Does Your JJC Sound Module Cut Out?

[Hoghappy]

Hey guys...does your JJC sound mod cut out for a slit second every 20 or 30 seconds or so? Mine does and it doesn't matter where the volume or throttle is set. Is it the begining/end of a sound loop or something? Just wondering if this is normal. Curious minds... :rolleyes:

Thanks

Captain Slick

[patmat2350]

It'll also cut out on low voltage, more likely if you're on a 6v system.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I encountered the problem at the reciever.
If one of the servo functions draws a lot of power, the voltage drop at the reciever will cause the JJC sound board to reset.

In my case it was the rudder servos causing the trouble. ;)

[Hoghappy]

My module interupts, just for a slit second, every 15 seconds...exactly every 15 seconds...when at full throttle. If I turn it on and let it just idle, it interupts momentarily every 45 seconds...exactly...time after time. It is like it is on a loop. It dosen't have time to over heat, I am not using any servos, and I tried it with a 9 volt battery and it makes no difference about the voltage, 6 or 9. I also tried 3 different ESCs.

I added a slave horn unit last night, but I didn't get a connector cable to hook the 2 units (master/slave) together. You would think for the price that one would be supplied with one of the 2 units? At least you would think one would be listed on the website and/or mention the need for it! So...yet another order and shipping charge! :censored: I also ordered a replacement master module.

Captain Slick

[tim slocum]

Hoghappy, on the JJC website it says that additional slave units can be added with a 3.5mm plug.Its also has a picture of the system with a slave unit attached. I agree with you, they should include the cord with the slave units. Maybe they forgot to send one along. Give them a call, maybe they would send you one with free shipping.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

The units do use a looped sound byte to create the impression of a continuously running engine. I wonder if you got a poorly recorded chip, and that is why your sound system is interrupted.

:(

[Hoghappy]

The units do use a looped sound byte to create the impression of a continuously running engine. I wonder if you got a poorly recorded chip, and that is why your sound system is interrupted.

:(

That's exactly what I'm thinking too Umi! ;)

Capt. Slick

[785boats]

Hoghappy.
One of the features of the soundcard is that it goes into shutdown mode if the throttle stick is left on idle for 45 seconds. The sound should idle down to zero & shut off. Yours , as you say, hesitates & then keeps going. With this & the other cutout problem, you would have to say it's a faulty card. Have you contacted JJC directly ? I understand they are a very helpful small family buisiness, who are proud of their products. They will repair or replace faulty items.

Regards,

Paul.

[Hoghappy]

I got a replacement and it does the same thing. Since I've not heard from anyone here that has the Turbo Cat Diesel module, I'm going to have to assume that this is the way they are supposed to be. There is a brief interuption in the sound byte between loops. I don't like it, but there it is. The overall engine sound quality is a 5 on a 10 scale.

The new horn module is hooked up and it gives you the ability to change between 3 different sizes of tugs/horn sounds. It also lets you change the volume and frequency of the sound. What is does NOT let you do is change the length of the "toot" nor select how many toots you get with each servo activation. When you activate the horn, you get a long toot followed by a pretty long pause and then another long toot. You have to wait for the "loop" to complete before it will accept another servo input.

It would be nice to be able to select the length on the horn blast and how many/often. I also have the horn turned down to it's lowest setting and it is still out of scale loud.

So...my final impression of the modules is that they are still pretty cool and much better than nothing, but leave a lot of room for improvement.

Capt. Slick

[Kmot]

You never said it was a Turbo Diesel unit.

I have a Turbo Diesel module. I have tested it in my 47' MLB and had the video of the tests (actually, speaker tests) posted for awhile. Mine loops continuously. Either that, or the pause is so miniscule that I never noticed it.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I have two turbo cat diesels, and seems like I did mention that there seemed to be a slight snap where the sound byte loops. but not a pause...

When I get a chance, I will hook up the second one and give it a listen..

[Hoghappy]

...I see I omitted that in this thread...I know I mentioned it in the Atlantic Harbor Tug thread. Don't y'all have ESPN... :p Yes... it is the Turbo Cat Diesel. It seems strange that both of the ones I've tried do the same thing. :rolleyes:

Capt. Slick

[Hoghappy]

...you did mention the problem at the reciever do to voltage drop. My pause is more than just a "slight snap". It is a complete cut out for a tenth of a second or so...longer at slower throttle.

Capt. Slick

I got both mods from the same vendor...maybe it was a bad batch or production run?

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Hoghappy,

YOU are not crazy, and your hearing is not TOO sensitve.
The JJC sound module I recently purchased, in the last month, skips.

The skip is every 10.5 seconds at high speed.

The two older units I purchase about November of 2006, do not do this.
I have e-mailed Dave, at Harbor Models,... I suggest you do the same thing(again),
as it will lend a little bit of credance if there is now more than one complaint.

Again, it seems to be a batch issue...

[Kmot]

I have an early version I think.

[knightsy]

Hmmmmm. I may be the culprit to part of the supposed problem. When I got my two master units (one for each main engine) early last year I didn't pay much attention to the fact that the engine shuts down after 45 secs of inactivity. After I had played with them for a while I thought that it was a bit daft that the engine sounds should shut down after 45 secs - they wouldn't do that on the real thing if you had just idled down for a minute or two - perhaps to chat with a fellow modeller, or waiting for your turn to run a course. So I asked my supplier if it was possible to produce the unit so it didn't shut down until you turned the receiver off. He contacted JJC explaining my logic?? and they agreed that it could be done. I sent my units back for "adjustment". Now they idle until I turn the receiver off. Perhaps they all do that now. By the way, if you interrupt the power supply to the unit and then restore it the unit just resumes where it left off.

As for the break in sound the only thing I get is a crack every now and again, but no hesitation in sound. I will see how it goes when they are installed in the model. I don't think anyone will notice the crack when the the model sidesteps past them at 8 knots. There is a clue as to what I am building. I will post stuff on the model when it has hit the water.

Regards Trevor Knights
Canberra, Australia

As for

[Hoghappy]

Umi...I fired off an email. I just returned the other one yesterday after they were nice enough to send me a replacement without charge. I've nothing but good things to say about Harbor.

Knightsy...the two I tried still turn off after idling for awhile..I like the idea of being able to control that.

I know I can get carried away on some of these issuses at times and thank ya all for the patience with the newbie.

Capt Slick

Murphy is alive and well at my house!

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I like the start up sequence... I avoid the shut down by keeping the throttle just above the neutral point, where the motors are not quite running, or just jiggleing the throttle. I can hear a slight "wheet" every time the LED blinks, so i know when the sound chip is in its 15-45 second shut down mode.

;)

______________________________________
______________________________________

Skipping....
Harbor models e-mailed back to say they are waiting to hear from the manufacturer.

[Hoghappy]

Umi...I got the same response when I asked if I should send this latest one back. I also do the same thing that you do as far as operation of the unit. One click above idle is not quite enough to get the prop turning...but I can hear the ESC/motor whine.

Capt. Slick

[DavidHarrison]

Are you guys in this thread aware of the new, very cool, completely programmable sound modules from Model Solutions of Canada?

See :

http://www.modelsolutions.ca/catalog_sound_systems.htm

Regards,
David
Model Solutions of Canada

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Are you guys in this thread aware of the new, very cool, completely programmable sound modules from Model Solutions of Canada?

See :

http://www.modelsolutions.ca/catalog_sound_systems.htm

Regards,
David
Model Solutions of Canada

Are you offering a discount for trading in faulty JJCs? :p

[herrmill]

Umi,

You could be on to something... the start a whole new market in "Certified Quality Used Sound Modules!"

Just beware of the guy wearing a loud tie & a bad toupee trying to sell you a model that was only sailed on Sundays after church... :D

Chuck

[Kmot]

Are you offering a discount for trading in faulty JJCs? :p
Man, that is funny! :D

I would trade in my JJC pt-boat module on a new MSOC module! :)

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Man, that is funny! :D

I would trade in my JJC pt-boat module on a new MSOC module! :)

Yeah, but your's is not faulty...

I have one good one, and one bad one... Still waiting to hear if we will get good ones. Otherwise I am asking for my money back....

[Hoghappy]

...I sent my 2nd bad master back 3 weeks ago, and now I have a slave that needs a master....hmmm...I don't think I will go there... :D

Capt. Slick