Quantum Programmer Quick Start
By Don Fiehmann
This Programmer is designed to work with the QSI decoders using version 7 firmware and above. For locomotives with QSI decoders at levels prior to version 7, the QSI Upgrade Chips are needed and may be obtained from your dealer or contact QSI Solutions.
PC System Requirements
To install the Quantum Programmer you need a PC running Windows 2000 or XP and an available USB port. (Important note : QSI Programmer is not compatible with Windows 98 or earlier versions.) The PC should also have a drive that can read the CD, and enough hard disk space to hold the two programs used by the Quantum Programmer - about 10KB - plus some room for the Q1a data files, about 500KB each. Sorry, no Mac. An Internet connection is needed to obtain the Q1a files.
What’s in the Package
This programmer installs on a PC running Windows XP and interfaces to a USB connection. The Quantum Programmer comes with the programmer, a 12 Volt power supply, a USB cable and a CD. You will need a short section of track and some wire to connect from the programmer to the track.
The CD comes with the two programs and the USB drivers for the programmer. The Quantum 1a Upgrade Application and the Quantum CV Manager are programs both used with the programmer. The Upgrade program is used to check out the existing software and download the new version. The CV Manager lets you modify CV settings in the decoder. This program has a test throttle that will allow you to run a locomotive and test the sounds on the track connected to the programmer.
Basic Programmer Installation
Installing the two programs from the CD, you should put them into a new folder with a name like “Quantum Programmer”. You can make a sub-folder under this folder called “Q1a Files” to be used to store the downloadable sound files from QSI Solutions website.
Plug the USB cable to the Programmer and the power supply on the same end. The other end has the connections for the test track. The connector on the Quantum Programmer can be unplugged to make it easier to connect the wires. The other end of the wires can be connected to a short section of track used for testing.
Next, plug in the power supply, the green LED should light up, and the PC should come up with the Quantum Programmer as new hardware found. The system will ask for a driver for the new hardware and a location for the driver. Put in the CD and have the PC look for the driver on the CD. It should find the driver, and install it. Now you are ready to go.
Running the Programs
Before running either the Quantum Programmer or CV Manager, you should read through the manuals to familiarize yourself with these programs.
Upgrade Program
Now you can start up the Quantum 1a Upgrade Application. With a QSI equipped locomotive on the track, start by clicking on Step 1: Retrieve information from your locomotive. Follow the step on the screen, and the information about the decoder will be retrieved. If not, check the Troubleshooting section in the back of the Upgrade manual. Remember, the locomotive under test must have version 7 of the software. When the programmer is downloading a file the LEDs on the Programmer will blink.
CV Manager
Once the chip is updated, the address will revert to the default address of 3. The address can be changed back using the Quantum CV Manager program. You can also bring up the test throttle to try out the sounds and control on the track connected to Quantum Programmer.
Screen Shot with Test Cab
The combination of the Test Cab and the ability to modify CV settings allows you to customize and tune a locomotive from the PC without even taking it off the rails. You should review the CV Manager manual before running this program. The CV manager will allow you to save the setting for an engine. Should your engine get amnesia, you can refresh the memory by recalling the stored values in the file. There are a number of tabs across the top of the CV setup that allow you to set all of the decoder parameters. Or just set the address and adjust CVs later as needed. Read the CV manual for more information.
Update Q1a Files
The Q1a files can be downloaded from the QSI Solutions website. The Q1a files have both updated control and sounds. These files are compressed and need to be unzipped. Click on the downloaded file and then copy and move the data to your Q1a files subdirectory. You can change file types, like a steam to diesel. The program will let you know about any compatibility problems, minor or major. One that will fail is trying to load a data file that uses the adjustable pot on a decoder using a reed switch or the other way around.
File Name Definitions
Screen Shot Starting a New File
