SoundTraxx Sierra Help Topics

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If you should have any difficulties with the operation of your SoundTraxx Sierra Sound System, first check this section for hints on troubleshooting. If you cannot isolate and find a solution for the problem, we suggest that you call the factory before returning the unit to the factory (see Service and Warranty Policy). 

• I'm not getting any sound from Sierra Sound System.

• I'm getting sound, but it's erratic or distorted.

• The LEDs on the Sierra circuit board flash and nothing else happens.

• My whistle or horn signals appear to be backwards.

• My grade crossing horn or whistle does not work.

• My triggered sound effects do not work.

• I'm not getting any exhaust chuff from my Sierra Steam Sound System.

• Sierra's battery does not recharge.
  

No Sound

First check that the battery is plugged in and the power switch is on. If you installed the optional battery charger, be sure charging jack is unplugged. Double check the wiring connections to the speaker. Press the (+) or (-) button. If lights turn on, press the (+) button several times to increase the volume. If the problem persists, try a different speaker. If the lights do not turn on, the problem is most likely a dead battery. Also see the following symptoms.

No Sound or lights
Sound works for awhile and then stops.
Sound volume drops and becomes distorted after awhile.
Strange noises or erratic sound effects
Sound System powers up and then shuts off as soon as it blows a whistle or horn.

The above symptoms are characteristic of a weak or dead battery. Recharge the battery and the problem should go away.


The F1 and F2 lights flash but nothing else happens.

If Sierra’s memory becomes ‘scrambled’ Sierra will reset all settings to the factory default levels described in the owners manual and flash the lights to let you know that everything has been reset. After about 30 seconds or so, the system will return to normal operation. Memory loss may occur if you attempt to operate the system with a weak or dead battery. No permanent harm is done.


Horn Signals are backwards.

The track connections are backwards. Reverse the connections to terminals 7 and 8 and the problem should go away.


Grade Crossing Signal does not work.

Check that the proper control mode has been selected (See your owners manual). Depending on the type of power pack you have, you may need to adjust the horn/whistle sensitivity or filter rate as described under Operating Notes in your owners manual. If your throttle has built in momentum, you should turn the momentum setting to minimum as this will also interfere with the horn operation.

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Whistle/Horn, Bell, Hiss or Dynamic Brake trigger switches do not work.

Check that the proper control mode has been selected (see your owners manual). You can verify the proper mode has been selected by simply connecting a wire to terminal 12 and tapping the other end to terminal 13, 14 or 15 as needed. Each time you tap the wire to the terminal, the corresponding sound effect should be activated. If the problem persists, check the alignment and distance of the trigger switches to the track activation magnets.


Exhaust Chuff does not work

If you are using the exhaust sensor switch, be sure that you have completed setup procedure step 1 first. You can verify correct setup by simply connecting two wires to terminals 11 and 12. With system turned on, tap the ends of the two wires together and you should hear a chuff each time you do so. If not, then return to step 1 in the setup procedure and make the appropriate adjustment.

Next check the electrical connections between the sensor switch and Sierra circuit board. Finally it may be necessary to make an adjustment in the sensor’s or magnet’s position. The sensor should be less than 3/8" away from the magnet. The magnets should also be separated as far apart as possible. If they are too close together, the magnetic field that opens and closes the switch will remain strong enough around the wheel and the switch will remain closed. 

If you are using the auto exhaust feature, be sure that the you have completed setup steps 1 and 3.

Battery does not recharge.

If you are charging the battery from track power, it will take a while for the battery to recharge. Charging time can be decreased by lowering the volume to zero. Sierra requires approximately 8 volts on the track to recharge the battery. 

If you are running at low speeds, you may wish to purchase our off-line charger. This will allow you to simply plug your engine’s sound system into a wall outlet when you are finished with an operating session and charge the battery without running the engine. Not only will your system be charged and ready to go the next time out, but you will save unnecessary wear and tear on your locomotive! If you are using the overnight charger, be sure the charging plug is plugged all the way into the jack.

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