Carson SA-500-16 14V manual Service, Return, Problems, Symptom Possible Cause Check

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 in the Yelp position 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, yelp selected, 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 or Manual or	Horn switch stuck	Does the Horn switch return fully when released?
Phaser stuck on	Man/Phsr switch stuck	Does the Man/Phsr 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.
Wrong siren tone	Two-Tone option installed.	Is the T-T option jumper cut?
	Aux Input set to wrong function	Is the AUX I option jumper configured properly?
Phaser not working	Phaser disabled	Is the PHSR option jumper cut?
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.

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