Check
out our Question of the Month and Frequently Asked Questions regarding
emergency vehicle products, rotary switches and contract manufacturing.
If you are unable to find the answer to your questions, please fill out
the form below, email
us, or call our Customer Service Department at 888.577.6877. If your
question is selected for our Question of the Month, we will send you a
complimentary gift.
Q: I've noticed that your sirens don't have rows of holes punched
into the case like many other sirens. How do you keep them from overheating?
- Mike in California
A: Those holes that you find on many sirens play a very important role. When a siren is producing warning tones, it is also producing heat. The holes in the cover and chassis provide ventilation to keep the amplifier components from overheating.
Sirens have differing power consumption efficiencies when producing tones. The more inefficient a siren is, the faster it produces heat. The faster it produces heat, the more inefficient it becomes. The snowballing effect eventually leads to overheating and shortens the siren's life.
Carson Sirens do not need ventilation holes because we use a patented design that increases efficiencies and slows down the heat production rate avoiding that snowball effect. Additionally, since the siren has no ventilation holes, it is better protected against outside contaminants like dust and liquids. That's part of what "Tough to the Core" is all about.
Q: How can my Department arrange to see a product demonstration?
A: Requests for product demonstrations may be made by contacting your area's Sales Representative, a Dealer or by contacting Carson Sirens directly. To find a representative or dealer in your area, please refer to the Carson Sirens Dealer page.
Q: Can I buy directly from the factory?
A: No, Carson sells our emergency vehicle products through a network of Sales Representatives, Dealers and OEMs. To find the Sales Representatives and Dealers in your area or to find the OEMs currently offering Carson Sirens, please refer to the Carson Sirens Dealer page.
Q: Will Carson "drop-ship" products?
A: We strongly discourage this practice. However, we understand that some situations are unique and require us to go that extra mile to support our customers. In those types of situations, we will "drop-ship" products for an additional fee.
Q: How can I become a Carson Dealer?
A: If you are a Dealer or OEM and are interested in carrying the Carson Sirens line, please contact your area's Sales Representative or Carson Sirens directly. To become a Carson Sirens Dealers, both the Sales Representative and Carson must approve a potential dealer. Dealers may apply for credit.
Q: Where can I get installation instructions?
A: Each of our emergency vehicle product manuals includes detailed installation instructions. To search through our list of manuals, please refer to the Customer Support page.
Q: Are replacement parts available for Carson Sirens or SVP and Galls sirens originally manufactured by Carson?
A: Yes, replacement part numbers for each product manufactured by Carson are listed towards the end of that model's product manual. Contact our Customer Service Center to place your order or for further information. To locate the appropriate product manual, please refer to the Customer Support page.
Q: What do I need to do for a warranty or non-warranty repair?
A: If a product must be returned for any reason, please contact our Customer 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. Send the unit back to our Service Center for repair at 5451 North Rural Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220. Include your name, address, phone number and a description of the problem experienced with the unit. Warranty repairs will be completed and returned.
For billable or non-warranty (outside of warranty period) repairs, the unit's problem will be assessed and you will be contacted with an estimate for repairs. Effective July 2, 2010, all non-warranty repairs are subject to a minimum diagnostic/repair charge of $60 for labor, plus $15 shipping and handling for deliveries in the USA. After diagnosis, you will be informed of the total cost for parts and labor. If the repair is declined, the $60 diagnostic charge, plus shipping and handling, will apply. Any unit that is 10 or more years old is subject to a $120 minimum charge. Whether a repair is covered by warranty or not can only be determined after the unit is examined by a Carson technician.
Any item which is found to have no fault will be charged $60 for diagnostics, plus shipping and handling. This includes units that are still within the warranty period. For this reason, please ensure that the problem is not due to bad wiring or other external causes. You may find it helpful to refer to the troubleshooting guide in the siren installation manual. You may also contact Carson's technical support team for assistance in troubleshooting. We will do all we can to help you identify the source of the problem and provide the information necessary for you to make the best decision in regards to the repair options for your unit.
Q: How can I tell if it is a siren or speaker problem?
A: On sirens like the SA-500 Cruiser and the SA-360 Defender,
it is quite easy because of the output indicator. Sirens with an output
indicator have a sensor that senses when the siren sends out a signal
to the speaker(s). If the siren has been activated, but there isn't a
tone coming from the speaker, then the problem is with the speaker or
speaker wiring.
If your siren does not have an output indicator, then the best method
is to listen closely to the output transformer. If you can hear the transformer
making the siren tone, then the problem is with the speaker or speaker
wiring. Another method is to switch speakers and see if problem continues
to persist. However, this method will falsely indicate a siren problem
if there is damaged speaker wiring.
Q: What is an Auxiliary Input?
A: The Auxiliary Input is a wiring input that may be connected to the vehicles horn ring or other switching device during installation. It provides the driver with "hands-free" operation. When connected, the vehicle's horn works like the Siren button if the siren has only one momentary override button or your choice of Air Horn or Manual/Phaser if the siren has two momentary override buttons. When the Auxiliary Input is connected, you may also choose to replace the Auxiliary Input function by activating the Horn Ring Cycler (HRC) or Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) function.
Q: What are the Horn Ring Cycler (HRC) and Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2)?
A: With the Auxiliary Input connected and the Horn Ring Cycler (HRC) or Horn Ring Cycler 2 (HRC2) option selected, then the driver may scroll through wail, yelp and phaser tones by tapping the vehicles horn for "hands-free" control when the siren selector is in the Standby position. Pressing and holding the vehicles horn produces an Air Horn override tone without changing the basic tone selection.
Q: What is Siren Cutout?
A: Also referred to as the Park Kill function, the Siren Cutout input is connected to the driver's side door switch and turns off any siren tone when the door is opened. The siren tone remains off even when the door is closed and will not resume normal function until a siren switch or input is activated.
Q: What is Instant On?
A: Instant On is a feature that allows the unit to be powered up without using an on/off switch. Selecting any function in normal use operation activates the unit.
Q: What does the Output Indicator do?
A: The Output Indicator is a sensor that lights up when it senses the siren sending out a signal to the speaker(s). This provides a quick and easy diagnostic feature to help pinpoint problems between a siren, speaker(s) and speaker wiring.
Q: What is DIP switch programmability and Face programmability with User Lock-out?
A: DIP switch programmability is an improved method for selecting how a unit will function over traditional jumpers. A DIP switch allows the installer to easily turn on or off select functions to semi-customize the unit for the desired environment. Face programmability with User Lock-out allows the installer to completely customize the unit for their specific needs through a push of the buttons and then they can lockout users from re-programming in the field.
Q: What is Dual Tone?
A: Dual Tone is when a siren produces two tones at the same time. It sounds like two sirens in one. Carson developed and perfected the dual tone technology over 15 years ago with the development of the independent 2-channel amplifier. The SA-441 MagForce is the original dual tone siren.
Q: How does the independent 2-channel amplifier work?
A: The independent 2-channel amplifier is basically two 100-watt amplifiers encased in one unit. When in single tone mode, the two amplifiers work in unison, but they work separately when switched to the dual tone mode.
Q: How do the short circuit, high voltage and reverse polarity protection systems work?
A: These systems are all incorporated into the circuit board to
protect the amplifier from damage. The short circuit protection system
protects the amplifier from a shorted or blown speaker. It senses when
a short occurs in a speaker and blows the fuse to keep the amplifier components
from overloading.
The high voltage protection system protects the speaker from the amplifier
when spikes in input voltage occur. The high voltage sensors detect when
the input level rises above 16 volts and kills the sirens output. The
siren automatically resets when voltage levels drop back down to normal
levels.
The reverse polarity protection system protects the amplifier by blowing
the fuse if the power input connections are improperly connected. For
example, if the positive wire is attached to the negative connector, the
fuse will blow.
Q: What does a single lead connection mean on the remote sirens?
A: This patented design allows for all of the exchange of information between the control head and the amplifier to travel through a single #22 gauge wire. That means that during installation, the installer must only string one wire from the control head, through the vehicle and back to the amplifier rather than stringing as many as 10 wires back through the vehicle to the amplifier.
Q: What does the Master Switch do on the switch box?
A: The Master Switch allows the SB-008 Phantom switch box to function like it had a slide switch. When programming the switch box, you can group different switches together to be controlled by a Master Switch. When the Master Switch is activated, all of the switches in the group are activated like when a slide switch is in the 3rd position. The driver may then de-activate individual switches within the group to back-down the number of lights activated like when moving back to position 1 or 2 on a slide switch.
Q: What common additional options are available?
A: Carson has detachable microphones and 28-volt versions for large vehicle installations available for all siren models. In addition on our remote sirens, we offer amplifier or control head only packages for component replacement and FX extended detachable microphones for remote microphone mounting. Our SC-550 Stealth has a 15' extension cable for the hand-held control head.
Problem: Unit is not coming on.
A: First of all, make sure the power switch or ENABLE input or ON input is connected, that a connector is not loose, and then check for blown fuses including any external fuses or circuit breakers. Next, check for loose wiring connections and make sure that the negative leads are well grounded. Finally, check to see if the speaker(s)are bad.
Problem: The microphone works, but the siren tone is not working.
A: Check to make sure that the microphone push-to-talk button is not stuck in the on position. Next, if your unit is equipped with a Siren Cutout feature, check to see if the polarity option for the cutout feature is correctly selected and then see if the siren works when the feature is disconnected. Finally, check to see if the input voltage is above 16 volts (or 32 volts for 28 volt sirens). If it is, then the input voltage will need to be reduced in order for the high voltage protection system to reset.
Problem: The PA function does not work.
A: Try turning the PA volume control knob to make sure the volume is turned up. Then check to see that the selector is not in the Radio position (PA is not available when Radio is selected).
Problem: Siren tones sound distorted.
A: Check for loose speaker wiring connections. If the Auxiliary Input is connected, check to insure that the feature is wired properly. Lastly, check the vehicle for low voltage. The input voltage must be greater than 9 volts.
Problem: Siren tones are working intermittently.
A: First, check to see if anything might be contacting and activating the PA microphone, then check to see if the connector is securely connected to the unit. Next, check for a loose power supply lead and make sure that any circuit breakers are rated at least 50 Amps. Finally, check to see if the vehicles voltage regulator is malfunctioning and causing the high voltage protection system to trip.
Problem: Air Horn or Manual function staying on.
A: Most likely you have a sticking (Air Horn, Manual/Phaser or Siren) momentary switch. Check to see if they return fully when released. If the Auxiliary Input is connected, make sure it is wired properly and the correct polarity setting is selected.
Problem: Radio function is not working.
A: If you can hear the Radio in the vehicle, adjust the Radio Volume control located either on the face of the unit or on the amplifier clock-wise to increase the volume level. Also, make sure that the Radio function is connected properly to the unit.
Problem: The wrong siren tone comes on.
A: Check the option switch settings on the DIP switch to make sure that the tone selection options and Auxiliary Input options are set correctly for your application. Check to see that switches are wired properly on the SA-361 Defender whether using the Carson switch panel or connecting to existing switches.
Problem: Phaser or Air Horn tone is not working.
A: Check to make sure they have not been disabled on the DIP switch.
Problem: The dual switch is not working on the SA-441 MagForce.
A: The siren will continue to function even when one of the amplifiers is not working. Check the fuses on the amplifier. Then check to see if one of the speakers has been damaged and replace it.
Problem: The SA-441 MagForce amplifier is constantly blowing fuses.
A: This will happen when the amplifier is not wired properly or when the connector is not installed correctly. Check to make sure that Speaker A and Speaker B are not wired together and that the connector is inserted correctly.
Problem: Manual stops immediately.
A: Some units have an option setting for Short Manual. Check the DIP switch settings to change this feature.
Problem: Automatic siren is not working when I throw the lever or slide switch.
A: Check to make sure the selector is not in the Radio setting. Also check to see if the automatic Siren Disable option is selected on the DIP switch or if the lead is cut between the lever switch board and the siren board.
Problem: Automatic siren works in all positions.
A: This may occur when power is not reaching the light control board. Check to see if the indicator lights for the lever switch are functional and do the lights work with the lever switch on.
Problem: Lever or slide switch not working or not working in some positions.
A: When the lever or slide switch is not working at all, check the fuses, make sure power is reaching the light control board and check that the unit is properly grounded. Lastly, look at the internal relay contacts to see if they have gone bad from overloading the output current limit. If the lever or slide switch is not working in some positions, then there is most likely a loose output connection on the lever switch lead.
Problem: Light output stays on.
A: This typically happens when the internal relay contacts fuse together from overheating as a result of the output current exceeding the limit.
Problem: Auxiliary light control switches not working.
A: First check to see if corresponding fuse is blown. If the auxiliary light control switch is a rocker switch, check to see if the output lead is loose.
Q: What does inductive mean?
A: Inductive means that the rotary switch can handle a motor ramping up or the initial load. This load arcs across the switch when turned on and off and will quickly wear out the contacts on a non-inductive switch or even a poorly made inductive switch.
Q: What kinds of switches could your rotary switch replace?
A: Our switches are designed to control 1/4 - 1/2 horsepower motors that need 5 - 10 Amps. These could include heaters, small motors, compressors etc.
Q: What are some products that could use our rotary switch?
A: Our rotary switches have been used for commercial HVAC units, portable heaters and blowers, window AC units, industrial, farm and sports arena fans, commercial building fan controls, floor polishers, dryers and other appliances.
Q: What customizing can be done on the switch?
A: Carson offers many standard options to customize a rotary switch for your particular application including installing either male quick connect terminals or PVC insulated lead wires trimmed to your desired length, plate mounted assembly, winged push-on knob, protective fiber insulator, and individually or bulk packed for shipping. Plus, each switch has a range of positions that can be utilized, 1 or 2 pole options and switches can be combined with the Series S rotary switch.
Q: What are your ordering requirements for the rotary switch?
A: None. Whether you need 1 or 100,000 we will manufacturer and ship them to you bulk packed or individually wrapped. And if you do not have credit established with us, we can accept credit cards for the transaction.
Q: Are there any jobs that are too small for your capabilities?
A: At Carson, we specialize in smaller to medium sized production runs and prototyping.
Q: What kind of design work do you do?
A: We have an Engineering Department to provide electro-mechanical design services. This can range from working on existing product enhancements to turnkey new product development services.
Q: What kind of assembly work do you do?
A: We provide both electronic and mechanical assembly services. Electronic assembly includes sub-assembly with light wire and cabling, prep work by trimming leads and forming parts, automatic and hand soldering and testing, and through-hole board stuffing. Mechanical assembly includes hardware assembly, torque drivers, front panels, displays, cases, covers, hand tools and terminals.
Q: Do you have warehouse space for housing raw and finished goods?
A: At Carson, all raw and finished goods are housed in temperature controlled warehouse space with shelf space and accessible loading docks. We also have a dedicated shipping department that works with UPS, FedEx, and several LTL carriers and can drop-ship product to your customers. In addition, we have a Purchasing Department to source material and a Receiving & Inspection Department to verify that your parts meet expectations for form, fit and function.
Q: Does Carson still manufacture or support an RV Converter line?
A: Unfortunately, Carson no longer manufactures or supports an RV Converter product line.
Q: Who should I contact for questions or technical assistance pertaining to RV Converters?
A: All product and technical assistance questions should be directed to:
BR Wholesale RV & Marine
315 Woolley Drive
Marshall, MI 49068
800-900-2468 toll free
269-781-2040 local
877-478-4444 fax (toll free)
269-781-7546 fax (local)
email: questions@brwholesale.com
web site: www.brwholesale.com
If we didn't answer your question, please fill out our form and a Carson representative will contact you.
5451 North Rural Street Indianapolis, IN 46220-0464 Toll-Free: (888) 577-6877 Fax: (317) 254-2667 Request Information
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