Whelen Cantrol Question

[Watermelons are cool]

A quick question pertaining to Whelens Cantrol System. I see on the Cantrol PDF it lists a total of 32 LED output. Now here's the rather dumb question. Does this mean the Cantrol System could flash 32 LEDs internally, or is it 16 inputs/16 outputs, for only 16 lights?

 

[Tango7]

A quick question pertaining to Whelens Cantrol System. I see on the Cantrol PDF it lists a total of 32 LED output. Now here's the rather dumb question. Does this mean the Cantrol System could flash 32 LEDs internally, or is it 16 inputs/16 outputs, for only 16 lights?

Yes.
It can run 32 signals (+12VDC 2.5a ) in synchronized patterns. There are also low current and high current (10a) outputs (the number varies based on model/generation). After much deliberation - and seeing a drastic reduction in resale prices - I went with a 2nd Gen CANTrol to allow me to have sync'd amber, blue or amber & blue patterns on my truck at different warning levels.

Command also lets you set up events and virtual inputs that allow a phenomenal degree of control over your lighting design.

IIRC all versions have inputs but they vary on the number and purpose by generation and model. Some have inputs for a vehicle CANbus.

My $0.02 based on what I've read from installers and such - STAY AWAY FROM 1st GEN UNITS! They are not Command capable and require specific software to run (at least Whelen no longer requires you to attend a class to get it like they did when it was first introduced), but it also lacks a lot of the finesse that Command allows.

Feel free to DM or email if you want.

 

[Tango7]

To help in your hunt - Gen 1: - no logos on top:



I believe the 1st series of the 2nd Gen Cantrols had the CANtrol logo in white w/no WC.

Gen 2: AKA Cantrol WC - note the logo colors:


There are a lot of amplifier (control box) only for sale, try and get one with the input leads and connectors (they're pricey from aftermarket), a control head and a mic. The control-to-brain cable is an RJ45/Ethernet cord.

 

[Watermelons are cool]

Alright, I'll be sure to avoid those Gen1 versions. From my bit of looking around I haven't even seen any Gen1s. Thanks for the info.

 

[d119]

jperrylighting.com has Cantrol G2 units at a good price, they just don't have the wiring harness with them.

https://jperrylighting.com/2018-gen2-whelen-cantrol-amp-only/

I bought mine from him. Not sure what the significance of all the different model years of these things is. He has a bunch of different model year units listed.

I run a Cantrol G2 to control my Liberty and 4 Vertex hideaways. All synchronized. There is a bit of a learning curve with the way to get everything to go together, but once you figure it out, it's pretty straightforward.

 

[TDC]

Gen2, at least the one I have, will not do Cruise.
And it has the older USB interface that must be disconnected before you turn on a function, like the control point things.

 

[Tango7]

Gen2, at least the one I have, will not do Cruise.
And it has the older USB interface that must be disconnected before you turn on a function, like the control point things.

Mine shares the "disconnect before activating" issue but cruise is only available to the lights I'm running on the CANEM - perhaps it shares lightbar programming. I got around it by setting a 10% low power mode and it works.