QSI upgrade chip for Quantum decoders

As model railroading moves deeper into the digital era, manufacturers are offering more opportunities for hobbyists to improve their equipment via software and/or hardware updates.

One of the newest update packages is from QSI, manufacturer of the Quantum DC/Digital Command Control (DCC) sound systems found in many new locomotives from Atlas, Broadway Limited, Life-Like, and others. In this case the upgrade is a replacement chip for older QSI systems that gives them a more robust set of features, including enhanced sound and control.

The chip, which retails at $29.95, is simple to install using a special chip removal tool. The tool reaches under the chip on two sides, allowing you to lift it straight up and remove it. If you don’t have the tool, it’s possible to remove the chip by using a very small screwdriver or a curved pick to lift the chip, but you run the risk of bending the many prongs along each side of the chip. Either way, ground yourself first to eliminate any static discharge. The chip can also be replaced for you by QSI Solutions dealers.

New features. While a complete list of all the features included in the new chip would require more space than we have, I found several especially useful.

A new motor control method, called regulated throttle control (RTC) enhances the model’s low-speed control and also the acceleration/deceleration and upgrade/downgrade performance.

Though not a constant-speed “cruise” control, RTC does appear to simulate a train’s inertia by lessening the change in the locomotive’s speed on grades and over rough trackwork. The RTC also ties into the sound circuits so that the sound varies not only with speed but also with the load. We tested the new chip in our early production BLI Hudson, and the variations in tone and volume were impressive. The exhaust had a sharp bark as the Hudson accelerated with a heavy load, but the exhaust was nearly silent when the 4-6-4 was drifting.

In addition to the refinements in the control and sound functions, the new chips have enhanced lighting functionality and will accept user-loaded sounds from a personal computer via a separate interface (not yet available). The system’s enhanced DC features provide Quantum Analog Remote Control (QARC) operation of most sound and control functions using a QSI Quantum Engineer controller (not included).

The locomotive runs better than it did before: It maintains a steady 0.7 smph at 8.2V (vs. 1.9 mph at 8.5V before the upgrade), and it runs 65 mph at 12V (vs. 52.5 mph at 12V before). I was pleased with the upgrade. It helped a good locomotive become even better.

QSI upgrade chip
Price: $29.95

Manufacturer
QSI
3800 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd,
Suite 224
Beaverton, OR 97005
www.qsindustries.com
Description
Easy-to-install upgrade chip
for QSI Quantum sound
and DCC decoders