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HornBlasters PA-100H - User Manual

HornBlasters PA-100H
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P.A. SYSTEM
INSTALLATION MANUAL
100 Watt Public Address w/ Sirens
WARNING: To ensure the longevity of
your system, reading and following
these instructions are recommended.
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Summary

Public Address System Installation Guide

Before Getting Started

Read over the entire instruction guide before you begin your installation.

Kit Contents

Lists the components included in the PA system kit.

Important Safety Instructions

Provides critical information to prevent injury or damage during installation and operation.

Safety During Installation

Offers essential safety tips to follow before and during the installation process.

Installing Your Public Address System

Selecting a Mounting Location

Guidelines for choosing an appropriate and safe location to mount the PA system unit.

Wiring Your PA

Instructions for making secure and proper electrical connections for the PA system.

Accessory Switches

Information on using optional accessory switches to control other automotive accessories.

Wiring Diagram

Close Up on the Control Harness

High-Amp Accessory Wiring Diagram

Finishing Up

Testing Your Installation

Verify all electrical connections are solid, wires are secure, and components are mounted safely.

Using Your PA-100 H System

General advice on safe usage, including hearing protection and keeping people away from the speaker.

Using Your Public Address System

Instructions for operating the public address function using the amplifier and microphone.

Using the Air Horn Sound & Sirens

Instructions for using the various sound functions, including air horn and automatic/manual sirens.

Maintenance & Tips

General Public Address System Maintenance

Ensures wired connections are secure and the speaker is free from dirt and debris for optimal performance.

Tips

Recommendation to keep the engine running when the PA system is in use to ensure proper voltage.

Troubleshooting

Overview

This document describes the installation and operation of the HornBlasters PA-100H Public Address (PA) System with Sirens. This system is designed to provide public address and siren functionalities for vehicles, operating on a 12-volt DC power source. The manual emphasizes safety precautions and proper installation techniques to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the device.

Function Description

The HornBlasters PA-100H is a 100-watt public address system equipped with siren capabilities. Its primary function is to allow users to broadcast their voice through a speaker, effectively serving as a public address system. Additionally, it features various siren sounds, including an air horn sound and automatic siren functions like Manual, Wail, Yelp, Yelp-1, and Hi-lo. The system is controlled via a PA control unit that includes a microphone for voice amplification and a function dial to select between different modes (radio for PA, and various siren options). The amplifier also includes optional accessory switches that can be used to control other automotive accessories, providing versatility beyond its core PA and siren functions.

The system is designed for vehicular installation and requires a 12-volt DC power source. It comes with a PA control unit, a microphone, a PA speaker, and a wiring kit. The amplifier unit should be mounted on a metal surface to aid in heat dissipation and should be secured to prevent damage from unsecured equipment or exposure to water. Proper grounding to the vehicle's chassis or directly to the negative battery post is crucial for optimal electrical performance.

Usage Features

The HornBlasters PA-100H offers several features for both public address and siren operation:

Public Address System Usage: To use the public address system, the user must first turn the function dial on the front of the amplifier to 'radio'. The gain on the amplifier needs to be adjusted to an audible level. Voice amplification is achieved by pressing and holding the button on the side of the microphone while speaking into it. This allows for clear communication through the external speaker.

Air Horn Sound Usage: The air horn sound is a distinctive emergency tone. It can be activated regardless of the amplifier's current function mode. To use it, the gain must be turned up to an audible level. The air-horn/manual siren paddle should be pushed up to the air horn label. The amplifier will play the air horn sound for as long as the paddle is held in the 'up' position.

Automatic Sirens Usage: The automatic siren functions produce a siren sound repeatedly until the amplifier is turned off or the function dial is returned to 'radio'. To activate, ensure the gain is set to an audible level. Then, turn the function dial to any of the siren options: Manual, Wail, Yelp, Yelp-1, or Hi-lo. The amplifier will automatically begin playing the selected siren.

Manual Siren Usage: The manual siren provides an override function for automatic sirens or can be used for a brief siren burst while in 'radio' function. With the gain at an audible level, pushing the air horn/manual siren paddle down to the manual siren label will activate the manual siren for a short period. This can be interrupted by turning off the amplifier, pressing the talk button on the mic (in 'radio' function), or momentarily using the air horn sound effect.

Accessory Switches: The amplifier includes two optional accessory switches that can control other automotive accessories. These switches can be wired to power high-amp devices, ideally with the use of a relay (e.g., a 4-pin relay for on/off toggling or a 5-pin relay for switching between two accessories). The inputs for these switches can be either negative or positive, and the output will match the input. The manual provides a wiring diagram for connecting these accessories, emphasizing the use of relays for high-amp devices to prevent damage to the amplifier.

Safety and Testing: Before initial use, it is crucial to test the installation. This involves verifying that all electrical connections are solid and free of loose wires to prevent electrical fires or blown fuses. The speaker and amplifier must be securely mounted to withstand vehicle jerks, vibrations, and shocks. The manual stresses the importance of reading all instructions and using hearing protection during operation, and advises checking local, state, and federal laws regarding the use of emergency sirens.

Maintenance Features

The HornBlasters PA-100H system requires minimal maintenance to ensure its longevity and proper functioning:

General Maintenance: Users should periodically check all wired connections to ensure they are secure and making good contact. This helps prevent electrical issues and ensures reliable operation. Additionally, the speaker should be periodically inspected to ensure it is free from dirt and debris, which could affect sound quality and performance.

Operational Tips: It is recommended to operate the public address system while the vehicle's engine is running. This ensures a proper voltage supply to the system, which is crucial for optimal performance and to prevent draining the vehicle's battery.

Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to help users diagnose common issues:

  • System not turning on: Possible causes include a blown fuse, bad electrical connections, or a burnt-out indicator light. Corrective actions involve checking and replacing fuses, verifying electrical connections, and confirming power reception.
  • No sound output from speaker: This could be due to the gain not being turned up, improper speaker connection, or incorrect microphone usage in 'radio' function, or not using a siren function when intended. Solutions include adjusting gain, checking speaker wiring (green wires to black and red wires), and ensuring the mic button is pressed firmly while speaking or selecting a siren function.
  • Accessory switches not working: This typically indicates that the additional wiring circuits for accessories have not been installed, a fuse is blown, or there are bad electrical connections. Corrective steps involve wiring the accessory inputs and outputs correctly (with relays for high-amp devices), replacing internal fuses, and checking connections with a multi-meter.

The manual encourages users to contact HornBlasters support via phone or email, or visit their online forum, www.TrainHornForums.com, for further assistance if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue. This proactive support system helps users maintain their device effectively.

HornBlasters PA-100H Specifications

General IconGeneral
Power Output100W
Channels1
Voltage12V
Dimensions10.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches
Weight2.2 lbs
Power Output RMS100W
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz
Operating Voltage12V