Atlas Gold Series User manual

DC and DCC Operation
of Atlas Gold Series
Diesel Locomotives
equipped with QSI Sound-Decoders
(Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or
Quantum Titan™ with ET)
13 January 2015
Atlas User Manual Version 6.12
for the following Quantum Firmware Versions:
•Ver. 7 (Quantum or Quantum Revolution)
•Ver. 8 (Quantum Titan)
•Ver. 9 (Quantum Titan™ with ET)
USER
MANUAL

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 2/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
Quick Start Guide: DC and DCC Operation of Atlas Gold
Series Diesel Locomotives Equipped with QSI
Sound-Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
Congratulations on purchasing an Atlas HO-scale or 2-rail O-scale Gold Series sound-equipped locomotive that is
equipped with a QSI Sound-Decoder (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET). These sound
decoders are among the most feature-packed and technologically-advanced such products available today. A
separate document
[1]
, packed with your locomotive, is titled:
Quick Start Guide: DC and DCC Operation of Atlas Gold Series Diesel Locomotives Equipped with QSI
Sound-Decoders (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET)
This Quick Start Guide is designed to get you running your new Atlas HO or 2-rail O-scale Gold Series locomotive
with QSI sound as quickly as possible, whether you are using conventional DC or DCC.
Atlas recommends that you get used to running your Atlas sound-equipped diesel locomotive by reading the sections
of the Quick Start Guide that are relevant to the type of layout (DC or DCC) that you have and trying out the features
described in the Guide before you read the rest of this User Manual and explore the more advanced features and
programming options. If for some reason you cannot locate your copy of the Quick Start Guide, as a substitute for the
Quick Start Guide you may instead use whichever one (DC or DCC) of the following two sections of this document is
appropriate for your layout
•Quick Start Guide for DC Operation,
•Quick Start Guide for DCC Operation,
plus any other section or sections of this User Manual to which the Quick Start Guide you are using refers. Both of
the Quick Start Guide sections are located immediately below.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 3/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
If you have a DC-powered layout, read through this section and be up and running with your new Gold Series
locomotive in fewer than five minutes. Sound-equipped locomotives, such as Atlas Gold Series locos, behave
differently on a DC-powered layout from the way non-sound-equipped locomotives operate. If you haven’t run sound-
equipped locomotives on DC before, the following bullet items explain what to expect.
•Running the Locomotive on DC
−Use a variable voltage DC power pack with a standard direction switch.
−Set the direction switch to run your locomotive forward.
−Turn the throttle up slowly until you hear the Quantum System™ begin to produce locomotive sounds.
To hear any sounds from your Quantum equipped locomotive, you will have to move the throttle to a
higher setting (about 4.5 volts) than you would need to start a non-sound-equipped locomotive
moving. You will hear Start Up sounds, and the Front and Rear Headlights will come On in their Dim
states. (The Rear Headlight will be Off instead of Dim if your loco has Version 7 firmware and Q1a
hardware.) Continue to turn up the throttle voltage (to about 9 volts) until the locomotive begins to
move forward. The directional Front Headlight will turn from Dim to Bright, and locomotive sounds
will continue.
−The locomotive will start out slowly due to special Quantum inertia effects that resist rapid increases
or decreases in speed
1
.
−If you slow the locomotive down by gradually reducing the throttle, squealing brake sounds will occur
before the locomotive comes to a stop.
•Reversing the Locomotive on DC
This simple operation is done in exactly the same manner as with standard DC locomotives.
−Bring the locomotive to a stop, and turn the power all the way off.
−Flip the direction switch, and reapply power to go in the opposite direction.
−As you increase the track voltage, the Rear Headlight will switch from Dim to Bright (Off to Bright if
your loco has Version 7 firmware and Q1a hardware), and the Front Headlight will become Dim
(assuming that the locomotive was originally going forward).
•Blowing the Horn on DC
Blow the authentic diesel locomotive Horn for short or long blasts – you control the duration.
−To turn on the Horn, while the locomotive is moving, flip the direction switch quickly
2
to its opposite
position (e.g., if the switch is set for the locomotive to move forward, move it to the reverse position).
−The locomotive will NOT change direction when you blow the Horn.
−Leave the direction switch in the opposite position until the Horn has sounded for as long as you want
it to sound. Then to shut off the Horn, flip the direction switch back quickly to its original position.
−If your locomotive has Ditch Lights, these lights will flash alternately for as long as the Horn is blowing
and will continue this alternate flashing for a short time afterwards.
•Ringing the Bell on DC
−You can turn the Bell On and leave it On while you operate other functions on the locomotive.
−Turn the Bell On with a Quick flip-and-back operation of the direction switch. The Bell will stay On
until you do another Quick flip-and-back operation of the direction switch to turn it Off.
−Turn the Bell Off with a second Quick flip-and-back operation of the direction switch. The Bell will
also turn Off if you interrupt track power.
1
See Locomotive Inertia Effects in Section 3.1 of this document for further description of this feature. The inertial effects that occur with Regulated
Throttle Control (RTC) can be eliminated by programming your locomotive to use Standard Throttle Control (STC).
2
If you flip the direction switch too slowly from one position to the other, you can momentarily lose track power while the switch is moved through its
center position.
Quick Start Guide for DC Operation

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 4/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
Note: Depending on the particular bell that you select
3
, the bell sound can have a slow start-up effect where
the pneumatic clapper gradually gains power until it starts to strike the bell.
Note: When you turn the Bell Off, it will continue ringing briefly with less and less volume as the pneumatic
clapper slows down, just like the prototype.
If you do a Slow flip-and-back operation, you will get a short Hoot of the Horn instead of the Bell. Conversely, if
you try to do a very short Horn blast using a Quick operation, you will activate the Bell instead. If you have
trouble doing the Quick flip-and-back operation, try holding the power pack in place with your other hand to keep
the pack from slipping.
3
The option of selecting among several different bells is available only in firmware Versions 8 and 9.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 5/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
Read through this section and be up and running in fewer than five minutes with your new locomotive on a layout that
uses a DCC system that is fully compatible with the NMRA DCC specifications.
•Running the Locomotive on DCC
−Select locomotive number 3 on your DCC system.
−Set your DCC system to use either 128 (preferable) or 28 (acceptable) speed steps.
−Make sure that all DCC track power is turned off. Then put your locomotive on the track and turn the
DCC power back on. When the locomotive is first powered up, the directional Front Headlight and
Rear Headlight may not be turned on. If this is the case, press the F0 (or Headlight) key on your
DCC system one or two times to turn on the directional lighting. Both the Front and Rear Headlights
will come on in their Dim states unless the locomotive is moving. You will also hear the Prime
Mover
4
sounds.
−When you turn up the DCC throttle, the locomotive will start to move forward or backward, depending
on which direction (Forward or Reverse) was selected on the DCC throttle. The directional Headlight
(Front or Rear) that points in the direction in which the locomotive is moving will turn from Dim to
Bright (The Rear Headlight will change from Off to Bright if your loco has Ver.7 firmware and Q1a
hardware.), and the locomotive sounds will continue.
−If your Atlas sound-equipped locomotive has Ditch Lights
5
,these lights will come on in the steady
(non-flashing) state when the locomotive starts to move forward. When you blow the Horn and the
locomotive is moving forward, the Ditch Lights will flash alternately.
−Alternatively, if your Atlas sound-equipped locomotive has a Mars Light
5
, this light will start pulsing
when the locomotive starts to move forward.
−When Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) is On (the default setting), there will be noticeable
momentum in both acceleration and deceleration.
−As you slow the locomotive down by gradually reducing the throttle, Squealing Brake sounds will
occur shortly before the locomotive comes to a halt.
−When you reduce the DCC throttle setting to zero, the locomotive will automatically enter the Neutral
State after the locomotive stops moving. You will hear a Short Air Release when the locomotive
stops moving and a longer air release about one second later, followed by Air Pumps and other
background sounds
6
.
oIf the locomotive was moving forward, the Front Headlight will switch from Bright to Dim when
the locomotive stops.
oIf the locomotive was moving backwards, the Rear Headlight will switch from Bright to a state
that depends on the versions of firmware and hardware installed in your locomotive
If your locomotive has Version 7 firmware and Q1a hardware, the Rear Headlight will
turn Off when the locomotive stops.
In all other cases (Version 7 firmware and Q2 hardware, Version 8 firmware, or
Version 9 firmware), the Rear Headlight will switch from Bright to Dim when the
locomotive stops.
4
Two major parts of the operating mechanism of a prototype diesel-electric locomotive are (1) the diesel engine and (2) the DC generator (or the
AC alternator in some modern locomotives). The generator (or alternator) is powered (mechanically) by the diesel engine and supplies (electric)
power to the truck-mounted traction motors that drive the locomotive. The diesel engine and generator (or alternator) are mounted inside the
locomotive’s body, which is often called the carbody. Although the terminology Diesel Engine is perfectly correct technically for the (major)
component of a diesel-electric locomotive that drives the generator (or alternator), some people are in the habit of calling a diesel locomotive a
diesel engine. The term Prime Mover in this document refers to the entire Power Unit consisting of the Diesel Engine, the Generator or Alternator,
and the Turbo (if present). Prime Mover sounds include Exhaust, Labored Exhaust, and Rod Knock. To avoid confusion between these two
entirely different meanings of Diesel Engine, the device that powers the generator (or alternator) is called the Diesel Motor in the Quantum
Programmer software. The terminology Diesel Motor is not used in this document.
5
Not all Atlas Gold Series locomotives have Ditch Lights or Mars Lights.
6
Neutral sounds include Cooling Fans with vents opening and closing that turn on and off randomly, Air Pumps that come on randomly in response
to air consumed, random Spitter and Air Dryer sounds (firmware versions 8 and 9 only), and timed-out Low Idle sounds.
Quick Start
Guide for D
C
C Operation

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 6/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
oIf your Atlas sound-equipped locomotive has Ditch Lights, the Ditch Lights will turn Off in the
Neutral state.
o If your Atlas sound-equipped locomotive has a Mars Light
,
the Mars Light will stop pulsing
and go Dim when the locomotive stops .
•Reversing the Locomotive on DCC
This simple operation is done in exactly the same manner as it is with standard locomotives.
−The direction of motion of your locomotive will change when you press the direction button on your
DCC throttle. To prevent damage to the mechanism of your locomotive, do not press the direction
button until your locomotive has stopped moving.
−The directional headlights behave as follows:
oWhen the locomotive is moving forward, the Front Headlight will be Bright; when the
locomotive is stopped or moving backwards the Front Headlight will be Dim.
oWhen the locomotive is moving backwards, the Rear Headlight will be Bright; when the
locomotive is Stopped or moving forward, the Rear Headlight will be Dim (Off if your loco has
Version 7 firmware and Q1a hardware).
•Blowing the Horn on DCC
Blow the diesel locomotive Horn for short or long blasts – you control the duration. The operation of the Horn
depends on how your DCC system was designed and configured.
−If your DCC system has separate Horn and F2 keys,
oPressing the Horn key will blow the Horn only for as long as you are holding the button down.
This behavior is called momentary operation.
oPressing the F2 key and releasing it will cause the Horn to come on and stay on until you
press F2 again. This behavior is called latching operation.
−If your DCC system has only an F2 key, this key may be set at the factory for either latching or
momentary operation, depending on the DCC system. Some DCC systems allow the user to
configure a function key (such as F2) for either latching or momentary operation.
−If the Ditch Lights are On, the locomotive is moving forward, and the Horn is blowing (Horn or F2 key
pressed), the Ditch Lights will flash alternately for as long as F2 is pressed and will continue this
alternate flashing for a short time after you release the F2 or Horn key.
.
•Ringing the Bell on DCC
−You can turn the Bell On and leave it On while you operate other functions on the locomotive;
−Turn the Bell On by pressing the Bell or F1 key on your DCC throttle.
−The Bell will stay on until you do another press of the Bell or F1 key on your DCC throttle (or you
interrupt the track power).
−Turn the Bell Off with a second press of the Bell or F1 key on your DCC throttle.
Note: When you turn the Bell Off, it will continue ringing briefly with less and less volume as the pneumatic
clapper slows down, just like the prototype.
Programming a New DCC Address for Your Locomotive
The decoder in an Atlas Gold Series locomotive comes from the factory set to use the short address “3.” However, in
order to control (independently) several locomotives on the same track at the same time, it is necessary that each
locomotive have a unique DCC address. A convenient choice for the DCC address is the road number printed on the
side of the locomotive’s cab. Frequently, the number on the side of the cab is a 3- or 4-digit number, which is defined
as a Long (or 4-digit) Address in DCC.
Most DCC systems allow you to change the DCC address of a locomotive in either of two ways:
•On a special section of track that is not connected in any way to your layout and is called the Program Track.
(In DCC terminology, programming locomotives on the program track is called Service Mode Programming.)

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 7/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
•Anywhere on the regular track of your layout. [In DCC terminology, programming a locomotive on the track of
your layout is called either Programming on the Main (POM) or Operations Mode (Ops Mode)
Programming.]
If your DCC system allows you to program 4-digit addresses on the main line (many DCC systems do), Atlas
recommends that you take advantage of this capability by programming the address of your Gold Series locomotive
on the main line using Operations Mode (Ops Mode) programming. Table 6 in Section 4.2.3 shows for most of the
DCC systems commonly sold in North America, the DCC systems that do and do not directly support 4-digit address
programming on the main line. For those DCC systems that do NOT support Ops Mode address programming, this
table recommends that you use one or several of the alternate main line address programming procedures that are
described in Sections 4.2.3.2 through 4.2.3.4 For all other DCC systems, use the Ops Mode programming procedure
that is described in Section 4.2.3.1.
Resetting your Locomotive to Factory Default Values Using the Magnetic Wand
(resets all Analog and DCC parameters)
Resetting the firmware in a QSI Sound-Decoder (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET) to its
factory-built configuration can resolve many problems that sometimes occur with firmware-controlled electronics. In
fact, we have found that at least 20 to 25 percent of the problems with Gold Series locomotives that we receive for
repair at Atlas can be resolved simply by resetting the sound-decoder. Hence, the very first step you take to resolve
a problem should be to reset the sound-decoder in your locomotive.
Every Atlas locomotive equipped with a QSI sound-decoder has a magnetic reed switch located directly under the top
of the plastic shell. This switch can be activated by the Magnetic Wand (the T-shaped object packed with your
locomotive) without having to disassemble the locomotive.
Atlas recommends using the magnetic wand to reset the QSI sound-decoder whether your locomotive is normally
operated on DC or on DCC. A magnetic wand reset can be done with either DC or DCC track power. However, the
details of the procedure depend on which type of track power (DC or DCC) you are using. The DC and DCC
magnetic wand reset procedures are described in Section 6.2.1 of this User Manual.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 8/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
Table of Contents
1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................. 11
2 New Features Available with Quantum Titan Sound-Decoders.............................................................................. 13
3 DC (Analog) Operation............................................................................................................................................ 14
3.1 Starting the Locomotive .................................................................................................................................. 14
3.2 Doppler Effect ................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.3 Special Horn Ending Sound (Optional feature, not present in all locomotives)..............................................16
3.4 Operation in Neutral........................................................................................................................................ 16
3.5 Changing the Direction of the Locomotive without Turning off the Sound .....................................................16
3.6 Standard Throttle Control™ (STC™) and Regulated Throttle Control™ (RTC™).........................................17
3.7 Engine Load.................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.8 Sound of Power™........................................................................................................................................... 18
3.9 Helpers............................................................................................................................................................ 18
3.10 Normal and Reversed Direction ..................................................................................................................... 18
3.11 Fuel Loading, Water Loading, and Maintenance Scenarios (firmware Versions 8 & 9 only) ......................... 18
3.11.1 Triggering the Scenarios in DC Operation.............................................................................................. 18
3.11.2 Timing of Horn Blasts to Trigger Scenarios in DC Operation.................................................................19
3.12 Additional Analog Operation Features Available with Quantum Engineer Controller .................................... 19
3.13 Analog Programming ...................................................................................................................................... 20
3.13.1 Entering Analog Programming................................................................................................................ 21
3.13.2 Scrolling through the Program Options ..................................................................................................22
3.13.3 Entering a Program Option and Making Changes.................................................................................. 22
3.13.4 Moving on to Other Program Options or Leaving Programming ............................................................ 22
4 DCC Operation ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
4.1 Function Keys ................................................................................................................................................. 24
4.1.1 Directional Lighting (F0, FL, or Headlight Key)........................................................................................... 25
4.1.2 Bell (F1 Key) ............................................................................................................................................... 25
4.1.3 Horn (F2 Key) ............................................................................................................................................. 25
4.1.4 Coupler and Coupler Crash Sounds (F3 Key)............................................................................................ 25
4.1.5 Diesel Fans and Louvers (F4 Key) ............................................................................................................. 25
4.1.6 Sound-of-Power™ ...................................................................................................................................... 26
4.1.7 Dynamic Brakes (F5 Key)........................................................................................................................... 26
4.1.8 Doppler Effect (single-press F6 Key).......................................................................................................... 26
4.1.9 Start Up (double-press F6 Key) .................................................................................................................. 26
4.1.10 Squealing Brake and Flange Sounds (F7 Key) ...................................................................................... 27
4.1.11 Air Brakes (F7 Key) ................................................................................................................................ 27
4.1.12 Mute (F8 Key) ......................................................................................................................................... 28
4.1.13 Heavy Load (single-press F9 key in Forward or Reverse) ....................................................................28

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 9/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
4.1.14 Three Stages of Diesel Locomotive Shut Down: (1) Disconnect, (2) Standby, (3) Total Shut Down
(double-press F9 Key in Neutral)............................................................................................................................ 28
4.1.15 Status (F10 Key) ..................................................................................................................................... 30
4.1.16 Alternate Horn Selection (F11 Key) – firmware Versions 8 and 9 only ................................................. 30
4.1.17 System Volume Decrease (F13 Key) and Increase (F14 Key) – firmware Versions 8 and 9 only......... 30
4.1.18 Grade Crossing (F15 Key in Forward or Reverse) – firmware Versions 8 and 9 only ........................... 30
4.1.19 Fuel Loading Scenario (F26 Key in Neutral) – firmware Versions 8 and 9 only..................................... 30
4.1.20 Maintenance Scenario (F27 Key in Neutral) – firmware Versions 8 and 9 only..................................... 31
4.1.21 Water Loading Scenario (F28 Key in Neutral) – firmware Versions 8 and 9 only .................................. 31
4.1.22 Summary of Function Key Operation in Neutral..................................................................................... 31
4.1.23 Automatic Features with “Take Control” Operation ................................................................................ 31
4.2 DCC Programming ......................................................................................................................................... 32
4.2.1 Where to Program ......................................................................................................................................32
4.2.2 Programming Indexed CVs......................................................................................................................... 32
4.2.3 Programming a New DCC Address for Your Locomotive ..........................................................................33
4.2.3.1 Special Procedure for Long (4-Digit) Address Programming of Gold Series Locomotives on Main
Line (most DCC systems).................................................................................................................................... 33
4.2.3.2 Special Procedure for Long (4-Digit) Address Programming on Main Line (Digitrax Zephyr or Zephyr
Xtra DCC Systems) ............................................................................................................................................. 34
4.2.3.3 Special Procedures for Short or Long Address Programming for Lenz and Certain Other DCC
Systems that Do Not Normally Permit Address Programming on Main Line (CV56.129)...................................35
4.2.3.4 Special Procedures for Long Address Programming on the Main Line (Bachmann Dynamis and CVP
Products EasyDCC Systems).............................................................................................................................. 36
4.2.4 Selecting a Value for CV29.........................................................................................................................36
4.2.5 Selecting Standard Throttle Control™ or Regulated Throttle Control™ (CV56.4) ..................................... 37
4.2.6 Reset All CV’s to their Factory Default Values (CV56.128.255)................................................................. 37
4.2.7 Changing the System Volume Electronically (CV51.0) .............................................................................. 37
4.2.8 Changing the Mute Volume Electronically (CV51.1) .................................................................................. 37
4.2.9 Adjusting Overall and Component Volumes of Individual Sounds .............................................................37
4.2.9.1 Controlling Overall Sound Volumes.................................................................................................... 38
4.2.9.2 Changing Volumes of Prime Mover Sound Components (CV127.PI.SI) – Version 9 only................. 39
4.2.10 Disable/Enable Verbal Announcements (CV62)..................................................................................... 40
4.2.11 CV Inquiry with Verbal Feedback in Ops Mode (CV64) .........................................................................41
4.2.12 Enable/Disable Horn-Triggered-Doppler Shift (CV51.2) ........................................................................ 41
4.2.13 Enable/Disable Automatic Horn Warning Signals (CV51.20) – Versions 8 and 9 only.......................... 41
4.2.14 Speed-Matching...................................................................................................................................... 41
4.2.14.1 Speed-Matching with a 3-Point Speed Curve.................................................................................42
4.2.14.2 Speed-Matching with a 28-Point Speed Curve...............................................................................42
5 Quantum System Sounds ....................................................................................................................................... 42
6 Special Operation and Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................. 45

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 10/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
6.1 Doppler Shift Problems (DCC) ....................................................................................................................... 45
6.2 Reed Switch Operation with the Magnetic Wand (Analog and DCC) ............................................................ 45
6.2.1 Resetting your QSI-equipped Gold Series Locomotive to Factory Default Values Using the Magnetic
Wand (resets all Analog and all DCC parameters) ................................................................................................. 45
6.2.1.1 Magnetic Wand Reset Procedure on a DC-Powered Track...............................................................46
6.2.1.2 Magnetic Wand Reset Procedure on a DCC-Powered Track ............................................................46
6.2.2 Manual Volume Adjustment using the Magnetic Wand (Analog and DCC) .............................................. 47
6.2.3 Turn your Locomotive On using the Magnetic Wand (Analog Only) .......................................................... 47
6.3 High Voltage Circuit Breaker (applies only to firmware Version 7 with Q1, Q1a, or Q2 hardware) ............... 47
6.4 Program Track Operation (DCC) .................................................................................................................... 47
6.5 Reasons Why Your Locomotive is Silent or Will Not Start (Analog and DCC)...............................................48
Appendix 1. Features Available for DC and DCC Operation with QSI Sound Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan,
and Quantum Titan™ with ET) ....................................................................................................................................... 49
Appendix 2. NMRA-Specified CVs Used in QSI Sound Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, and Quantum Titan
with ET) 50
Appendix 3. Some QSI-Specific CVs Used in QSI Sound-Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, and Quantum Titan
with ET) 51

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 11/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
1 Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing an Atlas HO-scale or 2-rail O-scale Gold Series sound-equipped locomotive that is
equipped with a QSI Sound-Decoder (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET). These sound
decoders are among the most feature-packed and technologically-advanced such products available today.
The documentation for Atlas Gold Series HO-scale and 2-rail O-scale diesel locomotives that are equipped with
QSI sound decoders is divided into three parts, with an increasing level of detail included in each successive
layer of the documentation:
•Basic-Level Information: The Atlas manual packed with your locomotive:
Quick Start Guide: DC and DCC Operation of Atlas Gold Series Diesel Locomotives Equipped with
QSI Sound-Decoders (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET
explains how to run an Atlas Gold Series locomotive on your layout and operate some basic functions such as
- Blowing the horn
- Ringing the bell
- Turning on and off the headlights (DCC or DC with a Quantum Engineer)
- Turning on and off the sound (DCC or DC with a Quantum Engineer)
Since it is essential that each DCC-equipped locomotive have a unique address, programming a new DCC
address is also covered in the DCC section of the Quick Start Guide.
In most cases, you will be up and running your new locomotive in fewer than five minutes after reading the
Quick Start Guide.
If you cannot locate the Quick Start Guide document, an alternative is the section of this document titled
Quick Start Guide: DC and DCC Operation of Atlas Gold Series Diesel Locomotives Equipped
with QSI Sound-Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or Quantum Titan with ET).
The Quick Start section in this User Manual is located at the very beginning (right after the cover page).
•Intermediate-Level Information: Once you have mastered the material in the Quick Start Guide, you may
wish to learn more about the many features available in your Atlas Gold Series locomotive. The document
you are reading:
User Manual: DC and DCC Operation of Atlas Gold Series Diesel Locomotives Equipped with QSI
Sound-Decoders (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET)
explains, in considerably more detail than the Quick Start Guide:
- How to operate and program all the features that are available in your Atlas Gold Series diesel
locomotive when it is operating on a DC-powered layout,
- When your locomotives is operating on a DCC–powered layout, how to use the most of the (non-
programming-related) DCC functionality available in your Atlas Gold Series diesel and also how to
program a number of commonly-used CVs (Configuration Variables), in addition to the basic address
CV programming covered in the Quick Start Guide.
Since this User Manual is written at a somewhat higher level than the Quick Start Guide, we recommend that
you practice doing each of the operations described in the Quick Start Guide before reading the User Manual.
•Advanced-Level Information: Advanced-level information explains in detail how to use all the operational
and programming functionality built into your Gold Series locomotive. Advanced-level information is
contained in two separate on-line documents, one for DC operation and the other for DCC:
- DC: Quantum Analog Reference Manual Ver 4.0 (or later)
[1]
,
- DCC: NMRA DCC Reference Manual for QSI Quantum 3, 2, and 1 Equipped Locomotives, Version
5.1.0, February 4, 2013 (or later)
[3]
. The DCC Reference Manual contains definitions of all the CVs
used in Quantum and Quantum Titan sound-decoders and includes examples of how to program
various combinations of CVs to obtain particular locomotive behaviors.
Although intended primarily for advanced users, some of the information in the above two documents will also
be useful for beginners or intermediate users who want to modify the behavior of their locomotive in ways
beyond the scope of this User Manual.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 12/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
Since Advanced-Level information about QSI Quantum and Quantum Titan sound-decoders is NOT included in
this User Manual, if you wish to know the details of how a particular feature works or you wish to modify (typically
by reprogramming CVs) the way a feature operates, you will need to download one of the above two documents:
You can download either document from the QSI Solutions webpage
http://www.qsisolutions.com/
by first selecting DOWNLOADS & MANUALS. Then go ALMOST to the bottom of the list of downloadable
programs and manuals. Under the heading “General,” double-click on either:
•Full DCC Reference Manual for All QSI Decoders for the latest edition of the complete QSI DCC
manual or
•Quantum DC Analog Reference Manual (Ver. 4.0 or later) for the complete QSI Analog (DC) manual.
Roadmap to the Rest of this Document
In order to cover all the features available in your new Atlas Gold Series locomotive, this User’s Manual is somewhat
lengthy. However, there is no need to read the entire User Manual before you start enjoying your new locomotive. In
all cases, you should read the portion of the Quick Start Guide that covers your type of operation (DC or DCC). The
following two paragraphs give roadmaps to the most important portions of this manual.
•Essential Reading for DC (Analog) Operation
If you wish to operate your Atlas Gold Series locomotive on conventional DC power, you should read first the
analog part of the Quick Start Guide that came with your locomotive. Additional useful information can be
found in the following sections of this document:
- Section 3.1, Starting the Locomotive,
- Section 3.4, Operation in Neutral,
- Section 3.5, Changing the Locomotive’s Direction without Turning off the Sound,
- Section 3.6, Standard Throttle Control™ (STC™) and Regulated Throttle Control™ (RTC™).
- Section 6.2.1, Resetting your Locomotive to Factory Default Values Using the Magnetic Wand (resets
all Analog and all DCC parameters). Section 6.2.1 contains extremely important information if the
sound-decoder in your loco fails to function properly.
• Essential Reading for DCC Operation
If you wish to operate your Atlas Gold Series locomotive on DCC, you should read first the DCC part of the
Quick Start Guide that came with your locomotive. In addition, unless you are already quite familiar with the
operation of your DCC system, you should reread (or read for the first time) your DCC system’s Owner’s
Manual. Additional useful information can be found in the following sections of this document:
- Section 4.2.3, Programming a New DCC Address for Your Locomotive,
- Section 4.1.1, Directional Lighting Operation (F0, FL, or Headlight Key),
- Section 4.1.2, Bell (F1 Key),
- Section 4.1.3, Horn (F2 Key),
- Section 4.1.12, Mute (F8 Key),
- Section 6.2.1, Resetting your Locomotive to Factory Default Values Using the Magnetic Wand (resets
all Analog and all DCC parameters). contains extremely important information if the sound-decoder
in your loco fails to function properly.
•Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing any difficulty with your Atlas Gold Series locomotive, Section 6 (Special Operation and
Troubleshooting) in this document should be read whether your layout uses DC or DCC power.
• Material Applicable to both DC and DCC Operation
Some sections of this document apply to both DC and DCC operation. You need not read these sections
before you begin using your Gold Series locomotive, but the material contained in these sections may be
useful sometime in the future. For example, Sections 2 (New Features Available with the Quantum Titan
Sound-Decoder) and 5 (Quantum System Sounds) are optional for the new Gold Series locomotive operator,
but can be useful for both DC and DCC users.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 13/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
2 New Features Available with Quantum Titan Sound-Decoders
Congratulations on purchasing an Atlas HO-scale or 2-rail O-scale Gold Series sound-equipped locomotive that is
equipped with a QSI Quantum Titan or Quantum Titan with ET sound-decoder. These two sound decoders are
among the most feature-packed and technologically-advanced such products available today. The Quantum Titan
sound-decoder includes all the industry-leading features of the original QSI Quantum system (used in previously-
released Atlas Gold Series locomotives) plus many new features. As of the date of publication of this manual, there
are two firmware releases for Quantum Titan sound-decoders:
• Firmware Version 8
- The most recent (as of the date of publication of this manual) releases of the following five Atlas Gold
Series locomotives use QSI Quantum Titan sound-decoders with Version 8 firmware:
oHO-scale Dash-8-40B,
oHO-scale GP40-2,
oHO-scale SD35,
oHO-scale MP15DC,
oO-scale (2-rail) F3
• Firmware Version 9
- This firmware will be used in future Atlas HO-scale and 2-rail O-scale Gold Series locomotives that
have a Quantum Titan sound decoder and are manufactured after the five locos listed above,
- Version 9 firmware has all Version 8 features plus:
oAn approximate 16 kHz sound sampling rate which yields higher fidelity audio,
oA number of firmware enhancements, listed on page 2 of Reference [3] under the heading
“New in DCC Reference Manual Version 5.1.0.”
This section will discuss briefly these new features. Except for the Version-9-only features listed at the end of this
section, all the features discussed below apply to both Firmware Versions 8 and 9, but none of them apply to
locomotives with QSI Version 7 firmware.
Quantum Titan Architecture
The Quantum Titan sound-decoder has a new architecture that gives it considerably more “horsepower” than earlier
sound-decoders from QSI and other manufacturers. Some highlights of this new architecture are
•Over twice the audio bandwidth is used to provide very bright high fidelity locomotive sounds (only with
Version 9 firmware);
•QSI’s so-called “Emulator Technology™” uses physical diesel equations to model the prime mover so that the
resulting sounds are as close to those of the prototype locomotive as possible;
•Higher speed processors are used;
•A 64 Mbit memory is employed; this much memory allows the Quantum Titan system to store multiple diesel
Horns (or other sounds) that can be chosen by the user; currently, one of two diesel Horns can be selected by
the user;
•Up to 64 mono or stereo sound channels are available;
•Ten selectable lighting outputs are available, each of which can be programmed to produce any one of eleven
different lighting effects.
Note: An individual Atlas locomotive will utilize only a subset of the above capabilities, not all of them.
Additional DCC Functions Available with Quantum Titan and Quantum Titan with ET
The original QSI Quantum DCC and sound system (firmware Version 7 and earlier) used DCC functions F0 and F1 to
F12 to control various sounds, lights, and other features. The new Quantum Titan sound-decoders use DCC
functions F13-F28 (in addition to F0 and F1-F12). The new sound-decoders (Quantum Titan and Quantum Titan with
ET) use the functions F11 to F28 to trigger the following new features:
•DCC function F11 to toggle between the primary and the secondary Horns. (After pressing F11 once, F2 will
operate the secondary Horn in the normal way.)
•DCC function F13 to incrementally decrease System Volume in 2 dB steps.
•DCC function F14 to incrementally increase System Volume in 2 dB steps.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 14/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
•DCC function F15 to play the Grade Crossing Horn sequence (long, long, short, long), but only when the
locomotive is moving.
•DCC function F26 to start the Fuel Loading Scenario (dialog and sounds appropriate to fueling with diesel oil),
but only when the locomotive is stopped.
•DCC function F27 to start the Maintenance Scenario, but only when the locomotive is stopped.
•DCC function F28 to start the Water Loading Scenario, but only when the locomotive is stopped. (For
example, this scenario might be used to generate dialog and sounds appropriate to adding water to the steam
generator in a diesel passenger locomotive.)
In order to use the above new features, you need a DCC system that supports 29 DCC functions (F0 plus F1 to F28).
Most currently-sold DCC systems do support F0 and F1 - F28. If your DCC system does not support all of these
functions, check with the manufacturer of your DCC system to see if an upgrade is available.
Other New Quantum Titan Features
Other new features of Quantum Titan sound-decoders (for both Version 8 and Version 9 firmware) include:
•The availability of CV51.20 to set up (or turn off) automatic Horn warning signals that will be generated by the
sound-decoder including:
−Two short Horn blasts when starting in FWD,
−Three short Horn blasts when starting in REV,
−One short Horn blast when coming to a stop.
•The availability of CV6 to adjust the mid-range speed of a locomotive. (Using CV6 to set directly the mid-
range speed is an alternative to using CV25 to select a speed curve.)
•Gradual brightening and dimming of locomotive lights when they are turned on and off.
•Lower minimum locomotive speeds.
New Features Available with Version 9 Firmware in a Quantum Titan Sound Decoder
The major new feature in locomotives with Version 9 firmware is the use of sound records that have an approximate
16 kHz sampling rate, instead of the 8 kHz sampling rate used in firmware Versions 7 and 8. This higher sampling
rate will almost double the highest frequency sound that can be reproduced, assuming that the frequency range of the
speaker extends up to 8 kHz.
As stated earlier, in addition to a higher sampling rate, Version 9 firmware has a number of firmware enhancements
that are listed on page 2 of Reference [3] under the heading New in DCC Reference Manual Version 5.1.0. Only one
of these enhancements (Added CV127.PI.SI Component Sound Volumes) is covered (Section 4.2.9.2) in this User
Manual. The QSI DCC Reference Manual
[3]
discusses in detail all of the Version 9 firmware enhancements listed on
page 2 of the DCC Reference Manual.
3 DC (Analog) Operation
Most analog features can be accessed from any variable voltage DC power pack that has a standard reversing
switch
7
. However, there are some features that can be accessed more easily from the Quantum Engineer or are only
accessible from the Quantum Engineer. See Section 3.12 for a discussion of the Quantum Engineer.
3.1 Starting the Locomotive
Most variable voltage DC power packs with a standard reversing switch are suitable for analog operation of Atlas
sound-equipped locomotives. Generally, modern electronic type power packs will provide better performance.
When operated with a standard DC power pack, your Atlas sound-equipped diesel locomotives behaves quite
differently from non-sound-equipped locomotives that you may have operated. Unlike standard DC locomotives that
start at very low track voltages, Atlas sound-equipped locomotives require a minimum amount of voltage (about 4.5
7
Some electronic power packs do not have a reverse switch. Instead they have a reverse button, which does not cause a rapid change in track
polarity to the track and is not suitable for Quantum operation. See the list of suitable power packs in the Quantum Analog Reference Manual
[2]
.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 15/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
volts) to operate the electronics. Also, their response to the throttle is much slower and more like that of a prototype
locomotive.
Turn the throttle up slowly until you hear the Quantum sound system™ start up. If the prototype locomotive was
equipped with air-starting, you will also hear air-start sounds at this time. The Number Board Lights and Front
Headlight(s)
8
will turn on. The Front Headlight will come on in the Dim state. If your locomotive has operating Ditch
Lights, the Front Headlight will be Dim and the Ditch Lights will be Off. If your locomotive has a Mars Light, the Mars
Light will be Dim and the Front Headlight will be Off. For further information, see Table 3 and Table 4 in Section 4.1.1
that describe Front Headlight and Rear Headlight operation. You will hear the Prime Mover in your locomotive start
up followed by the Air Pumps. If the prototype locomotive has two Prime Movers, you will hear both Diesel Engines
start, one after the other.
Continue
9
to turn up the throttle voltage until the locomotive barely starts to move in Forward (this voltage is called V-
Start
10
). The Prime Mover(s) sounds will rev up with labored sounds proportional to the locomotive’s acceleration and
loading (see Sound of Power™, Section 3.8), and the locomotive will slowly begin to move. The Headlight will switch
to Bright, and the optional Mars Light will begin to pulse. After 10 seconds in Forward, the Cab Lights (if installed in
your locomotive) will automatically shut off.
If you feel that you need to turn your throttle up quite high to start your diesel locomotive, you can adjust V-Start for
operation with your particular DC power pack. (See Example 2 on page 23 of this User’s’ Manual.) For a list of
recommended DC power packs, consult the Quantum Analog Reference Manual
[2]
.
3.2 Doppler Effect
This sound effect changes the Horn pitch and Prime Mover sounds as a QSI-sound-equipped locomotive passes by
you. To trigger this effect:
•While the locomotive is moving toward you, flip the direction switch to turn on the Horn.
•Wait at least one second while the Horn is blowing.
•Flip the direction switch back and forth quickly so the Horn does not shut off. You will hear the Horn and
other Prime Mover sounds shift in pitch as the locomotive passes by you.
•Either flip the direction switch back to shut off the Horn, or continue with long or short Horn operations.
•When you are finished blowing the Horn, the locomotive sounds will automatically return to normal after a
few seconds. If the Bell was On, it will shut Off just before the sounds return to normal.
Note:The faster the locomotive is moving, the greater will be the Doppler shift. However, there is no Doppler shift
below 15 smph.
8
Your Atlas sound-equipped locomotive may not have all lights described here, depending on the particular locomotive you have.
9
It is not necessary to wait for the engine start up sounds to finish before entering Forward. If you turn up the throttle, the Startup sounds
terminate, and the diesel locomotive will immediately go into normal Forward operation.
10
V-Start is set by default at 8.5 volts. It is important to note where V-Start is located on your throttle to know where you will enter and leave Neutral
(see Operation in Neutral, Section 3.4).
Locomotive Inertia Effects
Your new locomotive is pre-programmed at the factory to use Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) in Analog
(conventional DC powered) operation. RTC makes your locomotive operate as though it has the mass and
inertia of a prototype locomotive. As a result, your locomotive will resist accelerating too quickly if at rest and
will resist changes in speed once moving. [See Section 3.6, Standard Throttle Control™ (STC™) and
Regulated Throttle Control™ (RTC™).] Although the Diesel Engine will rev up quickly when the throttle is
increased, it takes a little practice to learn to wait for the locomotive to respond. If you prefer that your
locomotive respond almost immediately to throttle movements on your DC power pack, it may be
reprogrammed to use Standard Throttle Control (STC). Example 1 on page 22 in this User’s’ Manual explains
how to program your locomotive to use STC on a DC layout.
As you slow the locomotive down by gradually reducing the throttle to a little below V-start, the volume of the
Diesel Engine(s) rev and labored sounds decreases, while Squealing Brake sounds occur as the locomotive
comes to a slow stop.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 16/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
.
3.3 Special Horn Ending Sound (Optional feature, not present in all locomotives)
Prototype engineers would often “play” their Horns by controlling the flow of compressed air. In particular, engineers
often had a signature sound associated with how they ended their Horn sequences. Some Quantum sound sets have
special Horn endings that can be activated using the direction switch to produce a unique sound effect similar to
playing the Horn.
•Flip the direction switch to blow the Horn for at least one second.
•The normal way to end the Horn is to flip the direction switch back. To do the special Horn ending, add an
immediate Quick flip-and- back operation.
Note:If you wait too long to do the Quick Flip-and-Back operation, the Bell might turn on instead.
Note: Your Atlas sound-equipped locomotive may or may not have the special Horn ending sounds included in its
feature set
3.4 Operation in Neutral
In Neutral, the locomotive will continue to make prototypical sounds appropriate to its resting state. In DC operation,
you enter Neutral by turning the throttle down below V-Start, but not off, and wait for locomotive to stop
11
.
The Front Headlight or (if so equipped) the Mars Light will switch to a steady Dim. Alternatively, the Rear Headlight
will be Dim if entering Neutral from Reverse (NFR). The locomotive will continue to make prototypical sounds in
Neutral that are appropriate to its resting state.
You will hear a Short Air Release when the locomotive stops moving and enters Neutral and a Long Air Release
about three seconds later. These sounds will be followed by Air Pumps and other background sounds. In addition to
the Air Pumps in Neutral, Cooling Fans and Vents will switch on and off at random time intervals. After ten seconds,
the Cooling Fans shut off if they were on when you entered Neutral. Cab Lights (if so equipped) come on 10 seconds
after entering Neutral. If the diesel locomotive is left in Neutral from Reverse, a special Low Idle State (which is
marked by subdued throbbing engine sounds) will automatically come on after 30 seconds. (See description of Low
Idle in Section 5, Quantum System Sounds.) The diesel locomotive will return to generating normal diesel sounds
when the throttle is turned up.
After the Air Pumps start, you can use the direction switch to blow the Horn or turn on or off the Bell
12
.
If you cannot enter Neutral, or have difficulties with any of these operations, you may need to program your
locomotive for optimal use with your particular power pack. (See Analog Programming, Section 3.13.)
3.5 Changing the Direction of the Locomotive without Turning off the Sound
You can use the direction switch on the power pack to change the locomotive’s direction while the loco is in Neutral.
•Put the locomotive in Neutral by bringing the throttle down below V-start and wait for the locomotive to
stop
13
.
•Flip the direction switch after you hear the Short Air Release but before you hear the Long Air Release
sound and the Air Pump sounds turn on. During this short time (3 seconds) the Horn will not blow when
you flip the direction switch.
•Turn up the throttle anytime thereafter to operate the locomotive in the opposite direction.
If you have waited until the Air Pumps start in Neutral and now wish to change direction, you can either:
•Turn the power all the way off, change the direction switch and turn the power back on;
•Flip the direction switch (the Horn will come on) and then turn up the throttle.
11
If Regulated Throttle Control is enabled (see below), it is important to wait until the locomotive stops on its own. The engine’s electronic inertia
will keep it moving even though you have reduced the throttle far enough below V-Start to stop the locomotive. In your attempt to stop the
locomotive, do not try to reduce the throttle so far that all sounds go off.
12
In Neutral, the Bell has a distinctive turn-on effect as the pneumatic clapper gains full motion to strike the bell.
13
On some power packs that have high internal resistance, the track voltage may rise slightly as the locomotive slows down and requires less
power to operate. With these power packs as the engine slows, you may need to reduce the throttle a little more to remain below V-Start.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 17/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
When the locomotive starts to move in the opposite direction, the Horn will stop automatically and then hoot one more
time if the direction is Forward for a total of two Hoots. If the direction is Reverse, the Horn will hoot two more times
for a total of three Hoots
14
.
Note:To prevent the first horn Hoot from being too long, do not delay in turning up the throttle after you have flipped
the direction switch.
3.6 Standard Throttle Control™ (STC™) and Regulated Throttle Control™ (RTC™)
Atlas Gold Series locomotives that are equipped with QSI Sound-Decoders (Quantum™, Quantum Titan™, or
Quantum Titan™ with ET) have two types of throttle control available: Standard and Regulated. Both Standard
Throttle Control (STC) and Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) will apply more power to the motor as track voltage
increases, beginning at the V-Start setting. RTC includes a motor speed control feature that prevents the locomotive
from reacting quickly to changes in voltage or to minor impediments such as misaligned track joints, tight curves,
rough switches, etc. A locomotive operating under STC may come to an unrealistic halt from a raised track joint or a
drop in voltage; while the same locomotive under RTC will continue at the same speed. RTC operates your
locomotive as though it has the mass and inertia of a prototype loco; your locomotive will resist changes in speed
once it is moving and will resist starting up quickly if at rest. You will be able to operate the locomotive at very slow
prototypical speeds without having to adjust the throttle continually in order to maintain speed.
While small obstacles will not affect the locomotive’s speed under RTC, a continual force will slow your train down,
just as is the case with the prototype. For instance, if your diesel locomotive encounters an upward grade under RTC,
it will eventually slow down. Providing more throttle will slowly accelerate it back to speed. The same locomotive
under STC would quickly slow down or stop when it encounters an upward grade.
The type of throttle control also affects how your locomotive decelerates. Under STC, your locomotive will respond
quickly to a reduction in track voltage. Under RTC, your locomotive will decelerate slowly as you bring the throttle
down. If you bring the throttle down below V-Start, the locomotive will slowly come to a stop. You can, however,
force a locomotive to slow down rapidly under RTC by bringing the throttle down quickly; this action reduces the
available power to the motor speed control circuit and forces the speed to decrease faster than RTC would normally
allow. Once the locomotive slows down and regains normal RTC operation, it will continue to decelerate slowly
according to its built-in inertia. For instance, if your locomotive were running at top speed and you quickly reduce the
track voltage to just below V-Start (where the locomotive would normally be stopped), the locomotive will at first slow
down rapidly since you have reduced the available power to the motor. After this initial rapid slow down, the
locomotive will decelerate at a rate determined by the RTC inertia and will then finally coast to a stop.
Selecting between STC and RTC is done on a DC layout by using Analog Programming (see Section 3.13). The
factory-default setting is RTC.
3.7 Engine Load
You can set your diesel locomotive to have any of 16 different Load Levels (also called inertia or momentum levels;
see Analog Programming, Section 3.13). As you increase track voltage, the electric motor in your locomotive is
provided an increasing portion of that power which, depending on the load setting, will gradually accelerate the
locomotive realistically until it reaches full speed. Load Level 0 is the default, which is no load.
Under STC, the default Load Level 0 setting will allow your locomotive to accelerate or stop as quickly as its internal
flywheels will allow. Under RTC, level 0 will add no additional load to the built-in inertia already provided by RTC. For
any load setting from 1-15, your diesel locomotive will take longer to change speed under either STC or RTC. With
RTC, at level 1, it will take approximately 15 seconds more to achieve full speed at max throttle; at level 15, it will take
over 3 ½ minutes to achieve full speed. In addition, at higher load settings, your locomotive will decelerate more
slowly when you decrease the throttle.
14
Standard prototype railroad signaling is two hoots before starting in forward and three hoots before starting in reverse.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 18/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
3.8 Sound of Power™
Your QSI-equipped diesel locomotive will produce Sound-of-Power labored Prime Mover sound effects if you have
selected any of the Load Level settings from 1 to 15. Under acceleration, the engine sounds will be more labored until
the locomotive has achieved its final speed, at which point it will then produce standard sounds appropriate to its
throttle setting. Under deceleration, the Prime Mover sounds are less labored until the locomotive achieves its final
speed, where it will again produce standard Prime Mover sounds appropriate to its throttle setting.
3.9 Helpers
Prototype Helpers are locomotives that are used to provide extra power and/or braking for a heavily loaded train.
These locomotives can be part of the head end Consist, act as mid-train Helpers, or serve as Pushers at the end of
the train. Helper locomotives behave differently from the train’s Lead Locomotive. The Horns and Bells on Helper
Locomotives are usually not operated, and their lighting options are different or not used at all.
When you make up your train using more than one locomotive, the QSI sound-decoder (Quantum™, Quantum
Titan™, or Quantum Titan™ with ET). allows you to program easily how each locomotive will behave by selecting
between a Lead Locomotive, Mid Helper, End Helper, or Pusher. Each type of Helper Locomotive has different
lighting and sound characteristics, as described in Table 1 of Section 3.13 Analog Programming.
3.10 Normal and Reversed Direction
A QSI sound-decoder (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or Quantum Titan with ET). allows you to reverse the directional
sense of your locomotive in DC operation. This is normally not an issue with DC two-rail trains since all locomotives
will go in the same direction whether they are facing forwards or backwards. However, certain features like directional
lighting do depend on the directional sense. For instance, if you program your locomotive to be an End Helper, its
Rear Headlight operates when the locomotive is moving in Reverse, and the Front Headlight is disabled. This is ideal
for providing a Rear Headlight for the train. Normally, if this diesel locomotive is facing backwards at the end of a
Consist, its Rear Headlight will be facing forwards and will be lit when the Consist is moving forward; furthermore,
there will be no Rear Headlight for the Consist. The Direction programming feature will ensure that this End Helper’s
backward-facing Front Headlight will come on only when the Consist is backing up, and the forward-facing Rear
Headlight will not light at all. When making up a train with different Helper types, it is recommended that you also
change the directional sense of any Helper that is intended to be operated backwards within the Consist. See “Option
4, Direction” in Table 1, Section 3.13.
3.11 Fuel Loading, Water Loading, and Maintenance Scenarios (firmware Versions 8 & 9
only)
HO scale and 2-rail O scale Atlas Gold Series locomotives that are equipped with a QSI sound-decoder using either
Version 8 or Version 9 firmware (i.e., Quantum Titan or Quantum Titan with ET) include three different scenarios that
cover the following situations:
•Loading fuel into the locomotive,
•Performing maintenance on the locomotive,
•Loading water into the locomotive.
3.11.1 Triggering the Scenarios in DC Operation
The three different scenarios are available in both conventional DC operation and DCC operation. With DC track
power, these Scenarios are triggered by sequences of long and short blasts of the Horn. The locomotive must be in a
Neutral state, either NFF (Neutral from Forward) or NFR (Neutral from Reverse) before you can trigger any of these
scenarios.
•Fuel Loading Scenario - Horn Code is short-short-long ( · · — )
When the locomotive is in the NFF (Neutral from Forward) or the NFR (Neutral from Reverse) state, use
either the Horn button on the Quantum Engineer or the direction switch on your power pack to blow a short-
short-long Horn code to trigger the Fuel Loading Scenario. For diesel locomotives, you will hear sounds of
diesel fuel being pumped into the locomotive’s fuel tank.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 19/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
•Maintenance Scenario - Horn Code is short-long ( · —)
When the locomotive is in the NFF (Neutral from Forward) or the NFR (Neutral from Reverse) state, use
either the Horn button on the Quantum Engineer or the direction switch on your power pack to blow a short-
long Horn code to trigger the Maintenance Scenario. For maximum realism, after you enter the Maintenance
Scenario
15
, press (once only) the Disconnect/Standby key on your Quantum Engineer Controller
16
to put the
locomotive into the Standby
17
state. Then use the throttle on your DC power pack to rev the Prime Mover up
and down without the locomotive moving. When you wish to end the Maintenance Scenario, press the Start
Up key on your Quantum Engineer Controller to return to normal operation.
•Water Loading Scenario - Horn Code is long-short- short- short ( — · · · )
When the locomotive is in the NFF (Neutral from Forward) or the NFR (Neutral from Reverse) state, use
either the Horn button on the Quantum Engineer or the direction switch on your power pack to blow a long-
short-short-short Horn code to trigger a Water Loading Scenario. For all locomotives, you will hear sounds of
water being run into the locomotive’s water tank. (Older diesel locomotives that supply steam heat to
passenger cars need to have their water supply refreshed periodically.)
3.11.2 Timing of Horn Blasts to Trigger Scenarios in DC Operation
It may take some practice to get the proper lengths of the Horn blasts so that they will trigger the three Scenarios
described above. The following information should help.
•Minimum and Maximum Lengths (in msec) of Short Horn Blasts
A short Horn blast is one of length greater than or equal to 0.2 second but less than 1.8 seconds. This is the
time you hold the Horn button down, not necessarily the length of time you hear the Horn sound play.
•Minimum and Maximum Lengths (in msec) of Long Horn Blasts
A long Horn blast is one greater or equal to 1.8 seconds, but less than 10.0 seconds. This is the time you
hold the Horn button down, not necessarily the length of time you hear the Horn sound play.
•Minimum and Maximum Separations in Time (in msec) between Different Horn Blasts
There is no minimum time. The maximum time between the end of one Horn blast and the start of the next
Horn blast in a coded Horn sequence is 2.1 seconds.
Also, there must be 2.5 seconds of Horn off time before the start of another coded Horn sequence.
3.12 Additional Analog Operation Features Available with Quantum Engineer Controller
Your Atlas QSI sound-equipped diesel locomotive uses QSI’s QARC™ (Quantum Analog Remote Control)
Technology. QARC Technology uses special remote control signals to operate different Quantum features on a
conventional DC layout. With QARC Technology, you can operate features that are otherwise available only with
Digital Command Control (DCC). In particular, QARC will allow you to:
•Turn on or off lights,
•Shut down and start up locomotives,
•Make up Consists easily,
•Simplify Analog programming,
•Set System Volume or Mute while train is operating,
•Trigger Coupler Crash sounds,
•Operate prototype-like Air Brakes,
•Turn on Dynamic Brakes,
•Activate verbal speedometer readout,
•Operate many other features.
The QARC System makes Analog operation more fun and more prototypical. Every button on a QARC controller
does exactly what it is labeled to do. The major difference between QARC and DCC is that, with QARC, you are
15
These Scenarios cannot be started if the locomotive is in the Standby state (Standby is the 2
nd
phase of Shut Down). However, you can press
the Disconnect/Standby key any time after the Maintenance Scenario has started.
16
See Section 3.12 for information on the Quantum Engineer Controller.
17
See Section 4.1.14 for an explanation of the Standby state. The three Shut Down states (Disconnect, Standby, and Shut Down) behave the
same way in both DC and DCC.

Atlas User Manual: Diesels with QSI Sound 20/52 13 January 2015
Decoders (Quantum, Quantum Titan, or
Quantum Titan with ET)
unable to operate multiple trains (running at different speeds) independently on the same powered section of track at
the same time; whereas, you can do so with DCC.
The QARC controller, called the Quantum Engineer, can be added to your existing Analog power pack. Wiring is
simple; two wires go to the variable DC output from the power pack, and two wires go to the track When a Quantum
Engineer is connected, all functions on the variable-voltage DC power pack operate in the same way as before the
Quantum Engineer was connected, including the throttle and reverse switch control. For further information on the
Quantum Engineer Controller, see the Quantum Engineer Operating Instructions
[4].
The Quantum Engineer is NOT
recommended for use on 2-rail O-scale layouts
3.13 Analog Programming
An Atlas Gold Series diesel locomotive with a QSI sound-decoder can be programmed on a DC layout in either of two
ways:
•Use a Standard Power Pack. Almost all advanced analog operations can be programmed using a
standard variable-DC power pack. After entering programming (described below), the various features are
selected and operated by using the direction switch.
•Use a Quantum Engineer controller connected between your variable-DC power pack and your layout.
The Quantum Engineer considerably simplifies the programming process.
Table 1 on this and the next page gives the available analog programming options. The sections that follow (3.13.1 to
3.13.4) explain the basics of analog programming using the reversing switch on a DC power pack. Some specific
examples are included after Section 3.13.4.
Table 1 - Analog Programming Options
Program
Option #’s
(POPs
18
)
Option Name
(default setting)
Message
19
when
Entering Option Option Description
1
System Volume
20
(16, Max)
“Volume equals X”
21
Sets System volume (17 levels) w ere level 16 is maximum volume and level 0 is off.
2
Load
(0, No Load)
“Load equals X”
Selects t e starting and stopping momentum for bot Regulated T rottle Control (RTC)
and Standard T rottle Control (STC). Level 0 (no load), Level 1-15, increasing load
wit acceleration to full speed from 15 seconds to 210 seconds in RTC and from 3
seconds to 45 seconds in STC.
3
Helper
(Normal)
“
Helper
equals
”
“Normal”,
“Lead”,
“Mid”
“End”
“Pus er”
Sel
ects Normal, Lead, Mid, End,
or Pus er Helper in
Consist
s.
Normal Locomotive as all sounds and lig ts enabled.
Lead Locomotive as all sounds enabled and its rear eadlig t disabled.
Mid Helper as Horn, Bell and all lig ts disabled
22
.
End Helper as Horn, Bell and all lig ts disabled.
Pus er as rear eadlig t on all t e time as train warning lig t. Horn, Bell and all lig ts
except Number Boards are disabled.
4
“Direction”
(Normal)
“Direction equals X”
Selects if t e features associated wit t e locomotive’s direction are “normal” or
“reversed”.
5
Reserved
“Reserved”
6
Power Pack Type
23
(0)
“
Power Pack Type
equals X”
Allowable Type values: 0 or 2
0 = Universal; 2 = Modern (e.g., MRC Tec 3)
18
POP is short for “Program Option”.
19
The verbal programming responses (such as Enter Programming, etc.) have a minimum volume setting to provide programming information even
when the system volume is turned all the way off.
20
You can set volume with the manual volume control (using the Magnetic Wand, See Section 6.2.2), with programming, or with both. The manual
volume control will determine the range of volume available under programming; that is, if you turn the manual volume control down to say 50%,
you will not be able to increase the volume above the 50% value using programming.
21
Xis the current value of the Program Option. Default values are shown in parenthesis next to the option name.
22
Some lights that are not controlled by the Quantum System may remain on.
23
Available only with firmware Versions 8 and 9