Carson SA-500-20 User Manual
SA-500-20 Installation and Operating Instructions Page 7 of 8
CP4874B 05/07/05
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)
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 the internal fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and
replace the fuse. If the OUTPUT light comes on (dim lighting to see) with power on and Yelp
selected it is OK. Check the speaker(s) or leads for possible shorting.
times there may appear to be a problem with the unit when the true problem is in the speaker(s)
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 the internal fuse will blow before the unit is damaged. Disconnect the SPKR leads and
replace the fuse. If the OUTPUT light comes on (dim lighting to see) with power on and Yelp
selected it is OK. Check the speaker(s) or leads for possible shorting.
PROBLEMS
PARTS
The following parts are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
The following parts are available from Carson Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
Symptom
Possible Cause
Check
No power or siren
output
output
Power switch not turned on
Bad speaker(s)
Connector loose
Internal fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
Bad speaker(s)
Connector loose
Internal fuse blown
Loose connection at power source
Does backlighting come on?
Do you hear a "pop" when turned on?
Is the OUTPUT light on front panel coming on in Yelp?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
Do you hear a "pop" when turned on?
Is the OUTPUT light on front panel coming on in Yelp?
Is an external fuse or circuit breaker used?
Are the negative leads connected to a good ground?
No siren tone -
PA works
PA works
High Voltage Protection
Mic button stuck
Cutout activated
Cutout Polarity Option set wrong
Mic button stuck
Cutout activated
Cutout Polarity Option set wrong
Input voltage must be less than highest rated voltage.
Does mic button release properly?
Does the siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?
Is the CUT_P option properly configured?
Does mic button release properly?
Does the siren work when Cutout input is disconnected?
Is the CUT_P option properly configured?
No PA
PA volume not set properly
Selector in Radio position
Selector in Radio position
Have you tried turning the PA volume control?
PA is not available in the Radio position
PA is not available in the Radio position
Distorted siren
sound
sound
Speaker assembly loose
Intermittent Aux Input connection
Low vehicle voltage
Intermittent Aux Input connection
Low vehicle voltage
Is the speaker bell or tip loose?
Is the Auxiliary Input used and wired properly?
Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Is the Auxiliary Input used and wired properly?
Input voltage must be greater than lowest rated voltage.
Intermittent siren
tone
tone
High Voltage Protection
Connector loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
Circuit breaker in supply connection
Connector loose
Bad power connection
Mic button activation
Circuit breaker in supply connection
Is the vehicle voltage regulator working properly?
Is the connector tight on the back of the unit?
Is there a loose connection on a power lead?
Is something lying on the microphone?
Is a circuit breaker used with at least a 50A rating?
Is the connector tight on the back of the unit?
Is there a loose connection on a power lead?
Is something lying on the microphone?
Is a circuit breaker used with at least a 50A rating?
Horn function
or
Manual or Phaser
stuck on
or
Manual or Phaser
stuck on
Horn switch stuck
Man/Phsr switch stuck
Aux Input improperly connected
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong
Man/Phsr switch stuck
Aux Input improperly connected
Aux Input Polarity Option set wrong
Does the horn switch return fully when released?
Does the Man/Phsr switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the AUX_P option properly configured?
Does the Man/Phsr switch return fully when released?
Is the Aux Input used and wired properly?
Is the AUX_P option properly configured?
No Radio
Unit not connected to radio
Radio volume too low
Radio volume too low
Is the radio connected properly to the unit?
Can you here the radio in the vehicle?
Have you tried turning the RAD volume control?
Can you here the radio in the vehicle?
Have you tried turning the RAD volume control?
Wrong siren tone Two-Tone option installed
Aux Input set to wrong function
Yelp Override option installed
Yelp Override option installed
Is the T-T option selected?
Is the AUX_I option configured properly?
Is the YLP_O option selected?
Is the AUX_I option configured properly?
Is the YLP_O option selected?
Phaser not work-
ing
ing
Phaser disabled
Is the P_I option selected?
Horn not working Horn disabled
Is the H_I option selected?
Part
Description
CP3966
Bolt, mounting, 1/4-20 X 3/8” (2 required)
CP3571
Bracket, mounting
CP4688-10
Connector, 10-pin Terminal Block Plug
CP4680-1
Cover (not including chassis)
ATO/ATC 20A
Fuse, 20 Amp Automotive
CP4852
Knob, selector switch
CP4750
Microphone, Noise Canceling w/Connector
CP3633
Microphone Bracket with mounting Screws
SR-15-1
Microphone Strain Relief
CP4119
Transistor, output (2 required) (Industry standard TIP36C, Not Texas Instruments)
ED1558
Hardware Kit (Connector, bolts, microphone bracket with screws)
CP4874
Instruction Manual