source] » [Inline Fuse] » [(Large Red) Pressure Switch (White)] » [(Red) Air Compressor (Black)] »
[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. This is the positive wire leading into your horn speaker and should be positive when horn
button is depressed in a standard vehicle. Splice a line in to this wire and run 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. Next wire your switch to any side (red preferred) of your electric air valve.
3. Wire the other side (black preferred) of the air valve to ground.
4. Test your circuit by activating your trigger and listening for a quiet “click” sound from the valve. (Do This
before your tank is charged with air!)
Circuit 2
1. Locate an 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. Wire your accessory line to your pressure switch using the small red wire (Trigger).
3. Ground your pressure switch using the small back wire (Ground).
4. Locate an accessory line or other 12 volt DC source that is capable of a 26 amp load.
5. Wire this line using an inline fuse (30A) to your pressure switch using the large red wire (12V DC Source).
6. Connect the pressure switch to the air compressor using the large white wire (Load) from the pressure
switch and the red wire (12V DC Source) from the air compressor.
7. Ground the other side of your air compressor (black wire) to ground.
8. Your air compressor system will now turn on automatically when power is on (key is in “Accessory” or
“On” position and automatically turn itself off upon reaching destination.
You’re Done!
It’s time to test your horns! Send in your install photos for a chance to be featured on our website and don’t
forget to check out www.TrainHornForums.com, the largest train horn community on the internet!

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Maintenance & Tips
Disconnect electrical components and drain your 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 once a month to remove any condensation buildup on the inside of your air
tank.
Make sure your air compressor is clean and free from debris at all times.
Periodically change your two stage air filter on your compressor.
Tips
Make sure your engine is running when your air compressors are in use to insure proper voltage and
prevent damage to your system.
Do not run your compressor above its maximum rated working pressure. Doing so will not only void your
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 maladjusted.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
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 fitting was used to connect the air source
(line from valve) to the 5-point splitter 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 fitting of the 5-point splitter
manifold.
2. Check that the air line connecting each horn to the
5-point splitter manifold is of equal length.
Excessive moisture in
horn or safety
discharge.
1. Excessive water in air 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 and replace
fuse (20A).
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
flow lower than
normal.
1. Excessive air usage.
2. Loose connections.
3. Worn piston ring or inlet valve.
4. Clogged air filter element.
1. Decrease air usage.
2. Check all connections with soap and water solution
and tighten as necessary.
3. Replace compressor.
4. Replace air filter element.
Compressor runs
continuously causing
safety valve (if
equipped) to open.
1. Faulty pressure switch.
2. Defective safety valve.
1. Replace pressure switch.
2. Replace safety valve.
Can’t Figure It Out?
No problem! Give usa call at 813-783-8058, or email at [e-mail] and we’ll be more than happy to help you fix your
system. Also feel free to visit our online train horn community, www.TrainHornForums.com, for more information.

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Photograph & Media Submission Guidelines
Send in your installation photographs and any other media for a chance to be featured on our website!
General Photograph Submission Guidelines
Please submit clean, concise photographs. Make sure your subject is clearly visible and in focus.
You may submit any digital image format either via email at [email protected]om, 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 of the 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.
oWho installed the system and when was it installed?
oHow long did it take?
oWhat are the year, model, and style of your vehicle?
oIf you took your system to a shop, would you recommend the shop to others?
oDo you have any comments or tips about the installation?
oAnything else you want to tell us. We appreciate your feedback!
Optionally include a little personal information:
oYour name (if you would like your full name to be displayed, you have to let us know!)
oYour State or Country, or even city/town if you would like. (This’ll give you better visibility.)
oHow old were you when you had this kit installed?
Remember, the more photos the better! We’ll only pick out the best ones to post.
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 an MPEG codec.
We recommend againstusing any kind of Windows Media*, Real Media*, or Apple QuickTime* formats.
You may submit any digital image format either via email at [email protected]om, 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 find help with a complicated question.
Go online to www.TrainHornForums.comand sign up today!

HORNBLASTERS
HORNBLASTERS
HORNBLASTERS.COM
Ground (Black)
Ground (Black)
Safety Valve
+-
30A Fuse
Fused Positive
Power Source (Red)
Toggle Switch
10G AWG
12G AWG (Red)
Trigger/Switch Positive
(Small Blue)
Air Compressor
12V Battery
1/2”Air Line
Hornblasters, Inc.
39440 Pattie Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33540-3158
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
OutLaw 232 Installation Diagram
Ignition Wire
Run this wire to an ignition wire (this is a wire that
is only powered when the key is turned to the on
position). This will insure that the air compressor
will not run when the car is turned off and drain
your batteries.
Drain Cock
Power (Red or Black)
Ground (Black)
AIR TANK
Port Plug
Pressure
Switch
Compressor Load
(White)