The Carson SC-1022-20 Siren Amplifier with Light Control is a robust and versatile emergency vehicle device designed for single 100W speaker use, featuring a remote handheld unit for comprehensive control. Manufactured by Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc., this unit is built for reliability and extended service life, incorporating short circuit, high voltage, and reverse polarity protection systems.
Function Description:
The primary function of the SC-1022-20 is to provide siren amplification and light control for emergency vehicles. It offers multiple operating modes for siren tones, including Mechanical, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser, which are selected via four pushbutton switches on the handheld control unit. A momentary Horn Override pushbutton allows for immediate horn activation, while a Manual siren pushbutton provides control over Mechanical, Wail, Yelp, Phaser, and Power C tones. Additionally, the unit features two pushbuttons for controlling auxiliary lights.
A key feature is the DIP switch, which provides extensive customization options. Users can change siren tones, disable specific tones, enable HRC2 (Horn Ring Cycler 2) operation, and adjust auxiliary input polarity. This flexibility allows the unit to be tailored to specific operational needs and regional requirements.
Important Technical Specifications:
Siren Section:
- Input Voltage: 10-16 VDC (negative ground)
- Input Current: 8 AMPS (@14 VDC - single 100W speaker)
- Standby Current: Less than 50mA @ 14 VDC enabled; less than 5mA standby
- Output Power: 105 WATTS RMS MAX. (15 VDC - single 100W speaker)
- Siren Frequency: 700Hz - 1500Hz (Mechanical 700Hz - 1600Hz; Two-Tone and Horn = 435 & 585Hz)
- Tones / Cycle Rates:
- Horn: 109 CPS
- Mechanical: 5 CPM
- Wail: 13 CPM
- Power C: 100 CPM
- Yelp: 190 CPM
- Phaser: 15 CPS
- Two-Tone: 60 CPM
- High Voltage Protection: Siren output ceases at 16-18 VDC, resuming at normal voltage.
- Short Circuit Current: 50 AMPS (supply circuit must be capable of supplying this for 1 second).
- Operating Temp.: -15° F to +140°F
- Controls: Six Pushbutton switches (Mechanical, Wail, Yelp, Phaser, Manual, Horn), auxiliary input (programmable for positive or negative activation), and an 8-position DIP switch option selector.
- Connections: Removable 10-Pos Terminal Block for Power, Speaker, Auxiliary and Enable inputs, and light control outputs. RJ-12 jack for hand control with built-in cable.
Light Control Section:
- Controls: Two pushbuttons.
- Current: 5 AMPS per switch, 5 AMPS total.
- Connections: Two light control outputs.
General:
- Size: Control Head: 1-7/8" Wide, 1" Deep, 4" High; Amplifier: 6" Wide, 4-1/4" Deep, 1-7/8" High.
- Weight: 2 LBS.
Usage Features:
The SC-1022-20 is designed for intuitive operation. The remote handheld unit provides easy access to all siren and light controls.
- Power On/Off: The unit is typically turned on via the vehicle's ignition switch, and the hand control is backlit for visibility.
- Siren Controls:
- Mech, Wail, Yelp, Phaser: These four pushbuttons control the primary siren modes. Pressing a button activates the tone (indicated by a red light), and pressing it again deactivates it, returning the unit to Standby. Switching between modes is done by pressing another mode's button.
- Manual: In Standby, the Manual button controls the Mechanical tone, rising to a peak while pressed and falling when released. This can be optionally replaced with a manual Wail tone. In Mech, Yelp, or Phaser mode, pressing Manual causes the tone to rise and peak before resuming. In Wail mode, it toggles between Wail and Power C tone.
- Horn: Produces a simulated Air-Horn tone when pressed, overriding all other siren modes. This can be disabled via DIP switch settings.
- Auxiliary Input Functions: A momentary auxiliary input (typically connected to the horn ring) can activate Horn tone in Mech, Wail, Yelp, or Phaser modes. In Standby, it normally produces Horn tone, with other tones available via DIP switch settings.
- Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2): By setting DIP SW-2 and SW-3 to OFF, this feature is enabled. Tapping the horn ring in Standby cycles through Mechanical, Wail, Yelp, and Phaser tones. Tapping twice quickly stops the siren and returns to Standby. Pressing and holding the horn ring produces Horn tone.
- Light Controls (LT1 and LT2): Two pushbuttons on the handheld unit activate and deactivate corresponding light outputs, indicated by a red light.
- Option Switches: An 8-position DIP switch on the amplifier allows for customization:
- SW-1 Auxiliary Input Polarity: Defaults to positive activation; OFF for negative activation.
- SW-2 & SW-3 Auxiliary Tone in Standby:
- ON/ON (Default): Horn tone.
- OFF/ON: Manual control of Mechanical tone.
- ON/OFF: Manual control of Wail tone.
- OFF/OFF: Activates HRC2 function.
- SW-4 Two-Tone: OFF replaces Phaser with Two-Tone.
- SW-5 Horn Enable: OFF disables Horn tone, replacing it with Yelp.
- SW-4 & SW-5 Tone Disable: Both OFF disables all siren tones except Manual, Wail, and Yelp. Mechanical becomes Wail, Phaser and Horn become Yelp.
- SW-6 Short Manual: OFF makes Manual tone stop immediately upon release.
- SW-7 Manual Wail: OFF makes Manual button control Wail tone instead of Mechanical.
- SW-8 Mechanical Fall: OFF provides a quicker mechanical tone fall time.
Maintenance Features:
The SC-1022-20 is designed for durability, but proper installation and occasional troubleshooting are key to its longevity.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive table of symptoms, possible causes, and checks to diagnose issues such as no power, no siren tones, distorted sound, intermittent siren tone, horn function issues, wrong siren tone, and light switch malfunctions.
- Fuse Protection: The amplifier is fused, and a blown siren fuse indicates a short in the speaker or speaker lead, protecting the unit from damage. Users are instructed to disconnect speaker leads, replace the fuse, and check for shorts.
- Modular Connections: Electrical connections are made using terminal block plugs and screw terminals, which can be easily removed without unwiring for service.
- Wire Size and Termination: The manual provides guidance on minimum wire sizes and recommends using high-quality crimp connectors for installation. It emphasizes the importance of adequately tightening screws to prevent improper operation or burning of connectors and wires.
- Warranty: Carson Manufacturing Co., Inc. offers a five-year limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty does not cover labor charges, fuses, lamps, or damage due to abuse, misuse, improper installation, inadequate maintenance, or unauthorized modifications.
Safety Precautions:
- Sound Hazard: Siren speaker sound levels (>120dBA @ 10 feet) can cause hearing damage. Adequate hearing protection is required for anyone in the immediate vicinity during siren operation, adhering to OSHA 1910.95 guidelines.
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial for safe and reliable operation. Installers must have a firm knowledge of basic electricity, vehicle electrical systems, and emergency equipment.
- Hand Control Location: The hand control should be easily accessible to the operator but NOT located in an air bag deployment area.
- Amplifier Mounting: Ensure proper clearances before drilling.
- Wiring: Use appropriate wiring, ensure tight connections, and route wiring to prevent wear, overheating, and interference with air bag deployment. All wiring should be installed and checked before connecting to the vehicle battery.
- Testing: All siren functions and vehicle operation should be tested after installation to ensure proper operation and no damage to the vehicle.
- Documentation: Keep the instructions in the vehicle for future reference and advise the operator of their location.
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