Large Scale Central

Sierra Sound instructions anyone?

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Hello I have a Sierra Sound system that I have installed into a bashed up tender to be shared amongst my steamers. I tested it today and my engineer is whistle happy. He blows it like he is on the main doing 100 about every minute. When I was testing this unit on the bench I applied voltage and the bell would ring as it got going but now the bell rings 2-3 times and the 100mph horn starts in.

I am track powered, no trigger magnets. Looking at the module the only writing I see is on a chip,

Sierra Steam Ver. 1.1 c 2004 throttle up. The other chip reads B 2-8-0 V 1.1 c 2002 throttle up.

I’m thinking this sound card is for a Baldwin 2-8-0 but to me it still sounds good behind my shay. Is there a button to push or a way to stop this whistle from going off so much? Does anyone have directions or a link to point me to?

Thanks

#2

You really need a copy of the manual which is 35 pages long. It tells how to adjust synchronization source, exhaust type, start voltage, chuff rate, bell ring rate, air pump type, pop valve, Fireman Fred (love him), grease gun, blower, dynamo, two different lighting effects circuits, whistle control method, bell control method, hiss control method, bell on voltage, bell off voltage, whistle sensitivity (your problem here), and filter rate.

This is why I love the Sierra systems!

The whistle is sensitive to rapid changes in track voltage either intentional (speed up/slow down), or unintentional (dirty track, dead spots [that train coasts through so you don’t really notice], dirty/pulse width power source, etc.)

From the manual:

Setup Step 20 - Filter Rate, The Filter Rate controls Sierras sensitivity to minor track voltage fluctuations due to pulse power, dirty track, etc. A high filter rate will smooth out even the most dramatic voltage changes, but will also slow down Sierras responsiveness to normal throttle changes. A low filter rate on the other hand, increases responsiveness, but may result in the whistle sound being activated inadvertently if the voltage mode is being used (Step 14 selects the voltage or trigger method). Normally you should not have to make an adjustment. If you find that the whistle blows excessively, try increasing the filter rate. If the whistle doesn’t blow at all or you are using a throttle with momentum, try lowering the filter rate. The filter rate setting is indicated by the number of times the F2 LED (the LED closer to terminal 5) blinks and has a range of 1 to 12 with larger numbers corresponding to a lower filter rate. Pressing the Volume (+) button (the button closer to terminal 7) will step through the available settings. Once you have made the adjustment, press and hold the Volume (-) key (closer to terminal 10) for 2 seconds until you hear a short toot. Release the Volume (-) key and proceed to Step 21.

(Step 21 confirms the software version number so at this time Step 20 is complete.)

#3

BTW, I have a Sierra for a Mogul that I would trade straight across for a diesel unit, preferably a GP, NW, or FA (i.e., smaller, older diesels). Mine works perfect (except no back-up battery) and so must the diesel.

#4

Todd Haskins said:

Hello I have a Sierra Sound system that I have installed into a bashed up tender to be shared amongst my steamers. I tested it today and my engineer is whistle happy. He blows it like he is on the main doing 100 about every minute. When I was testing this unit on the bench I applied voltage and the bell would ring as it got going but now the bell rings 2-3 times and the 100mph horn starts in.

I am track powered, no trigger magnets. Looking at the module the only writing I see is on a chip,

Sierra Steam Ver. 1.1 c 2004 throttle up. The other chip reads B 2-8-0 V 1.1 c 2002 throttle up.

I’m thinking this sound card is for a Baldwin 2-8-0 but to me it still sounds good behind my shay. Is there a button to push or a way to stop this whistle from going off so much? Does anyone have directions or a link to point me to?

Thanks

Todd - I have a PDF of the steam manual - send me an email and I’ll get it to you. [email protected]

dave

#5

Wow that is confusing Todd. This one does have battery backup but it would make sense how dirty track can cause fluctuations in the voltage pickup, the test rollers on my bench were not dirty but the track was. I have a aristo TE with a crest transformer.

Email sent Dave, Thank you.

#6

Todd Haskins said:

Wow that is confusing Todd. This one does have battery backup but it would make sense how dirty track can cause fluctuations in the voltage pickup, the test rollers on my bench were not dirty but the track was. I have a aristo TE with a crest transformer.

Email sent Dave, Thank you.

PDF sent via email, Todd - hope it helps!

dave

#7

Received it now to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it.

Thanks Dave.

#8

Hi Todd… I got in on this a bit late… I have pdf’s of both Sierra Steam and Diesel available as well…

Just email me for a copy… [email protected]