Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

5451 North Rural Street

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Phone: (888) 577-6877 Fax: (317) 254-2667 www.carsonsirens.com

TECHNICAL BULLETIN

YELP WAIL STANDBY

MANUAL/

THUND ER

PA VOL

HORN

ON/OFF RADIO

GS-200

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATING MANUAL

GS-200-01 14V

Carson is a trademark of Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Hazard

Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.

(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)

TB0358A Page 1 of 7 01/30/06

GS-200-01 SPECIFICATIONS

9-16 Volts DC, 8 Amps DC per 100W Speaker INPUT POWER:

SIREN MODE

OUTPUT POWER: 15 VDC input, 100W speaker(s)

One speaker - 105 Watts RMS

Two speakers - 180 Watts RMS

AUDIO MODE

OUTPUT POWER:

SIREN

FREQUENCY:

CYCLE RATES:

AUDIO

RESPONSE:

RADIO INPUT

SENSITIVITY:

OPERATING

TEMPERATURE:

SIZE:

WEIGHT:

NIGHT VISIBILITY:

PROTECTION:

14 VDC input, 100W speaker(s)

One speaker - 40 Watts RMS

Two speakers - 80 Watts RMS

700Hz - 1450Hz Nominal

WAIL - 15 cycles/min

YELP - 205 cycles/min

THUNDER - 100 cycles/min

200Hz - 10KHz +/-3db

Harmonic Distortion Less than 3% @ 1KHz

0.75VAC Input Min. for 40 Watts RMS Output (1 spkr)

-15° F to +140° F

6" Wide X 2-5/8" High X 6" Deep

4.5 pounds

Backlit front control panel when power is on

High Voltage – Siren output stops with input voltage above highest rating

Stops high output power from blowing speaker

Reverse Polarity - Fuse blows when power is wired backwards

Shorted Output – Fuse blows if speaker shorts (a common problem)

NOTICE

Due to continuous product improvements, we must reserve the right to change any specifications and information, contained in this manual at any time without notice.

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.

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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.

Hazard

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.

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

Lockwa shers

The mounting bracket supplied can be installed above or below the unit. Mounting bolts (standard 1/4-20) slide into channels on each side of the case. Lockwashers should be used between the case and bracket as well as between the bracket and nut. 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

Nut

Channel

(from rear) placement. Install mounting bracket to vehicle using 1/4" hardware

(not supplied).

A microphone clip along with mounting screws (CP3633) holds the

Bolt microphone in place

INSTALLER-SELECTABLE OPTIONS

Carefully cutting programming resistor jumpers on the printed circuit board inside the case can select various options.

Accessing Program Options: Remove the front panel by removing 4 corner screws with a 7/64” allen wrench. Observe polarity of the microphone connector.

When replacing the front panel re-install the microphone connector, observing polarity and clearance for backlighting.

Auxiliary Input Function - The auxiliary input normally activates the Horn function. To activate the Manual/Thunder function with the auxiliary input cut the resistor jumper labeled "AUXI".

Auxiliary Input Polarity - The auxiliary input is normally activated by connecting to positive. To activate by connecting to ground cut the two resistor jumpers labeled "AUXP".

Cutout Input Polarity - The cutout input is normally activated by connecting to positive. To activate by connecting to ground cut the two resistor jumpers labeled

Bracket

MANUAL/

THUNDE R

SWITCH

HORN SWITCH

AUXP

AUXI

CUTP

TH/H

T-T

OPTION JUMPERS

"CUTP".

Two-Tone - Two-Tone can replace Thunder by cutting the resistor jumper labeled "T-T".

Thunder/Horn Disable - The Thunder and Horn functions can be completely disabled by cutting the resistor jumper labeled "TH/H".

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Disconnect vehicle battery before making any electrical connections.

Electrical connections to the unit are made using a removable terminal block plug located on the back. A label on the unit identifies the terminal function. You should install the connector on the unit before wiring. If the unit needs service the connector can be easily (2) #18 AWG BRN

(#16 - 2 SPKR) removed without unwiring the connector.

The power supply of the unit 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. The unit is fused on the back.

Attach leads by stripping 3/8", inserting into connector and clamp by tightening screw. Make sure the screw is

2 - SPKR - C onnect for same phase (+ to +)

(2) #22 AWG BLU

Connect to output jac k, ter mi nals or speaker of r adi o

RADIO

#22 AWG WHT (See below)

#22 AWG GRN ( See bel ow)

• • • • • • • • • •

#14 AWG R ED

Use s ec ond l ead

- for 2 - SPKR

+

BAT

#14 AWG BLK

Use s ec ond l ead for 2 - SPKR tight and the wire can't be pulled out. Failure to adequately tighten the screw can result in improper

operation or burning the connector and wire.

Wire Size and Termination - The diagram shows the minimum wire size used for each connection, 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.

CONNECTIONS AT REAR OF UNIT WITH

CP4688-10 POWER CONNECTOR (10-Pin)

Header

10-P Terminal Block Plug (CP4688-10)

Install with screw terminals face down

Auxiliary Input Connection - The Auxiliary

Input allows activation by an external source of either the Horn or Man/Thdr function. The adjacent diagram shows three connection examples. See the INSTALLER-

SELECTABLE OPTIONS section for programming details.

NOTE: Permanent disconnection of the vehicle horn is NOT recommended.

HORN

RING

SWITCH

+VDC

SPLIC E

AUX

HORN

RING

SWITCH

HORN

+VDC

Added

SPDT

Switc h

+VDC Switching examples

AUX

HORN

MOMENTARY

FOOT

SWITCH

AUX

-VDC switching example

Must cut AUX P option resistors

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 adjacent diagram shows two connection examples. See the INSTALLER-SELECTABLE OPTIONS section for programming details.

DOOR

SWITCH

+VDC

SPLIC E

DOME

LIGHT

CUT

+VDC Switching example

ADDED

DOOR

SWITCH

CUT

-VDC switching example

Must cut CUT P option resistors

TB0358A Page 4 of 7 01/30/06

OPERATION

Hazard

Do not operate siren without adequate hearing protection for you and anyone in immediate vicinity.

(Ref. OSHA 1910.95 for occupational noise exposure guidelines)

SELECTOR SWITCHES

Five push-button switches control the primary operating function of the siren.

Yelp - A rapidly changing tone used in congested areas.

Wail - A slower changing tone used on highways.

Standby - A silent mode that allows Manual, Horn and Public Address operation.

On/Off - Controls siren power.

ON/OFF RADIO

Radio - Also known as Radio Repeat, this function amplifies a radio speaker input for re-broadcast outside the vehicle. No siren tones or PA operation are available in this position.

MANUAL/THUNDER

This momentary push-button switch provides a very rapid changing tone

(Thunder) when the selector switches are in the Yelp or Wail positions. This tone is used at intersections and very highly congested areas. Pressing the button once changes to the Thunder tone and pressing again changes the tone back to Yelp or Wail.

With the selector switches in the Stby position this switch provides Manual siren tone control, rising when pressed and falling when released. This is used

MANUAL/

THUNDER

HORN

to momentarily alert motorists or in low noise areas.

Optional operation includes replacement of the Thunder tone with Two-Tone or disabling the Thunder tone entirely.

These options are selected during installation. (TH/H option.)

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 will override all other siren tones. This function may be disabled during installation and may be governed by State or Local laws.

(TH/H option.)

MICROPHONE

The attached noise-canceling microphone is used for public address operation and overrides any siren tone when the button on the side is pressed.

PUBLIC ADDRESS VOLUME

A volume control is provided for public address volume. This should be set when the vehicle is parked. Set the PA volume to the maximum level with no feedback (squeal).

RADIO VOLUME

Set the radio volume with the Radio switch on and the radio volume set to the desired level.

PA VOL

Use a small screwdriver inserted into the radio adjust hole shown to adjust the volume to the desired level.

AUXILIARY INPUT radio adj ust

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 Manual/Thunder 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. Operating any switch or input will restore normal function.

TB0358A Page 5 of 7 01/30/06

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 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 speaker 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 Check

No Power or siren output Power switch not turned on

Bad Speaker

Connector or connections loose

Rear panel fuse blown

Loose connection at power source

Does backlighting come on?

Do you hear a “pop” when turned on?

With siren on, yelp selected, 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

No PA

High Voltage Protection

Mic Button stuck

Cutout activated

Cutout Polarity Option set wrong

PA volume not set properly

Radio switch on

The input voltage must be less than highest rating.

Does Mic Button release properly?

Does the siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?

Is the CUTP option properly configured?

Try turning the PA volume control.

PA is not available when Radio is on.

Distorted siren sound

Intermittent siren tone

Horn function stuck on or

Manual/Thunder stuck on

No Radio

Wrong siren tone

Speaker assembly loose

Intermittent Aux input connection

Low Vehicle voltage

High Voltage Protection

Connector or connections loose

Bad Power connection

Mic Button Activation

Circuit breaker in supply connection

Horn switch stuck

Manual/Thunder switch stuck

Aux input improperly connected

Aux input Polarity option set wrong

Unit not connected to a radio

Radio volume too low

Two-Tone option installed

Aux input set to wrong function

Thunder/Horn disabled

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?

Is there a loose connection on a power lead?

Is something lying on the microphone?

Is a circuit breaker used with at least 50A rating?

Does the Horn switch return fully when released?

Does the Manual/Thunder switch return fully when released?

Is the Aux input used and wired properly?

Is the AUXP option properly configured?

Is the radio connected properly to the unit?

Can you hear the radio in the vehicle?

Try adjusting the unit radio volume control.

Is the T-T option jumper cut?

Is the AUXI option jumper configured properly?

Is the TH/H option jumper cut? Thunder and Horn not working

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.

TB0358A Page 6 of 7 01/30/06

6

10

PARTS

7

1

9

MANUAL/

THUNDER

HORN

YELP WAIL STANDBY

ON/OFF RADIO

5 4

PA VOL

8

GS -200

2

11

3

#

CP3571

1 CP4729

2 CP4687-10

3 CP4688-10

4 CP4730

5 CP4732

Description mounting

Button, gray (for pushbutton switches)

Connector, 10-P header

Connector, 10-P terminal block plug

Control, volume, PA (1K ohm)

Control, volume, Radio (1K ohm)

CP4726 Cover, extruded (does not include Front Panel or slide out Chassis)

ATO/ATC 20A Fuse, 20A Automotive

6 CP4755

CP4750

Label, front panel

Microphone, Noise Canceling w/ Connector

CP3633

SR-15-1

Microphone clip with mounting screws

Microphone strain relief

7 CP4736 front

8 CP4759-CV-06 Screw, 3/8” #6-32 black socket head (8 required)

9 CP4685 Switch, pushbutton, Horn or Man/Thdr

10 CP4731

11 CP4119

ED1602

Switch, pushbutton X5 (YELP – WAIL – STANDBY - ON/OFF – RADIO)

Transistor, output (2 required) (Industry standard TIP36C, Not Texas Instruments)

Kit, Hardware (Terminal block plug, Mic clip with mounting screws, 1/4-20 bolts, nuts, and lockwashers)

TB0358A Page 7 of 7 01/30/06