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

Does backlighting come on?

 

Bad Speaker

Do you hear a “pop” when turned on?

 

Connector or connections loose

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

 

Internal siren fuse blown

Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?

 

Loose connection at power source

Are the power leads connected to a good buss?

No siren tone –

High Voltage Protection

The input voltage must be less than highest rating.

PA works

Mic button stuck

Does mic button release properly?

 

Cutout activated

Does siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?

 

Cutout Polarity Option set wrong

Is the CUT P option properly configured?

No PA

PA volume not set properly

Try turning the PA volume control.

 

Selector in Radio position

PA is not available in the Radio position.

Distorted siren sound

Speaker assembly loose

Is the speaker bell or tip loose?

 

Intermittent Aux Input connection

Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?

 

Low vehicle voltage

The input voltage must be greater than lowest rating.

Intermittent siren tone

High Voltage Protection

Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?

 

Connector or connections loose

Is the connector tight on the back of the unit?

 

Loose connection at power source

Check for loose leads back to power source.

 

Mic button activation

Is something lying on the microphone?

 

Circuit breaker in supply

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

 

connection

 

Horn stuck on

Horn switch stuck

Does the Horn switch return fully when released?

 

Aux Input improperly connected

Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?

 

Aux Input Polarity Option set

Is the AUX P option properly configured?

 

wrong

 

No Radio

Unit not connected to a radio

Is the radio connected properly to the unit?

 

Radio volume too low

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 service@carsonsirens.com

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.

TB0354A

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09/27/05

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Carson SA-500-11 14V manual Service, Return, Problems, Symptom Possible Cause Check