Clicking Sounds, Static, or No Sounds from Millennium Falcon

Clicking Sounds, Static, or No Sounds from Millennium Falcon

Symptoms

When connecting the Brickstuff light and sound kit for the LEGO Millennium Falcon, and when powering up the kit, either clicking sounds are heard from the speakers or no sounds are heard at all.  Sounds may also run fine for a period of time, but either drop out, "pop" instead of playing, or stop playing before the sound was supposed to end.  At times a low-pitch humming sound may also be heard.

 

Cause

This issue can be caused by one of two issues, both related to power supplies:

  1. Both power outputs from the kit are connected to the same power source.  As outlined in the instructions, in order for the kit to operate correctly, the two power inputs need to come from separate sources that are isolated from each other. 
  2. The power source used is not providing sufficient amperage (current) to power the two sound modules in the Falcon kit.  Because of the large power requirements for the kit, two independent power supplies are required, each of which must provide at least 1 amp (1000mA) of output power. 

 

Resolution

First check to make sure you are not powering the kit from a single power source.

  • If you are using the USB power option, this means that each output USB cable needs to be connected to its own power source capable of delivering at least 1 amp (1000mA) of power.  If you have a USB "splitter" or have connected both USB power outputs to the same battery or mains adapter, you need to separate the outputs and connect each to its own adapter.
  • If you are using the Power Functions power option, check to make sure that you are using two separate LEGO batteries.

If you are powering the kit from a single power source, split the outputs so each power input cable has its own dedicated power source, and try operating the kit again.

Next, check to make sure each power supply you are using is capable of producing sufficient power output (5 volts and at least one amp/1A/1000mA of current).

If you are using the USB power option:

  • Make sure you are not powering the kit from your computer or anything other than a dedicated USB power supply.  Computer USB power supplies are typically designed to supply only half of the current needed by our Falcon kit.
  • Make sure the voltage output is 5 volts DC and no less.  We have seen customers experience issues even when the supplied voltage drops to 4.8 volts.
  • Check the two batteries or mains adapters you are using to make sure each is capable of outputting at least one amp of power (this will be listed somewhere on the battery or mains adapter as 1A or 1000mA-- anything above these levels is also ok).  If the batteries or adapters you are using cannot each produce at least 1A of power, this is likely what is causing your issue.  You should replace the supplies with units that can produce at least 1A at 5V DC of output power.
  • If you are using mains ("plug-in" or "wall wart") adapters, make sure they are "genuine" and from a quality manufacturer.  The best are Apple's iPhone or iPad chargers.  We have seen Apple clones or other aftermarket or "gray market" adapters that say they produce 1A but which cannot maintain this rating.

If you are using the Power Functions power option:

  • We do not recommend not using the AAA LEGO battery boxes (part #88000).  Based on customer feedback, we have determined that the AAA LEGO battery box is not able to reliably provide sufficient output current to power our kit.  If you are using the AAA battery boxes, you may notice sounds or lights operate correctly for only a short period of time.  Our recommendation is to switch to the LEGO AA battery boxes (part #8881) or the Rechargeable battery boxes (part #8878).
  • If you are using the LEGO AA battery box, do not use rechargeable batteries.
  • Replace batteries and make sure you are using a fresh set.
  • If you are using the LEGO Rechargeable battery box, make sure both batteries are fully charged.

Based on feedback from customers, the most common cause of "popping," "humming," or drop-outs in sound are power-related.  The Falcon kit requires a total of 2A (2000mA) of power and 5V DC provided through two separate and isolated power supplies.

If you have completed the steps above, have made the recommended changes, and are still experiencing problems, please contact us at support@brickstuff.com.

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