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Designed to simplify control system programming, Whelen Command delivers the ability to program all Whelen control systems within one application.

Whelen Command Brochure


Whelen has radically re-imagined its programming software

Whelen Command brings advanced features to all Whelen control systems. With Situation Based Integration, scene-specific functions can be created, utilizing various vehicle components. With Events, multiple user-defined rules can be created for specific scenarios, and depending on the state of your vehicle. These added features utilize automation, increasing officer and public safety.

Work faster and smarter with Whelen Command's advanced user interface, engineered to streamline the entire programming process and quickly provide updates and new releases. Whelen Command is backward compatible and will fully support all future Whelen control systems.

Whelen Command brings advanced features to all Whelen control systems








Control Heads







Input States


Virtual Inputs








OBDII Inputs





Unified Software

  • A single software application to program all Whelen control systems

Advanced Universal Features

  • Expanded Situation Based Integration allows for scene-specific functions using various vehicle components, such as the horn or brakes
  • Expanded programming capabilities, including these industry-leading tools such as Events, are now available across all systems
  • Events were previously called "Rules" in CanTrol

Streamlined Workflow

  • Advanced user interface simplifies programming
  • Easily create and manage Events
  • Create custom names for hardware, inputs, outputs, and Events
  • Single user interface simplifies training
  • Improved customer support and troubleshooting
  • Streamlined updates and new releases
  • Backward compatible and will fully support all future Whelen control systems


How is a Traffic Advisor programmed to display on the control head?

A: Under the Outputs view, select the control head tab. Here you will have the option to program the TA display with a selectable pattern.

What are "Events" and what are they used for?

A: Events replace Rules, which were previously only available in the original CanTrol® software. Events have conditions that, when met, will trigger a system change. The system change can be any combination of input changes, flash patterns, and/or siren tone changes.

How is a steady pattern/flash pattern programmed?

A: To program a flash pattern, select the desired outputs or lightbar lightheads. Selected flash patterns will be highlighted blue. To the right of the lightbar or outputs is the flash pattern selection box. With the outputs selected, select the flash pattern and choose the phase and delay.

What is Import Device?

A: In previous Whelen software packages, there was a tab on the lightbar page labeled 'Import Lightbar.' This was where .bxr files were imported after being created and exported using the Whelen WeCad® program. In Whelen Command, it has been renamed to 'Import Device.'

How are Priorities changed?

A: Click on the icon to open the priorities page. Left click and drag an input to the desired priority level. The lower the number on the priorities list, the higher the priority.

Ex: An input at position 1 will have a higher priority than an input at position 2.

What are Virtual Inputs and how are they used?

A: Virtual Inputs are software inputs that do not have a physical hardware connection. They are often used for more advanced operations and need to be programmed back to their off state when not in use.

Ex: Advanced Traffic Advisor uses Virtual Inputs to show the TA pattern for 4 seconds and then a warning pattern for 4 seconds, toggling until it is turned off. Link to Advanced TA Scenario

How is Park Mode programmed without the lights turning on when the vehicle is running without the emergency lights on?

A: To keep lights from flashing when the slide switch is off and the vehicle is in park, an Event will need to be created. The conditions for the Event need to be set to when 'Park Kill' and Slide Switch 1, 2, or 3 are enabled. Also, the Slide Switch positions should be linked together. See below.

Once those conditions are set, program the lightbar and outputs to the desired flash patterns. Now, when the vehicle is in park and the Slide Switch is active, the park patterns will be displayed. If CANport is being used, the first condition can be set to reference 'Trans-Park.'

How are lightbar alley and corner modules programmed to turn off when any of the vehicle doors are opened?

A: To program modules to turn off when the driver or passenger doors are open, the door input can be programmed to turn off the desired outputs or lightheads. An Event could also be created to add conditions so the lightheads would only be turned off when the conditions are met.

Once those conditions are set, program the lightbar lightheads and other desired outputs to 'Off'. Now, when the vehicle door is open and the Slide Switch is active, the lightbar lightheads and other outputs will be turned off. This can also be programmed using the door functions in CANport.

How do I select the correct lightbar in the lightbar designer in the Whelen Command software?

A: To select the correct lightbar, choose the length and type of lightbar. This information is found at the end of the lightbar box or on its packing list.

How are the backlight and indicator intensities modified?

A: On the Outputs page, select the control head tab. Under the flash pattern selection box, use the slider to modify the backlight intensity and the indicator intensity.

How do I cruise ACM outputs?

A: On the Carbide and CanTrol® hardware the ACM outputs cannot be cruised. However, a simulated cruise can be accomplished in Whelen Command by selecting 'Turn On' for the output and enabling Lower Power on the output at 1%.

What is the proper procedure for when and how to transfer CANport functions?

A: There are two methods to program or transfer CANport signals.

• Program the CANport on the 'My Hardware' screen via the 'Configure CANport' window. When a USB Micro cable is plugged into the CANPort, the 'Transfer CAN Commands to Secondary USB Port' button becomes enabled.

• Transfer the program to the ACM on the Transfer window.
On the transfer window, there will be a checkbox for either transferring to just the ACM, just the CANPort or to both the ACM and CANport. If one USB Micro cable is plugged into the CANPort and another USB Micro cable is plugged into the ACM, both can be transferred at the same time.

Where are the take-down and auxiliary outputs on the lightbars?

A: In the above image, a Liberty II DUO 54" lightbar with DUO Traffic Advisor is selected. The lightheads circled in green are take-down modules and the lightheads circled in yellow are auxiliary modules. The setup is similar in most lightbars, except for the Liberty/Freedom® and Justice® lightbars, which only have one module for the auxiliary module. The Freedom IV has modules in the center for the take-downs and the auxiliary lightheads are the first module in from the corner on the rear of the lightbar.

When do I use 'Turn On' or 'Go To Next State'?

'Turn On' turns a button to its On state.
'Go to Next State' moves the button from one press to the next press.

How and when do I minimize and maximize the top half of the programming view?

A: To minimize the top half of the programming view in Command, click the icon. The top view should be collapsed when using a small computer monitor, or when the entire window needs to be viewed during programming. To expand the top view again, click the icon.

Why can't I program a pattern to output 10 in Carbide?

A: Output 10 is a relay output that can be used as a normal output or as an isolated relay by moving the fuse located on the top. Only the 'On' pattern can be used on Output 10.

How do I program an older Inner Edge®, I do not see my model listed?

A: Inner Edge® products are not listed as model numbers, but as the series they were built. For example, for model ISFW34Z with DUO color lightheads, 'Inner Edge FST 12 Lamp DUO+ with take-downs, Upper Housing' would be selected. To program an Inner Edge, use the Design Inner Edge window on the My Hardware page.

How do I change the time frame for the shutdown timer?

A: On the right side of the screen Configuration Settings is an icon that looks like a gear.

When you click on the icon the Configuration Settings window will open up.

In the window select the Shutdown Delay tab to see the shutdown delay options.

Use the drop down to select the time the system will remain on once the vehicle ignition source is removed. See below.

Will CANPort work on a 20** model year vehicle?

A: Whelen only lists the model year Police Package vehicles that CANport signals have been tested and verified. As the software is updated, newer model year vehicles will be added.