Sparkrite SRA8 User manual

-1-
REMOTE CAR
ALARM
SYSTEM
Technical Help Line –01429 862616
Email- [e-mail]

2
SRA8 FEATURES
•2 radio remote controlled transmitters. DTI approved. Instant arm/disarm.
•Starter motor circuit immobilisation - disables starter motor when alarm is
sounding.
•Passive arming option - allows automatic arming on closure of last door.
Disarm by remote control.
•Safety circuit prevents accidental arming whilst the vehicle is being driven.
•Valet key switch - service/override feature.
•Powerful integral high power speaker siren.
•Integral electronic shock sensor. Detects forced entry or shock due to exterior
attack.
•Remote control panic. Provides additional personal protection by sounding
siren for up to 30 seconds.
•Ultrasonic detector unit provides additional protection against entry via the
windows and sunroof.
•Arming and disarming confirmed by audible chirp and flashing indicators.
•Siren sounds and indicators flash for 30 seconds (nominal) when alarm is
triggered.
•Entry alert. Audible signal on disarming if attempted break in has occurred.
•Door switch sensing circuit. Detects doors, bonnets and boot opening via pin
switches.
•Electric fan inhibit. Prevents false alarms due to cooling fan running after
alarm is armed.
•Alarm armed LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a visible deterrent.
•Door open alert. Advises driver doors are not correctly closed when alarm is
armed.
•Automatic reset. Gives continuous protection until alarm is disarmed by
remote control.
•Door locking control wire. Allows doors to be locked/unlocked by remote
control when connected to optional SR911 Central Door Locking Interface.

3
The Sparkrite SRA8 compact remote control car alarm system incorporates the latest
“state of the art” microprocessor technology offering the ultimate in product reliability
and performance. The unique easy-fit design offers easy installation and ensures
many years of trouble free operations
Table of Contents
SRA8 Features………………………………………………………….. 2
Operating Your Sparkrite SRA8 Alarm System……………………… 4
Arming Your Alarm……………………………………………………….4
Door Open Alert………………………………………………………….. 4
Disarming Your Alarm……………………………………….…………… 5
Entry Alert………………………………………………………………….5
Remote Panic…………………………………………………………….. 5
Passive Arming/Current Sensing Disable……………………………... 6
Valet Alarm Override Feature…………………………………………… 7
Fitting Instructions………………………………………………………… 8
Vehicle Wiring Test and Installation Notes……………………………... 8
Making Reliable Connections (and using IDC connector…………….. 9
Mounting the Main Alarm Module & Harness Location……………….. 10
Wiring Connections……………………………………………………….11
Armed Indicator LED……………………………………………………… 12
Purple and Grey Wires-Indicators……………………………………….. 12/13
Green wire-Alarm Antenna……………………………………………….13
Yellow wire Electric Fan Inhibit…………………………………………… 13
Blue wire Door Switches………………………………………………….. 14
Black Wire-Earth…………………………………………………………… 15
Orange/White Wire-Central Locking…………………………………….. 15
Pink Wire Ignition Input…………………………………………………….16
Brown/Orange Wire-Vehicle Immobilisation…………………………….16
Red Wire-Power Supply Current Sensing……………………………… 17
Boot and Bonnet Switches……………………………………………….18
Shock Sensor……………………………………………………………… 19
Testing the Alarm Installation…………………………………………….20
Ultrasonic Detector Unit………………………………………………….. 21/24
Trouble Shooting Guide………………………………………………….. 24/27
Additional Remote Control Transmitters……………………………….. 28
Technical Help Product & Approvals…………………………………… 28
Accessories for the SRA8 Alarm……………………………………….. 29

4
OPERATING YOUR SPARKRITE SRA8 ALARM SYSTEM
The radio remote control transmitter conforms to DTI legislation with each unit
allocated a unique security code. Additional remote controls are available on special
order from Sparkrite using the enclosed order form, quoting the serial number on the
back of the remote control.
ARMING YOUR ALARM
To arm the alarm system proceed as follows:
•Remove the ignition key and leave the vehicle, making sure all doors,
windows, sunroof, boot and bonnet are closed.
•Press the button on the remote control firmly once. The indicators on the
vehicle will flash once and the alarm siren will chirp once. The dash mounted
LED will illuminate to confirm the alarm has been armed.
•After a 20 seconds delay the LED will start to flash, confirming that the alarm
is now fully armed.
DOOR OPEN ALERT
NOTE: If the siren chirps four times when attempting to arm the alarm, this indicates
that a door, the bonnet or the boot (if connected) has been left open. All doors, boot
and bonnet must be fully closed before attempting to rearm the alarm. When the
alarm is armed, the current sensing and shock sensing circuits will not trigger the
alarm until a 20 seconds exit delay has expired. This is to allow movement of the
vehicle and in some cases interior light delays to cease.

5
DISARMING YOUR ALARM
To Disarm the Alarm:
•Press the remote control transmitter button once, the indicators will flash twice
and the siren will chirp twice.
•If you trigger the alarm accidentally, follow the normal disarming procedure
keep the remote control button depressed until the alarm stops.
ENTRY ALERT
If when disarming the alarm the siren gives 3 chirps and 3 flashes of the indicators this
indicates that the alarm has been triggered in your absence. You should carefully
check your vehicle before attempting to drive away.
REMOTE PANIC
If you feel threatened outside of your vehicle and within range you can trigger your
alarm by holding the remote control button depressed for 3 seconds. This will
commence an alarm cycle of 30 seconds and draw attention to your situation and the
vehicle. The alarm can be silenced by pressing the remote control button again

6
PASSIVE ARMING/CURRENT SENSING DISABLE
PASSIVE ARMING
Passive arming is a feature whereby the alarm will automatically “arm” a short time
after the last door on the vehicle has been closed.
Disarming the alarm is achieved by pressing the remote control button or by turning on
the vehicle ignition. To switch ON the passive arming feature, move switch number
TWO located on the rear of the alarm to the ON position, as shown on page 11.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If passive arming is selected, when the last door of
the vehicle has been closed, the LED will flash for 15
seconds followed by one chirp from the siren. The
LED will then light continuously for 15 seconds, then
revert to flashing mode to indicate the alarm is fully
armed.
CURRENT SENSING DISABLE
If the vehicle has any electrical accessory which draws power from the battery when
the vehicle is parked i.e. car telephone, electro-mechanical, mechanical clock, (pre
1980). It will be necessary to disable the current sensing feature to reduce the risk of
false alarms.
This is done by ensuring switch number ONE is in the downwards (OFF)
position-see page 11

7
VALET/SERVICE OVERRIDE FEATURE
This feature disables the alarm. It is useful if you are taking your car to a garage for
servicing, particulary if the “Passive Arming” feature is selected.
Turn ON the vehicle ignition.
Turn the Valet Switch on the alarm, clockwise 90 degrees to
the disable position and remove the key.
Turn OFF the ignition.
The dash board LED displays continuously to indicate
the alarm is disabled.
TO ENABLE THE ALARM (After Disable)
Turn ON the vehicle ignition.
Turn the Valet Switch anti-clockwise and remove key.
Turn off the ignition.
The LED light will go out.
NOTE: If the valet switch is turned to the enable position without the
ignition being turned on first, when the alarm is armed, the siren
will sound after 30 seconds arm-up period.
If this occurs, repeat the disable/enable sequence.

8
FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT:
•Your SRA8 is suitable for 12V negative earth vehicles only.
•Refer to Car Owners manual for the procedure for disconnection of your
battery before commencing the installation of this Alarm.
•The vehicle battery must be disconnected during the installation procedure
except where it is necessary to carry out circuit testing specified.
•Vehicles fitted with digital radios having a security code or memory feature will
require re-programming on completion of the installation.
•Ensure you have noted the security code of your radio to disconnecting the
vehicle battery.
•It is suggested that the alarm is tested before the ultrasonic unit has been
fitted.
VEHICLE WIRING TESTING
If you are unable to easily identify the correct wire on the vehicle to make a connection it is
recommended a 12 volt test lamp or multi-meter is used. Care must be taken to ensure that the
wire being tested is not accidentally shorted to earth by the test lamp or multi-meter probes.
INSTALLATION NOTES
The wiring harness is fully assembled and supplied with in-line fuses on the RED wire
(10 amp), VIOLET (5 amp) and GREY (5 amp) wires, if any fuse blows, it is essential
to investigate the cause and then replace with a fuse of the correct rating. Spare fuses
are readily available from automotive accessory stores. When routing the harness
around the engine compartment and through a bulkhead inside the vehicle ensure the
wires insulation cannot be damaged in sharp metal edges. The harness should be
concealed and protected wherever possible by using good quality insulation tape.
It is recommended that wherever possible connection to the vehicle wiring is carried
out at the steering column or at the fuse box. This will prevent tampering of the wiring
from outside of the vehicle.

9
MAKING RELIABLE CONNECTIONS
All connections in the engine bay area must be made by using either solder-joints
or good quality crimp termination’s.
Warning: The use of Insulation Displacement Connectors (I.D.C.’s) such as
scotch locks is not recommended in the engine bay area. The use of
IDCs in this area may result in the alarm failing to operate correctly or
cause false alarms.
IDC connectors can by used inside the vehicle interior but you must follow the
instructions below to ensure a reliable connection.
USING IDC CONNECTORS
1) Place the wires in position as shown in the Fig. 1 and hold in place whilst
firmly pressing in the metal insert with pliers. The metal insert will then
automatically strip the insulation from both wires at the point of contact.
2) Close the locking tab to hold the connector together as in Fig. 2.
3) Ensure that the vehicle wire and alarm wire is positioned where they cannot
be snagged by vehicle controls or the drivers and passengers feet.
Fig 1 Fig 2

10
MOUNTING THE MAIN ALARM MODULE
Locate a mounting position for the alarm in the vehicle engine compartment close to
the front of the vehicle and in a position where it is difficult to again access to the
alarm wiring from below the car.
Ensure that the alarm is located away from extreme heat, areas subject to water and
at least 12” from the ignition system. (Use silicone sealant enclosed when refitting
boot).
Using the alarm bracket as template, drill 2 holes and secure the bracket to the car
body-work using the self tapping screws provided, making sure the alarm bracket is
solidly mounted. Check behind any panels for hidden pipes or wiring before
drilling holes. Secure the alarm to the bracket using the small bolts supplied making
sure that front face of the alarm is kept vertical to ensure effective operation of the
shock sensor.
HARNESS LOCATION
Position the harness to the rear of the main alarm module and secure where
necessary to the vehicle wiring using insulation tape.
Plug in the main harness connector to the rear of the alarm unit .
Do not fit the rubber boot to the alarm at this stage.
You can now make connections to the car wiring as shown.
All wires MUST be connected in the sequence outlined in these instructions.

11
SRA8 WIRING CONNECTIONS

12
ARMED INDICATOR LED
Please note this is an optional fitment, providing an additional
visible deterrent to car thieves. The alarm will still function
correctly if you choose not to install the LED. To install follow
the instructions below.
•Decide on a suitable location to mount the LED. We would suggest using one of
the blanking plugs found on most modern cars, or the plastic casing surrounding
the ignition barrel or steering column.
•Ideally remove the blanking plug or plastic casing around the ignition
barrel/steering column before drilling a 7.5mm hole to site the LED bezel.
•Unscrew the bezel from the LED wire and insert the bezel into the drilled hole from
the front, before securing at the rear with the locknut provided.
•Route the LED wiring carefully from the alarm, through an existing bulkhead
rubber grommet and up to the area where the LED will be sited.
•When the wiring is safely secured screw in the LED into the bezel and insert the
connector into the alarm.
•Refit the blanking plug or plastic casing around the ignition barrel/steering column.
PURPLE AND GREY WIRES-INDICATORS
PURPLE (R/H): Using the vehicles wiring diagram or with
the aid of a 12 volt test lamp, locate the wire at the indicator
switch which illuminates the test lamp when the RIGHT
indicator flashes. Connect the PURPLE wire to this wire
using a solder joint, crimp termination’s or an IDC
connector.

13
GREY (L/H): Repeat the above procedure connecting the
GREY wire to the LEFT hand indicator circuit.
NOTE: The Alarm gives a 12 volt (+) positive output to flash
the indicators. In the rare case where indicators are
negatively (earth) switched, contact Sparkrite for assistance.
GREEN WIRE-ALARM ANTENNA
The GREEN antenna wire must not be cut or connected to
anything metal otherwise the alarm operating range will be
affected. Extend the GREEN wire and secure to the outside
of the wiring harness to achieve optimum performance.
Ensure the wire cannot come into contact with a hot
surface, bare metal or immersed in water
YELLOW WIRE-ELECTRIC FAN INHIBIT
IMPORTANT:If you have a mechanical cooling fan or the
electric fan does not operate with the ignition
turned off, then the yellow wire MUST be
connected to a good earthing point BEFORE
connecting the RED wire of the alarm.
If the electric fan still operates when the ignition is turned
OFF then a connection from the SRA8 must be made to
prevent the current sensing function from triggering the
alarm. The cooling fan wiring will be configured as shown in
Fig. 4 or 5.
NOTE: The engine must be cold before proceeding.
Locate the fan thermal switch by tracing the wiring from the
fan motor. Connect the YELLOW wire as shown in Fig. 4 or
5 using a solder joint or a crimp termination to the wire
which runs between the fan motor and thermal switch

14
Fig 4 Fig 5
BLUE WIRE-DOOR SWITCH
NOTE: To ensure correct operation of your alarm, the
BLUE wire must be connected prior to
connecting BLACK earth wire or RED main
alarm supply wire.
Most four door cars operate the courtesy light from all four
doors so connecting the alarm to one door switch will
connect all of the doors.
The BLUE alarm wire should be connected to the existing
door switches provided they are of the switched earth type.
To determine this, close all doors except the drivers door.
The courtesy light should be on. Remove the retaining
screw from the door switch and carefully pull out the switch.
If the interior light goes out when the door switch is
removed your existing courtesy light switches are suitable
for direct connection to the BLUE alarm wire.

15
The BLUE wire can then be connected to the door switch
wire using a solder joint, crimp termination or an IDC
connector.
If the courtesy light remains on when the door switch is
removed, contact Sparkrite for installation details specific to
your car.
IMPORTANT: The Passive Arming function will only
work if the BLUE wire is connected as described above
BLACK WIRE-EARTH
The BLACK wire must be connected to a good clean metal
earthing point on the body-work of the vehicle. Drill a
suitable hole near the main alarm unit and secure the
BLACK wire through the ring terminal.
NOTE: Do not mount the BLACK earth wire on the alarm
bracket as the anti-corrosion paint will prevent a good earth
contact. If in any doubt the BLACK earth wire can be
connected directly to the battery negative terminal
ORANGE/WHITE WIRE-CENTRAL LOCKING
CONTROL
This is only applicable for vehicle that has central locking as
a standard feature. Do not attempt to directly connect the
ORANGE/WHITE wire to any part of the vehicle central
locking system. The ORANGE/WHITE wire is connected to
the optional Sparkrite SR911 Central Locking Interface and
will allow the vehicle’s doors to be locked and unlocked by
remote control. (An AC1 actuator may be required for the
drivers door see page 28 for details).

16
PINK-IGNITION INPUT
Using a test lamp, locate a 12 volt wire on the ignition
switch, which is live ONLY in the STARTING and RUN
positions of the ignition key. This is normally the wire that
becomes live when the ignition key is turned from position 1
to position 2.
Connect the PINK wire using the procedure described
on pages 8 & 9.
NOTE: The auxiliary power supply to radios/cassettes
must not be used.
BROWN/ORANGE WIRE-VEHICLE
IMMOBILISATION
Vehicle immobilisation is performed by inhibiting the starter
motor operation. This is done by breaking the power to the
starter solenoid drive. Identify the thin wire on the starter
solenoid which prevents the starter motor operating when
the wire is disconnected from the solenoid terminal.
Connect the BROWN alarm wire direct to Starter solenoid
terminal. Connect the ORANGE alarm wire direct to the
wire previously removed from the starter solenoid using the
in-line crimp connector supplied.
IMPORTANT:The immobiliser wires should be kept as
short as possible and any excess wire cut off.
Ensure all wiring is correctly secured and that the insulation
on the wire cannot be damaged on sharp metal edges.
Connect the immobiliser harness to the matching connector
from the alarm unit.

17
RED WIRE-POWER SUPPLY CURRENT
SENSING
NOTE: The Current Sensing feature will only operate if
Selection Switch No. 1 is in the ON position. (This
is located on the rear of the Alarm).
It is also important that the BLUE Door Wire is
connected and that the Valet Key Switch is in the
Enable position before attempting to connect the RED
wire.
The SRA8 is triggered by the operation of the interior light
or any electrical circuit on the vehicle. This is detected by
the RED power supply wire. The trigger sensitivity will vary
from vehicle to vehicle depending on size and age of the
car battery and the rating of the interior light bulb. As a
general principle the sensitivity will increase the further from
the battery the main supply connection is made. For
reliable operation the interior light should be rated at
10watts minimum. To determine the best connection point
a simple test procedure should be followed as below.
1. Temporarily connect the RED wire to the battery
POSITIVE terminal.
2. Close all doors, boot and bonnet then arm the alarm
with the remote control.
3. Wait at least 20 seconds then open any door.
4. If the alarm triggers you can make the connection to
the battery positive terminal permanent.
5. If the alarm fails to trigger during step 3 disconnect
from the battery and route the RED alarm wire to the
fuse box and repeat the test using permanent live at
the fuse box, following steps 2 and 3 as above.
6. When the test is successful make your connection permanent

18
BOOT AND BONNET SWITCHES
If your vehicle is not fitted with Boot/Bonnet switches which
operate the interior light , these switches are available from
Sparkrite as an accessory. The Switch Kit (Part No.
SR910) should be installed and connected as shown in Fig.
6. Ensure the fixing screw for the switch makes a good
earth contact, crimp a piece of wire to the switch terminal
and then connect into the existing interior light circuit.
Fig 6

19
SHOCK SENSOR
The SRA8 includes an electronic shock sensing device to detect
sudden impact or shock which is transmitted through the body-
work of the vehicle. Fig 7
The sensitivity adjuster is located on the rear
of the main alarm unit.
To set the shock sensor adjustment:
1) Remove the adjuster blanking plug, arm the alarm and
wait for 30 seconds arming period to elapse.
2) Starting with the adjuster at minimum, progressively
increase the sensitivity using a small flat bladed screw
driver, until the shock sensor detects a sharp blow to the
centre of the windscreen with the flat of the hand
triggering the alarm.
3) Refit the adjuster blanking plug to prevent water ingress.
NOTE: Do not set the shock sensor at a higher than necessary setting
otherwise false alarms will occur. If a bonnet switch is fitted, ensure the
switch is held closed position (or disconnected) to eliminate the circuit
whilst adjusting this feature.

20
TESTING THE ALARM INSTALLATION
1) Check all connections are secure and the vehicle battery is connected.
2) Ensure the car ignition is turned off.
3) Press the remote control button. The alarm will disarm with one chirp and one
flash of the indicators.Press the remote control button. The alarm will disarm
with two chirps and two flashes of the indicators.
4) Arm the alarm. Wait approximately 20 seconds, open a door ensuring interior
light operates. The alarm will trigger. Disarm the alarm. (Refer to trouble
shooting section if alarm fails to trigger).
5) Repeat the arming procedure and trigger via shock sensor. Disarm alarm.
6) Repeat the arming procedure and trigger the alarm by opening the door.
Alarm will sound. Now attempt to start vehicle (Vehicle starter motor should
NOT operate whilst the Alarm Siren is sounding).
Test remote panic features by holding down the remote control button for 3 seconds.
The alarm will trigger. Release button and press again to disarm the alarm. If
problems are encountered, refer to trouble shooting guide before proceeding further.
Once the alarm has been successfully tested you may now secure the ultrasonic unit
in place