Whelen Engineering Company UPS188C Installation Manual

ENGINEERING COMPANY INC.
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: custserv@whelen.com
WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For
more information, visit www.whelen.com/regulatory.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16 VDC
Input Current: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Amps Max.
Flashrate:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Comet Flashes/Minute.
Joules Per Outlet (High Power): . . . . . . . . 8.0 / 3.5 / 3.5 / 3.5
Joules Per Outlet (Low Power):. . . . . . . . . 2.0 / 2.0 / 2.0 / 2.0
Total Output Power: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Watts Max.
Ambient Temperature: . . . . . . . . . . -30 TO +60 DEGREES C.
INTRODUCTION
Whelen's UPS-188C is the first remote strobe power supply with
complete switching control of all outlets (see pages 2 and 3) as
well as full diagnostic capability. The outputs are regulated to
prevent over driving the strobe tubes when using only two out-
puts. Each output will receive the full power, regardless of how
many outlets are used. This design feature insures consistent
light output and maximum strobe tube longevity. The UPS-188C
has a low strobe intensity mode for reducing the light output and
current consumption.
The self-diagnostic feature provides the operator real time indi-
cation of the condition of the strobe light system while in opera-
tion.
All switching function are via low current circuitry to reduce the
physical size of switches and wiring required for a proper instal-
lation. Four single pole single throw (SPST) switches are all that
is required for the most sophisticated operating scheme (see
pages 2 and 3).
MOUNTING
When choosing a mounting location for the UPS-188C keep in
mind the following concerns. The power supply is not water-
proof and should be mounted in a dry location, protected from
spray and mechanical damage. The location should allow easy
access for wiring installation and service. Allow approximately 2
inches clearance beyond the rear of the power supply for air
flow for the fan. A metal mounting surface is recommended for
superior heat dissipation.
Trace the outline of the notches onto the mounting surface.
Note that the notches will accommodate the supplied 8 x 5/8
inch stainless steel machine screws. Mark the center of the
notch onto the mounting surface. Prior to drilling the mounting
holes, examine the backside of the mounting surface for wires,
cables, fuel lines, etc. that may be damaged by the drilling oper-
ation. Drill the mounting holes and vacuum any metal shavings
from the mounting area. Mount the power supply, using the sup-
plied hardware.
OPERATION
It is necessary to understand how the UPS-188C operates in
order to properly install the switching system and interconnect
©1997 Whelen Engineering Company.
Form No.13265 (092497)
®
the strobe lightheads. It is strongly recommended to make a sketch
of the placement of the strobe lightheads and the wires that control
the circuits prior to running wires and installing switches.
The yellow wire controls outlets #1 and #2 in an alternating flash pat-
tern. The green wire controls outlets #3 and #4 in an alternating flash
pattern. The blue wire controls outlets #5, #6, #7, and #8. Outlets #5
and #7 flash simultaneously and alternate with outlets #6 and #8
which flash simultaneously. Even numbered outlets flash simultane-
ously and alternate with odd numbered outlets which also flash
simultaneously. The yellow, green and blue control wires may be
switched separately or in any combination. The Low Power feature
will reduce the intensity of all lights to approximately 15% of their
High Power intensity..
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT NOTE: The vehicle battery should be disconnected
before attempting any electrical installation. Before making any
power connections, make sure all control switches are in the
OFF position.
Any switch(es) with a 3 amp rating may be used on the control lines.
Mount the appropriate switch(es) in an area convenient to the opera-
tor. Remember, the vehicle operator must be able to operate their
vehicle without taking their eyes off of the road! Make the UPS-188C
switching installation as easy to use as possible. All switching is done
from a +12 VDC source. This source should be fused at 3 amps. The
control lines are reverse polarity protected. The function will not
work, however the circuit will sustain no damage. Any control wires
not used should be secured out of the way and the end insulated with
electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
Mount the Diagnostic Indicator Panel into a 1.45 inch high x 0.80 inch
wide cutout near the control switches. Connect the black wire to a
good chassis ground. Plug the "telephone" style cable into the socket
on the rear of the Diagnostic Indicator Panel and route the cable to
the UPS-188C power supply. Plug the cable into the socket labeled
"DIAGNOSTIC INDICATOR".
Connect cables and wires to the power supply in the following order.
Before attaching wires to the control switches, make sure they are in
the OFF position.
OUTLETS #1-#8. Connect Whelen 3 conductor strobe extension
cables into the outlets and route them to the appropriate strobe light-
head. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE non-Whelen cable. The white nylon
connectors are indexed to be mated only one way. Before plugging
the cables into the power supply verify that the red wire is in position
#1 of the connector, the black wire is in the center (#2) position, and
the white wire is in position #3.
DIAGNOSTIC INDICATOR. Plug the "telephone" style cable into the
connector on the power supply labeled "DIAGNOSTIC INDICATOR",
and the other end into the "DIAGNOSTIC INDICATOR PANEL"
mounted in a previous step.
For warranty information regarding this product, visit www.whelen.com/warranty

Installation Guide:

UPS188C Strobe Power Supply