Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
5451 North Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (888) 577-6877 Fax: (317) 254-2667
SA-500-20
SIREN AMPLIFIER
VOLUME
OUTPUT
YELP
MAN/PHSR
HORN
RAD
PA
WAIL
SA-500
STBY
O
RADIO
O
F
N
F
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Carson is a trademark of Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>120dBA @ 10 feet) may cause hearing damage.
Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.
(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)
SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions
Page 3 of 8
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The SA500 Siren Amplifier is a premium unit designed for single or dual 100W speaker use. The
primary operating modes are Yelp, Wail, Standby and Radio. A Noise Canceling PA Override and
push-button Horn Override are available in all modes except Radio. Another push-button is pro-
vided for push-on/push-off Phaser operation in the Yelp and Wail modes, and Manual siren con-
trol in the Standby mode. Auxiliary input is provided for connection to horn ring circuit or switch.
Latching siren cutout input is provided for connection to a door switch, etc. to stop siren tones
when exiting the vehicle. Radio and PA volume controls are provided on the front panel. The
front panel is backlit with LED's for night visibility. An internal 8-Position DIP switch allows selec-
tion of various options. This compact unit utilizes short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity
protection systems for maximum service life. Output indicator light on face for diagnostics.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage
Input Current
9 - 16 VDC (negative ground)
8 AMPS (@14 VDC - single 100W speaker)
16 AMPS (@14 VDC - dual 100W speakers)
Standby Current
Audio Frequency
Audio Distortion
Audio Output
Less than 150 ma
200Hz - 10 kHz + 3db
Less than 3% (@1 kHz - single 100W speaker)
40 watts (@14 VDC - single 100W speaker)
400 ohms + 10%
Audio Input
Output Power
105 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - single 100W speaker)
180 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - dual 100W speakers)
Siren Frequency
700Hz - 1500Hz (Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)
Tones/Cycle Rates
Horn
109 CPS
Wail
13 CPM
Yelp
190 CPM
Phaser
15 CPS
Two-Tone
60 CPM
High Voltage Protection
Short Circuit Current
16 - 18 VDC will cause siren output to cease, resume at normal
50 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this)
-15° F to +140°F
4-position rotary mode switch (Yelp, Wail, Standby and Radio).
Momentary push-button Horn switch.
Operating Temp.
Controls
Momentary push-button Manual/Phaser toggle switch.
Front panel PA and Radio volume controls.
Auxiliary input connection programmable for positive or negative activation.
Cutout input connection programmable for positive or negative latching operation.
Internal 8-Position DIP switch option selector.
Connections (10-Pin Conn)
(2) Positive, (2) Negative, (2) Speaker, (2) Radio, Cutout, Auxiliary
Size
6-1/8" Wide, 5-7/8" Deep, 2-1/8" High
4-1/2 LBS.
Weight
INSTALLATION
Proper installation of the unit is essential for years of safe, reliable operation. Please read all
instruction before installing the unit. Failure to follow these instructions can cause serious dam-
age to the unit or vehicle and may void warranties.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
For the safety of the installer, vehicle operator, passengers and the community please observe
the following safety precautions. Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may
result in property damage, injury or death.
Qualifications - The installer must have a firm knowledge of basic electricity, vehicle electrical
systems and emergency equipment.
Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>120dBA @ 10 feet) may cause hearing damage.
Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.
(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)
Mounting - Mount the unit for easy access by the vehicle operator. DO NOT mount in air bag
deployment area. Assure clearances before drilling in vehicle. To prevent internal damage
mounting bolts must not enter case more than 1/4".
CP4874B
05/07/05
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SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions
Wiring - Use wiring capable of handling the current required. Make sure all connections are tight.
Route wiring to prevent wear, overheating and interference with air bag deployment. Install and
check all wiring before connection to vehicle battery.
Testing - Test all siren functions after installation to assure proper operation. Test vehicle opera-
tion to assure no damage to vehicle.
Keep These Instructions - Keep these instructions in the vehicle or other safe place for future
reference. Advise the vehicle operator of the location.
UNPACKING
Inspect contents for shipping damage. If found alert carrier immediately. Contents should in-
clude unit with attached microphone, mounting bracket, microphone bracket with 2 screws, 2
mounting bolts, removable terminal block plug, and these instructions. Contact supplier immedi-
ately if any components are missing.
MOUNTING
The mounting bracket supplied can be installed above or below the unit. Choose a mounting
location convenient to the operator and away from any air bag deployment areas. Inspect behind
mounting area for clearance. Assure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Consider wire
routing and access to connections, as well as microphone bracket placement. Install mounting
bracket to vehicle using 1/4" hardware (not supplied).
If mounting in a rack or console, make sure that mounting bolts do not enter case more than 1/4".
OPTION SWITCHES
Various options can be selected by turning on
SIDE VIEW
COVER REMOVED
or off any of DIP switches internally
8
mounted on the right side of the PC board.
Cover Removal - The cover is held in place
by a snap-fastener on the back of the unit.
Hold the unit with the front case flange on the
edge of a hard surface and press hard on the
back of the unit. The chassis will slide out the
front of the cover.
FUSE
OPTION SWITCHES
Cutout Input Polarity - The cutout input is
normally activated by connecting to positive.
To activate by connecting to negative turn off "CUT_P".
Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated by connecting to positive. To
activate by connecting to negative turn off "AUX_P".
Auxiliary Input Function - The auxiliary input normally activates the Horn function. To activate
the Man/Phsr function with the auxiliary input turn on "AUX_I".
Two-Tone - Two-Tone can replace Phaser by turning on "T-T".
Phaser Disable - The Phaser function can be completely disabled by turning on "P_I".
Note: when Phaser is disabled the Man/Phsr pushbutton will toggle between Wail and Yelp.
Horn Disable - The Horn function can be completely disabled by turning on "H_I".
Yelp Override - Causes the Man/Phsr function to toggle to Yelp with selector switch in Wail
mode. Turn on "YLP_O".
Short Manual - The Manual function can be set to immediately cut off when the Man/Phsr
pushbutton is released. Turn on "SM".
Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) - Turn on “T-T” and “P_I” to enable this feature. Also connect the
auxiliary input to the horn ring or other switch. While the siren is in standby, tap the horn ring to
bring the unit out of standby into Wail tone. Repeatedly tapping the horn ring will cycle through
Wail, Yelp, and Phaser tones. Tapping the horn ring twice quickly will stop the siren tones and
return the unit to standby. Pressing and holding the horn ring will produce Horn tone until re-
leased. Then the siren will return to its previous siren tone or standby.
NOTE: Earlier models with S/N lower than 04190000 have a different version of HRC. In this
case the siren tones cycle through Standby, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser. The tone is stopped by cy-
cling to Standby.
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CP4874B
SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions
Page 5 of 8
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical connections to the unit are made
(2) #22 AWG BLU
Connect to output
jack, terminals or
speaker of radio
#22 AWG WHT (See below)
#22 AWG GRN (See below)
using
located on the back. A label on the unit
identifies the terminal function. You
a
removable terminal block plug
(2) #18 AWG BRN
(#16 - 2 SPKR)
2 - SPKR - Connect for
same phase (+ to +)
#14 AWG RED
Use second lead
for 2 - SPKR
RADIO
should install the plug on the unit before
wiring. If the unit needs service the plug
can be easily removed without unwiring.
The power supply of the unit must be ca-
pable of delivering peak currents up to 50
amps for adequate short circuit protection
+
BAT
-
#14 AWG BLK
Use second lead
for 2 - SPKR
••••••••••
and reliable operation.
The preferred
source is directly at the vehicle battery.
The unit is internally fused.
Attach leads by stripping 3/8", inserting
into plug and clamp by tightening screw.
Make sure the screw is tight and the wire
can't be pulled out. Failure to adequately
tighten the screw can result in im-
proper operation or burning the con-
nector and wire.
CONNECTIONS AT REAR OF UNIT WITH
10-PIN TERMINAL BLOCK PLUG (CP4688-10)
Wire Size and Termination - The diagram shows the minimum wire size used for each connec-
tion, along with recommended lead color. If the wire is longer than 10 ft. use the next larger wire
size. Use only high quality crimp connectors for installation on the vehicle.
Auxiliary Input Connection -
+VDC
+VDC
The Auxiliary Input allows acti-
vation by an external source of
either the Horn or Man/Phsr
function. The adjacent diagram
shows three connection exam-
ples. See OPTION SWITCHES
section for programming details.
NOTE: Permanent disconnec-
tion of the vehicle horn is NOT
recommended.
MOMENTARY
FOOT
Added
SPDT
Switch
SWITCH
HORN
RING
SWITCH
HORN
RING
SWITCH
HORN
SPLICE
AUX
HORN
-VDC
switching
example
Must set AUX_P
option switch
AUX
AUX
+VDC Switching examples
ADDED
DOOR
SWITCH
Cutout Input Connection - The Cutout Input turns
off any siren tone output when activated, and remains
off until a control is activated or changed. The adja-
cent diagram shows two connection examples. See
OPTION SWITCHES section for programming de-
tails.
+VDC
SPLICE
DOOR
SWITCH
DOME
LIGHT
CUT
CUT
-VDC
switching
example
Must set CUT_P
option switch
+VDC Switching
example
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SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions
OPERATION
Sound Hazard - Sound level from siren speaker (>120dBA @ 10 feet) may cause hearing damage.
Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.
(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)
GENERAL
This unit is designed for easy operation under the stress associated with high-speed pursuit.
Most siren functions are accessible with one simple motion without repetitive activation of
switches or automatic timed switching that can interfere with desired operation.
SELECTOR SWITCH
The rotary selector switch controls the primary operating
mode of the siren.
YELP
WAIL
Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested areas.
Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.
Stby - A silent mode that allows Manual, Horn and Public
Address operation.
Radio - Also known as Radio Repeat, this mode amplifies
a radio speaker input for re-broadcast outside the vehicle.
No siren tones or PA operation are available in this mode.
STBY
RADIO
MAN/PHSR
This momentary push-button switch provides a very rapid changing tone (Phaser) when the selec-
tor switch is in the Yelp or Wail positions. This tone is used at intersections and very highly con-
gested areas. Pressing the button once changes to the Phaser tone and pressing again changes
the tone back to Yelp or Wail.
With the selector switch in the Stby position this switch
provides Manual siren tone control, rising when pressed
and falling when released. This is used to momentarily
alert motorists or in low noise areas.
Phaser may be replaced by Two-Tone or disabled.
See OPTION SWITCHES section.
MAN/PHSR
HORN
HORN
This momentary push-button switch provides a simulated air-horn tone while pressed. This can
be used to supplement the normal vehicle horn and is useful at intersections or in low noise areas.
This tone overrides other siren tones. Horn may be disabled. See OPTION SWITCHES section.
MICROPHONE
The attached noise-canceling microphone is used for public address operation and overrides any
siren tone when the button on the side (PTT) is pressed.
VOLUME CONTROLS
Controls are provided for radio repeat volume and public address
volume. These should be set when the vehicle is parked. Set
VOLUME
H
L
H
L
the RAD volume with the selector switch in the Radio position
and the radio volume set to desired level. Set the PA volume to
the maximum level with no feedback (squeal).
RAD
PA
AUXILIARY INPUT
During installation an auxiliary input may be connected to the horn ring or other switching device.
It provides the same operation as pressing the Horn button or optionally the Man/Phsr button.
CUTOUT
During installation, a cutout input may be connected to a door switch. It turns off any siren tone
when the door is opened. The siren tone will continue to be cut off even when the door is closed.
Changing any switch or input will restore normal function.
HORN RING CYCLER 2 (Optional)
Available while selector switch is in standby, repeatedly tapping the horn ring or other switch will
cycle through Wail, Yelp, and Phaser tones. Tapping the horn ring twice quickly will stop siren
tones. Holding the horn ring produces horn. See OPTION SWITCHES section for further details.
05/07/05
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SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions
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SERVICE
This unit is designed to provide years of reliable service under even the worst conditions. Many
times there may appear to be a problem with the unit when the true problem is in the speaker(s)
or improper installation. The following chart shows typical symptoms and possible causes.
A blown internal fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead
is shorted the internal fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and
replace the fuse. If the OUTPUT light comes on (dim lighting to see) with power on and Yelp
selected it is OK. Check the speaker(s) or leads for possible shorting.
PROBLEMS
Symptom
Possible Cause
Check
Does backlighting come on?
No power or siren Power switch not turned on
output
Bad speaker(s)
Do you hear a "pop" when turned on?
Connector loose
Internal fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck
Is the OUTPUT light on front panel coming on in Yelp?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.
Does mic button release properly?
No siren tone -
PA works
Cutout activated
Does the siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?
Is the CUT_P option properly configured?
Have you tried turning the PA volume control?
PA is not available in the Radio position
Cutout Polarity Option set wrong
PA volume not set properly
Selector in Radio position
No PA
Distorted siren
sound
Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent Aux Input connection
Low vehicle voltage
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Is the Auxiliary Input used and wired properly?
Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?
Is the connector tight on the back of the unit?
Is there a loose connection on a power lead?
Is something lying on the microphone?
Intermittent siren High Voltage Protection
tone
Connector loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
Circuit breaker in supply connection Is a circuit breaker used with at least a 50A rating?
Horn function
or
Manual or Phaser Aux Input improperly connected
stuck on
No Radio
Horn switch stuck
Man/Phsr switch stuck
Does the horn switch return fully when released?
Does the Man/Phsr switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the AUX_P option properly configured?
Is the radio connected properly to the unit?
Can you here the radio in the vehicle?
Have you tried turning the RAD volume control?
Is the T-T option selected?
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong
Unit not connected to radio
Radio volume too low
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option installed
Aux Input set to wrong function
Yelp Override option installed
Phaser not work- Phaser disabled
ing
Is the AUX_I option configured properly?
Is the YLP_O option selected?
Is the P_I option selected?
Horn not working Horn disabled
Is the H_I option selected?
PARTS
The following parts are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
Part
Description
CP3966
CP3571
Bolt, mounting, 1/4-20 X 3/8” (2 required)
Bracket, mounting
CP4688-10
CP4680-1
ATO/ATC 20A
CP4852
Connector, 10-pin Terminal Block Plug
Cover (not including chassis)
Fuse, 20 Amp Automotive
Knob, selector switch
CP4750
Microphone, Noise Canceling w/Connector
Microphone Bracket with mounting Screws
Microphone Strain Relief
CP3633
SR-15-1
CP4119
Transistor, output (2 required) (Industry standard TIP36C, Not Texas Instruments)
Hardware Kit (Connector, bolts, microphone bracket with screws)
Instruction Manual
ED1558
CP4874
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SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions
RETURN
If you have any questions concerning this or any other Carson product,
please contact our Technical Service Department at (888) 577-6877.
Many issues can be handled over the phone. We can also be reached via
e-mail at [email protected]
If a product must be returned for any reason, please contact our Technical
Service Department to obtain a Returned Merchandise Authorization num-
ber (RMA#) before you ship the product to Carson. Please write the RMA#
clearly on the package near the mailing label. Be sure to provide a return
address, contact and phone number, along with a brief description of the
problem.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc. warrants this new product to be free from defects
in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of five (5)
years from the date of delivery to the first user-purchaser.
During this warranty period the obligation of Carson Manufacturing is limited to repairing
or replacing, as Carson Manufacturing may elect, any part or parts of such product
which after examination by Carson Manufacturing is determined to be defective in mate-
rial and/or workmanship.
This warranty does not cover labor charges for removal or re-installation of the product.
Fuses and lamps are not covered under this warranty.
This warranty does not extend to any unit that has been subjected to abuse, misuse,
improper installation or which has not been adequately maintained, nor to units which
have problems related to service or modification at any facility other than the manufac-
turer.
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 CARSON MANU-
FACTURING COMPANY, INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR ANY
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH DEFECT
IN MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP.
05/07/05
CP4874B
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