Federal Signal 6-Button Controller Programming

[@FloridaExplorer777]

Awesome! Used for my Vision SLR

[@rjracing38]

Nice, I've been looking to add an SLR to my collection. Those are amazing the programming and customization you can do with them.

[@danyacosta2642]

Thanks for the beautiful work you doing bud , i tried to go on programming mode on my 6 and it won't let me ,what it could be. Thanks in advance sir.

[@danyacosta2642]

I only have the red cable from power

[@rjracing38]

To select one of 18 predefined keypad configurations, enter the Keypad Selection Mode by pressing the top three buttons simultaneously. All of the illuminating buttons will flash three times and the control head will beep three times. All six button LEDs will flash repeatedly during Keypad Selection Mode. To assign a flash pattern to a mode button, press the bottom three buttons simultaneously. All of the illuminating buttons will flash three times and the control head will beep three times. The LED indicator(s) corresponding to the mode button(s) will then flash. To change the flash pattern on a mode button, press the button repeatedly and observe the flash pattern on the lightbar. The LED indicator of the button currently being programmed will flash at twice the rate as the other buttons available for programming. When the desired pattern is currently flashing, press another flashing button available for programming or exit the programming mode. Once all available buttons have the desired flash patterns, exit the programming mode by either removing power, or allowing the control head to time out after about 15 seconds.

[@michaelr.j8032]

Friend, I have a problem. I don't know how to solve it. When the lever is Off, it activates mode 3 and when I put the lever in mode 3, it turns it off. How can I solve that?

[@rjracing38]

Do any of the lights on the display of your controller light up? For example, when you have the toggle level in the off position, does the display light next to the number three illuminated and lighting the lightbar code 3?

[@rjracing38]

Also, do you have your lightbar connected to the 6-button controller directly or do you have it connected in any other way?

[@michaelr.j8032]

​@@rjracing38Only the number 3 light turns on. The buttons stay on normally and work correspondingly. This is in mode 6 and each button performs the functions when I turn it to Off.

[@michaelr.j8032]

It turns on mode 3 and when I put it on mode 3 it turns off. Modes 1 and 2 work fine

[@michaelr.j8032]

​@@rjracing38Yes sir, you are connected to a legends bar

[@terwilliger1946]

I'd love to see a vid, showing the programming off the computer. There is drop and drag things in there that baffles me.

[@rjracing38]

That I am currently working on trying to get something like that setup.

[@RedHat2023]

Hey. Could you see about getting a custom 53" FedSig navigator with a built in MB1 in the rear? Would be unique and cool to see!

[@rjracing38]

Truely would be a unique an awesome bar to get my hands on. Definitely will post if I do aquire one.

[@RedHat2023]

@@rjracing38 Yeah. I'm gonna find out how much and try save for one. Once I get a good job, that is.

[@rjracing38]

I know the basic navigator bars from Federal Signal start around $1,300 for just the basic 43" bar, then setup dome colors, leds, etc. I'd guesstimate by the time you configure your color choosing, setup the rotators and the traffic advisor in the rear, probably close to $4k roughly before any discounts. You can confirm a setup you like and length on Federal Signals website as a build a lightbar configuration.

[@RedHat2023]

@@rjracing38 Okay, thanks for that. My issue is the prices are in USD, and I'm not in the States, so It'll cost more on my end.

[@rjracing38]

Ah, yea, a little bit more but you can use an converter to go from USD to the currency you use to see what it would run for you. Then obviously the cost of shipping but if you're going new, you can locate a Federal Signal dealer to help give you better idea on exact pricing.

[@08_crown_vic]

Are you able to sell a 6 button controller?

[@rjracing38]

Unfortunately I don't sell them myself but I have worked with a couple vendors to purchase them or have run the risk of locating them online used.

[@08_crown_vic]

@rjracing38 would it work with a ss2000sm?

[@rjracing38]

@@08_crown_vic, the 6-button controller or your Legend lightbar? Your lightbar has a cat5 wire/connection coming out of the bar along with obviously power and ground so your lightbar will connect to a 3/6/9-button controller like you have or can also connect via a serial interface module or even some of the new smart siren platinum controllers but the older ss2000sm I do not believe will not connect to your Legend light bar as that does not have the right connections. Let alone the 6-button controller you have wont hook-up to the ss2000sm either

[@TheLuxFerous]

Do you know where I can get one of these 6 button controllers for reasonable price?

[@rjracing38]

Only place I could think of besides finding a local distributor for Federal Signal parts would be on eBay, elightbars.com or something like that.

[@rccarlin34]

With this controller the serial interface module is not necessary for operate the led lightbar?

[@rjracing38]

roberto carlos carlin miranda that is correct, this controller will be in place instead of the serial interface module.

[@njresponsevideos9656]

I have a question if you wanted extra siren tones can you program them on that?

[@rjracing38]

These controllers are typically designed for the lighting patterns but not for the sirens and there is no control module built-in for the sirens like the SmartSirenn series are.

[@njresponsevideos9656]

@@rjracing38 you know how there is 4 buttons on the very top of the federal signal Smart Siren push buttons controller can you program siren tones up there or no?

[@rjracing38]

What model smart siren are you using?

[@njresponsevideos9656]

@@rjracing38 The Federal Signal Pathfinder with Push buttons it’s new

[@rjracing38]

So with the Pathfinder models, download the convergence software from Federl Signal on their website and when you get the keypad plugged into your computer, you should be able to register the device as far as your computer picking it up. From there, you'll get 3 options to select. For the Pathfinder, click on the siren amplifier then select what version keypad you have. If you have the 17 button model, you can select you main buttons up top and what lightbar your using and select the button you're wanting to update such as B1 to B4 and select the siren option...the. you can take the standard siren buttons and update those to do light patterns, radio comms or any auxiliary items you have hooked up.

[@MarkS-qp6pz]

Well you seem to be the go to guy on these controllers. I bought one after watching your video and i like it very much. But... i have an arjent s2 that was originally set up with two forward California steady burn lights. These lights will not come on no matter what flash pattern i use or controller set up. Any ideas how to get those lights to turn on? I still want the to be steady burn. Thanks!

[@rjracing38]

Do you by chance have a serial interface module that you could try? That would at least be one way to figure out where the steady burn lights are located in regards to how to activate them. Typically on the serial interface modules, you would have to activate the red/white wire to activate your steady burn lights and would need to have federal signal manually program your controller to say, with code 1, 2, and 3, activate the 'steady burn wire function' as well. Otherwise, there's nothing for the 3 button or 6 button controller button wise that is programmed from federal signal to command the steady burn wires to activate. I had the same issues where my arjent would not activate my steady burns unless I have the SIM that had the corresponding wire without sending my 3 or 6 button controllers in for reprogramming. Since my arjent s2 is for display, I didn't have major concerns. Hope this was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@MarkS-qp6pz]

I do have a serial interface module. Im just not sure what controller is compatable with it and im not sure how to program it. I will try hooking it to the lightbar and see what i can figure out.

[@rjracing38]

@@MarkS-qp6pz, that's good. You can use the serial interface module to test the lightbar to ensure your steady burns lights function, then depending on the controller you wish to use, utilize the wiring to each on/off button or slide switch you wish for each function. The module will not work in junction with the 3 or 6 button controllers so that would leave you with a few other options.

[@MarkS-qp6pz]

Ill give that a try. Thank you for the help!!

[@MarkS-qp6pz]

I got it working with the interface module. The California steady burn lights work and everything. Your video on the interface module was also very helpfull. I will like that video and post comments. I think i need to buy you a drink for your help! Thanks again!

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I'm looking for a discreet controller and based on your comprehensive review; this one appeals to me. BTW, 'Rear Cut Off' is typically used to disable the brake lights when prowling areas such an alleyway; where you don't want a suspect(s) to know that you're sneaking up on them. I would slide the transmission into neutral; kill the engine and coast to a stop. Back when I was a Peace Officer in the Cretaceous Period, it was merely a toggle switch on the dash. Say, do you know if custom labels are available, or does the controller come with a sheet of other names?

[@rjracing38]

The sheet that comes with the controllers is setup for a few other different names but depending on what name you were looking for, may be on the sheet or not.

[@TheLuxFerous]

Hello, I have a general question for you if you don’t mind. Do you know if I can use just this Federal Signal Smart SM control head to operate Federal Signal Legend and Federal Signal Arjent S2 lightbars instead of Federal Signals 6-Button Serial Controller? I have some difficulties finding the 6-Button Serial Controller. Unfortunately I can’t attached a photo of the control head that I am talking about. I truly appreciate any help.

[@rjracing38]

If you are referring to the same SmartSirens like the Vision lightbars were using, then technically yes, but you will need to have a serial interface module in between the lightbar and the SmartSiren and then tire all your commands or patterns such as your SignalMaster, Mode1/2/3 tied to the corresponding attachments on the back so you can use the control head properly.

[@ltdm100]

Mine has always flashed the 3rd button when powering on. I have it connected to a visor bar and have never been able to change flash patterns. I even sent it to FS once bc it stopped working right. It doesn't matter if i hold the top 3 or the bottom 3, its like I'm locked out of programming. Mine has one power cord on the right (not 2 like yours) and the rj45 for the bar connection. Id love to change my flash patterns.

[@rjracing38]

Sorry for the late reply, I have a 6-button controller that has had both, a single power lead and a dual power lead, I haven't noticed a difference between the two even after switching the wiring from one controller to the second. In regards to the buttons not getting you to programming upon powering up, more than likely federal signal during their repair may have locked it but I would check with them to be sure as that does not sound right to me.

[@michaelf8500]

Is there a way to add flashing Takedowns and Alley lights?

[@rjracing38]

There is a way yes, I have done it with the Federal Signal software and plugged in my 6 button and 3 button controllers, used the software to reset each button and utilize the flashing takedown option.

[@michaelf8500]

@@rjracing38 thanks! Do you know how to make the control box beep when the lights are left on?

[@rjracing38]

@@michaelf8500 , yes, in the Federal Signal program, there should be a section on the left hand side for button control that you can set the beep enabled and reminder for a certain amount of seconds that you would like.

[@michaelf8500]

@@rjracing38 unfortunately, the control box is installed in my vehicle. I was hoping there was a way using push button programming.

[@rjracing38]

@@michaelf8500 , if you have a spare cat5 cable, you can unplug the cable from the control box and then plug in the new cat5 from your laptop to the head unit and program it from there. Setting up that kind of programming is only seen with the computer program but the push button programming in the vehicle gives you the option to change what pattern setup or what buttons will turn on or off a pre-programmed options within the head unit itself...

[@williamcaldarera8362]

Can you configure the horn ring transfer on the six button, to be able to toggle between car horn and siren?

[@rjracing38]

With this compact controller, I do not believe so no. The 6-Button Control Head is designed to operate using serial communication with Federal Signal lightbar models in the Arjent®, Legend®, and Raydian® series. If you are looking to do an all in one system with a siren built in and control it via a single control box, I would highly recommend and of the Federal Smart Siren Control Boxes. There are a few others from Whelen, Code3, SoundOff, etc.

[@yr1166]

hey love youre video so well explained, do you know how to do the programming on this for sirens when using it with the SS200 ?

[@rjracing38]

Joseph Rubinstein, I'm actually working on creating a video for the federal signal smart siren 200 hopefully this weekend. I do have the manual at home I can go through and let you know.

[@abimeleibt]

rjracing38 wow that would be awesome!! Im trying to get my hands on one of those and would love to be able to program it properly and get the max use out of it, Looking forward to it !!! Thank you so much

[@abimeleibt]

Were you able to do that video on the smart siren 200 ?

[@rjracing38]

Abi Meleibt, sorry for the delay...I have not just yet with work being as busy as it has been...i have some time slotted for this week to make the video for ya. I have the papers and information on my work bench just haven't had the time to do it. Lol

[@rjracing38]

Abi Meleibt, I don't have the parts for one but I do have a ss2000 and these 6 button controllers that I'll use to showcase in the video when I make it.

[@TrigrTym]

Ok I purchased a pallet full of Arjent S2 lightbars and the ones with a cad cable will not light up when I place the positive and negative cables to a battery. I have a six button controller but I’m missing the small power cable above the cad plug and the controller won’t power up. Is there anyway I can purchase a power cable with the plug?

[@rjracing38]

I believe you can order just the power wire assembly either through Federal Signal or through one of their distributors. I know my local distributor has been successful at finding almost all the parts I have been needing or eBay. I can see if I can find a part number for you...

[@metalmetz]

Do these 6 button controllers fail? I'm having and issue with my light bar working intermittently. Also, my 6 button doesn't have that smaller pug with 2 wires running to it.

[@rjracing38]

dieselboy01, I'm positive like any electronic device, yes they can fail. If yours is intermittently working, I would double check all connection points, possibly ohm out the wiring to ensure proper connectivity and the wiring hasn't been nicked causing a short or grounding out.

[@metalmetz]

rjracing38 Thanks for the fast response. I'll double check wiring this week. What about the smaller 2 wire plug, mine doesn't have this.

[@rjracing38]

dieselboy01, my original 3-button controller came with the two wire while both my 6-button controllers came with a single wire...they both get tied together for power anyways so that I do not believe will hinder the operation of the unit and then ground is through the cat5 cable coming from the lightbar.

[@TheLuxFerous]

Hello do you know a place where I can get a power cable harness for this controller, I was able to get the controller but came with out the power cable. Thank you.

[@rjracing38]

So you could probably find one online somewhere for probably too much honestly. Best bet in my opinion is you can look up the electronic manual online on Federal Signal's website and just make one yourself with some small gauge wiring. I believe mine has a two pin connector but only one red wire for power.

[@TheLuxFerous]

@@rjracing38 Yeah, I was looking online for it but no luck and I could not find any on Federal Signal website. So there id two pin connector on the controller one is for power and what is the other one for if you don't mind my asking?

[@pv2ramrod]

I am holding down the three buttons and it’s not able to be programmed

[@TheDavidPerich]

Yeah me too

[@rjracing38]

Which three buttons are you pressing? The top three or bottom three? Are you pressing all three at the same time?

[@rjracing38]

@@TheDavidPerich Which three buttons are you pressing? The top three or bottom three? Are you pressing all three at the same time?

[@TheDavidPerich]

@@rjracing38 I tried the top three I tried the bottom three I can’t get anything to work. It doesn’t beep or flash or do anything.

[@BDBBailey]

How do you disable the what I'm guessing is a reminder alarm on the 6 button that screeches when you turn on the light bar?

[@rjracing38]

Are you referring to the few beeps that sound when you first power up the controller?

[@BDBBailey]

@@rjracing38 no its like a screeching noise that seems like it's a reminder that used to tell you that your light bar is on. All of our trucks do it.

[@rjracing38]

So this issue i haven't run into, I do have 3 or 4 of these controllers i can test on an see if I can get them to do that and figure out from there. When it sounds, does the keypad do anything in particular? This happens after the lights are on or just when the bar has power for so long an if so, how long does it take? The one issue I had for a client was random an very intermittent but after a few hours of diagnosis, one of the power connections were slightly loose so the beeping noise they were hearing was the controller power-cycling on after regaining power. Not sure if that could be but thats one experience I've had.

[@BDBBailey]

It actually sounds like it's something that reminds the operator that the light bar is on. Like it's supposed to do it. It screeches no matter what setting the switch is in. We have quite a few trucks with this unit and I swear they all do it. I should post a video so that you can see what I am talking about.

[@89ortega]

Will this control work on a federal signal arjent light bar s2

[@rjracing38]

With the Federal Signal 6-Button Controller, it should work on your lightbar as long as you have the correct connections, primarily the cat5 connection from the lightbar.

[@cristyvicente4033]

hello I have a six button controller my light bar is 1yr old. I turn on my controller and it beeps and lights comes on press button they all beep but my light bar won't turn on I have the Work Truck Integrity. could you help me in anyway,,,,,,

[@rjracing38]

Cristy Vicente, with it being a year old, you should be still under warranty...I've had this happen a couple times on my older federal signal vision lightbar and couple things I'd check is all your fuses, make sure nothing is shorted out and if all looks good, the last time I had this issue was a bad circuit board that once replaced, all functioned perfectly. Just a couple ideas or possibilities.

[@raysbulls]

rjracing38 thank sir for the info I checked it was a fuse! Now working on why my signal left right center is not working . But everything else is.

[@rjracing38]

ray allen, you are very welcome, are you using the serial interface module or the 6-button controller? The serial interface module requires a specific setup...otherwise, with the 6-button controller, maybe a fuse in the circuit board in the lightbar may be the culprit.

[@metalmetz]

OK, thank you. If it is the controller can you recommend a good place to buy a replacement?

[@rjracing38]

dieselboy01, I've found so far, sirennet on their website www.sirennet.com. You can try to call them and ask what a new one would run or see if you're able to find one online used like eBay or something. I was lucky and got all mine via eBay.

[@yarusemi]

Could you have the regular size and a 6 Button be on the same system

[@scotthoward6246]

Do you know how to connect these to the PC convergence network program?

[@rjracing38]

Yes and no, I am still playing with the program from time to time. I have messed with the convergence network for the SmartSiren models but not too much on the 4, 6 and 9 button controllers. I'm still trying to get some more videos of working that programming, etc to upload.

[@Bailey11298]

hi would you know if this six button switch work on a led federal signal arjent SL light bar. as i have got a amber led federal signal arjent SL light bar and wanting to get a switch for it and would you know what the part number is for it thanks bailey

[@rjracing38]

On the SL models, pending on how you have it setup, I do not believe so no. Most of the SL models I have worked with have had one large wire harness coming out of the base of the lightbar for each module or light head. These controllers will work on the S2 models that have a central motherboard with a CAT5 connection for communication from the controller to the lightbar. For the SL models, you could use their SW400SS control box as one option to activate your bar, codes 1-3, take-downs, etc.

[@FloridaExplorer777]

How do you get it to change led colors?

[@rjracing38]

To get your lightbar to change colors, obviously it has to be equipped with multiple color LEDs. Beyond that, I am still playing with the new software for changing colors as the lightbar has to be programmed and already setup to switch from one color to another. For example, the lightbar on the motherboard may be setup to run red and blue standard while amber and white may be setup to run on an aux configuration and then you have to match your controller to push an aux button to run the different color options.

[@FloridaExplorer777]

@@rjracing38 I have a Vision SLR with 4 colors in each pod. Do you know where I can purchase a six button controller like you have in the video?

[@rjracing38]

@@FloridaExplorer777, you may be able to find a used one online like eBay or elightbars.org or depending on your location, locate a local dealer that can get a new one ordered for you or have one in stock.

[@mr_tuekkchannel]

how i want buy?

[@rjracing38]

If you are looking for one of these controllers, you can find them online either used or you can find a Federal Signal dealer and locate one brand new and have it setup in a specific manner you are wanting for your lightbar.

[@policemodelsinscale]

red wire?for what?

[@rjracing38]

Red wire is for power