Carson Car Amplifier SA 441 83F User Manual

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.  
5451 North Rural Street  
Indianapolis, IN 46220  
Phone: (888) 577-6877 Fax: (317) 254-2667  
TECHNICAL BULLETIN  
RADIO  
OFF/ON  
PA  
VOL  
SIREN  
HRN/TT  
MAN  
WAIL  
ON  
YELP  
POWER  
PHASR/W-Y  
SA 441  
INSTALLATION AND  
OPERATING MANUAL  
SA-441-83F (FLUSH MOUNT CONTROL HEAD)  
SA-441-83FX (FLUSH MOUNT WITH EXTENDED MIC)  
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)  
TB0335B  
Page 1 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
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 control head for easy access by the vehicle operator. DO NOT mount in air bag deployment  
area. Assure clearances before drilling in vehicle.  
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.  
AMPLIFIER MOUNTING  
Choose a mounting location in an area such as the driver compartment firewall, under a seat, etc. Mounting the  
amplifier in the engine compartment or in an area directly exposed to weather is not recommended. Assure adequate  
ventilation to prevent overheating. Consider wire routing and access to connector. Install amplifier to vehicle using  
1/4" hardware (not supplied).  
May need to set RADIO VOLUME ADJUST on side of amplifier before final mounting and installation.  
May also need to set POWER OUTPUT ADJUSTMENT on inside of amplifier.  
CONTROL HEAD MOUNTING  
Select a mounting location in an area such as the dash or overhead console. Choose a mounting location convenient  
to the operator and away from any air bag deployment areas. Consider wire routing and access to connections, as  
well as microphone bracket placement.  
A microphone clip along with mounting screws (CP3633) holds the microphone in place.  
FLUSH MOUNT  
The flush mount control head requires a hole in the dash. Use the mounting template on the last page. Note that the  
template may not print actual size and may need sizing on a copier. Use #6 screws to fasten to dash.  
FLUSH MOUNT WITH EXTENDED MICROPHONE  
The flush mount control head with extended microphone is mounted the same as the flush mount except that the  
microphone cable extension will also go behind the dash. Allow room for this cable as well.  
Control Head – Rear View  
Microphone  
Extension  
Cable  
TB0335B  
Page 3 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
CONTROL HEAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS  
All control head leads may be extended with #22 AWG or larger lead wire.  
Negative Connection (Black) - Connect to same ground or negative supply as amplifier.  
Positive Connection (Red) - Connect to positive DC supply. It is recommended that the lead be connected to the  
accessory output of the fuse block. This provides additional protection of a fused input to the control head.  
Lights (Yellow) - This lead may be connected to the dash lights or to the red power lead. Connecting to the dash  
lights will turn on the panel lights whenever the dash lights are on.  
When connected to the red lead, make sure that the ignition switch controls the power to that connection. This  
prevents the panel lights from being continuously on.  
Control (White) - Connect to white lead from amplifier. Route this lead away from radio transmitter antenna lead to  
prevent RF interference being fed to the siren amplifier.  
Auxiliary Input (Green) - Used for Siren control. Performs same function as Siren button. Connect to a normally  
open switch or to horn ring circuit. Circuit may connect to either positive or negative. When connected to horn ring  
circuit, use a SPDT switch to connect horn ring to either vehicle horn or to manual control circuit.  
NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT recommended.  
NOTE: Be sure to cut lead short if not used to prevent R.F. interference and insulate with electrical tape.  
Added  
SPDT  
Switch  
HORN  
RING  
SWITCH  
HORN  
AUX  
HORN RING  
CONNECTION  
TB0335B  
Page 4 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
AMPLIFIER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS  
Disconnect vehicle battery before making the following 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 A Connection (Brown) - Both leads must be used. Connect 1 lead to each terminal or lead of the speaker.  
Connect in same polarity (phasing) as Speaker B to assure loudest siren sound.  
Speaker B Connection (Orange) - Both leads must be used. Connect 1 lead to each terminal or lead of the speaker.  
Connect in same polarity (phasing) as Speaker A to assure loudest siren sound.  
Control Connection (White) - Connect to white lead from control head. Route this lead away from radio transmitter  
antenna lead to prevent RF interference being fed to the siren amplifier.  
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 on side of unit.  
CONTROL HEAD  
(CP3040 CABLE)  
GRN (AUX)  
OFF/ON  
RADIO  
HRN/TT  
PA  
VOL  
SIREN  
YEL (DASH LIGHTS)  
BLK (-VDC)  
MAN  
WAIL  
#14 AWG BLK  
Use both leads  
Extend with #12  
ON  
YELP  
PHASR/W-Y  
POWER  
RED (+VDC)  
-
BAT  
WHT  
+
CONTROL  
#14 AWG RED  
Use both leads  
Extend with #12  
AMPLIFIER  
BLU TO TWO WAY  
RADIO SPEAKER  
RADIO VOLUME  
ADJUST  
(CP3889  
CABLE)  
+
SPKR  
#18 AWG BRN  
A
-
15AMP FUSE  
#18 AWG BRN/BLK  
AUTOMOTIVE TYPE  
Extend spkr leads with #16  
+
FUSE A (SPKR A)  
FUSE B (SPKR B)  
#18 AWG ORG  
SPKR  
B
CP3877  
CABLE  
-
#18 AWG ORG/BLK  
(CP3877 CABLE)  
For loudest siren sound  
be sure speakers are wired  
in same polarity.  
- ORG/BLK TO SPKR B -  
+ ORG TO SPKR B +  
BLK TO -VDC  
RED TO +VDC  
- BRN/BLK TO SPKR A -  
+ BRN TO SPKR A +  
AMPLIFIER POWER  
HARNESS CONNECTIONS  
TB0335B  
Page 5 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
NORMAL OPERATION (Dual Mode Switch Off)  
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)  
DUAL MODE  
SWITCH  
RADIO  
OFF/ON  
PA  
VOL  
SIREN  
HRN/TT  
MAN  
WAIL  
ON  
YELP  
POWER  
PHASR/W-Y  
SA 441  
The 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. PA override 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 (Normal Mode)  
PUBLIC ADDRESS  
(PA) OVERRIDE -  
Pressing the microphone button in any operating mode allows the operator to use the siren as  
a public address amplifier. The operating mode 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.  
Access the RADIO VOLUME ADJUST through a hole on the side of the amplifier.  
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.  
TB0335B  
Page 6 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
DUAL MODE OPERATION (Dual Mode Switch On)  
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)  
The Toggle Dual Mode Switch gives the amplifier the ability to produce two different siren tones to each  
speaker simultaneously. This changes some of the Rotary Function Switch modes and provides different Override  
Functions. The Dual Mode Switch may be left on and use the Rotary Manual position as standby mode.  
The Rotary Function Switch selects the following modes:  
RADIO -  
Same as normal mode. PA override available in this mode.  
TWO-TONE -  
Or HI-LO, a common European tone. Both speakers produce same sound. Horn and PA  
Override available in this mode.  
MAN -  
In dual mode this is also considered standby mode. The siren tone is controlled manually with  
SIREN button. Both speakers produce manual tone slightly out of phase to give stereo effect.  
PA Override available in this mode.  
WAIL -  
The siren produces dual Wail. Each speaker produces independent Wail tone. Dual Yelp and  
PA Override available in this mode.  
YELP -  
The siren produces dual Yelp. Each speaker produces independent Yelp tone. Phaser and  
PA Override available in this mode.  
WAIL/YELP -  
The siren produces Wail to one speaker and Yelp to the other speaker. Phaser and PA  
Override available in this mode.  
OVERRIDE FUNCTIONS (Dual Mode)  
PUBLIC ADDRESS  
(PA) OVERRIDE -  
Same as normal mode.  
HORN OVERRIDE -  
Same as normal mode, both speakers produce same Horn tone.  
DUAL YELP  
OVERRIDE -  
Available only in Dual Wail mode. By momentarily pressing the SIREN button the tone output  
is switched to the Dual Yelp tone. Pressing the button again switches the tone output back to  
Dual Wail.  
PHASER OVERRIDE - By pressing the SIREN button the siren tone output is replaced by the Phaser tone. Both  
speakers produce same Phaser tone. The siren tone resumes when the button is released.  
TB0335B  
Page 7 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
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 panel fuse(s) 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.  
Note: Older versions of this amplifier unit used one 20AMP fuse to supply both internal amplifiers. This means that if  
one internal amplifier output is shorted and blows the fuse, the other internal amplifier will also lose power even though  
it may be fine. Be sure to check both amplifier unit outputs for shorted wiring or speaker.  
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  
Panel fuse(s) 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  
High Voltage Protection  
Mic Button stuck  
The input voltage must be less than highest rating.  
Does Mic Button release properly?  
No PA  
Distorted siren sound  
PA volume not set properly  
Speaker assembly loose  
Intermittent Aux Input connection  
Low Vehicle voltage  
High Voltage Protection  
Connector loose  
Try turning the PA volume control.  
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?  
Intermittent siren tone  
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.  
Are control head and amplifier connected to good  
ground?  
No Radio  
Unit not connected to a radio  
Radio volume too low  
Wrong siren tone  
Ground system noise  
Dual mode switch does  
not work  
Only one internal amplifier works  
One speaker damaged  
Is one fuse on the amplifier blown?  
Try replacing the speaker.  
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.  
TB0335B  
Page 8 of 10  
10/18/03  
 
PARTS  
1
7
2
4
10  
6
3
9
SA 441  
TB0335B  
Page 9 of 10  
10/18/03  
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION TEMPLATE  
TB0335B  
Page 10 of 10  
10/18/03  
 

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