QSI Revolution-A Installation in Athearn Genesis FP45/F45
Steve Gill from Ulrich Models forwarded his Quantum Revolution-A installation notes. Thanks!
QSI Revolution Sound Kit Installation for the Athearn FP45/F45
Revised September 6, 2008
I Abstract
The Athearn Genesis FP45 is a great locomotive but it needs a great sound system. This procedure can be used to upgrade a non-sound FP45 Genesis or to replace the factory MRC sound with the QSI Revolution, the latest improvement in sound technology. The sound of FP45 model with the upgrade installed is very impressive. Furthermore, the QSI decoder has more options for controlling lighting and operation than any other decoder on the market.
Kato C44-9W
II Installation
Athearn F45/FP45 QSI Revolution Upgrade Kit Includes Revolution A/G board, speaker and enclosure.
The Revolution A/G is a modified A format board. The headlight and reverse lamp resistors have been changed to support two bulbs.
FP45 with Kit Installed
Revolution Board Diagram
1. Remove the shell of the locomotive by first removing the couplers. Then remove the two screws in the bottom of the frame that hold the shell. There is one screw under each truck. The frame will then slide off easily.
2. Disconnect the wires going to the Genesis lamp board and then unclip the board from the motor clips.
3. Install the Revolution in place of the Genesis lamp board. Be sure the front of the board is toward the cab. The cap is attached to the front and the speaker pads are located to the rear.
4. Connect the two front headlight bulbs in series. To do this, locate one lead from each lamp and solder the two leads together. Solder the remaining two leads to the +5v (common) and the FO-F Tab. Use shrink tubing to insulate the solder joint. It is recommended that you solder the leads to the Revolution tabs and do not use the Athearn retaining caps. Be sure to connect the bulbs in series and not confuse the wires and create a short.
5. The two reverse lamps will also connected in series. Locate one lead from each lamp and solder them together. Solder the remaining two leads to the +5V (common) and the FO-R Tab on the backend of the board. Use shrink tubing to insulate the solder joint.
6. Connect one lead of the light located above the cab to the F5 solder pad. Solder the remaining wire to one of the +5 V tabs.
7. Attach the speaker, as shown in the Kit Installed picture, with some E6000 or Goop adhesive applied where the speaker contacts the frame. The speaker fits perfectly into the round recess where the speaker contacts the frame.
8. Attach the capacitor to the side of the frame with the same adhesive.
9. Place the shell on frame and test before final reassembly.
III Revolution Programming
The Revolution board is loaded with sound file 292-0 EMD 645 with the high base engine sound and Nathan M5, 5 chime horn. Other horns and files are available, contact us by email or phone for any further sound customization.
Forward and reverse lights are set to rule 17. The above cab light is set to a steady light with rule 17 dimming. It is turned on/off with F10. The light above the cab can be changed to a strobe by setting CV 55.76.2 = 3 (49=76, 50=2, 55=3. This sets strobe in forward. See the QSI reference for more options or contact us.
IV Revolution Lamp Outputs
The function outputs on the QSI Revolution are preconfigured for automatic lighting control as follows:
- FL – Headlight on with Rule 17 Forward (On forward, dim stopped or reverse)
- FR – Backup light - On in Reverse / Dim in Forward
- Output 3 – Left Ditch Light
- Output 4 – Right Ditch Light
- Output 5 – Mars Light
- Output 6 – Front Overhead Beacon Light (OHBL)
