Anyone planning on updating/replacing the RAM chip on their QSI decoder? I only have one locomotive with QSI sound (a BLI Mike) so I decided to put in a reservation for one. At $30 a pop though, that could add up if you had several. [xx(]
There was a ad about it in the April MR. You can also read about it on TTE’s web site:
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2006/031606.htm
Tony said that they will be making an announcement when it’s available.
Tom
Tstage,
Curious, as I still don’t understand. What is this new chip about? Does it allow additional horns, whistles? Uploading?
Tom,
I have read this with interest as well. I have a pair of BLI Heavy 2-8-2’s. It appears that besides putting back better motor control(BEMF), there are more ‘sounds’ like whistles, bells, etc to choose from.
What I am really interested in is if QSI will have an upgrade chip for the lousy EMD sound that is in my P2K GP9. That mild ‘turbo whine’ and the very flat ‘air horn’ could use some improvements as well…
Jim Bernier
Antonio, the biggest improvement is Back EMF drive for better low speed characteristics. There’s also downloadable sounds feature with an optional programmer. The final major feature is individual volume control for the different sound effects.
EDIT: Uhhh never mind. Turns out they have different chip models for each engine they made. Very nice indeed…
Yes, when I put in my reservation, each locomotive had it’s own upgrade software code #. I didn’t realize until I read it on Tony’s site that there would also be downloadable sound.
Tom
Thank you, Digital Griffin.
This is very good for us all. So Digitrax, Soundtraxx, LokSound, and QSI are going to be engaged in some needed, high quality, competition.[:D]
I thought about ordering the upgrade for my sd40-2’s but it still won’t get me ditch lights and nice headlights, so I’ve fitted another decoder on top of the QSI to drive the motor and lights, sound still works!!
and the decoders are cheaper.
Ken.
I will purchase replacements for several of my BLI engines if the new chips are an improvement.
Tom - I have four BLI and two LL QSI locos and I will eventually swap out all of them. I will start with my Hudson being the oldest to see how it goes. I agree with Jim B - I also have the LL GP-9 and the horn is pretty sick sounding. As a matter of fact I just painted/decaled it for the NYC. Sounds exciting and I can’t wait to get one installed to check it out. Hopefully they will eventually catch up and have all of them available without pre-ordering.
Shouldn’t be much longer for the FT’s Tom[:D][:D]
Terry[8D]
Disappointed that my Lionel Veranda Turbine isn’t listed. I’ll be getting it for the E-7A/B, and the SW-7, though.
Brian Pickering
Hopin’…[sigh] Tim still has 8 locos left for reservation on the web site. I’m figuring April at the earliest. Could go into May. We’ll see…
Tom
I’ll be ordering one in a while i recon for my NW2. It will be interesting to hear what the upgraded one for the SD40 sounds like
NZRMac - I’d be interested about how you added a decoder ?? The only thing I don’t like about my BLI 2-10-4 and 2-8-2 is that they don’t have Back EMF. Is there a way I can add a decoder with BEMF without changing the QSI sound system??
The cost savings between the two might be negligible. Stix, you won’t be changing the sound system, just the RAM chip on the decoder. You pull the old one and insert the new one particular to that model. Everything else stays put.
Tom
Here’s how.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59651
it’s different with a QSI steamer they use the motor for Chuff rate, so if the motor is connected to another decoder it won’t chuff properly.
Ken.
Ken.