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TB0354A 

Page 7 of 8 

09/27/05 

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), controlled devices, 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 this fuse 
will blow before the unit is damaged.  Disconnect the SPKR leads and replace the fuse.  If the unit itself emits a low 
level sound when Horn button is pressed 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 
Connector or connections loose 
Internal siren fuse blown 
Loose connection at power source 

Does backlighting come on? 
Do you hear a “pop” when turned on? 

With siren on, Horn Button pressed, listen for tone in amplifier. 

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 
Cutout activated 
Cutout Polarity Option set wrong 

The input voltage must be less than highest rating. 
Does mic button release properly? 
Does siren work when Cutout input is disconnected? 
Is the CUT P option properly configured? 

No PA 

PA volume not set properly 
Selector in Radio position 

Try turning the PA volume control. 
PA is not available in the Radio position. 

Distorted siren sound 

Speaker assembly loose 
Intermittent Aux Input connection 
Low vehicle voltage 

Is the speaker bell or tip loose? 
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly? 
The input voltage must be greater than lowest rating. 

Intermittent siren tone 

High Voltage Protection 
Connector or connections loose 
Loose connection at power source 
Mic button activation 
Circuit breaker in supply 
connection 

Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly? 
Is the connector tight on the back of the unit? 
Check for loose leads back to power source. 
Is something lying on the microphone? 
Is a circuit breaker used with at least 50A rating? 

Horn stuck on 

Horn switch stuck 
Aux Input improperly connected 
Aux Input Polarity Option set 
wrong 

Does the Horn switch return fully when released? 
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly? 
Is the AUX P option properly configured? 

No Radio 

Unit not connected to a radio 
Radio volume too low 

Is the radio connected properly to the unit? 
Can you hear the radio in the vehicle? 
Try turning the RAD volume control. 

Horn not working 

Horn disabled 

Is the trace cut that disables the Horn switch? 

 
 
 
 

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 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.

 

 

Summary of Contents for SA-500-11 14V

Page 1: ...VOLUME MAN PHSR O F F O N SA 500 RAD INSTALLATION AND OPERATING MANUAL SA 500 11 14V SPECIAL HORN AND PA ONLY 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 g...

Page 2: ... Backlit front control panel when power is on PROTECTION High Voltage Siren output stops with input voltage above highest rating Stops high output power from blowing speaker Reverse Polarity Fuse s blows when power is wired backwards Shorted Output Fuse s blows if speaker shorts a common problem NOTICE Due to continuous product improvements we must reserve the right to change any specifications an...

Page 3: ...l 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 operati...

Page 4: ...t Function The auxiliary input normally activates the Horn function Do not cut the jumper resistor labeled AUX I Auxiliary Input Polarity The auxiliary input is normally activated by connecting to positive To activate by connecting to ground cut the two jumper resistors labeled AUX P Cutout Input Polarity The cutout input is normally activated by connecting to positive To activate by connecting to...

Page 5: ...e 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 The unit is internally fused Attach leads by stripping 3 8 inserting into connector 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 improper ...

Page 6: ... 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 is available with selector switch in Yelp Wail or Standby PA Pressing the microphone button in any mode except Radio changes the unit to PA Public Address The mode resumes when the button is released Adjust the PA Volume and hold th...

Page 7: ... siren sound Speaker assembly loose Intermittent Aux Input connection Low vehicle voltage Is the speaker bell or tip loose Is the Aux Input used and wired properly The input voltage must be greater than lowest rating Intermittent siren tone High Voltage Protection Connector or connections loose Loose connection at power source Mic button activation Circuit breaker in supply connection Is the vehic...

Page 8: ...l volume PA or RAD 1K ohm 5 CP4680 1 Cover with stud does not include CP4679 Chassis ATO ATC 20A Fuse 20A Automotive 6 CP4702 Knob rotary switch black substitute CP4852 black knob 7 CP4835 Label front panel CP3570 Microphone Noise Canceling CP3633 Microphone clip with mounting screws SR 15 1 Microphone strain relief 8 CP4685 Switch pushbutton Horn or Man Phsr 9 CP3962 Switch rocker power 10 CP4683...

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