Whelen Engineering Company Core R C399R

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Installation Guide:

Core-R Control System

Model C399R

Form No.14E18A (060721)

Automotive: Sirens/Switches

For warranty information regarding this product, visit www.whelen.com/warranty

DANGER! Sirens produce extremely loud emergency warning tones! Exposure to these tones without proper and adequate hearing protection, could

cause ear damage and/or hearing loss! The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (www.osha.gov) provides information necessary to determine

safe exposure times in Occupational Noise Exposure Section 1910.95. Until you have determined the safe exposure times for your specific application,

operators and anyone else in the immediate vicinity should be required to wear an approved hearing protection device. Failure to follow this

recommendation could cause hearing loss!

• Proper installation of this product requires the installer to have a good understanding of automotive electronics, systems and procedures.

• Whelen Engineering requires the use of waterproof butt splices and/or connectors if that connector could be exposed to moisture.

• Any holes, either created or utilized by this product, should be made both air- and watertight using a sealant recommended by your vehicle

manufacturer.

• Failure to use specified installation parts and/or hardware will void the product warranty.

• If mounting this product requires drilling holes, the installer MUST be sure that no vehicle components or other vital parts could be damaged

by the drilling process. Check both sides of the mounting surface before drilling begins. Also de-burr the holes and remove any metal shards

or remnants. Install grommets into all wire passage holes.

• If this manual states that this product may be mounted with suction cups, magnets, tape or Velcro®, clean the mounting surface with a 50/50

mix of isopropyl alcohol and water and dry thoroughly.

• Do not install this product or route any wires in the deployment area of your air bag. Equipment mounted or located in the air bag deployment

area will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag, or become a projectile that could cause serious personal injury or death. Refer to

your vehicle owner’s manual for the air bag deployment area. The User/Installer assumes full responsibility to determine proper mounting

location, based on providing ultimate safety to all passengers inside the vehicle.

• For this product to operate at optimum efficiency, a good electrical connection to chassis ground must be made. The recommended

procedure requires the product ground wire to be connected directly to the NEGATIVE (-)

battery post (this does not include products that use cigar power cords).

• If this product uses a remote device for activation or control, make sure that this device is

located in an area that allows both the vehicle and the device to be operated safely in any

driving condition.

• It is recommended that these instructions be stored in a safe place and referred to when

performing maintenance and/or reinstallation of this product.

• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT

IN DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT OR VEHICLE AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR

PASSENGERS!

CAUTION

Loud siren noise can cause

hearing damage and/or loss.

Refer to OSHA Section 1910.95 prior

to putting ANY siren into service!

Wear

Protection!

ACTIVATION OF THIS

SIREN MAY DAMAGE

UNPROTECTED EARS!

Warnings to Installers

Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices must be properly mounted and wired in order to be effective and safe. Read and follow all of Whelen’s written

instructions when installing or using this device. Emergency vehicles are often operated under high speed stressful conditions which must be accounted for

when installing all emergency warning devices. Controls should be placed within convenient reach of the operator so that they can operate the system without

taking their eyes off the roadway. Emergency warning devices can require high electrical voltages and/or currents. Properly protect and use caution around

live electrical connections.Grounding or shorting of electrical connections can cause high current arcing, which can cause personal injury and/or vehicle

damage, including fire. Many electronic devices used in emergency vehicles can create or be affected by electromagnetic interference. Therefore, after

installation of any electronic device it is necessary to test all electronic equipment simultaneously to insure that they operate free of interference from other

components within the vehicle. Never power emergency warning equipment from the same circuit or share the same grounding circuit with radio

communication equipment. All devices should be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and securely fastened to vehicle elements of

sufficient strength to withstand the forces applied to the device. Driver and/or passenger air bags (SRS) will affect the way equipment should be mounted. This

device should be mounted by permanent installation and within the zones specified by the vehicle manufacturer, if any. Any device mounted in the deployment

area of an air bag will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag and may damage or dislodge the device. Installer must be sure that this device, its

mounting hardware and electrical supply wiring does not interfere with the air bag or the SRS wiring or sensors. Mounting the unit inside the vehicle by a

method other than permanent installation is not recommended as unit may become dislodged during swerving; sudden braking or collision. Failure to follow

instructions can result in personal injury. Whelen assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this warning device. PROPER INSTALLATION

COMBINED WITH OPERATOR TRAINING IN THE PROPER USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.

Warnings to Users

Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices are intended to alert other operators and pedestrians to the presence and operation of emergency vehicles and

personnel. However, the use of this or any other Whelen emergency warning device does not guarantee that you will have the right-of-way or that other

drivers and pedestrians will properly heed an emergency warning signal. Never assume you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to proceed safely

before entering an intersection, driving against traffic, responding at a high rate of speed, or walking on or around traffic lanes. Emergency vehicle warning

devices should be tested on a daily basis to ensure that they operate properly. When in actual use, the operator must ensure that both visual and audible

warnings are not blocked by vehicle components (i.e.: open trunks or compartment doors), people, vehicles, or other obstructions. It is the user’s responsibility

to understand and obey all laws regarding emergency warning devices. The user should be familiar with all applicable laws and regulations prior to the use of

any emergency vehicle warning device. Whelen’s audible warning devices are designed to project sound in a forward direction away from the vehicle

occupants. However, because sustained periodic exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, all audible warning devices should be installed and

operated in accordance with the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

Safety First

This document provides all the necessary information to allow your Whelen product to be properly and safely installed. Before beginning the installation and/or

operation of your new product, the installation technician and operator must read this manual completely. Important information is contained herein that could

prevent serious injury or damage.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or

other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

51 Winthrop Road

Chester, Connecticut 06412-0684

Phone: (860) 526-9504

Internet: www.whelen.com

Sales e-mail: autosale@whelen.com

Customer Service e-mail: custserv@whelen.com

Main Page

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Do you have a question about the Whelen Engineering Company Core R C399R and is the answer not in the manual?

The Whelen Core-R is a versatile control module designed for emergency vehicles, offering comprehensive control over various systems including sirens, lighting, and communication. It acts as a central hub, integrating multiple inputs and outputs to streamline the operation of emergency equipment.

Function Description:

The Core-R module serves as the brain of an emergency vehicle's warning and communication system. It manages digital and analog inputs, processes signals, and controls outputs to activate sirens, lights, and other peripherals. Key functions include:

Siren and Lighting Control: The module integrates with Whelen siren modules and lighting systems, allowing for programmable control of various siren tones and light patterns.
Radio Rebroadcast: It enables the rebroadcast of two-way radio audio through the vehicle's siren speaker, facilitating clear communication in high-noise environments.
Auxiliary Audio Output: Provides an output for connecting to other compatible Whelen audio devices.
Microphone Input: Supports a microphone for public address (PA) functionality.
CAN Communications: Connects to the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) for integrated control and data exchange.
WeCanX Connectivity: Allows for connection to Whelen's WeCanX peripherals, expanding the system's capabilities.
Diagnostic and Troubleshooting: Features diagnostic LEDs and a comprehensive software interface for monitoring system status, identifying issues, and facilitating troubleshooting.
Programmable Inputs: Offers both digital and analog inputs that can be configured to detect various signals, such as positive or ground signals for digital inputs, and varying voltage ranges for analog inputs.
Ignition Sense: Detects the vehicle's ignition status to automatically turn the Core-R system on and off, with a programmable shutdown delay.
Dry Contact Relay: Provides a versatile relay for controlling external devices, such as the vehicle's horn for hands-free siren operation.

Important Technical Specifications:

Input Voltage: 10-30 VDC (Negative Ground Only)
Main Input Current: 2 Amps
Stand-by Current (no ignition): 6.50 µA
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +65°C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
Humidity: 99% (Non-condensing)
Dimensions:
- Height: 5.46 inches
- Width: 5.76 inches
- Depth: 1.11 inches
Inputs: 3 Digital Inputs, 4 Analog Inputs, 1 Ignition Sense
Relay: 15 Amp Max, Fused Dry Contact Relay (Normally Open, Common, Normally Closed terminals)
Fuses: 10 AMP fuse for main power, 15A fuse for the relay.

Usage Features:

Installation:
- Requires a dry, cool mounting location with sufficient ventilation.
- Mounting involves drilling holes and securing the module with #8 x 3/4" sheet metal screws and internal tooth lock washers.
- Caution: Before drilling, it's crucial to check both sides of the mounting surface to avoid damaging other vehicle components.
Wiring:
- All customer-supplied wires to the positive battery terminal must be sized to supply at least 125% of the maximum operating current and be FUSED at the battery. Circuit breakers are not recommended.
- Pre-installed terminals on Amp/Relay Module wires. If re-termination is necessary, specific AMP Pro Crimper II tools with designated dies must be used. Whelen does not recommend re-terminating Anderson™ connectors.
- Main Power (J3): RED wire to positive battery terminal (fused at 10 AMPS), BLACK wire to vehicle chassis ground.
Audio Signals (J10):
- Radio Rebroadcast: Connects two blue wires to the two-way radio's audio output. Note: Not compatible with radios requiring amplified remote speakers.
- Radio Repeat Volume Adjustment: A potentiometer on the left side of the module allows adjustment of the rebroadcast volume.
- Auxiliary Audio Output: White-violet and violet wires connect to the auxiliary audio input of compatible Whelen devices.
Microphone (J11): Connects an extension cable for microphone input.
PA Volume Adjustment: Adjusted via Whelen Command software.
Control Head Connection (J6): Connects to the control head using the supplied extension cable.
USB-C Programming Port (J8): Used for programming with Command™ Software. Note: Charging-only cables from mobile devices are not recommended for data transfer.
Ethernet Port (J2): For use with optional Whelen Vehicle Safety Gateway (VSG).
CAN Communications (J7): Connects to vehicle CAN ports.
Hands-Free Siren / Optional: Can use a customer-supplied relay or the internal Dry Contact Relay (J4) for horn control.
WeCanX (J5): For connecting to WeCanX peripherals.
Installation IDs: Crucial for systems with multiple identical device types. If only one of several identical devices is working, check installation IDs.
Configuration Transfer: Configuration files can be transferred via USB to Core-R. For transfers to internal siren/IO or WeCanX devices, power and ignition must be applied.
Idle States: The Core-R enters an idle state after initialization and configuration, waiting for programmed events. Diagnostic indicators provide visual feedback on activity and status.
System Shutdown: The system is designed to be continuously connected to 10-30VDC. It features a built-in sleep function to minimize battery drain. Applying ignition voltage wakes the system, and removing it puts the system to sleep after approximately 3 seconds.

Maintenance Features:

Fuse Accessibility: All amp/relay module fuses are accessible from outside the case for easy replacement.
Diagnostic LEDs:
- Status Indicator LEDs: Provide visual feedback on the system's status (Booting, No Memory Detected, System Failed to Boot, File Error, Working, Unconfigured Node, Active, Communication). Colors (Magenta, Red, Orange, White, Cyan, Green, Blue Flash) indicate specific conditions.
- Activity Indicator: A blue LED that flashes to indicate data processing and system communication.
- Status Indicator: A multi-color RGB LED that indicates user system status and error conditions.
Troubleshooting Steps: The manual provides detailed troubleshooting steps corresponding to the diagnostic LED colors, guiding users to resolve common issues such as memory detection, boot failures, file errors, and communication problems.
Setting Device Diagnostic Indicators: The Command™ Software allows users to enable and configure the intensity of diagnostic indicators for individual WeCanX devices, aiding in monitoring their status and troubleshooting large configuration transfers.
SD Card Maintenance: For "No Memory Detected" issues, instructions are provided to remove and reinsert the SD card, or replace it with a new FAT-formatted SD card.
Firmware Updates: The system supports firmware updates, which are crucial for maintaining optimal performance and resolving potential issues. The diagnostic indicators provide feedback during this process.