®

ENGINEERING COMPANY INC.

51 Winthrop Road Installation Guide:
Chester, Connecticut 06412-0684 Howler™ Siren Amplifier
Phone: (860) 526-9504
Internet: www.whelen.com
Sales e-mail: autosale@whelen.com
Customer Service e-mail: custserv@whelen.com

DANGER! Sirens produce extremely loud emergency warning tones! Exposure to these tones without proper and adequate hearing protection, could
cause ear damage and/or hearing loss! The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (www.osha.gov) provides information necessary to determine
safe exposure times in Occupational Noise Exposure Section 1910.95. Until you have determined the safe exposure times for your specific application,
operators and anyone else in the immediate vicinity should be required to wear an approved hearing protection device. Failure to follow this
recommendation could cause hearing loss!
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
Automotive: Sirens/Switches

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 Lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and 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).
ACTIVATION OF THIS
• 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
SIREN MAY DAMAGE
driving condition. UNPROTECTED EARS!
• It is recommended that these instructions be stored in a safe place and referred to when
performing maintenance and/or reinstallation of this product.
CAUTION
Loud siren noise can cause
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT Wear
hearing damage and/or loss.
Refer to OSHA Section 1910.95 prior
IN DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT OR VEHICLE AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR Protection! to putting ANY siren into service!
PASSENGERS!

©2008 Whelen Engineering Company Inc. For warranty information regarding this product, visit www.whelen.com/warranty
Form No.14168D (112315)
Page 1
 IMPORTANT! READ THESE WARNINGS BEFORE CONTINUING!
The Howler™ Supplemental Siren was designed for use in high-risk areas such as an intersection. It is not intended to be, nor should be
operated as, a replacement or alternative to the vehicle’s primary siren.

The low-frequency tones of the Howler demonstrate significantly different audio characteristics as compared to those of a traditional higher-
frequency siren. While the low-frequency tones are better able to penetrate other vehicles, thus alerting drivers to the presence of the
responding emergency vehicle, these tones may also penetrate into the responding vehicle itself. This could potentially expose the operator to
increased noise levels.

To help eliminate overexposure, the Howler siren has been designed with a built-in timing circuit. The Occupational Safety & Health
Administration (OSHA) (www.osha.gov) provides information necessary to determine safe exposure times in Noise and Hearing Conservation,
Section 1910.95 (Occupational Noise Exposure). Until you have determined the safe exposure times for your specific application, this siren
should be configured for the minimum operating time and operators should be required to use an approved hearing protection device.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS RECOMMENDATION COULD CAUSE HEARING LOSS!

Mounting: Cancellation Switch

1. Locate a suitable mounting 1. Extend the GRN wire to the Cancellation Switch.
location. The vertical wall between 2. Connect the GRN wire to one side of this switch. The other side of
k
the trunk and the passenger Trun this switch must be connected to Chassis Ground.
compartment is often a good Wall
or
choice and is the method #10 X 3/4"
described in this manual. PPHSMS 1. Extend the WHT/GRN wire to the Cancellation Switch.
2. Be sure that the remote amplifier 2. Connect the WHT/GRN wire to one side of this switch. Extend a wire
fits properly and does not interfere from the other side of this switch and splice it onto the RED/WHT
with any parts of the trunk lid or wire.
seat back. Speakers:
3. Position the remote amplifier onto 1. Extend the ORANGE, YELLOW and BROWN wires along the factory
the mounting location. Using an wiring harness towards your speakers.
awl or other suitable tool, scribe
2. Connect the YELLOW wire to the POSITIVE (+) terminal on speaker
the mounting surface where the
#1. Connect the ORANGE wire to the POSITIVE (+) terminal on
mounting holes are to be drilled.
speakers #2.
CAUTION! Mounting the siren will require drilling. It is absolutely
3. Connect the BROWN wire to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal on both
necessary to make sure that no other vehicle components could be
speakers.
damaged while drilling. If any vehicle component could suffer any
potential harm, select a different mounting location. Primary Siren Input:
4. Carefully drill the mounting holes using a #16 drill bit. 1. Extend the WHT/ORG and WHT/YEL wires to the vehicle’s primary
siren speaker.
5. Using the supplied #10 x 3/4” sheet metal screws, secure the remote
amplifier to the vertical trunk wall. 2. Splice the WHT/ORG wire onto the positive terminal of the primary
siren speaker.
Wiring: 3. Splice the WHT/YEL wire onto the negative terminal of the primary
Power: siren speaker.
WARNING! All customer supplied wires that connect to the positive
terminal of the battery must be sized to supply at least 125% of the Alternate Activation Switch
maximum operating current and FUSED at the battery to carry that load. Primary
3 BLUE Siren
DO NOT USE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH THIS PRODUCT!
7 WHT/BRN
1. Using appropriately sized wire, extend the two (2) RED wires along 8 N/C
Activation Switch
Primary
the factory wiring harness to the POSITIVE +12VDC battery terminal.
Howler Siren Amplifier

Speaker
9 WHT/ORG
2. Connect the RED wires to one end of a user supplied fuse block. 10 WHT/YEL
Do not connect this fuse block to the battery yet. (Alternate Cancellation Switch)
3. Using appropriately sized wire, extend the two (2) BLACK wires 11 WHT/GRN
along the factory wiring harness to the NEGATIVE battery terminal. 12 GRN
Cancellation Switch
Control Switches: 13 N/C
14 RED/WHT
Install two Normally Open Momentary Switches in an area that can be
Speaker Speaker
Howler Howler

5 ORG - Speaker #1
safely accessed by the operator. One switch will serve as the Activation
Siren Siren

Switch. The other will serve as the Cancellation Switch. Refer to the Air 4 BRN

Bag Warning on page 1 before extending any wires into the interior 6 YEL - Speaker #2
of the vehicle!
Activation Switch 1 BLK - Ground
2 BLK - Ground
1. Positive Activation: Extend the WHT/BRN and RED/WHT wires to 20 AMP
FUSE
15 RED - (+12 VDC)
the Activation Switch (See wiring diagram).
16 RED - (+12 VDC) BATTERY CHASSIS
2. Connect the WHT/BRN wire to one side of the Activation Switch GROUND
switch and the RED/WHT wire to the other side of this switch.
3. Negative Activation: Extend the BLUE wire to the activation switch
and connect the other side to ground (See wiring diagram).
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Configuring the Howler™: Configuring Tone Duration
There are two important operational IMPORTANT! The Howler siren system is to be used for brief periods
characteristics of the Howler that can be of supplemental use only. Continuous, prolonged use of a low
16-Position
configured; Tone Style and Tone Input Connector frequency siren could expose the operator to unsafe noise levels. If
Duration. The Scan-Lock™ button is the Howler continues to broadcast tones for a length of time that
used to place the Howler in configuration Fuse exceeds the configured duration, manually turn the Howler off and
mode, as well as to select the desired Scan-Lock™
contact Whelen customer support.
style. The following section will outline how to select the desired Tone Duration.
Fr
The Scan-Lock button is located as on
tV 1. Disconnect the Primary Siren Input wires (WHT/ORG & WHT/YEL)
iew
shown and can be activated with a pen or from the primary siren speaker.
similar object. 2. Press and hold the Activation Switch.
REAR VIEW of Amplifier Three LEDs, located on the rear 3. Using the Scan-Lock button, cycle through the eight different Tone
of the Howler amplifier, provide a Duration times. The currently selected time can be identified by the
visual indication of the currently LED indicators. Refer to Table 2 for LED display information.
1 2 3 LED selected style during the
Indicators
configuration process. Table 2: Tone Duration
The configuration procedure used to configure Tone Style is different from LED 1 LED 2 LED 3 TONE DURATION
the one used to configure Tone Duration. The procedure for each Off Off Off 7.5 Seconds (default)
On Off Off 15 Seconds
operational characteristic is outlined below.
Off On Off 22.5 Seconds
Configuring Tone Style On On Off 30 Seconds
The Howler siren system is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the Off Off On 37.5 Seconds
vehicles siren system. This is achieved due to the Howler's ability to On Off On 45 Seconds
Off On On 52.5 Seconds
match the higher frequency tonal signatures of the primary siren with the
On On On 60 Seconds
penetrating characteristics of low frequency tones. The Howler can do this
in one of four styles: 4. When the desired Tone Duration has been selected, release the
• It can generate tones that are 1/4 of the frequency of the primary siren Activation Switch to exit the configuration mode.
tone (the default style). 5. Reconnect the Primary Siren Input wires to the primary siren
speaker.
• It can generate tones that are 1/2 of the frequency of the primary siren
tone (recommended if Hi/Low is the primary siren tone). Restoring Factory Defaults

• It can generate tones that are a combination of 1/4 and 1/2 of the 1. Disconnect the Primary Siren Input wires (WHT/ORG & WHT/YEL)
frequency of the primary siren tone. from the primary siren speaker.
2. Press and hold the Scan-Lock button. Now press and release the
• It can generate tones that are the primary siren tone divided by 4-1/2.
Activation Switch.
This section will outline how to select the desired tone style. 3. Continue to hold the Scan-Lock button until all three LED indicators
1. Disconnect the primary siren input wires (WHT/ORG & WHT/YEL) are flashing.
from the primary siren speaker. 4. Release the Scan-Lock button. Now press and release the
2. Press and hold the Scan-Lock button. Now press and release the Activation Switch to exit the configuration mode.
Activation Switch.
Siren Operation:
3. Immediately release the Scan-Lock button. The Howler is now in
Reminder! As stated previously, the Howler is designed to operate as a
Configuration Mode.
supplement to the primary siren. To this end, the Howler will not operate
Table 1: Tone Style unless the primary siren is actively generating a siren tone.
LED 1 LED 2 LED 3 TONE STYLE
To activate the Howler™ siren, press the Activation Switch while the
On Off Off 1/4 primary siren tone frequency (default)
Off On Off 1/2 primary siren tone frequency primary siren is generating a tone. The Howler will match the primary siren
On On Off 1/4 & 1/2 primary siren tone frequency according to the Tone Style configuration settings. Once activated, the
Off Off On Primary siren tone frequency divided by 4-1/2 Howler will produce tones for a period of time determined by the Tone
Duration configuration settings. When that duration has been reached, the
4. Using the Scan-Lock button, cycle through the three different tone Howler will automatically stop.
styles. The currently selected style can be identified by the LED
indicators. Refer to Table 1 for LED display information. To cancel the Howler siren before the Tone Duration time period is
5. When the desired Tone Style has been selected, press and release completed, press the activation switch a second time or press the
the Activation Switch to exit the configuration mode. cancellation button.

6. Reconnect the Primary Siren Input wires to the primary siren

speaker.

Page 3