QSI Sound cuts out ?????

[steveturner]

Guys the Atlas Trainmaster i just picked up new 2006 the sound cuts out intermitently, actually the unit stops then restarts. I dont think its dirty track.It crawls along then stops. Even if a dirty spot i dont think all wheels are going to hit it as its a long loco. Maybe this is an issue with these .I cannot find any info on line .I was also wondering where the dcc operating sheet would be with CV values, for operation not sound?. Not sure if this is a slow speed issue as i have not ran it at a medium speed for much of a distance. Any help would be appreciated.i looked online could not find anything. Steve

[bnsf971]

Steve, I have several QSI equipped engines, and that is not one of the issues with them. Check the wires going to the pickup shoes in the trucks, clean the contact points between the wheels and them, check to make sure the wires are attached firmly to the circuit board, check the connections to the motor at the board and the motor. Also check to make sure the chip is firmly seated in the board.
Of course, it could be like the Trainmaster I had, where the dealer scabbed in an aftermarket motor decoder to conceal the fact he had somehow burned up the stock decoder.

[Deleted]

The problem is the sound board and the track. The capacitor is not holding power when there is a slight momentary drop in power. The track is not providing 100% of the time power. It is ever so slight that it doesn't effect the locomotives motor but that nano second of a power failure is being found by the power hungry sound board.

I had this exact problem with a set of A-B-B-A F's from Walthers with the, in my opinion, pile of garbage QSI board. The B-units, one in particular, were far much worse than any other sound equipped unit, other than the junk used by Intermountain in the original run of FP7A's.

For my set of Proto F-units, insulated frogs at switches were their albatross. So I powered the frogs, not very DCC friendly but it was either that or they became display models. Now with the frogs on the switches live, the four units did better.....but still dropped out and restarted if even the smallest particular of dust happened to be on the rail.

After a few months of sound torture from the set, I had enough and dumped them on e-Bay. I lost a nice chunk of change in process and vowed never to buy another Walthers Proto F-unit or QSI equipped locomotive, especially the older versions.

I know run a track cleaning car that lays down a wet solution in the train. I position the "tank" cleaning car just ahead of the caboose. The wet clean track has made a difference.

[steveturner]

Thanks for the info guys. Not really up on sound other than it either works or it doesnt! Reading the manual last night i decided to turn off the QSI RTC control and went to standard throttle control.Personally and thats me i like it better. Must say i have had no issues what soever programming with Digitrax zephyr though i have read folks having issues..................maybe they have too many locos on the tracks. I do like the audible read back on CVs. Some guys have told me to get the upgrade chip............... So is the chip on this loco now generic sounds or Trainmaster sounds?, does the chip you order for upgrade sound the same as this one generally speaking because i dont want to buy or down load sound extras. I thought the sounds on these chips were loco specific but maybe this 2006 Atlas gold is a generic diesel sound.Is there really any point in getting the new chip...................only good to me if loco runs better, the sound seems fine to me. If i order the chip what do i order?, secondly can i put it in myself?, do you need ny special tools?. I am decoder installl etc competant. Thanks steve.......................so i have cleaned wheel, recleaned track, seems fine so far and gone through 5 switches no issues. We will see!!! ;D

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Steve you could call QSI and ask to talk to Josh and discuss it with him. As far as the QSI website has PDFs of their instructions to download to help you find CVs, I'm not familiar with the Trainmaster so can't answer anything specific.

[Paul Cutler III]

Steve,
One thing to try is to wipe the memory of your system (OPSW36). You may have a "ghost" in the system where you have two throttles trying to control the same address... One is set to "zero" while the other is telling it to go. They will fight each other, making the engine stop, then go, then stop, then go, etc.

[spookyac47]

Oct 19, 2012 6:23:07 GMT -8 steveturner said:

Thanks for the info guys. Not really up on sound other than it either works or it doesnt! Reading the manual last night i decided to turn off the QSI RTC control and went to standard throttle control.Personally and thats me i like it better. Must say i have had no issues what soever programming with Digitrax zephyr though i have read folks having issues..................maybe they have too many locos on the tracks. I do like the audible read back on CVs. Some guys have told me to get the upgrade chip............... So is the chip on this loco now generic sounds or Trainmaster sounds?, does the chip you order for upgrade sound the same as this one generally speaking because i dont want to buy or down load sound extras. I thought the sounds on these chips were loco specific but maybe this 2006 Atlas gold is a generic diesel sound.Is there really any point in getting the new chip...................only good to me if loco runs better, the sound seems fine to me. If i order the chip what do i order?, secondly can i put it in myself?, do you need ny special tools?. I am decoder installl etc competant. Thanks steve.......................so i have cleaned wheel, recleaned track, seems fine so far and gone through 5 switches no issues. We will see!!! ;D

I have problems on our club layout with sound cutting out momentarily. This happens on QSI locomotives and some new, Tsunami equipped locomotives, as well as some older Soundtraxx locomotives. It also happens on the BLI Paragon locomotives, such as the Centipedes we have run on the layout. The layout is a medium sized layout with many turnouts . . . which is where most of the sound glitches happen. As has been stated, the momentary loss of power that causes the sound reset may barely be noticed in the motion of the locomotive as momentum and mass keep the loco moving.
As for replacing QSI "chips", you would need to research to see which chip you have installed. If it is an early version 6, it can not be updated by the user with new sounds files. Going to the newer version chip will allow you to download and install newer sound files . . . not neccessarily "better" files. To download however, you would need to purchase the QSI download package. Downloading is done on a non-powered track connected to your computer. I have not downloaded any files yet nor updated any QSI locomotives.
If you are happy with the sounds your locomotive emits and don't feel the urge to spend additional money . . . enjoy!

I have a tin ear anyway and just like playing with trains . . .

Installing the chip in a QSI locomotive is relatively easy . . . usually. Yes, there is a tool for removing the old chip. It can also be done with a small jeweler's screwdriver if one is careful and follows the instructions that come with the replacement chip. As with all things electronic, one needs to take the appropriate precautions to prevent ESD (electro Static discharge - aka static electricity). I work in an environment that is very strict about such measures and it carries over to my home activities.

[steveturner]

Thanks for the insight guys, greatly appreciated. Just got Decoder pro and am learning that ...........reaL BIG CURVE FOR ME HA !Well i have version 7 s thats ok.Can not hear my volume sounds on OPS track so i am trying to figure out what i have not done. I gave the wheels on loco a clean and recleaned the track, i have improvement. One other thing i have noticed is on the first little turn of throttle the sound is not gradual, it skips from soft to loud for split second as throttle increased.................is there a setting to adjust this.?.Thanks steve

[bnsf971]

Oct 19, 2012 11:44:43 GMT -8 steveturner said:

Thanks for the insight guys, greatly appreciated. Just got Decoder pro and am learning that ...........reaL BIG CURVE FOR ME HA !Well i have version 7 s thats ok.Can not hear my volume sounds on OPS track so i am trying to figure out what i have not done. I gave the wheels on loco a clean and recleaned the track, i have improvement. One other thing i have noticed is on the first little turn of throttle the sound is not gradual, it skips from soft to loud for split second as throttle increased.................is there a setting to adjust this.?.Thanks steve

Set CV49 to "0", it should tell you it is. Then set CV 51 to a reasonable number, like 35, and it should tell you that as well. That will lower the sound volume to a believeable level.
The sound on the Atlas TM board is really an FM engine. If you get the programmer for it, you can change the factory sound to a slightly better version. If this is the only QSI unit you have, getting a programmer would be kind of expensive.

[steveturner]

Since i have never seen a real FM or even heard a real one i think i will sit tight because i am happier than a pig in shit with the unit other than a few programming querks i need to learn and figure out. Had great help from you guys. Steve

[daveh]

steveturner -- my 2010 release EL H-24-66 Atlas Gold TrainMaster cab #1860 sporadically stops, the sounds quit, and then it right-away starts up again - working its way up to the speed it quit at with sounds to match. I did the measures BNSF971 suggested along with the all-CV's DCC-based reset and the magnetic wand DC-based reset. But it still had that issue no matter if at 4 speed steps,34 of 104, on a straight or curve going clockwise or counterclockwise. I too then changed from RTC to STC (the only two programmable modes) and the problem went away. Pity too because whereas I'm OK running in STC I like some features of RTC that STC does not -- for example, by setting CV2 to 30 I got the TM to crawl slow and smoothly at 1 speed step with STC, but with cars behind it you have to increase that to around 10 before it starts moving. With RTC it would crawl with or without a train at 1 speed step (b/c the throttle control knows how to compensate for a load and STC does not). Also, now if I ever reset the engine, I'll have to go back and reprogram it to STC, CV2=30, etc. whereas with RTC (default) I was good to go right from a reset (one of very few engines actually I didn't find many, in fact any, CV's to adjust. Just thought I let you know. I bought this engine a few weeks ago and saw your post. I wish there was something that could be done not to have to switch from RTC to STC.

[NS4122]

I had the same issue with an Atlas Dash 8-40CW. I found that the axles were losing contact with the contact strip in the truck side frames due to dirt or wear or whatever. I tried cleaning them, but that didn't last long. I then found that Atlas actually used Conductalube (conductive light oil)on the axle ends to ensure conductivity. At the time I didn't have Conductalube but used a dab of USA Trains conductive grease on each axle end instead and have not had a problem since. Both lubes are expensive but will last forever.

Edit: When I originally posted this I stated I used Aristo Craft conductive grease when in fact it was USA Trains Conductive grease. I don't know if it is plastic compatible, but it is somewhat thick and when I have used it, it has not migrated away from the metal contact areas where it was placed.

[daveh]

Thanks NS4122 for sharing that. I tried ConductLlube oil on the ends of the axles. I forgot to mention that along with other positive continuity and connection measures taken. Unfortunately it didn't solve this issue. Perhaps Aristo Craft conductive grease is the answer. I don't have any of that, but might look for some and try it.

Update: after a quick Google search or two I found an article on Aristo-Craft 29602 Conductive grease that cautioned against using it b/c of potentially not being truly plastic-compatible.  Since there's a good bit of plastic in the proximity of the TrainMaster axle ends, I think I will refrain from using it.  Rats, I was really hope to return to RTC instead of STC.    
www.elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/lubrication

[davidmbedard]

Wheels in Gauge?

[Artur]

Make sure that you ha a 16 ohm speaker is installed. If an 8ohm speaker is used it will cause the decoder to cut in and out.

[daveh]

I will check the gauging. The speakers are the two installed by Atlas. I will look to see what’s written on them. Received today a sample of M G Chemicals #846 conductive grease to try on the axle ends. Will let you know if that helps or solves the problem. STC mode is better than RTC mode in terms of frequency of stalls but not infallible. Just longer amounts of time between them. Might be few days til I get back but will provide an update on my findings. Thanks again for the tips and suggestions.

[daveh]

I checked the gauging. All eight wheel sets are within NMRA spec. Two could be a hair wider. The backs of their wheels both lie between the inner notches on the gauge. It's just on one end the outer edge of the flange could be a little bit better centered in the notch. The back of both speakers is labeled -- "A0001, K32BB9, 8ohm". I have not yet applied or tried the #846 yet.

[daveh]

The two 8 ohm speakers are wired in series so they present 16 ohms of resistance. Bad news - I applied MG Chemicals #846 conductive grease to both the ends of all six axles. At 44 speed steps in RTC mode it stalled again after running 8 minutes then again after another 2 minutes and again after that - sudden stop, sounds quit, lights out, then starts up by itself. Dang. I think it might be a bad electronic component somewhere on a board that fails then revives, fails and revises at will. RTC sees to accentuate its propensity to “burp” and STC less apt to but it still does stall just in STC mode just less frequently. Any further suggestions?. Thanks.

[Mark R.]

I'm wondering if it is running warm and going into thermal shut down, seeing as it took eight minutes for it to initially stop, then shorter time periods there-after. Try running it with the shell off if possible and see if it makes any difference.

Mark.

[daveh]

Good idea. I've been running with the shell off for about the last two weeks. It hasn't felt warm or hot yet, but that was a good suggestion to check on that in case. It does feel like something randomly hits its tolerance limit shuts off and then just that fast resets again, just to fail 2 minutes later, 24 minutes later, who knows.

[spookyac47]

Greeting All,

I have been away from trains for a while and haven't visited our club for the better part of a year or more. I have other stuff going on that has taken most of my time. A majority of my sound locos are QSI, divided between Atlas and BLI. I know there was some issues with QSI a while back and Sountrax and ESU started appearing in more locomotives. Has QSI lost it's place in the locomotive sound market?
Searched for the QSI website and it is a shadow of what it used to be.
I don't really care if you like them or hate them so please don't respond with rants about QSI, just trying to find out if they still exist as a provider or sound equipment for model railroading equipment as an aftermarket provider.

[jonklein611]

Sept 29, 2020 7:38:32 GMT -8 spookyac47 said:

Greeting All,

I have been away from trains for a while and haven't visited our club for the better part of a year or more. I have other stuff going on that has taken most of my time. A majority of my sound locos are QSI, divided between Atlas and BLI. I know there was some issues with QSI a while back and Sountrax and ESU started appearing in more locomotives. Has QSI lost it's place in the locomotive sound market?
Searched for the QSI website and it is a shadow of what it used to be.
I don't really care if you like them or hate them so please don't respond with rants about QSI, just trying to find out if they still exist as a provider or sound equipment for model railroading equipment as an aftermarket provider.

Yes, they've kinda faded away.  I'd say the two front runners are ESU and TCS with some others depending on what you need.

[edwardsutorik]

Sept 29, 2020 7:38:32 GMT -8 spookyac47 said:

...just trying to find out if they still exist as a provider or sound equipment for model railroading equipment as an aftermarket provider.

Looking over their website:

qsindustries.com

just as you did, implies strongly that they ARE a provider of sound equipment. I noticed that they say they are selling a sound decoder for $129.95.

I went to Tony's Train Exchange and Litchfield Station, and they don't list QSI. Don't know why.

I see they have a phone number. You could call them up and see what's up. And maybe report back, while you're at it.



Below follows a rant. So you should just close your eyes and skip it.


A friend of mine who is in the DCC trade has high regard for QSI decoders. He said that when I showed him my 3 unit set of Walthers E7's (with QSI). For myself, what thrills me about this particular installation is that QSI provided a function for the radiator shutters and fans (sound, not physical movement). As far as I know, no one else does. Maybe someday I can swipe the sounds out of the QSI and dump them into a Loksound decoder. Until that great day, I'll likely just keep running my E7's.

Rant is officially over--open eyes!



Ed