Carson Car Amplifier SA 400 83 14V User Manual

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.  
5451 North Rural Street  
Indianapolis, IN 46220  
Phone: (888) 577-6877 Fax: (317) 254-2667  
TECHNICAL BULLETIN  
SA400  
RADIO  
SIREN  
PA  
VOL  
HORN  
MAN  
WAIL  
YELP  
ON  
OFF  
PHASER  
INSTALLATION AND  
OPERATING MANUAL  
SA-400-83 14V  
SA-400-83 28V  
SA-400-83 PG (Positive GND)  
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)  
TB0324B  
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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 damage 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".  
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 operation 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.  
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".  
May need to set RADIO VOLUME ADJUST inside the unit before final mounting and installation  
A microphone clip along with mounting screws (CP3633) holds the microphone in place.  
CP3571 Mounting Bracket  
1/4-20 Bolt  
(CP3966)  
Bolt must not pass through  
cover more than 1/4”  
TB0324B  
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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS  
Disconnect vehicle battery before making any electrical connections.  
Electrical connections to the amplifier are made using the wiring harness supplied. If the amplifier needs service the  
connector can be easily removed without unwiring the harness. The power supply for the amplifier must be capable of  
delivering peak currents up to 50 amps for adequate short circuit protection and reliable operation. The preferred  
source is directly at the vehicle battery. A fuse on the unit protects from overload.  
Wire Size and Termination - The diagram shows the minimum wire size used for each connection. 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.  
Negative Connection (Black) - Both leads must be used. Connect to negative battery connector or high current  
buss.  
Positive Connection (Red) - Both leads must be used. Connect to positive battery connector or high current buss. A  
power relay may be used.  
Speaker Connection (Brown) - Both leads must be used. Connect 1 lead to each terminal or lead of the speaker.  
When used with 2 speakers connect each brown lead to both speaker terminals or leads (parallel circuit). Observe  
polarity (phasing) when connecting 2 speakers.  
Optional Radio Input Connection (Blue) - Connect 1 lead to each terminal of the radio speaker or output connector.  
The input is isolated and polarity is not important. May need to set RADIO VOLUME ADJUST inside the unit.  
Optional Auxiliary Input Connection (White) - The Auxiliary Input allows an external source to activate the Siren  
push button function. The diagram shows a horn ring connection example. Activated by positive or negative input.  
NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT recommended.  
#14 AWG RED  
Use both leads  
Extend with #12  
+
BAT  
-
#14 AWG BLK  
Use both leads  
Extend with #12  
(2) #18 AWG BRN  
(#16 - 2 SPKR)  
2 - SPKR - Connect for  
Added  
SPDT  
Switch  
same phase (+ to +)  
RADIO  
CP2560  
HORN  
CABLE  
(2) #18 AWG BLU  
Connect to output  
jack, terminals or  
speaker of radio  
RING  
SWITCH  
HORN  
AUX  
AUX  
#18 AWG WHT  
HORN RING  
CONNECTION  
WIRING HARNESS CONNECTIONS  
AUTOMOTIVE TYPE FUSE  
20AMP (SA-400-83 14,PG)  
10AMP (SA-400-83 28)  
BLACK TO -VDC  
BLUE TO TWO WAY  
RADIO SPKR  
WHITE TO AUX  
SIREN SWITCH  
BROWN TO SPKR  
RED TO +VDC  
TB0324B  
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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)  
SA400  
RADIO  
SIREN  
PA  
VOL  
HORN  
MAN  
WAIL  
YELP  
ON  
OFF  
PHASER  
The OFF/ON Toggle Power Switch controls the siren power. The siren may be left on any time the vehicle is in  
operation. The power should be turned off when vehicle is not being used to conserve battery power.  
The Rotary Function Switch selects various operating modes. These modes are as follows:  
RADIO -  
This mode reproduces, or repeats, the output of a radio. The radio must be connected and  
RADIO VOLUME ADJUSTed for this mode to function. No overrides available in this mode.  
HORN -  
MAN -  
Also considered a standby mode. Horn and PA Override available in this mode.  
The siren tone is controlled Manually with SIREN button. PA Override available in this mode.  
WAIL -  
The siren produces a normal rise-fall tone pattern. This mode should be used on highways or  
areas with constant traffic flow. Yelp and PA Override available in this mode.  
YELP -  
The siren produces a moderate warble tone. This mode should be used in lightly congested  
areas. Horn and PA Override available in this mode.  
PHASER -  
The siren produces a very fast warble tone. This mode should be used at intersections or in  
highly congested areas. Horn and PA Override available in this mode.  
OVERRIDE FUNCTIONS  
PUBLIC ADDRESS  
(PA) OVERRIDE -  
By pressing the microphone button any siren tone output is turned off, allowing the operator to  
use the siren as a public address amplifier. The siren tone resumes when the button is  
released. (Hold the microphone close to your lips for proper operation and adjust the PA  
VOLume Control)  
HORN OVERRIDE -  
By pressing the SIREN button the siren tone output is replaced by the horn tone. The siren  
tone resumes when the button is released. (This feature is not available in WAIL mode.)  
YELP OVERRIDE -  
Available only in WAIL mode. By momentarily pressing the SIREN button the tone output is  
switched to the Yelp tone. Pressing the button again switches the tone output back to Wail.  
RADIO VOLUME ADJUST  
The RADIO VOLUME ADJUST is a one time setting which depends on the  
radio connected and its normal volume.  
The siren cover must be removed to access the adjustment. The cover is held  
in place by a snap-fastener on the back of the unit. While holding the case on  
the sides press hard with your thumbs on the back of the unit. The chassis will  
slide out the front.  
RADIO VOLUME ADJUST  
Switch siren to RADIO mode and turn on the power. With the volume on the  
radio itself set to normal level, set the RADIO VOLUME ADJUST to the desired  
level. Turn off power and press the chassis back into the cover.  
TB0324B  
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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 rear panel fuse doesn't necessarily mean that the unit is bad. If a speaker or speaker lead is shorted this fuse  
will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and replace the fuse. If the siren emits a sound  
when in the Yelp position it is OK. Check the speaker(s) or leads for possible shorting.  
PROBLEMS  
Symptom  
Possible Cause  
Check  
No Power or siren output Power switch not turned on  
Bad Speaker  
Does backlighting come on?  
Do you hear a “pop” when turned on?  
With siren on, yelp selected, listen for tone in  
amplifier.  
Connector or connections loose  
Rear panel fuse blown  
Loose connection at power source Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?  
Are the power leads connected to a good buss?  
No siren tone –  
PA works  
No PA  
High Voltage Protection  
Mic Button stuck  
The input voltage must be less than highest rating.  
Does Mic Button release properly?  
Try turning the PA volume control.  
PA is not available in Radio position.  
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?  
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?  
The input voltage must be greater than lowest rating.  
Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?  
Is the connector tight on the back of the unit?  
PA volume not set properly  
Function switch in Radio  
Speaker assembly loose  
Intermittent Aux Input connection  
Low Vehicle voltage  
Distorted siren sound  
Intermittent siren tone  
High Voltage Protection  
Connector loose  
Loose connection at power source Check for loose leads back to power source.  
Mic Button activation  
Circuit breaker in supply  
connection  
Is something lying on the microphone?  
Is a circuit breaker used with at least 50A rating?  
Horn or manual stuck on Siren switch stuck  
Aux Input improperly connected  
Does the Siren pushbutton switch return fully when  
released?  
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?  
Is the radio connected properly to the unit?  
Can you hear the radio in the vehicle?  
Try adjusting the internal radio volume control.  
No Radio  
Unit not connected to a radio  
Radio volume too low  
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  
If a product must be returned for any reason, please contact our Technical Service Department to obtain a Returned  
Merchandise Authorization number (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.  
TB0324B  
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PARTS  
2
10  
4
8
9
1
SA400  
RADIO  
HORN  
MAN  
SIREN  
7
12  
PA  
VOL  
WAIL  
YELP  
ON  
OFF  
PHASER  
11  
5
3
6
13  
Item Part #  
Description  
Bezel, front panel for SA-400-73,83  
Bolt, mounting, 1/4-20 X 3/8 (2 required)  
Bracket, mounting  
1
CP3687  
CP3966  
CP3571  
2
3
8025 DRS/CAP  
CP3883  
CP2560  
Button, red w/ dress nut (C&K #801803000 Cap, #702501201 Nut) (for pushbutton switch)  
Cable, internal chassis plug wiring harness  
Cable, external wiring harness  
4
5
6
7
8
9
CP3547  
ES00026-03  
CP3408  
CP4852  
CP4853  
Control, PA volume (350 ohm)  
Cover with stud  
Fuse holder  
Knob, rotary function switch  
Knob, PA volume control  
Label, front panel for SA-400-73,83  
CP3688  
#73 LAMP  
E85 LAMP  
CP3570  
Lamp, T-1-3/4 14V Mini Wedge Base (JKL #73) (used on SA-400-83 14,PG)  
Lamp, T-1-1/2 28V Mini Wedge Base (JKL #E85) (used on SA-400-83 28)  
Microphone  
CP3633  
Microphone clip with mounting screws  
10  
11  
12  
13  
CP3692  
2FA53-73  
CP3548  
Switch, pushbutton siren (C&K #8121SD2A2GE, must cut off tabs)  
Switch, toggle power (Carling Switch #2FA53-73)  
Switch, rotary function (top tabs folded and soldered)  
Transistor, output (2 required) (Industry standard TIP36C, Not Texas Instruments)  
CP4119  
TB0324B  
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