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©2013 Whelen Engineering Company Inc.
Form No.14654A (142913)
Automotive: Beacons
Installation Guide:
R416 ROTA-BEAM™
Super-LED™ Rotating Beacon
For warranty information regarding this product, visit www.whelen.com/warranty
Warnings to Installers
Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices must be properly mounted and wired in order to be effective and safe. Read and follow all of Whelen’s written
instructions when installing or using this device. Emergency vehicles are often operated under high speed stressful conditions which must be accounted for
when installing all emergency warning devices. Controls should be placed within convenient reach of the operator so that they can operate the system without
taking their eyes off the roadway. Emergency warning devices can require high electrical voltages and/or currents. Properly protect and use caution around
live electrical connections.Grounding or shorting of electrical connections can cause high current arcing, which can cause personal injury and/or vehicle
damage, including fire. Many electronic devices used in emergency vehicles can create or be affected by electromagnetic interference. Therefore, after
installation of any electronic device it is necessary to test all electronic equipment simultaneously to insure that they operate free of interference from other
components within the vehicle. Never power emergency warning equipment from the same circuit or share the same grounding circuit with radio
communication equipment. All devices should be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and securely fastened to vehicle elements of
sufficient strength to withstand the forces applied to the device. Driver and/or passenger air bags (SRS) will affect the way equipment should be mounted. This
device should be mounted by permanent installation and within the zones specified by the vehicle manufacturer, if any. Any device mounted in the deployment
area of an air bag will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag and may damage or dislodge the device. Installer must be sure that this device, its
mounting hardware and electrical supply wiring does not interfere with the air bag or the SRS wiring or sensors. Mounting the unit inside the vehicle by a
method other than permanent installation is not recommended as unit may become dislodged during swerving; sudden braking or collision. Failure to follow
instructions can result in personal injury. Whelen assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this warning device. PROPER INSTALLATION
COMBINED WITH OPERATOR TRAINING IN THE PROPER USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.
Warnings to Users
Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices are intended to alert other operators and pedestrians to the presence and operation of emergency vehicles and
personnel. However, the use of this or any other Whelen emergency warning device does not guarantee that you will have the right-of-way or that other
drivers and pedestrians will properly heed an emergency warning signal. Never assume you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to proceed safely
before entering an intersection, driving against traffic, responding at a high rate of speed, or walking on or around traffic lanes. Emergency vehicle warning
devices should be tested on a daily basis to ensure that they operate properly. When in actual use, the operator must ensure that both visual and audible
warnings are not blocked by vehicle components (i.e.: open trunks or compartment doors), people, vehicles, or other obstructions. It is the user’s responsibility
to understand and obey all laws regarding emergency warning devices. The user should be familiar with all applicable laws and regulations prior to the use of
any emergency vehicle warning device. Whelen’s audible warning devices are designed to project sound in a forward direction away from the vehicle
occupants. However, because sustained periodic exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, all audible warning devices should be installed and
operated in accordance with the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
Safety First
This document provides all the necessary information to allow your Whelen product to be properly and safely installed. Before beginning the installation and/or
operation of your new product, the installation technician and operator must read this manual completely. Important information is contained herein that could
prevent serious injury or damage.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Methylene Chloride which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and
Bisphenol A, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
• Proper installation of this product requires the installer to have a good understanding of automotive electronics, systems and procedures.
• Whelen Engineering requires the use of waterproof butt splices and/or connectors if that connector could be exposed to moisture.
• Any holes, either created or utilized by this product, should be made both air- and watertight using a sealant recommended by your vehicle
manufacturer.
• Failure to use specified installation parts and/or hardware will void the product warranty.
• If mounting this product requires drilling holes, the installer MUST be sure that no vehicle components or other vital parts could be damaged
by the drilling process. Check both sides of the mounting surface before drilling begins. Also de-burr the holes and remove any metal shards
or remnants. Install grommets into all wire passage holes.
• If this manual states that this product may be mounted with suction cups, magnets, tape or Velcro®, clean the mounting surface with a 50/50
mix of isopropyl alcohol and water and dry thoroughly.
• Do not install this product or route any wires in the deployment area of your air bag. Equipment mounted or located in the air bag deployment
area will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag, or become a projectile that could cause serious personal injury or death. Refer to
your vehicle owner’s manual for the air bag deployment area. The User/Installer assumes full responsibility to determine proper mounting
location, based on providing ultimate safety to all passengers inside the vehicle.
• For this product to operate at optimum efficiency, a good electrical connection to chassis ground must be made. The recommended
procedure requires the product ground wire to be connected directly to the NEGATIVE (-) battery post (this does not include products that use
cigar power cords).
• If this product uses a remote device for activation or control, make sure that this device is located in an area that allows both the vehicle and
the device to be operated safely in any driving condition.
• Do not attempt to activate or control this device in a hazardous driving situation.
• This product contains either strobe light(s), halogen light(s), high-intensity LEDs or a combination of these lights. Do not stare directly into
these lights. Momentary blindness and/or eye damage could result.
• Use only soap and water to clean the outer lens. Use of other chemicals could result in premature lens cracking (crazing) and discoloration.
Lenses in this condition have significantly reduced effectiveness and should be replaced immediately. Inspect and operate this product
regularly to confirm its proper operation and mounting condition. Do not use a pressure washer to clean this product.
• It is recommended that these instructions be stored in a safe place and referred to when performing maintenance and/or reinstallation of this
product.
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT OR VEHICLE
AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR PASSENGERS!
51 Winthrop Road
Chester, Connecticut 06412-0684
Phone: (860) 526-9504
Internet: www.whelen.com
Sales e-mail: autosale@whelen.com
Customer Service e-mail: [email protected]
®
ENGINEERING COMPANY INC.
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WHT/VIO
VIOLET
RED
1 AMP
1 AMP
R416L
WIRING
R416L
12 or 24V
BATTERY
ScanLock
Low Power
BLK-12V or
BLK/WHT-24V
Ground
WHT/ORG
Cruise Light
Power
To SYNC wire of other beacon
BLACK or BLK/WHT
WHT/VIO
VIOLET
GREY
WHT/ORG
RED
Connect to Ground terminal
Extend to Positive Voltage - Normally Open Momentary switch
Extend to Positive Voltage - Normally Open Momentary switch
Connect to the GREY wire from another SYNC compatible beacon
Connect to Positive terminal of battery - SP/ST switch
Connect to Positive terminal of BATTERY - SP/ST switch
SYNC
GREY
Fuse @
5 AMPS: 12V
3 AMPS: 24V
Bottom
View
.625.218
4.05
Alternate
Wire Path
Wire
Path
FRONT
This beacon must be mounted in a normal, ‘dome-up’ position.
CAUTION: Permanent mounting of this product will require drilling. It
is absolutely necessary to make sure that no other vehicle
components could be damaged by this process. Check both sides of
the mounting surface before starting. If damage is likely, select a
different mounting location.
Permanent Surface Mount:
1. Use the base as a template and mark the three mounting holes off onto
the mounting surface. Remove the base, and in the center between the
three mounting holes, mark the location of the wire passage hole.
2. Drill the mounting holes into the mounting
surface with a #16 drill bit. Drill the wire
passage hole with a 3/8” drill bit. Remove
any burrs from the wire passage hole and
install a rubber grommet (user supplied)
into the wire hole to protect the wires.
3. The base seal goes between the beacon
base and the mounting surface.
4. Feed the wires through the base seal and
then through the wire passage hole.
Place the base on the mounting surface
and align the beacon mounting holes with
the mounting holes drilled in step 2.
Secure the beacon firmly to the mounting
surface using the supplied #10 mounting
screws.
This beacon may be mounted using “J”
hooks. Be sure to use the correct “J”
hook mounting holes as shown.
Wiring:
WARNING! All customer supplied wires that connect to the positive
terminal of the battery must be sized to supply at least 125% of the
maximum operating current and FUSED
at the battery to carry that
load. DO NOT USE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH THIS PRODUCT!
Temporary Mount (Optional):
WARNING: The use of any magnetically mounted warning device on
the outside of a vehicle in motion is not recommended and is at the
sole risk and responsibility of the user.
Magnetic/suction: Thoroughly
clean the proposed mounting
surface. For suction cup mounting,
wipe the suction cup clean, place
the beacon onto its mounting
surface and apply gentle pressure
to ensure a good seal has been achieved. The Magnetic/Suction Cups
mount the same way but are best suited to a flat, steel surface. Magnetic:
Place the beacon onto the mounting surface and plug it into the vehicle
cigar lighter. Temporary mount models do not offer Low Power or SYNC.
Stud Mount / optional:
1. Remove the base gasket (if present) from the base and discard.
2. Route the wires through the hole in the center of the bracket. If desired,
a slot for an alternate wire path is provided in the base.
3. Secure the Stud Bracket onto the base using the hardware provided.
Drill wire passage and mounting holes using the information shown.
If alternate wire path is used, drill a.375 DIA wire passage hole.
Install a 3/8” grommet (user supplied) into this hole.
1” N.P.T. Pipe Mount / optional:
1. Remove the base gasket (if present) from the
base and discard.
2. Feed beacon wires through pipe. Connect as shown in “Wiring”.
3. Screw the beacon onto the pipe, being careful not to pinch or strain the
wires. Hand tighten the unit onto the pipe.
Operation:
Low Power:
With the RED (power) wire activated, activate the VIOLET wire to put the
beacon into low power operation. Disable this wire to restore normal, high
power operation (toggle switch).
Photocell Low Power:
If this beacon is equipped with photocell Hi-Low, the beacon will
automatically step down to low power at night. This feature is optional.
Scan-Lock™:
Activate the RED wire (or WHT/ORG for cruise mode) to turn on the
beacon.
To cycle forward through patterns, activate the WHT/VIO wire for less
than 1 second and release.
To cycle backward through patterns, activate the WHT/VIO wire for
more than 1 second and release.
To choose a pattern, allow it to run for more than 5 seconds. The beacon
will now display this pattern when active.
To reset to the factory default pattern, turn off power, activate the WHT/
VIO wire, then turn power back on.
Use a normally open momentary switch to control Scan-lock™. Cigar cord
models have a momentary switch on the plug to control Scan-Lock™ as
well as an On/Off switch.
Cruise Light:
NOTE: For the cruise option to function, the RED power wire must
not be activated.
Activate the WHT/ORG wire to turn on the cruise light. There are 4
intensity levels. Cycle through the 4 intensity levels using Scanlock™ as
you would when choosing a flash pattern (See ScanLock™).
SYNC:
NOTE: The cigar cord adaptor
is equipped with an 8 Amp fuse.
Use a replacement fuse with an
identical value.
Switch Functions:
SW1 = ON/OFF
SW2 = Scan-Lock™ / Momentary
(
12 volt model only
)
3/8" DIA. Wire
Access Hole
5
.
9
6
8
D
i
a
m
e
t
e
r
MTG. holes for
#10 screws (3)
120°
FRONT
PERM
MOUNT
"J" HOOK
MOUNT
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All beacons configured to display the Phase 1 mode of a pattern will flash
simultaneously. Any beacons configured to display the Phase 2 mode of
a pattern, will alternate with any Phase 1 beacons of the same pattern.
To sync two beacons, configure both beacons to display the same Phase
1 pattern. With the power off, connect the GREY wires from each beacon
together. When the beacons are activated, their patterns will be
synchronized. To configure the two beacons to alternate their patterns,
advance the pattern of either beacon to the Phase 2 mode of the current
pattern.
The following example will demonstrate how to use SYNC with more than
2 beacons. You have 4 beacons; 2 on the rear (driver), 2 on the rear
(passenger). With all wiring complete, turn on the 4 beacons. As shipped
from the factory, all the beacons will simultaneously display the same
pattern (Rotator 75 CW Phase 1).
For the passenger side to alternate with the driver side, change the
patterns for either side to Phase 2 of the same pattern. Do not SYNC
more than 8 beacons.
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the installation technician to
make sure that the installation and operation of this product will not
interfere with or compromise the operation or efficiency of any
vehicle equipment! Before returning the vehicle to active service,
visually confirm the proper operation of this product, as well as all
vehicle components/equipment.
CAUTION! DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THESE LED’S WHILE THEY ARE ON.
MOMENTARY BLINDNESS AND/OR EYE DAMAGE COULD RESULT!
IMPORTANT WARNING!
REAR
FRONT
S
T
A
R
T
S
H
E
R
E
REAR
FRONT
S
T
A
R
T
S
H
E
R
E
S
T
A
R
T
S
H
E
R
E
REAR
FRONT
REAR
FRONT
S
T
A
R
T
S
H
E
R
E
PHASE 1
Counter
ClockWise
ClockWise
PHASE 1
Counter
ClockWise
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
ClockWise
NOTE: A 12 volt model is shown here. In 24 volt models
sequences will start with 4 LEDs lit instead of 3 as shown
making the patterns appear to flow less smoothly.
1. Rotator 75
2. Rotator 75
3. Rotator 75
4. Rotator 75
5. Rotator 150
6. Rotator 150
7. Rotator 150
8. Rotator 150
clockwise
clockwise
counter-clockwise
counter-clockwise
clockwise
clockwise
counter-clockwise
counter-clockwise
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 1
Phase 2
(Default Pattern)
Flash Patterns:
SYNC PATTERNS