Quantum Revolution
Better late than never, the QSI Solutions Quantum Revolution is ready for production, shipping in about 4 weeks.
We apologize for the long delay in releasing the Revolution! There were certainly many technical issues in developing its compact advanced technology, but a significant reason, unknown to many, were legal obstacles. The NMRA’s recent action (ext. link, PDF) to challenge an existing, allegedly invalid patent is part of the picture.
Unfortunately there are individuals who have migrated from other railroad sectors that have a reputation for litigation and piracy. They have an eye for grabbing a portion of the scale Model Railroaders market. They are attempting to litigate based on the above patent which will eventually be invalidated. Hundreds of thousands of dollars and numerous man-hours have been directed at preventing a hostile attempt by the high rail group to control our hobby.
Design Objective
The design objective was to produce the best possible realistic digital sounds in a compact user-friendly downloadable format. Download capability means that the decoder’s internal software can be reloaded for all possible current and future applications.
Currently there are over 150 sound file options and many more are in the works. The available and future sound options will be posted in a table similar to the G scale table now online.
Sound File IDs
Sound file IDs or P/Ns are identified by a 2 part 7-digit number. The first four digits are the type number (diesel 1XXX-XXX, steam 3XXX-XXX, etc), and the remaining 3 digits are the sound set numbers. For example, a G scale F7 is 1008-291.
This minimizes supply problems associated with non-downloadable units and helps assure a continual supply of the Revolution, however you want it and with the guarantee you have the latest software.
To Give you the Best Sound!
To give you the best sound we’re giving you the best speakers and enclosures.
High performance speakers and enclosures fine tuned for your specific loco applications are included with your purchase!
The user can specify his loco and the dealers will provide the best speaker options. We have a list of speaker options for most popular locomotives so the users can choose the correct speakers for their application.
The Revolution was designed for 8 ohm speakers so the user has many options and is not limited to difficult to find 100 and 32 ohm speakers that are specified by other sound decoders.
Flexible Design Philosophy
We have designed these sound decoders to give you many years of pleasure and operating enjoyment. The Quantum products are intended to grow with you and can be continually updated to give you the latest developments in sound files and performance features. We are at the dawn of a new era of locomotive sound systems and appreciate that you have decided to join us. We will work hard to continually provide you with updates and improvements so that you will always have available “state of the art” technology.
Also, we highly value your inputs and are prepared to create custom software builds to give you that special sound or feature that you want.
Format Options
There are two board formats planned for the initial release. The complete specifications are to follow.
1) The First format to ship - Revolution-A - will be a replacement board format style that is in widespread use for popular diesels like the Atlas type chassis locomotives and many others. See below.
2) The Second is the Universal Format - Revolution-U. See details below.
Size: Atlas Format 0.69” X 2.86”.
What Will the Atlas Revolution Fit?
More complete list is available here.
Athearn
Genesis F3/7, Genesis SD70-75 and most of the older loco kits.
Atlas
B40-8, C424/C425, GP7 (pre-2003), GP38, GP40, RS1/RS3, RSD4/5, RS-11,RSD12, SD35, U33C/U36C, C30-7 and more.
Kato
C424, C1425, SD40-2, SD45 and more.
Life-Like
P1K DL109, P1k F7, generally most Walthers Proto 1000 loco’s.
Stewart
Baldwin AS16F3-7, F9 A&B, many F units and others
Intermountain
F Units Broadway Ltd/PCM: Stealth Models
Universal Format - Revolution-U
The second Quantum Revolution to follow will be a universal wired format suitable for most installations.
Size of the universal format 2.13 X 0.69.
What’s the Revolution Got That’s New?
Improvements in Quantum Revolution as compared to the original OEM releases by BLI, Atlas, Walthers, Proto 2000, Inter Mountain, Stewart and other sound decoders.
- Advanced Co-Processor technology.
- Low power design that allows mounting of the board anywhere in the locomotive.
- Higher audio output for clear and loud sounds.
- Additional flash memory provides for more sounds.
- Higher voltage operation, 25 volts peak.
- Better motor performance under intermittent power.
- Super smooth low and mid speed performance under RTC.
- Steam versions of the board support a chuff CAM.
- Lighting: 6 light outputs, all with 256 intensity levels.
Support for both LEDS and low voltage, low current incandescent lights, eliminating dropping resistors, High voltage bulbs not supported.
New Lights supported: Rear Mars Light, Rear Ditch Lights, Firebox
Light ports are user configurable.
The lights for 2 ports are fixed: Front Headlight, Rear Headlight.
The user can select lights for the remaining 4 ports from this list:
Front Mars Light Rear Number Boards Rear Mars Light Front Marker Lights Front Left Ditch Light Rear Marker Lights Front Right Ditch Light Front Cab Light Rear Left Ditch Light Rear Cab Light Rear Right Ditch Light Firebox Front Number Boards - Complete sound file downloading supports cut & paste or editing of sound records:
- Horn/Whistle
- Alternate Horn/Whistle
- Bell
- Diesel Motor
- Chuff
- Dynamic Brake Fans
- Steam Generator
- Pump
- Cooling Fan/Vents
- New Odometer Functions
- Odometer Reset
- Service Mode Odometer Read-back
- Ops Mode Odometer Readout
- Reported to 0.01 SMPH.
- User Calibration of BEMF vs Scale MPH.
- User calibration of Chuff rate for low range speed steps virtually eliminates the need for a cam.
- New CV56.13 Chuff Interval Trim for fine-tuning chuff rate.
- User can specify default values for:
- CV2 VStart
- CV5 VHigh
- CV56.5 Regulated Throttle Minimum BEMF
- CV56.9 BEMF to MPH Trim
- CV56.18-21 PID parameters
- User Configurable Squealing Brakes:
- Specify SMPH at which Squealing Brakes are armed.
- Specify SMPH at which Squealing Brakes are triggered.
- Specify whether Squealing Brakes are armed if Air Brakes are applied.
- User Configurable Grade Crossing Horn Signal:
- Specify duration of up to four horn blasts and three periods of silence.
Quantum Revolution Specifications
Dimensions: Revolution-A, 0.99” X 2.86”, Revolution-U, 2.13” X 0.69”
Maximum Peak Voltage: 25 V
Steady State Current: 1.3 A
Stall Current: (1 sec): 2+ A
Speaker Load: 8/16 ohm or 2, 8 ohm in Parallel
Audio Amplifier: Advanced D Style Format 2 Watts
Light Outputs: 6 with 256 intensity levels ea.
Function Current: 100 mA
Downloadable Sound Files: Cut/Paste and Edit Sound Files
DECODER FEATURES
Compatible with the NMRA DCC Standards and RPs
Supports 2 and 4 Digit Addressing
Programmable acceleration, deceleration, starting voltage
Speed calibration, 1 Scale MPH
Supports programming on the main with Stat Chat, audible feed back
Supports read-back on Programming Track
Magnetic Reset to Defaults
Analog Control using the Quantum Engineer
I/O: Revolution-U: 9 pin and 8 Pin JST for additional function outputs
Co-Processor Technology
THROTTLE FEATURES
Supports 14, 28, and 128 speed step modes
Speed interpolation provides super smooth 128 speed step response
Programmable acceleration, deceleration, starting voltage
7 bit consist addressing (CV-19)
High Frequency Silent Motor Drive
BEMF/Load Compensation
RTC Regulated Throttle Control, self adjusts locomotives in a consist - an exclusive Quantum feature!
Braking Effects - see above.
SOUND FEATURES
8 Sound Channels
High quality 16 bit digital sound
Individual, adjustable volume controls
1-2 Watt audio amplifier
Polyphonic Sound Processor
Doppler Effect
Break Squeal
Air Brakes
Stat Chat, Verbal Audible response to programming commands
Side Rod Clank
Steam Cocks
Cam Input
Fuel and Water
Sound of Power by Load Conditions
Sound of Power By Function Command
Improved Notching and Transitions
Improved Chuff See Above
Wheel Slip
LIGHTING FEATURES
See above.
Other Useful Documents
- Q2 Odometer Functions (PDF)
- Q1a Early EMD Notching and Transitions
- Using the Impressive Doppler Effect
- Acoustic Designs for Onboard Sound
- How to Record Locomotive Sounds
- Quantum Programmer as a Command Station
- Quantum Programmer Wiring to DCC Booster
- Simple Answer to Speed Matching Locos: the Quantum Programmer!
- Chuff Interval Calibration on a Quantum Q2 Decoder
How to Determine Which Decoder to Order?
We prefer that you contact your dealer to verify you are making the right choice.
1. Choose either the Atlas Revolution or the Generic Revolution depending on a steam or diesel application and the space you have available. The Atlas style is primarily for diesels but may be used for steam if the space dictates so. There is no cam input. The Revolution's design is suitable for almost all applications.
2. Make sure to try to optimize the space you have for the speaker and baffles. If there is space for 2 speakers, that’s the best option.
Once you have determined the above then you can decide on the appropriate part # for the sounds you want.
Part number selections would be as follows:
Revolution-A for the Atlas format (MSRP $109.95).
| Product Description | Type | P/N |
| “QSI Revolution-A” | Steam | 3XXX-XXX |
| Diesel | 1XXX-XXX |
Revolution-U for the universal format (MSRP $119.95).
| Product Description | Type | P/N |
| “QSI Revolution-U” | Steam | 3XXX-XXX |
| Diesel | 1XXX-XXX |
Pre-Orders for the Atlas Revolution
We expect to be shipping in a month. Since all part numbers have not yet been posted you can pre-order by describing your application.
Examples:
For an Atlas GP40
QSI Revolution-A, Atlas GP 40, Nathan 5 Chime
For an Athearn Genesis F7
QSI Revolution-A, Athearn F7, Wabco 2 Chime
Accessories
Standard NMRA JST 9 pin, 4” Harness w/o 8 pin NMRA Plug. DHWH: LIST $5.00
Standard NMRA JST 9 pin, 4” Harness with 8 pin NMRA Plug DHWHP: List $6.00
Standard NMRA JST 9 pin, 1” Harness with 8 pin NMRA Plug DHWHPS: List $6.00
Speakers
QSI Solutions has largest industry wide selection of the best performing speakers in many different size and shape options
