Quantum Programmer FAQ
By Paul Turvill
Computer Hardware Issues
Q: What is a Quantum Programmer?
A: The Quantum Programmer is an electronic hardware device that permits you to upgrade and program QSI mobile decoders with Version 7.0 or later firmware. It is used between a USB port on your computer and a programming track to read data from and send new data to the firmware chip installed in any model locomotive equipped with a QSI sound decoder.
Q: What are the computer system requirements?
A: The Quantum Programmer is designed to operate with a PC running a currently supported version of Windows, and having at least one available USB port. Most Windows machines that include USB ports as standard equipment should suffice. Virtually any Windows system capable of running products by JMRI, Railroad & Co. (Freiwald software) and similar packages should also operate with the Quantum Programmer.
Q: What do I need to use the Quantum Programmer?
A: The Quantum Programmer package comes with everything you need (Programmer, power supply, USB cable, connectors, and software) to get started, except a “programming track”: a section of track that is totally isolated from your layout and any other power supplies.
Q: What are the requirements for a programming track?
A: The most important requirement for a programming track is that it must be totally isolated from your layout and any other power supplies. It should be connected only to the output connector of your Quantum Programmer, and may be as simple as a couple of pieces of sectional track or a length of flex track. If you have the space, you may find it advantageous to use a closed circle or oval of track mounted to a board, especially when it comes to operations dealing with speed matching and other “Operations Mode” programming activities.
Q: Can I use the Quantum Programmer with my existing programming track?
A: The answer is a qualified “Yes.” You may use the existing track, but it must be disconnected from any other programming or power source before it is connected to the Quantum Programmer’s output terminals.
Software Issues
Q: What kind of software do I need?
A: The Quantum Programmer is currently compatible with two software applications, both of which are included in the package: Q1aUpgrade, and Quantum CVManager. These are updated regularly as firmware for new models is developed and when changes are required for new firmware features. The latest versions of these applications may be downloaded from the QSI Solutions Web site at no additional charge. Important note : QSI Programmer is not compatible with Windows 98 or earlier versions.
Q: What can I do with Q1aUpgrade?
A: Q1aUpgrade is the package that allows you to install the latest version of firmware into any QSI-equipped locomotive having a Version 7.0 or later firmware chip. NOTE: QSI decoders with Version 6 or earlier firmware chips must first have new Version 7 chips installed.
Q: What about Quantum CVManager?
A: The name says it all: Quantum CVManager is the application that permits you to read, change, and program the Configuration Variables (CVs) that control the various functions of any QSI decoder. Quantum CVManager comes with pre-installed default values for each model, and permits you to save your completed configuration to a file for each of your QSI-equipped locomotives. These user-generated files may be opened, optionally updated, and used to re-program the original locomotive, or a similar model, at any time.
Q: Is the Quantum Programmer compatible with other software?
A: At the moment, only Q1aUpgrade and Quantum CVManager are useful with the Quantum Programmer. However, QSI Solutions is committed to being a “good citizen” in the model railroading community, and will supply the necessary interfacing information to those with a legitimate interest in developing compatibility with other software applications. Further information will be available from QSI Solutions and other software manufacturers as it develops.
Railroad Equipment Issues
Q: Does the Quantum Programmer work with earlier QSI decoders?
A: Partially. For example, Q1aUpgrade will determine what firmware is currently installed in a QSI decoder, and can evaluate its compatibility with the upgrade process. If the current firmware is earlier than Version 7, you will be so advised, and the firmware update will be inoperable. Quantum CVManager may be used to read and write CV values in earlier firmware models, but default settings for all locomotive models will reflect only Version 7 or later settings, and may give unpredictable results if used with earlier firmware versions.
Q: What about other makes of decoders?
A: As above, Q1aUpgrade will immediately sense incompatibility, and, of course, has no useful function with non-QSI products. Quantum CVManager is able to program CVs from non-QSI decoders, but, of course, does not provide libraries of default settings.
Q: I bought an upgrade chip for the wrong model. Can I change it?
A: Yes! There are a couple of ways to change the locomotive model designation of a Version 7 chip. If Q1aUpgrade detects no serious problems in its Compatibility check, you can simply overwrite the chip’s old “personality” with the new one. However, if the change is to be more dramatic, the Compatibility check may fail, and you will need to take one additional step: First, replace the original firmware with the data from a *.q1a file whose name begins with “999”; this changes the installed chip to “Universal” format. Once this is done, the Universal chip will accept data from Q1aUpgrade using another *.q1a file. It is even possible to convert a chip from a steam decoder to diesel, or vice versa, using this method. It is, however, important that the final firmware installation match the actual locomotive in which it is installed. Further, it must be noted that there are two different types of QSI decoders, one using a Volume Potentiometer, and the other using a Reed Switch. QSI Solutions advises against doing this “two-step” conversion unless both locomotives are of the same type, either “pot” or “reed.”
Q: My friend’s Version 7 loco does things mine can’t. Can I update mine?
A: Yes. The latest releases of Version 7 firmware (*.q1a files) are always available on the QSI Solutions Web site. You can always use Q1aUpgrade to install the latest firmware for your particular model of locomotive.
Q: Can I add or modify features or sounds on my own?
A: Sorry, no. At the moment, the Quantum Programmer and Q1aUpgrade can use only complete, preformatted *.q1a files. However, improvements are constantly being added; it’s a good idea to periodically check the QSI Solutions Web site for the latest releases.
Q: What sort of changes will I see from QSI Solutions?
A: These vary, and may include improvements to certain sounds, fixes for user-discovered bugs, or the addition of new features.
Q: Are there any new features not yet documented?
A: Yes. One that comes to mind is the implementation of CV51.5, which permits the user to specify a time after which an idle locomotive will automatically switch to Mute mode (full volume is automatically restored when the unit again receives any command). Again, it is a good idea to periodically check the QSI Solutions Web site for updates to *.q1a files, new releases of Q1aUpgrade and Quantum CVManager software, and updated versions of reference manuals. Updates are always provided at no charge.
