U.S. patent application number 13/478863 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for programmable control for siren and lights.
This patent application is currently assigned to CODE 3, INC.. Invention is credited to John C. Davis, Daniel S. Miller, Roger L. Miller, Daniel S. Pursley.
Application Number | 20120303212 13/478863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47217711 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120303212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Daniel S. ; et
al. |
November 29, 2012 |
PROGRAMMABLE CONTROL FOR SIREN AND LIGHTS
Abstract
A system comprising a power supply, an emergency warning light
and a speaker, in combination with a control head. One or more
processors controls operation of the system in response to received
user input and provides system status for display. Storage media
encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for
execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation
of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns
generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media
is further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by
one or more of the processors for controlling the actuation of the
siren system and for controlling audible sounds generated by the
siren system.
Inventors: |
Miller; Daniel S.; (St.
Louis, MO) ; Miller; Roger L.; (Louisville, KY)
; Pursley; Daniel S.; (St. Peters, MO) ; Davis;
John C.; (Eureka, MO) |
Assignee: |
CODE 3, INC.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
47217711 |
Appl. No.: |
13/478863 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61489581 |
May 24, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 5/001 20130101;
G08B 7/06 20130101; B60Q 1/2611 20130101; B60R 16/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/36 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00 |
Claims
1. A system for controlling the use of an emergency warning light
system and for controlling the use of a siren system in a motorized
vehicle, said system comprising: a user control panel for receiving
user input and for displaying system status; one or more processors
for controlling operation of the system in response to received
user input and for providing system status for display; and storage
media encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for
execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the
actuation of the emergency warning light system and for controlling
light patterns generated by the emergency warning light system; the
storage media further encoded with siren system instructions for
execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the
actuation of the siren system and for controlling audible sounds
generated by the siren system.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising an input/output (I/O)
port for exchanging data with an external computer.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the I/O port comprises a USB port
for providing instructions and/or data for configuring one or more
of the processors to manage power of the system and/or data for
configuring one or more of the processors to manage loads of the
system.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the storage media is further
encoded with operating options instructions that when executed by
one or more of the processors causes the system to receive
operating options data over the I/O port, the operating options
data when interpreted by one of the processors executing the
operating options instructions causes the system so make available
for user selection via the user control panel a subset of available
system operating options, the subset of system operating options
corresponding so the operating options data.
5. The system of claim 2 further comprising tangible computer
readable media encoded with computer executable user-configurable
instructions, said user-configurable instructions executable by the
external computer to provide monitoring instructions to one or more
of the processors via the I/O port, said monitoring instructions
causing the system to monitor a system setting, detect when the
system setting is outside a reference range and provide a warning
indication via the user control panel when the system setting is
outside the reference range.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage media is further
encoded with diagnostic instructions that when executed by one or
more of the processors causes the system to monitor for one or more
system faults from a set of system faults comprising a
configuration failure wherein the system fails to successfully load
preselected configuration data at system power up and wherein in
response to said configuration failure the system implements a
default configuration; a communication failure involving one or
more of the processors wherein in response to said communication
failure the user control panel provides a communication failure
indication; and a power failure wherein in response to said power
failure the user control panel provides a power failure
indication.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage media is further
encoded with load management instructions that when executed by one
or more of the processors causes the system to monitor system input
voltage from a vehicle battery, detect when the system input
voltage is outside a system input voltage reference range and
provide a warning indication via the user control panel when the
system input voltage is outside the system input voltage reference
range.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the system input voltage reference
range is selectable via the user control panel.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein said monitoring instructions
comprise load management instructions that when executed by one or
more of the processors causes the system to monitor system input
voltage from a vehicle battery, detect when the system input
voltage is outside a system input voltage reference range and
provide a warning indication via the user control panel when the
system input voltage is outside the system input voltage reference
range.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the system input voltage
reference range is selectable via the user-configurable
instructions.
11. The system of claim 2 wherein one or more of the processors is
programmed to reset a PTT function after a preset period of time
elapses after a PTT push-button is continuously engaged to activate
the PTT function for providing audio via a speaker to prevent the
PTT function from remaining activated beyond the preset period.
12. The system of claim 2 further comprising at least one of the
following: wherein one or more of the processors is programmed to
implement a configurable power manager function or a configurable
load manager function; wherein one or more of the processors is
programmed to implement monitoring voltages or currents of
components and includes de-energizing a component having a
monitored voltage or a monitored current outside a preset range;
and wherein at least one of the processors is programmed to monitor
a power supply voltage level and recognize dropout voltage groups
selectable by a use and wherein in response to the monitored
voltage level falling below a specified voltage level for a
selected dropout voltage group, the processor is programmed to
cause the selected dropout voltage group to become
de-energized.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the preset range and the
specified voltage level are each selectable by the user via a USB
port connected to one or more of the processors and wherein a delay
period must elapse before a group is de-energized.
14. The system of claim 2 wherein one or more of the processors is
programmed to implement a load manager function and a configurable
delayed shutoff function wherein the load manager when activated
controls the power to other equipment in the vehicle through an
external solenoid and wherein the configurable delayed shutoff
function when activated includes a sleep delay timer such that the
system remains active after the vehicle ignition is turned off for
the duration of the sleep delay timer.
15. A system for controlling the use of an emergency warning light
and for controlling the use of a siren in a motorized vehicle, said
system comprising: a user control panel for receiving user input
and for displaying system status; one or more processors for
controlling operation of the system in response to received user
input and for providing system status for display; and storage
media encoded with system instructions for execution by one or more
of the processors for controlling the actuation of and the pattern
provided through the emergency warning light and for controlling
the actuation of and the audible sounds generated by the siren;
wherein one or more of the processors is programmed to reset a PTT
function after a preset period of time elapses after a PTT
push-button is continuously engaged to activate the PTT function
for providing audio via a speaker to prevent the PTT function from
remaining activated beyond the preset period.
16. A system for controlling the use of an emergency warning light
and for controlling the use of a siren in a motorized vehicle, said
system comprising: a user control panel for receiving user input
and for displaying system status; one or more processors for
controlling operation of the system in response to received user
input and for providing system status for display; and storage
media encoded with system instructions for execution by one or more
of the processors for controlling the actuation of and the pattern
provided through the emergency warning light and for controlling
the actuation of and the audible sounds generated by the siren;
wherein at least one of the following: one or more of the
processors is programmed to implement a configurable power manager
function or a configurable load manager function; one or more of
the processors is programmed to monitor voltages or currents of
components and includes de-energizing a component having a
monitored voltage or a monitored current outside a preset range;
and one or more of the processors is programmed to monitor a power
supply voltage level and recognize dropout voltage groups
selectable by a user and wherein in response so the monitored
voltage level falling below a specified voltage level for a
selected dropout voltage group, the processor is programmed to
cause the selected dropout voltage group to become
de-energized.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the preset range and the
specified voltage level are each selectable by a user via a USB
port connected to one or more of the processors and wherein a delay
period must elapse before a group is de-energized.
18. A system for controlling the use of an emergency warning light
and for controlling the use of a siren in a motorized vehicle, said
system comprising: a user control panel for receiving user input
and for displaying system status; one or more processors for
controlling operation of the system in response to received user
input and for providing system status for display; and storage
media encoded with system instructions for execution by one or more
of the processors for controlling the actuation of and the pattern
provided through the emergency warning light and for controlling
the actuation of and the audible sounds generated by the siren;
wherein one or more of the processors is programmed to implement a
load manager function and a configurable delayed shutoff function
wherein the load manager when activated controls the power to other
equipment in the vehicle through an external solenoid and wherein
the configurable delayed shutoff function when activated includes a
sleep delay timer such that the system remains active after the
vehicle ignition is turned off for the duration of the sleep delay
timer.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The technology described in this patent document generally
relates to a system for controlling sirens and warning lights in a
motorized vehicle and, in particular, to a programmable control
system for a siren and warning lights in a motorized vehicle.
SUMMARY
[0002] Systems and methods are described herein for controlling a
siren and warning light, system in a motorized vehicle. In one
example, a system is provided for use with a power supply of a
vehicle, an emergency warning light and a speaker. The system
includes an amplifier module, a light module and a control module.
The amplifier module has an input, receiving power from the power
supply and has outputs for selectively energizing the emergency
warning light and for selectively energizing the speaker. The
amplifier module has an amplifier module processor controlling the
outputs of amplifier module. The amplifier module processor has a
communications port. The light module has an input receiving power
from the power supply and has outputs for controlling the emergency
warning light. The light module has a light module processor
communicating the amplifier module and controlling the outputs of
the light module. The light module processor has a communications
port. A communications link connects the amplifier module
communications port to the light module communications port. The
control head connected to the amplifier module processor controls
the amplifier module and controls the light module processor via
the amplifier module processor and via the communications link.
[0003] In another example, a method is provided for use with a
power supply, an emergency warning light and a speaker. The example
method comprises: [0004] providing an amplifier module having an
input receiving power from the power supply and having outputs for
selectively energizing the emergency warning light and for
selectively energizing the speaker, the amplifier module having an
amplifier module processor controlling the outputs of amplifier
module, the amplifier module processor having a communications
port; [0005] providing a light module having an input receiving
power from the power supply and having outputs for controlling the
emergency warning light, the light module having a light module
processor communicating with the amplifier module and controlling
the outputs of the light module, the light module processor having
a communications port; [0006] providing a communications link
connecting the amplifier module communications port to the light
module communications port; and [0007] controlling the amplifier
module and controlling the light module processor via the amplifier
module processor and via the communications link.
[0008] In another example, provided is a system for controlling the
use of an emergency warning light system and for controlling the
use of a siren system in a motorized vehicle. A user control panel
receives user input and displays system status. One or more
processors control operation of the system in response to received
user input and provide system status for display. Storage media
encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for
execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation
of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns
generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media
further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by one
or more of the processors controls the actuation of the siren
system and controls audible sounds generated by the siren
system.
[0009] In another example, a system is provided for controlling the
use of an emergency warning light and for controlling the use of a
siren in a motorized vehicle. A user control panel receives user
input and displays system status. One or more processors controls
operation of the system in response to received user input and
provides system status for display. Storage media encoded with
system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors
controls the actuation of and the pattern provided through the
emergency warning light and controls the actuation of and the
audible sounds generated by the siren. Alternatively or in
addition, the system may have one or more of the following: [0010]
wherein when a push-to-talk (PTT) function is activated for
providing audio via a speaker, one or more of the processors resets
the PTT function after a preset period of being activated so that
the reset returns the system to its previous condition even though
the PTT function continues to be active thereby avoiding a system
operation in which the PTT function is activated beyond the preset
period; [0011] one or more of the processors is programmed to
implement a configurable power manager function or a configurable
load, manager function; [0012] one or more of the processors is
programmed to implement monitoring voltages or currents of
components and includes de-energizing a component having a
monitored voltage or a monitored current outside a preset range;
[0013] one or more of the processors as programmed to implement
monitoring current or voltage of the power supply and includes
dropout voltage groups wherein a user selects one or more groups of
outputs of the system to de-energize when the power supply levels
fail below a specified voltage level for each selected group;
and/or [0014] wherein one or more of the processors implements a
load manager function and a configurable delayed shutoff function
wherein the load manager when configured controls the power to
other equipment in the vehicle through an external solenoid and
wherein the configurable delayed shutoff function when configured
includes a sleep delay timer such that the system remains active
after the vehicle ignition is turned off for the duration of the
sleep delay timer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND APPENDICES
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of another example system for
controlling the actuation of a warning light system and siren in a
motorized vehicle.
[0016] FIGS. 1A-1D are example screen shots of the control panel
for configuring an example amplifier module.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the display of an example
control head, lined for color. The toggle switch and the left
section of the faceplate of the control head are lined for the
color red, the center section of the faceplate of the control head
is lined for blue, and the upper right section of the faceplate of
the control head is lined, for yellow (e.g., amber).
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example system for
controlling warning lights and a siren.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example amplifier
module.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example microprocessor
sub-module for the example amplifier module.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example light module.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example control head
module.
[0023] APPENDIX 1 illustrates FUNCTIONS CONTROLLED BY AMPLIFIER
MODULE processor of an example system.
[0024] APPENDIX 2 illustrates FUNCTIONS CONTROLLED BY CONTROL HEAD
MODULE PROCESSOR of an example system.
[0025] APPENDIX 3 illustrates FUNCTIONS CONTROLLED BY LIGHT MODULE
PROCESSOR of an example system.
[0026] APPENDIX 4 illustrates Siren System Platform Z3.TM. Siren
System Technical Specification of an example system.
[0027] APPENDIX 5 illustrates a Hardware Installation and Operation
Manual of an example system.
[0028] APPENDIX 6 illustrates a Hardware Quick Install Manual of an
example system.
[0029] APPENDIX 7 illustrates a Quick Start Software Configuration
Setup Manual of an example system.
[0030] APPENDIX 8 illustrates a Software User Manual of an example
system.
[0031] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIGS. 1A-1D are example screen shots of displays presented
by software for configuring an amplifier module. Many parameters of
the example system may be specified by the user, some of which have
limited ranges, minimums and/or maximums. Example settings and
their purpose are discussed below and within the Appendices.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system 100 for
controlling the actuation of a warning light system 102 and siren
system 104 in a motorized vehicle such as an emergency vehicle. The
example system 100 includes a control panel 106, one or more
processors 103, storage media 110, and an input/output (I/O) port
112, such as a USB or other port. The control panel 106 may be used
to receive user input, for example is push buttons, switches,
touchpad, etc., and may be used to display system status.
[0034] The processor(s) 103 execute programming instructions stored
on storage media 110 to control the operation of the system, such
as the actuation of the warning light system and the light patters
generated by the warning light system, in response to received user
input and to provide system status for display by the control panel
106. The processor(s) 108 also execute other programming
instructions stored on storage media 110 to control other
operations of the system, such as executing programming
instructions for controlling the actuation of the siren system and
for controlling audible sounds generated by the siren system.
[0035] The I/O port 112 may be used by an external computer 114 to
pass instructions or data to the processor (s) 108 and/or storage
media 110 that may be stored in the storage media 110. Data and/or
instructions passed by the external computer 114 may be used by the
processor (s) 108 to configure the system 100. The instructions may
include monitoring instructions for detecting a system setting
which is outside a reference range, above a maximum and/or below a
minimum. Among other features, the monitoring instructions may
control the system and/or provide a warning to the user when a
system setting is outside the reference range. For example, FIG. 1A
illustrates a screen 120 which allows a user to select the load
management settings, such as under-voltage and over-voltage
thresholds, among other setting discussed herein. FIG. 1B
illustrates a screen 140 which allows a user to select the siren
lock settings, among other setting discussed herein. FIG. 1C
illustrates a screen 160 which allows a user so select the
California Title 13 settings (CA T 13), among other setting
discussed herein. FIG. 15 illustrates a screen 180 which allows a
user to select function settings for a 3-level toggle switch 182
(see also 202 of FIG. 2), among other setting discussed herein.
[0036] The storage media 110 may also be encoded with operating
options instructions that when executed by one or more of the
processors 108 causes the system 100 to receive operating options
data over the I/O port 112. The operating options data, when
interpreted by one of the processors 108 executing the operating
options instructions, causes the system to make available for user
selection via the user control panel 106 (e.g., a control head
module 700) a subset of available system operating options. The
subset of system operating options corresponds to the operating
options data.
[0037] Tangible computer readable media 116 encoded with computer
executable user-configurable instructions may also be provided for
use with the external computer. The user-configurable instructions
when executed by the external computer 114 may allow the external
computer to provide monitoring instructions to the processor (s)
via the I/O port 112. The monitoring instructions may cause the
system 100 to monitor a system setting, to detect when the system
setting is outside a reference range and/or to provide a warning
indication via the user control panel 106 when the system setting
is outside the reference range.
[0038] The storage media 110 may also be encoded with load
management instructions. When the load management instructions are
executed by the processor(s), the system 100 monitors system input
voltage from a vehicle battery, detects when the system input
voltage is outside a system input voltage reference range and/or
provides a warning indication via the user control panel 106 when
the system input voltage is outside the system input voltage
reference range.
[0039] FIG. 2 is an example control head 200, lined for color. In
this example, a toggle switch 202 and a left section 204 of a
faceplate of the control head 200 are red to indicate to the user
that the control buttons and toggle switch located in the left
portion of the control head control a siren. The left section 202
is lined for the color red. A center section 206 of the faceplate
of the control head 200 is blue to indicate to the user that the
control buttons located in the center section 206 of the control
head control the auxiliary buttons which control a light bar and/or
other devices on the vehicle. The center section 206 is lined for
the color blue. A right section 203 of the faceplate of the control
head 200 is lined for amber (e.g., yellow) to indicate to the user
that the control buttons located in the right portion of the
control head control the traffic directing equipment. The right
section 208 is lined for the color amber (yellow). A backlight
control button for controlling dimming of a backlight for the
control head 200 may also be positioned with the right section 208.
It activates the DIM output on the control head. This DIM output
would be connected to the light source for the control head, or
other lighting equipment that has a DIM input control. This allows
the user to place the backlighting of the control head 200 and/or
other lighting equipment into a DIM mode of operation.
[0040] Thus, the example control head includes three control groups
presented to an operator: a first control group for selectively
controlling siren operation, a second control group for selectively
controlling auxiliary operations, such as the emergency warning
lights of a vehicle, and a third control group for selectively
controlling a traffic directing light and/or emergency warning
lights. The first control group includes the red toggle switch 202
and other switches having the faceplate 204 colored red. The second
control group includes the switches having the faceplate 206
colored blue. The third control group has switches having the
faceplate 208 colored amber (yellow).
[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another example system for
controlling the actuation of a warning light system and siren
system in a motorized vehicle such as an emergency vehicle. In
general, FIG. 3 illustrates the primary connections between the
modules of the example system: an amplifier module 400 primarily
for driving siren speakers, a light board module 600 for primarily
driving an emergency warning light or an auxiliary device and a
control head module 700 for controlling the operation of the siren
and other connected devices (e.g., via a CAT 5 cable 306). Both the
amplifier module 400 and light bar module 600 receive power via
cable connections to a battery (not shown), such as a vehicle
battery. The light bar module 600 may have a dual cable connection
to the battery so that three higher gauge cables instead of two
lower gauge cables can handle the current needs for driving the
light bar. An internal communication cable 308 interconnects
processors of the modules 400, 600 to facilitate an I.sup.2C I/O
(input/output) communication link between the modules 400, 600 and
to facilitate communication with the control head module, which may
connected to the amplifier processor 400 via a CAT-5 SAE J1708
communications cable 310.
[0042] Alternatively or in addition, some or all of the
communication link between components may be direct wired or
wireless, such as Wi-Fi. In one example, each module has a
processor. In another example, a single processor may be used so
that a communication link between the modules and/or processors is
not needed. In yet another example, one or more processors control
operation of the system in response to received user input and
provide system status for display. The processors may be
independent of each other so that a communications link between
processors is not needed. In general, a link or cable 308 between
storage media encoded with system instructions for execution by one
or more of the processors controls the actuation of and the pattern
provided through the emergency warning light and controls the
actuation of and the audible sounds generated by the siren. For
convenience, the following description of FIGS. 4-7 includes the
example wherein each module has a processor. The examples shown in
FIGS. 4-7 may be modified to include one or more processors. Also,
FIGS. 4-7 show one example implementation of the various functions,
inputs and outputs of the modules and the processors. Other example
implementations may provide for any one or more of the processors
to provide any one or more of the functions illustrated and any one
or more of the processors may have any one or more of the inputs
and/or outputs instead of or in addition to the other processors.
Also, the example system of FIG. 1 may perform any one or more of
the functions illustrated with regard to FIGS. 4-7 and may have any
one or more of the inputs and/or outputs illustrated in FIGS.
4-7.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of some of the various inputs and
outputs of an example amplifier module 400. The module 400 is
connected to a vehicle battery 401 for other battery) via a voltage
regulator 402 and also via a circuit 404 for sensing current
(and/or voltage) supplied by the battery 401 to a speaker driver
circuit 406 driving one or more speakers 407. An ignition input
port 408 monitors the on/off condition of the vehicle ignition. A
software timer 410 in the amplifier processor (see 502 in FIG. 5)
is referred to as a sleep timer. This sleep timer may be configured
using the siren configuration software. In one example, it may be
set for instant off or for a 10 minute, 20 minute, 30 minute, one
hour, two hour, or four hour delay. This delay is started when the
processor 502 detects that the vehicle ignition is turned off
through the ignition input 408. The sleep timer maintains power to
the amplifier, the control head and the light board until the delay
expires.
[0044] A park switch input 412 monitors the status of the vehicle
park switch. An additional remote switch I/O port 414 may be to
connect to an independent control switch such as a foot switch (not
shown). The amplifier module 400 is programmed to execute a
particular mode when receiving the appropriate signal via the
remote switch input port 414. For example, when the foot switch is
activated while the amplifier is generating one of the primary
tones, the amplifier would execute a particular mode, such as
change the amplifier tone from the primary tone to an override tone
for approximately 7 to 8 seconds. It may also activate an
InterClear output based on the configuration settings. As used
herein, Interclear is a user-actuated timed-circuit option that
initially changes the tones of the siren and the pattern of the
light signals as the vehicle approaches an intersection, and then
returns the siren to normal operation after a pre-set interval.
[0045] A horn ring I/O 416 monitors the status of a horn ring
switch (not shown). The amplifier module 400 is programmed to
execute a particular mode when receiving the appropriate signal via
the horn ring I/O 416. For example, when the horn ring is activated
while the amplifier is generating one of the primary tones, the
amplifier would execute a particular mode, such as change the
amplifier tone from the primary tone to an override tone for
approximately 7 to 8 seconds. It may also activate the InterClear
output based on the configuration settings. An InterClear output
418 connects to an InterClear circuit which connects to the device
or circuit that activate an InterClear Feature. The operation
during the InterClear mode is preprogrammed by the user. InterClear
may be activated in different ways. For example, if the siren is
operating one of the three primary tones (wail, yelp, alt tone) and
the horn ring is configured for Hit-n-Go, the InterClear feature
turns on when the vehicle horn ring is pressed and remains on for
approximately 7 to 8 seconds. The siren also generates one of the
secondary tones as configured. In one embodiment, a manual button
can also turn on the InterClear output while it is pressed. The
InterClear output can also be configured to operate as the LoadMGR
output. This feature disables the normal InterClear function and
utilizes the same circuitry to provide a positive signal. This
signal may be connected to a use supplied solenoid or relay to
power other equipment with the vehicle. The LoadMGR continues to
supply this output until the input voltage to the amplifier drops
below a configurable level or until the ignition is turned off and
the sleep timer expires.
[0046] In one example implementation, the InterClear circuit is
internally current limited to one (1) amp. If an application
requires higher currents, a power booster may be used. Also shown
in FIG. 4 are the inputs 419, 420 from the microphone which are
connected via the control head 700, including a radio re-broadcast
(RRB) and/or microphone signal conditioning circuit 422. There is
also a microphone controlled switch 424 which is connected to a
digital potentiometer 426 and an amplifier circuit 428 to control
volume. The digital potentiometer 426 is controlled by via the
I.sup.2C port 434 to adjust the volume during PTT/PA
(push-to-talk/public address) and RRB (radio re-broadcast)
operation. During PTT/PA and RRB operation, an operator may adjust
the volume setting and the adjusted setting is stored in memory.
Thus, the amplifier microprocessor sub-module 500 (e.g.,
microprocessor 502) stores in memory the previous digital volume
control setting during each of PTT/PA and RRB operation and sets
the potentiometer 426 at the previous setting the next time PTT/PA
or RRB operation is actuated by the operator. Also part of the
related connections are a circuit 430 controlling a DC bias of the
audio circuit and a voice input 432 (audio power is indicated as
V.sub.AP).
[0047] The module 400 includes several I/O ports 434 for
communication including an I.sup.2C port for communicating with the
light board module 600, an SAE J1708 port for communicating with
the control head 700 and a programming port for communication with
a USB post of a computer having software for programming the
processor 502 of the amplifier module 400.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example microprocessor
sub-module for the amplifier module 400. In this example, the
microprocessor 502 for the amplifies module 400 is a PIC
16F887-E/PT processor although other processors may be used.
Input/output (I/O) ports 504 include one or more of the following:
[0049] FET EN--to enable/disable siren output FETs 528 to the siren
speakers; [0050] HORN RELAY--to enable/disable the vehicle horn;
[0051] INTERCLEAR--to control InterClear feature output; [0052] RRS
EN--to enable/disable the RRB audio signal from going through the
controlled switch 424; [0053] PTT EN--to enable/disable the PA
audio signal from going through the controlled switch 424; [0054]
HOLD ON--to hold power to the amplifier, the light board and the
control head until the vehicle ignition is off and the sleep timer
has expired; [0055] POWER EN--to switch siren speaker output from
full to reduced power out; [0056] REMOTE--to monitor an external
remote switch; [0057] PARK KILL--to monitor the park switch; and
[0058] HORN RING--to monitor the status of the horn ring
switch.
[0059] An ICSP port 506 is an in-circuit serial programming port
for programming the microprocessor 502. The microprocessor is
connected to an overvoltage circuit 508 for monitoring the applied
voltage and selectively shutting down components or a system when
the voltage exceeds a preprogrammed maximum, e.g. 15 volts. An
external clock 510 may be connected to the microprocessor 502. An
I.sup.2C I/O port 512 is connected to and communicates with a light
board module processor 602. In order to prevent overheating, port
514 monitors temperature sensors positioned adjacent MOSFETs 528
driving the siren speakers 407. Communications port 518 is
connected to a USB communication interface such as an MCP2200 for
connecting to a USB port of an external computer (e.g., laptop or
desktop) to program the processor 502 which controls the amplifier
module 400. Port 520 connects to the control head 700 via an SAE
J1708 circuit such as a D536277 transceiver. Digital and analog
tones to the siren speakers are provided by either an analog tone
timer circuit 524 controlled by and responsive to the
microprocessor 502, or by a digital tone signal 522 generated by
the microprocessor 502, via a flip-flop 526 and a MOSFET circuit
523 driving the speaker (s).
[0060] Input/Outputs to/from the microprocessor 502 include an
I.sup.2C data port for communicating with a light module processor
602, a SIREN EN port for enabling the short circuit current sense
circuit to allow for tone generation by the siren, a PTT port for
monitoring the push-to-talk switch on the microphone, a I.sup.2C
CLOCK port for generating the clock pulses for I.sup.2C
communications, a VOX port for monitoring voice, a RESET port that
may be connected to around for resetting the microprocessor 502 to
factory default configuration, an ALARM port for sensing a user
supplied monitor (such as a canine temperature sensor), and/or an
IGNITION port for monitoring when the ignition is on or off).
[0061] In one example implementation, the system includes computer
executable diagnostic instructions stored on a tangible computer
readable media and executable by the amplifier module processor 502
for detecting one or more of the following system faults: [0062] A
configuration failure in which amplifier module 400 fails to
successfully load configuration data at power up wherein in
response to the configuration failure, the control head lights
blink and a piezo buzzer sounds to visually and audibly signal an
operator; [0063] A communication failure in which the control head
and amplifier module 400 are unable to establish data
communications therebetween, wherein in response to the
communication failure the control head signals the operator (e.g.,
visually and/or audibly) until communication is established; and
[0064] A blown fuse or no output voltage wherein in response to the
blown fuse or no output voltage the control head signals the
operator (e.g., audibly or via a flashing light).
[0065] In one example implementation, the amplifier module
processor 502 implements programmable multiple siren tone sets
responsive to activation of the following on the control head:
[0066] A WAIL push-button so that the microprocessor 502 generates
a wail tone via speakers 407 when the WAIL push-button is pressed;
[0067] A YELP push-button so that the microprocessor 502 generates
a yelp tone via speakers 407 when the YELP push-button is pressed;
[0068] A ALT TONE push-button so that the microprocessor 502
generates the Hi-Lo tone via speakers 407 when the ALT TONE
push-button is pressed; and [0069] A MANUAL push-button so that the
microprocessor 502 generates a MANUAL wail tone via speakers 407
when the MANUAL push-button is pressed.
[0070] Usually, a PTT push-button is pressed on a microphone to
activate the PTT function. In one example implementation, the
amplifier module processor 502 resets the PTT function after a
preset period (e.g., 30 seconds) of being held so that the reset
returns to its previous condition even though the PTT push-button
is still being held in the on position. This avoids the situation
where the PTT push-button is "stuck" in the ON position for
extended periods, such as beyond the preset period.
[0071] In one example implementation, computer executable
instructions for providing a digital volume control are implemented
by the amplifier module processor 502 including separate and
independent volume control for radio re-broadcast (RRB) and public
address (PA) transmissions of audio provided by a microphone
connected to the control head. The microphone has a PTT
(press-to-talk) push-button which is also responsive to a volume
adjustment mode for digitally adjusting the potentiometer 426 to
adjust the volume.
[0072] Optionally, the amplifier module processor 502 may execute
computer instructions broadcasting two-way radio reception over the
siren speakers 407 when a two-way radio is connected to an
auxiliary port of the amplifier module 400.
[0073] In FIG. 5, the other inputs and outputs to the amplifier
module 400 which are illustrated in FIG. 4 are directly or
indirectly via circuits connected to the processor 502. These
inputs and outputs are represented by I/O ports 532.
[0074] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example light module 600. In
this example, the microprocessor 602 for an emergency warning
light, such as a light bar, may be any processor having serial and
parallel ports, such as a PIC 16F887-E/PT processor. The
microprocessor 602 interfaces with power stabilization circuitry
604 for controlling the voltage applied to the light bar. A light
bar parallel communication port 606 connects to a centrally
controlled light bar (i.e., an emergency warning light), to control
the light bar. An Arrowstik.RTM. traffic directing light
communication parallel port 698 controls the traffic directing
device. An ICSP port 610 permits in circuit serial programming
(ICSP). An external clock 612 is connected to the processor 602. An
I.sup.2C I/O port 613 is connected to and communicates with the
amplifier processor via port 512. A CC Arrowstik connector 614 is
for operating centrally controlled. Arrowstik.RTM. light products.
An IC 616 is connected to the processor 602 to control the
auxiliary circuits E-H 618, 619. Also, solid state relays 620
connect to the processor to control the level 1-3 connector circuit
624 and the auxiliary circuits AD 622. Ports 626, 628 also monitor
the auxiliary A-F fuses and the level 1-3 fuses, respectively.
[0075] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example control head module.
In this example, the microprocessor 702 for the control head may be
a PIC 16F887-E/PT processor. The microprocessor 702 interfaces with
a backlighting circuit 704 to dim the LED lighting for the flash,
left, center, right, manual and air horn push buttons on the
control head (FIGS. 1A-1D, 2). A control head communication
connector 706 connects to the SAE port of the amplifier
microprocessor 502 via an SAE circuit 724 and to the PA microphone
via connector 708. A connector 710 provides a programming input to
the processor 702, which also connects level 1-3 switch circuit 712
(e.g., the red toggle switch) and the push buttons for manual siren
and air horn operation 714. An Arrowstik simulator circuit 716 on
the face of the control head is driven by the processor 702 to
indicate that the traffic directing signal is illuminating a move
right pattern, a move left pattern, a move left or right pattern or
a flash pattern. Three LEDs indicating the position of the toggle
switch and thus the level of operation are connected at 718. The
button controls for the Arrowstik.RTM. light are connected at 720.
An internal audio device (e.g., piezo buzzer or speaker) for the
control head (e.g., to beep or sound alarms) is connected at 722.
The push buttons for auxiliary A-H, dim, wail, yelp and alternative
tone on the face of the control head 700 are connected at 726.
[0076] Optionally, the control head processor 702 may include a
configurable light alert function in which an audible signal is
generated on a periodic basis when any lighting is activated
including auxiliary and traffic directing lighting.
[0077] In one example implementation, at least one of the
processors is programmed to implement a configurable power manager
function or a configurable load, manager function. For example, at
least one of the processors is programmed to implement monitoring
voltages or currents of components and includes de-energizing a
component having a monitored voltage or a monitored current outside
a preset range. As another example, at least one of the processors
is programmed so implement monitoring current or voltage of the
power supply and includes dropout voltage groups wherein a user
selects one or more groups of outputs of she system to de-energize
when the power supply levels fall below a specified voltage level
for each selected group. In one embodiment, the preset range and/or
the specified voltage level are each configurable by the user via a
USB port connected to one of the processors. Alternatively or in
addition, a delay may be specified before a group is dropped
out.
[0078] In one example implementation, at least one of the
processors implements a user configurable input voltage monitoring
and dropout function in which an input voltage from the power
supply is monitored and one or more operations are disabled when
the input voltage is outside a user configurable range.
[0079] In one example implementation, at least one of the
processors includes a lock function selectable at configuration
such that a remote input, activates the lock function allowing only
allow siren tones to be generated via the speakers when a signal
(positive or negative as set in configuration) is applied to the
remote input. This function meets certain requirements of the
European Union.
[0080] In one example implementation, at least one of the
processors includes a user configurable function which when
activated by the use disables speaker Alt Tone functions and
disables speaker Air Horn functions when any tone or light is
active. This function meets certain requirements of California
Title 13.
[0081] In one example implementation, at least one of the
processors implements a load manager function and/or a configurable
delayed shutoff function wherein the load manager when configured
controls the power to other equipment in the vehicle through an
external solenoid. The configurable delayed shutoff function when
configured includes a sleep delay timer such that the system
remains active after the vehicle ignition is turned off for the
duration of the sleep delay timer.
[0082] The load manages function and/or the delayed shutoff
function control the power supplied to other loads in the vehicle
such that the power to these other loads are turned off when the
use turns off the vehicle ignition and/or the voltage of the
battery for the vehicle has dropped below a predetermined voltage
level.
[0083] For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable
program components, such as the operating system, are illustrated
herein as discrete blocks. It is recognized, however, that such
programs and components reside at various times in different
storage components of the computer, and are executed by the data
processor (s) of the computer.
[0084] Although described in connection with an exemplary computing
system environment, example implementations are operational with
numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. The computing system environment is
not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or
functionality of any aspect of the invention. Moreover, the
computing system environment should not be interpreted as having
any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of
components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.
Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or
configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the
invention include, but are not limited so, personal computers,
server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable
consumer electronics, mobile telephones, network PCs,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed, computing
environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and
the like.
[0085] The example implementations may be described in the general
context of data and/or computer-executable instructions, such as
program modules, stored one or more tangible computer storage media
and executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally,
program modules include, but are not limited to, routines,
programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Example implementations may also be practiced in distributed
computing environments where tasks are performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications
network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules
may be located in both local and remote computer storage media
including memory storage devices.
[0086] In operation, computers and/or servers may execute the
computer-executable instructions such as those illustrated herein
to implement aspects of the invention.
[0087] Examples may be implemented with computer-executable
instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be organized
into one or more computer-executable components or modules on a
tangible computer readable storage medium. Examples may be
implemented with any number and organization of such components or
modules. For example, Example implementations are not limited to
she specific computer-executable instructions or the specific
components or modules illustrated in she figures and described
herein. Other example implementations may include different
computer-executable instructions or components having more or less
functionality than illustrated and described herein.
[0088] The order of execution or performance of the operations in
examples illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless
otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in
any order, unless otherwise specified, and example implementations
may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed
herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or
performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with,
or after another operation is within the scope of the example
implementations.
[0089] When introducing elements of example implementations, the
articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that
there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean
that there may be additional elements other than the listed
elements.
[0090] Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described
may be required. In addition, some example implementations may
include additional components. Variations in the arrangement and
type or the components may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional,
different or fewer components may be provided and components may be
combined. Alternatively or in addition, a component may be
implemented by several components.
[0091] The above description illustrates the invention by way of
example and not by way of limitation. This description enables one
skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes
several example implementations, adaptations, variations,
alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently
believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
example implementations and of being practiced or carried out in
various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0092] Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will
be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without
departing from the scope of aspects of the invention as defined in
the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above
constructions, products, and methods without departing from the
scope of aspects of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
APPENDIX 1
Functions Controlled by Amplifier Module Processor
[0093] 1. Receive data from Control Head via CAT5 cable. [0094] 2.
Transmit data to Control Head via CAT5 cable. [0095] 3. Receive
data from Light Board Head via internal cable. [0096] 4. Transmit
data to Light Board via internal cable. [0097] 5. Receive
configuration data from computer via USB connector. [0098] 6.
Transmit configuration data to computer via USB connector. [0099]
7. Store all configuration settings for system in EEPROM, [0100] 8.
Store Control Head Backlight Intensity in EEPROM. [0101] 9. Monitor
DC Input voltage from vehicle. [0102] 10. Shut down Siren Tones if
voltage above 15 VDC. [0103] 11. Shut down multiple outputs based
on Load Manager configuration settings. [0104] 12. Monitor Vehicle
Ignition to turn on and off the system. [0105] 13. Run Sleep Timer
based on configuration settings. [0106] 14. Turn on or off
LightAlert. [0107] 15. Generate all siren tones (Wail, Yelp,
Hyper-Yelp 1, Hyper-Yelp 2, Hi-Lo 1, Hi-Lo 2, Hyper Hi-Lo 1, Hyper
Hi-Lo 2, Air Horn 1, Air Horn 2, Manual Wail, Whoop, Alarm). [0108]
16. Monitor PTT switch for PA. [0109] 17. Turn on or off VOX for PA
and RRB. [0110] 18. Turn on and off Audio circuits for running PA
and RRB. [0111] 19. Store PTT/PA and RRB volume settings in EEPROM.
[0112] 20. Set PTT/PA and REP volume based on settings using by
controlling a digital pot. [0113] 21. Turn on or off Current Sense
for siren output short circuit protection. [0114] 22. Determine
Auxiliary Button operation based on configuration settings (Toggle
On/Off, Momentary, 8 s Delay, RRB, Hands-Free). [0115] 23.
Determine 3-Level Switch operation based on configuration settings
(Progressive, Independent, Semi-Progressive, User Defined). [0116]
24. Determine ArrowStik Button operation based on configuration
settings. [0117] 25. Set Conventional ArrowStik Flash Patterns and
Flash Rates based on configuration settings. [0118] 26. Monitor
Alarm Input and sound Alarm when active. [0119] 27. Monitor Park
Kill input and control Siren Tones, 3-Level Switch and Auxiliary
Buttons based on configuration settings. [0120] 28. Monitor Remote
input and respond to signal based on configuration settings. [0121]
29. Monitor Horn Ring input and respond to signal based on
configuration settings. [0122] 30. Control Horn Ring Transfer
Relay. [0123] 31. Monitor PET temperature using separate
Temperature sense devices during PA and RRB modes. [0124] 32. Shut
down PA and RRB if temperature is too high. [0125] 33. Monitor
Master Reset input and reset system to factory default
configuration.
APPENDIX 2
Functions Controlled by Control Head Module Processor
[0125] [0126] 1. Monitor 3-Level Switch position. [0127] 2. Monitor
all Auxiliary Buttons to determine if operator presses a button.
[0128] 3. Monitor all ArrowStik Buttons to determine if operator
presses a button. [0129] 4. Monitor DIM Button to determine if
operator presses button. [0130] 5. Monitor Wail, Yelp and Alt Tone
Buttons to determine if operator presses a button. [0131] 6.
Monitor Manual and Air Horn Buttons to determine if operator
presses a button. [0132] 7. Transmit data to Amplifier via CAT5
cable. [0133] 8. Receive data from Amplifier via CAT5 cable. [0134]
9. Set Backlight Intensity based on settings stored in Amplifier
processor. [0135] 10. Adjust Backlight Intensity and transmit value
to Amplifier processor. [0136] 11. Adjust PTT/PA volume and
transmit value to Amplifier processor. [0137] 12. Adjust RRB volume
and transmit value to Amplifier processor. [0138] 13. Generate
Flash Pattern and Flash Rate for ArrowStik indicator LEDs based on
data received, from Amplifier processor. [0139] 14. Control
Auxiliary Button active LEDs based on data received from Amplifier
processor. [0140] 15. Control Wail, Yelp and Alt Tone Button active
LEDs based on data received from Amplifier processor. [0141] 16.
Control DIM Button active LED based on data received from Amplifier
processor. [0142] 17. Control 3-Level Switch LEDs based on data
received from Amplifier processor. [0143] 13. Dim Arrowstik.RTM.
light and 3-Level Switch LEDs when Dim mode is active. [0144] 19.
Generate LightAlert beep when LightAlert is active. [0145] 20. Set
LightAlert beep rate. [0146] 21. Generate Key Click beep whenever
any button is pressed. [0147] 22. Blink 3-Level. LED indicators
based on fuse data received from Amplifier processor. [0148] 23.
Blink Auxiliary LED indicators based on fuse data received from
Amplifier processor. [0149] 24. Blink Level 3 LED indicator based
on Park Kill data received from Amplifier processor.
APPENDIX 3
Functions Controlled by Light Module Processor
[0149] [0150] 1. Receive data from Amplifier via internal cable.
[0151] 2. Transmit data to Amplifier via internal cable. [0152] 3.
Turn on and off Level 1, Level 2, Level 3A and Level 3B outputs
based on data received from Amplifier processor. [0153] 4. Turn on
and of all Auxiliary (a thru H) outputs based on data received from
Amplifier processor. [0154] 5. Set Auxiliary G and H polarity
(either can be a positive or negative output) based on data
received from Amplifier processor. [0155] 6. Turn on and off Left,
Right, Center and Flash outputs for controlling a central
controlled Arrowstik.RTM. light. [0156] 7. Turn on and off Dim
output. [0157] 8. Generate Flash Pattern and Flash Rate for
conventional Arrowstik.RTM. light outputs. [0158] 9. Turn on and
off conventional Arrowstik.RTM. light outputs. [0159] 10. Transmit
RLS protocol data to Code 3.RTM. Serial Lightbar (PX2700CC and
Defender.RTM. Serial Lightbars). [0160] 11. Monitor Level 1, Level
2, Level 3A and Level 3B output fuses. [0161] 12. Transmit Level 1,
Level 2, Level 3A and Level 3B fuse state to Amplifier processor.
[0162] 13. Monitor Auxiliary A thru F output fuses. [0163] 14.
Transmit Auxiliary A thru F fuse state to Amplifier processor.
APPENDIX 4
Z3 Technical Specification
Design and Feature Description
[0163] [0164] The siren control head has improved spill resistance.
[0165] The siren employs quick connect/disconnect technology to
allow faster removal from vehicle. [0166] The siren provides
convenient, easy access to the user-replaceable fuses. [0167] The
control head provides warning indication of blown fuses [0168] The
siren has the ability to connect to the existing serial light bar
through an interface/data cable. [0169] The siren has the ability
to operate centrally-controlled light, bars, as well as a Code
3.RTM. Arrowstik.RTM. lights. [0170] The design platform uses flash
programming for configuration where appropriate and/or feasible
(instead of DIP switches or straps). [0171] The siren can be
configured by computer. The siren connects to the computer by USB
cable. 12V must be applied to the siren during computer
configuration. [0172] The siren operating modes is configurable via
software that runs on all versions of Microsoft Windows XP (Service
Pack 3) through Windows 7 operating systems. [0173] The siren
configuration software provides "active acknowledgement" warnings
(configuration personnel must click "OK" on warning message) to set
configuration modes chat contradict either established standards or
conventional operation. [0174] The siren control head alerts the
user of system faults by piezo buzzer beeps and/or LED flashes. The
faults which can be indicated are [0175] Configuration Failure
(siren fails to successfully load configuration data at power up).
Control head beeps and flashes all LEDs 5 times and then starts
normal operation with Factory Default configuration. [0176]
Communication Failure (control head and siren amplifier are unable
to establish data communications). Control Head beeps and flashes
all LEDs every 2 seconds until communication is established. [0177]
Blown fuse or no output voltage for Levels 1, 2, 3A or 3B. 3-Level
LEDs blinks rapidly to indicate that function is active, but no
output voltage is being supplied. [0178] Blown fuse or no output
voltage for Auxiliary outputs A through F. Auxiliary LEDs blinks
rapidly to indicate that function is active, but no output voltage
is being supplied. [0179] The siren provides extensive Load
Management functionality as described below [0180] The siren's
under-voltage and over-voltage fault response is configurable as
follows: [0181] The siren allows for 3 distinct function groups
(Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3). [0182] Each group's under-voltage
fault threshold voltage can be individually set within the range of
10V to 12V in steps of 0.25V. [0183] The functions to be contained
in each group are selectable at configuration. The function choices
are:
TABLE-US-00001 [0183] Level 1 Auxiliary A Auxiliary E Level 2
Auxiliary B Auxiliary F Level 3A Auxiliary C Auxiliary G Level 3B
Auxiliary D Auxiliary H ArrowStik controls (selectable as a group)
LoadMGR (disables InterClear)
[0184] Once selected, function assignments to group are unique. In
other words, a function cannot be assigned simultaneously to more
than one group. [0185] When the siren supply voltage drops: below a
group's threshold voltage and stays for a preset amount of time
(configurable between 1 to 5 minutes in 1 minute increments), the
functions contained in that group cannot be activated. [0186] The
group's functions are disabled until power is cycled no the
Ignition input (the system must be turned off and then turned back
on again in order to reset the disabled functions). [0187] LoadMGR
uses the InterClear output when configured (disables InterClear
feature) and can be used to control the power to other equipment in
the vehicle through a customer provided high current solenoid. The
LoadMGR also works with the Sleep Timer and remains active after
the ignition is turned off for the duration of the Sleep Timer.
[0188] The siren tones auto-shutdown (no functionality) when
over-voltage condition (15V or greater) is sensed. Normal operation
resumes when the over-voltage condition is no longer sensed. [0189]
The siren has the capability to force a reset to default
configuration. To minimize accidental activation, this capability
is not be easily accessible. [0190] The siren control head buttons'
brightness is controlled by the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys. [0191]
The siren is compatible with + or - switched vehicles for Park-Kill
and Horn Ring inputs. [0192] The siren provides a "stuck
microphone" disable feature when in PA mode for greater than 30
seconds. [0193] The siren has a configurable Park Kill
functionality. [0194] The design provides horn-ring and horn-ring
scroll feature with scroll on/off. [0195] The 3-Level switch output
has L1, L2, L3A and L3B outputs. The user can configure which L3
output (if any) drops out with Park Kill. [0196] Each of the 8
auxiliary out of the siren is rated as follows: A-D 4-5 A, E-H 4-10
A; 50 A total. [0197] Each of the L1, L2 and L3 outputs is rated
for 15 A, 50 A total. [0198] The siren is designed for multiple
tone sets, selectable during configuration. [0199] The siren
provides the standard basic tones and patterns (wail, yelp, hi-lo,
air horn) as per applicable standards. Users will have to make
special efforts to configure the product to perform in a
non-standards compliant, manner. [0200] The siren is designed to
accept an optional second amplifier to provide simultaneous dual
tones (including low frequency signal). Therefore, simultaneous
dual tone output require separate speakers for each amplifier (1 or
2 speakers per amplifier). [0201] The siren has an EU Lock feature
selectable at configuration. When selected the Remote input is used
for this feature and all other functions of the Remote input is
disabled. The EU Lock will only allow siren tones to be generated
when a signal (positive or negative as set in configuration) is
applied to the Remote input. [0202] Each Level switch setting
(Level 1, Level 2, Level 3) can be configured as follows: [0203]
Disabled [0204] Siren activated [0205] Horn Ring Transfer activated
[0206] ArrowStik switches activated (LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT, FLASH)
[0207] Auxiliary switches activated (AUX A, AUX B, AUX C, AUX D,
AUX E, AUX F, AUX G, AUX H) [0208] The WAIL and YELP switches can
select from the following override tone choices: [0209] Yelp
(software issues warning if primary and override tones are set to
be identical). [0210] Wail (software issues warning if primary and
override tones are set to be identical). [0211] Hyper-Yelp 1 [0212]
Hyper Yelp 2 [0213] Hi-LO 1 [0214] Hi-Lo 2 [0215] Hyper-Lo 1 [0216]
Hyper-Lo 2 [0217] Air Horn 1 [0218] Air Horn 2 [0219] The ALT TONE
switch can be configured as follows (disabled automatically when CA
T13 mode selected): [0220] Wail [0221] Yelp [0222] Hyper-Yelp 1
[0223] Hyper-Yelp 2 [0224] Hi-Lo 1 [0225] Hi-Lo 2 [0226] Hyper-Lo 1
[0227] Hyper-Lo 2 [0228] Air Horn 1 [0229] Air Horn 2 [0230]
Override Tone choice (software issues warning if primary and
override tones are set to be identical). [0231] Wail [0232] Yelp
[0233] Hyper-Yelp 1 [0234] Hyper-Yelp 2 [0235] Hi-Lo 1 [0236] Hi-Lo
2 [0237] Hyper-Lo 1 [0238] Hyper-Lo 2 [0239] Air Horn 1 [0240] Air
Horn 2 [0241] The MANUAL switch can be configured as follows:
[0242] Enabled [0243] Siren Active: [0244] None [0245] Hit & Go
[0246] Scroll [0247] Manual Wail [0248] Whoop [0249] Siren Inactive
[0250] None [0251] Manual Wail [0252] NOTE: When MANUAL button is
configured to Siren Inactive/Manual Wail mode, the following light
switch control settings are available when the MANUAL button is
pressed: [0253] None--NOTE: The configuration software provides a
warning when this setting is selected since it is not usually
desired to have siren without warning lights. [0254] Level 1 and/or
Level 2 and/or Level 3A and/or Level 3B [0255] Auxiliary A and/or
Auxiliary B and/or Auxiliary C and/or Auxiliary D and/or Auxiliary
E and/or Auxiliary F and/or Auxiliary G and/or Auxiliary H [0256]
Whoop [0257] NOTE: When MANUAL button is configured to Siren
Inactive/Whoop mode, the following light switch control settings
are available when the MANUAL button is pressed: [0258] None--NOTE:
The configuration software provides a warning when this setting is
selected since it is not usually desired to have siren without
warning lights. [0259] Level 1 and/or Level 2 and/or Level 3 [0260]
Auxiliary A and/or Auxiliary B and/or Auxiliary C and/or Auxiliary
D and/or Auxiliary E and/or Auxiliary F and/or Auxiliary G and/or
Auxiliary H [0261] Hands-Free Scroll [0262] None [0263] Scroll
[0264] Manual Wail [0265] Whoop [0266] None--NOTE: The
configuration software provides a warning when this setting is
selected since it is not usually desired to have siren without
warning lights. [0267] Level 1 and/or Level 2 and/or Level 3 [0268]
Auxiliary A and/or Auxiliary B and/or Auxiliary C and/or Auxiliary
D and/or Auxiliary E and/or Auxiliary F and/or Auxiliary G and/or
Auxiliary H [0269] The AIR HORN switch can be configured as follows
(disabled [siren active mode] when CA T13 mode is selected): [0270]
Enabled: [0271] Always Enabled [0272] Disabled when Siren active
[0273] Always Disabled [0274] Air Horn 1 [0275] Air Horn 2 [0276]
The Auxiliary A through F switches (center top six buttons) can be
configured as follows: [0277] Function [0278] Toggle (On/Off)
[0279] Momentary [0280] 8 Seconds Delay [0281] Radio Rebroadcast
[0282] Hands-Free Scroll [0283] Disabled [0284] Activate Auxiliary
Switches: chose A through H [0285] The Auxiliary G through H
switches (center bottom two buttons) can be configured as follows:
[0286] Select Polarity (+12V or Ground) [0287] Function [0288]
Toggle (On/Off) [0289] Momentary [0290] 8 Seconds Delay [0291]
Radio Rebroadcast [0292] Hands-Free Scroll [0293] Disabled [0294]
Activate Auxiliary Switches: chose A through H [0295] The LEFT,
CENTER, and RIGHT ArrowStik control switches can be configured as
follows: [0296] Disabled [0297] Pattern: Chose either Building,
Building 3 Flash, Traveling Ball 3 Flash, Build/Collapse [0298]
Rate: Chose either Slow, Medium, Fast [0299] The FLASH switch can
be configured as follows [0300] Disabled [0301] Pattern: Chose
either Standard, Simultaneous, Even/Odd, Left/Right, Traveling Ball
[0302] Rate: Chose either Single Flash 75 FPM, Single Flash 110
FPM, Single Flash 220 FPM, Quad Flash
[0303] In addition, the following configurable features are
provided: [0304] 3-Level Switch Configurations [0305] Progressive
[0306] Level 1--Level 1 Output [0307] Level 2--Level 1 & Level
2 Outputs [0308] Level 3--Level 1, Level 2, Level 3A & Level 3B
Outputs [0309] Independent [0310] Level 1--Level 1 Output [0311]
Level 2--Level 2 Output [0312] Level 3A & Level 3B Outputs
[0313] Semi-Progressive [0314] Level 1--Level 1 Output [0315] Level
2--Level 2 Output [0316] Level 3--Level 1, Level 2, Level 3A &
Level 3B Outputs [0317] User Defined Configurations: [0318] Level 2
Configuration: [0319] Level 2 Output [0320] Level 1 & Level 2
Outputs [0321] Level 3 Configuration: [0322] Level 3 Output [0323]
Level 1, Level 3A & Level 3B Outputs [0324] Level 2, Level 3A
& Level 3B Outputs [0325] Level 1, Level 2, Level 3A &
Level 3B Outputs [0326] Non CC ArrowStik Configurations (Applies to
all ArrowStik Switches): [0327] None [0328] 5 Head [0329] End Flash
Enable [0330] 6 Head [0331] End Flash Enable [0332] 8 Head [NOTE:
End Flash Not Available) [0333] Enable PWM Dimming [0334] Horn Ring
[0335] Enable [0336] Enable with Horn Ring Transfer [0337] Always
Enabled [0338] Polarity [0339] Negative Activation [0340] Positive
Activation [0341] Siren Active [0342] Hit & Go [0343] Scroll
[0344] Scroll On/Off [0345] Manual Wail [0346] Whoop [0347] Air
Horn 1 [0348] Air Horn 2 [0349] Siren inactive [0350] None [0351]
Manual Wail [0352] Whoop [0353] Air Horn 1 [0354] Air Horn 2
[0355] Note: The Horn Ring always controls the Hands-Free Scroll
when the feature is activated. [0356] Park Kill [0357] Polarity
[0358] Negative Activation [0359] Positive Activation [0360] Siren
Control [0361] Siren Stand By [0362] Level 3 Switch Control [0363]
Level 3A Stand By [0364] Level 3B Stand By [0365] Auxiliary Switch
Control [0366] Auxiliary A No Impact [0367] Auxiliary A Off [0368]
Auxiliary A Off while transmission in Park [0369] Auxiliary B No
Impact [0370] Auxiliary B Off [0371] Auxiliary B Off while
transmission in Park [0372] Auxiliary C No Impact [0373] Auxiliary
C Off [0374] Auxiliary C Off while transmission in Park [0375]
Auxiliary D No Impact [0376] Auxiliary D Off [0377] Auxiliary D Off
while transmission in Park [0378] Auxiliary E No Impact [0379]
Auxiliary E Off [0380] Auxiliary E Off while transmission in Park
[0381] Auxiliary F No impact [0382] Auxiliary F Off [0383]
Auxiliary F Off while transmission in Park [0384] Auxiliary G No
impact [0385] Auxiliary G Off [0386] Auxiliary G Off while
transmission in Park [0387] Auxiliary H No Impact [0388] Auxiliary
H Off [0389] Auxiliary H Off while transmission in Park [0390]
LightAlert [0391] 3-Level Switch Enable/Disable [0392] Auxiliary
Switches Enable/Disable [0393] ArrowStik Switches Enable/Disable
[0394] Sleep Mode Time Out [0395] Instant [0396] 10 minutes [0397]
20 minutes [0398] 30 Minutes [0399] CA T13 (Automatically disables
Alt Tone and Disables the Air Horn if any Tone or Light is active.)
[0400] Enable/Disable [0401] Remote In [0402] Enable [0403] Enable
with Horn Ring Transfer [0404] Always Enabled [0405] Polarity
[0406] Negative Activation [0407] Positive Activation [0408] Siren
Active [0409] Hit & Go [0410] Scroll [0411] Scroll On/Off
[0412] Manual Wail [0413] Whoop [0414] Air Horn 1 [0415] Air Horn 2
[0416] Siren inactive [0417] None [0418] Manual Wail [0419] Whoop
[0420] Air Horn 1 [0421] Air Horn 2 [0422] Hands-Free Scroll [0423]
None [0424] Scroll--On--Hold Off [0425] Manual Wail [0426] Whoop
[0427] Air Horn 1 [0428] Air Horn 2 [0429] EU Lock [0430] Enable
(disables Siren Active, Siren Inactive and Hands-Free features of
Remote)
Operating Conditions:
[0431] Operating Voltage: 10-15 VDC (negative ground)
Operating Current:
[0432] .about.8 A when delivering 100 W into 11 Ohm load (13.6 VDC)
[0433] .about.18 A when delivering 200 W into 5.5 Ohm load (13.6
VDC) Standby Current: <10 mA with backlighting Amplifier
Performance: 3 dB bandwidth 500 Hz to 3 KHz (minimum) relative to 1
KHz Total Harmonic Distortion <10% (below clipping)
* * * * *