Installation

Warnings

Failure to follow the instructions in this manual may result in Axon Signal Vehicle not working properly or cause damage to the device or the vehicle. Save these instructions.

The technician who installs Axon Signal Vehicle must be qualified to work with automotive electronics.

If mounting Axon Signal Vehicle requires drilling holes, ensure drilling will not damage the emergency vehicle’s equipment or other vital parts. Remove all burrs and debris after drilling. Install grommets into all wire passage holes.

Ensure there is a good electrical ground to the vehicle chassis.

If Axon Signal Vehicle is installed in the cab of the vehicle (in a location other than under the center console), it should be permanently mounted to avoid injury.

Do not install Axon Signal Vehicle anywhere that will interfere with airbag deployment.

Do not install Axon Signal Vehicle where it will be exposed to the elements or extreme heat.

Do not install Axon Signal Vehicle in the vehicle’s engine compartment.

Guidelines

Axon Signal Vehicle is typically installed near the siren or light bar controller (trunk or console).

Axon Signal Vehicle can be installed using robust double-sided tape, VELCRO® type hook and loop fastener, or by bolting the device through its mounting flanges (mounting hardware and electrical supply wiring not included). If using an adhesive to mount the equipment, thoroughly clean the surface with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water before installation.

Axon recommends using gauge 18 AWG wires.

All wires should be connected to the GPIO terminal block interface.

Axon recommends installing a 1-amp fuse, either inline or on a fuse block, for the J2-1 position.

No programming of Axon Signal Vehicle is required for operation. However, have the input settings reviewed by an Axon Evidence administrator. See the Evidence.com User and Administrator Guide for information on signal configuration.

Wiring instructions

System power (positions 1–2)

Axon recommends using a red wire for the power connection and a black wire for ground connection.

  1. Connect J2-1 to a Positive (+) 12 VDC source from the vehicle battery using an 18 AWG red wire. Axon recommends installing a 1A fuse, either inline or on a fuse block, for this position.
  2. Connect J2-2 to the vehicle’s chassis ground using an 18 AWG black wire. This is typically adjacent to the battery.

Ignition enable (position 3)

Connect J2-3 terminal to the vehicle’s ignition voltage. This will allow Axon Signal Vehicle to be turned on with the ignition switch.

Optional auxiliary enable (position 4)

The J2-4 input provides an alternate signal to Axon Signal Vehicle for enabling the system.

Either the Ignition enable or Optional auxiliary enable input is required for the device to turn on. Both inputs may be used simultaneously to allow for greater flexibility in enabling options. Axon Signal Vehicle must be wired in a manner such that voltage for either enable position is removed prior to removal of system power. Consequently, system power and enable nodes must not be wired from the same source.

Trigger input (positions 5–12)

  1. Turn on the trigger source, such as light bar control signal.
  2. Using a voltmeter, ensure the wire connected to the trigger source has 3.6–14.4 VDC present while the trigger is enabled.
  3. Turn the trigger off and verify that the voltage drops to zero. For Axon Signal Vehicle to work optimally, the trigger should provide a constant voltage to the device when it is activated.
  4. Connect the trigger source to one of the input terminals on the Axon Signal Vehicle J2 connector.
  5. Up to eight independent trigger sources can be wired directly to Axon Signal Vehicle. Wire inputs that originate from progressive slide switches to inputs J2-11 or J2-12.

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Last modified - 20 May 2026