Whelen Engineering Company BETA1 Series User manual

Page 1
Installation Guide:
BETA1™ Series Control Head
©1997 Whelen Engineering Company Inc.
Form No.13279G (050608)
Automotive: Sirens/Switches
For warranty information regarding this product, visit www.whelen.com/warranty
DANGER! Sirens produce extremely loud emergency warning tones! Exposure to these tones without proper and adequate hearing protection, could
cause ear damage and/or hearing loss! The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (www.osha.gov) provides information necessary to determine
safe exposure times in Occupational Noise Exposure Section 1910.95. Until you have determined the safe exposure times for your specific application,
operators and anyone else in the immediate vicinity should be required to wear an approved hearing protection device. Failure to follow this
recommendation could cause hearing loss!
• Proper installation of this product requires the installer to have a good understanding of automotive electronics, systems and procedures.
• Whelen Engineering requires the use of waterproof butt splices and/or connectors if that connector could be exposed to moisture.
• Any holes, either created or utilized by this product, should be made both air- and watertight using a sealant recommended by your vehicle
manufacturer.
• Failure to use specified installation parts and/or hardware will void the product warranty.
• If mounting this product requires drilling holes, the installer MUST be sure that no vehicle components or other vital parts could be damaged
by the drilling process. Check both sides of the mounting surface before drilling begins. Also de-burr the holes and remove any metal shards
or remnants. Install grommets into all wire passage holes.
• If this manual states that this product may be mounted with suction cups, magnets, tape or Velcro®, clean the mounting surface with a 50/50
mix of isopropyl alcohol and water and dry thoroughly.
• Do not install this product or route any wires in the deployment area of your air bag. Equipment mounted or located in the air bag deployment
area will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag, or become a projectile that could cause serious personal injury or death. Refer to
your vehicle owner’s manual for the air bag deployment area. The User/Installer assumes full responsibility to determine proper mounting
location, based on providing ultimate safety to all passengers inside the vehicle.
• For this product to operate at optimum efficiency, a good electrical connection to chassis ground must be made. The recommended
procedure requires the product ground wire to be connected directly to the NEGATIVE (-)
battery post (this does not include products that use cigar power cords).
• If this product uses a remote device for activation or control, make sure that this device is
located in an area that allows both the vehicle and the device to be operated safely in any
driving condition.
• It is recommended that these instructions be stored in a safe place and referred to when
performing maintenance and/or reinstallation of this product.
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT
IN DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT OR VEHICLE AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR
PASSENGERS!
CAUTION
Loud siren noise can cause
hearing damage and/or loss.
Refer to OSHA Section 1910.95 prior
to putting ANY siren into service!
Wear
Protection!
ACTIVATION OF THIS
SIREN MAY DAMAGE
UNPROTECTED EARS!
Warnings to Installers
Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices must be properly mounted and wired in order to be effective and safe. Read and follow all of Whelen’s written
instructions when installing or using this device. Emergency vehicles are often operated under high speed stressful conditions which must be accounted for
when installing all emergency warning devices. Controls should be placed within convenient reach of the operator so that they can operate the system without
taking their eyes off the roadway. Emergency warning devices can require high electrical voltages and/or currents. Properly protect and use caution around
live electrical connections.Grounding or shorting of electrical connections can cause high current arcing, which can cause personal injury and/or vehicle
damage, including fire. Many electronic devices used in emergency vehicles can create or be affected by electromagnetic interference. Therefore, after
installation of any electronic device it is necessary to test all electronic equipment simultaneously to insure that they operate free of interference from other
components within the vehicle. Never power emergency warning equipment from the same circuit or share the same grounding circuit with radio
communication equipment. All devices should be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and securely fastened to vehicle elements of
sufficient strength to withstand the forces applied to the device. Driver and/or passenger air bags (SRS) will affect the way equipment should be mounted. This
device should be mounted by permanent installation and within the zones specified by the vehicle manufacturer, if any. Any device mounted in the deployment
area of an air bag will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag and may damage or dislodge the device. Installer must be sure that this device, its
mounting hardware and electrical supply wiring does not interfere with the air bag or the SRS wiring or sensors. Mounting the unit inside the vehicle by a
method other than permanent installation is not recommended as unit may become dislodged during swerving; sudden braking or collision. Failure to follow
instructions can result in personal injury. Whelen assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this warning device. PROPER INSTALLATION
COMBINED WITH OPERATOR TRAINING IN THE PROPER USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.
Warnings to Users
Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices are intended to alert other operators and pedestrians to the presence and operation of emergency vehicles and
personnel. However, the use of this or any other Whelen emergency warning device does not guarantee that you will have the right-of-way or that other
drivers and pedestrians will properly heed an emergency warning signal. Never assume you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to proceed safely
before entering an intersection, driving against traffic, responding at a high rate of speed, or walking on or around traffic lanes. Emergency vehicle warning
devices should be tested on a daily basis to ensure that they operate properly. When in actual use, the operator must ensure that both visual and audible
warnings are not blocked by vehicle components (i.e.: open trunks or compartment doors), people, vehicles, or other obstructions. It is the user’s responsibility
to understand and obey all laws regarding emergency warning devices. The user should be familiar with all applicable laws and regulations prior to the use of
any emergency vehicle warning device. Whelen’s audible warning devices are designed to project sound in a forward direction away from the vehicle
occupants. However, because sustained periodic exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, all audible warning devices should be installed and
operated in accordance with the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
Safety First
This document provides all the necessary information to allow your Whelen product to be properly and safely installed. Before beginning the installation and/or
operation of your new product, the installation technician and operator must read this manual completely. Important information is contained herein that could
prevent serious injury or damage.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Methylene Chloride which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and
Bisphenol A, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
51 Winthrop Road
Chester, Connecticut 06412-0684
Phone: [phone]
Internet: www.whelen.com
Sales e-mail: [e-mail]
Customer Service e-mail: [email protected]
®
ENGINEERING COMPANY INC.

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WARNING!
DISCONNECTING THE VEHICLE BRAKE LAMP
CIRCUIT USING ANY SIRENS WITH RELAY OUTPUTS
OR SWITCH CONTROLLERS COULD CAUSE
VEHICLE OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS INJURY
OR EVEN DEATH.
DISABLING THIS CIRCUIT IS A VIOLATION OF THE
FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD
FOR THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, AS WELL AS REAR
BRAKE LIGHTS.
FUNCTIONS THAT BLACK OUT THE REAR BRAKE
LIGHTS (SOMETIMES CALLED “BRAKE LIGHT CUT
OUT”) MAY INTERFERE WITH THE BRAKE SHIFT
LOCK MECHANISM, AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO
MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY AND DANGEROUSLY.
DISCONNECTING THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN ANY WAY
IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED
BY WHELEN.

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READ BEFORE INSTALLING!!!
Do not install this product or route any wires in the
deployment area of your air bag. Equipment
mounted or located in the air bag deployment area
will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air
bag or become a projectile that could cause
serious personal injury or death. Refer to your
vehicle owner's manual for the air bag deployment
area.
The User/Installer assumes full responsibility to
determine the proper mounting location, based on
providing ultimate safety to all passengers inside
the vehicle. Whelen Engineering Co. assumes no
liability or responsibility for determining individual
applications or exact installation location criteria.
Introduction...
This manual outlines the procedures necessary for the installa-
tion and operation of the BETA1™ Series Control Head. It is
essential to read through this manual carefully before beginning
the installation process.
Mounting the BETA ITM
1. Locate a suitable mounting location for the BETA1™ Series
control head. Be sure that the control head fits properly and
does not interfere with any dashboard components.
Connecting to your Horn Relay:
1. Locate your vehicle’s horn relay. Now locate the wire that
connects the vehicle horn to the horn relay output and cut
this wire. (Fig. 2)
2. Extend each end of the cut wire (using a minimum 16
gauge wire) to the control head.
3. Connect the wire coming from the horn relay output to the
white wire of the 12 pin connector.
4. Connect the wire coming from the horn to the gray wire of
the 12 pin connector.
Operating the Control Head...
Power Switch
This switch has two positions: Down (BETA1 - Off) and Up
(BETA1 - On). When this switch is in the Off position, the BETA1
will not function. When the switch is in the On position the siren
is functional and may be activated at the operator’s discretion.
NOTE: If the BETA1 is connected to the vehicle’s horn ring
circuit, the vehicle horn is disabled when the BETA1 power
switch is in the ON position. The horn ring will now function as a
manual siren switch.
Microphone
Pressing the microphone button will allow you to broadcast
public address over the siren loudspeaker regardless of the
rotary switch position. NOTE: This will override all other siren
functions.
Airhorn Override / Manual Siren Switch
The airhorn override switch will activate the simulated airhorn
tone when pressed and will terminate upon release. Note: The
Airhorn will override all of the BETA1 control head functions
except the microphone.
POWER
ON
AIRHORN
SERIES
TM
R
BETA
MIC
VOL
RAD
PA
MAN HF WAIL
YELP
TONE3
Volumn
Control
Screw
Airhorn Override/
Manual Siren Switch
On/Off
Switch Rotary
Switch
Mounting
Holes
Fig. 1
2. Position the control head on the proposed mounting
location. Using a pencil or other suitable tool, scribe the
mounting surface where the holes are to be drilled. (Fig. 1)
CAUTION! As mounting the BETA1™ will require drilling, it
is absolutely necessary to make sure that no vehicle
components could be damaged by the mounting process.
Check both sides of the mounting surface before starting
and if damage is possible, select a different mounting
location.
3. Drill the 2 mounting screw holes.
4. Position the control head onto the mounting surface. Using
the sheet metal screws, secure the control head to the
mounting surface.
Wiring for the Control Head...
To hook up the BETA ITM control head simply plug the 17 ft.
cable (supplied) into the control head then route the other end
of the cable to the amplifier. (Fig. 2)

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(H/R)
(+FEED)
WHT/YEL
WHT/ORG
WHT/RED
WHT/BRN
WHT/GRN
RED/WHT
P2-1
P2-2
P2-3
P2-4
P2-6
P2-5
(CTRL1)
(CTRL2)
(CTRL3)
(AIRHRN)
(MIC+)
(MIC-)
P2-8
P2-9
WHT/BLK
WHT/BLU
P2-7 WHT/VIO (PTT)
BETA
REMOTE
AMPLIFIER
RED/WHT
WHT/GRN
WHT/BRN
WHT/RED
WHT/ORG
BLK
WHT/BLU
WHT/BLK
WHT/VIO
J2-1
J2-2
J2-3
J2-4
J2-5
J2-6
J2-7
J2-8
J2-9
BETA
CONTROLHEAD
17 ft.CableAssembly
(Supplied)
RED
BLK
BRN
ORG
P1-1
P1-2
P1-3
P1-4 +
100 WATT
SPEAKER
FUSE
10 AMP
BLU
P1-5
P1-6 BLU RADIO
RADIO
BATTERY
WHITE
GRAY
HORN
VEHICLE
FROM
HORN
SWITCH
+12V
HORN
RELAY
CUT HERE
AND SPLICE
J2-10
J2-11
CAUTION
Loud siren noise can cause
hearing damage and/or loss.
Refer to OSHA Section 1910.95 prior
to putting ANY siren into service!
Wear
Protection!
ACTIVATION OF THIS
SIREN MAY DAMAGE
UNPROTECTED EARS!
tone (a steady, rise and fall tone). A second tap produces a Yelp
tone (a fast, rise and fall tone). A third tap produces a Piercer™
tone (an extremely fast, rise and fall tone). The next tap returns
the siren to a Wail tone and the cycle repeats itself. Two quick,
successive taps will stop the siren.
WAIL (Wail Tone) - When the rotary knob is in the WAIL
position, a steady, rise and fall tone is produced. A single tap on
the vehicle’s steering wheel horn ring button (if the vehicle’s horn
has been wired to the BETA1), changes the siren tone to a Yelp
pattern (a fast, rise and fall tone). A second tap, and the siren
returns to a Wail tone. Please note that the BETA1 microphone
will override the siren function.
YELP (Yelp Tone) - When the rotary knob is in the YELP
position, a fast, rise and fall tone is produced. A single tap on the
vehicle’s steering wheel horn ring button (if the vehicle’s horn
has been wired to the BETA1), changes the siren tone to
TONE3. A second tap and the siren returns to a Yelp tone.
TONE3 (PiercerTM Tone in default configuration) - When the
rotary knob is in the TONE3 position, an extremely fast, rise and
fall tone is produced. Pressing on the steering wheel horn button
(if the vehicle’s horn has been wired to the BETA1), changes the
siren tone to a simulated air horn tone for as long as the button is
pressed. Releasing the button causes the siren to return to the
Piercer™ tone.
Volume Adjustment Screw
The Volume Screw controls the volume of public address
function. Volume is increased by rotating the screw in a
clockwise direction and decreased by rotating the screw in a
counter-clockwise direction. The volume screw has no effect on
any siren tones produced.
Rotary Switch
The rotary knob controls the siren and PA (public address)
functions of the BETA1™. There are 7 positions that may be
selected. Each position and it’s function is outlined below:
RAD (Radio Repeat) - When the rotary knob is in the RAD
position, any signal that is received by the vehicle’s two-way
radio will be simultaneously broadcast over the vehicle’s
loudspeaker (the BETA™ remote amp must be connected to the
two-way radio as outlined in its manual). If the horn ring is wired
as shown and the horn ring is pressed, an “airhorn” siren tone
will be generated by your vehicle’s loudspeaker.
PA (Public Address) - When the rotary knob is in the PA
position, public address functions are operational. Messages
may be broadcast over the vehicle’s loudspeaker when the
BETA1 microphone is in use. The volume level of PA
transmissions is controlled by the volume adjustment screw. If
the horn ring is pressed while the rotary knob is in this position,
an “air horn” siren tone will be generated by your vehicle’s
loudspeaker. This tone is generated until the horn ring button is
released.
MAN (Manual Siren) - When the rotary knob is in the MAN
position, pressing the horn ring generates a tone that rises in
pitch to a pre-set level. This tone is generated for as long as the
horn ring is pressed.
HF (Hands Free Operation) - When the rotary knob is in the HF
position, the siren functions of the BETA I are placed in a stand-
by mode. Siren tones are activated by a single “tap” on the
vehicle’s steering wheel horn ring button (if the vehicle’s horn
has been wired to the BETA I). The first “tap” produces a Wail
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage
Input Current (OFF)
Input Current
Output Voltage
Output Current
Operating Temperature
Operating Humidity
Output Short Protection
10TO32Volts
0ma
500ma (max.)
8.6 volts to 30.6 volts
500ma (max.)
-30c to +60c
95% Non Condensing
500ma Poly Fuse
Fig. 2
WARNING: All customer supplied wires
that connect to the positive terminal of
the battery must be sized to supply at
least 125% of the maximum operating
current and FUSED at the battery to
carry that load. DO NOT USE CIRCUIT
BREAKERS WITH THIS PRODUCT!