QSI Quantum 1 System User manual

Electric Loco Q1 w/Volume Pot Operation Manual, Version 2.8 1/21 8 March 2006
Electric Locomotive
Operation Manual
for QSI Quantum 1 System™ Analog & DCC Sound
Decoder Equipped locomotives with Potentiometer
8 March 2006
Version 2.8

Basic Analog Operation
QSI recommends that you get used to operating and having fun with your new sound equipped locomotive before exploring its more advanced
features or programming options. Read through this section and be up and running with your new Quantum equipped locomotive in less than
five minutes.
Running the Locomotive
Use an HO power pack with a standard direction switch1. Set the switch to run your locomotive Forward.
Turn the throttle up slowly until you hear the Quantum System™ come on. You will hear Start Up sounds and lights will turn on.
Continue to turn up the throttle voltage until the locomotive starts to move in Forward. The Directional Headlight and optional Ditch
Lights will come on or optional Mars Light will start pulsing. The Number Board Light and colored Marker Lights will turn on. The
locomotive will start out slowly due to special Quantum Inertial Control that resists rapid increases or decreases in speed2. Hear the
traction motor sounds increase in proportion to the engine’s speed.
As the locomotive slows down by gradually reducing the throttle, Squealing Brake sounds occur as it comes to a stop.
Reversing the Locomotive
This simple operation is exactly the same as with standard 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.
The Electric locomotive Reverse Light turns on. If so equipped, the Ditch Lights will turn off or optional Mars Light will stop pulsing and will
switch to dim. The front Headlight will switch to off or switch to dim if the dim headlight feature is available.
Horn
Blow the authentic Electric locomotive Horn for short or long blasts – you control the duration.
While the locomotive is moving, flip the direction switch to turn on the Horn.
Flip the direction switch back to shut off the Horn.
The locomotive will not change direction when you blow the Horn.
Note: If you use a reversing-throttle that changes continuously from forward-to-off-to-reverse or if you flip the direction switch too slowly from one position
to the other, you can momentarily lose track power as the switch is being moved through its center position.
Note: If your locomotive is equipped with Ditch Lights, they will automatically strobe from one light to the other when the Horn is being blown and will
continue for five seconds after the horn signal has stopped3.
Bell (available on all U.S. and other selected models)4
You can turn the Bell on (if so equipped) 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.
Turn the Bell off with a second 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, or if you interrupt the track
power. If you do a Slow flip-and-back operation, you will get a short Horn hoot instead of the Bell. 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 unit from slipping.
Note: When you toggle the Bell off, it will continue ringing briefly with less volume as the pneumatic clapper slows down, just like the prototype.
1If your power pack has a reversing-throttle that changes from forward to off to reverse in a continuous manner, we recommend that you install a reversing slide-
switch between power pack and track. Suitable double-pole double-throw reversing switches are available at most model railroad hobby shops or electronic supply stores.
2See
Locomotive Inertia Effects on page 3 for further description of this feature. Re-programming your locomotive to use Standard Throttle Control (STC) will disable inertial
effects that occur with Regulated Throttle Control (RTC). See Example 1 pages 8-9.
3The hold time for strobing Ditch Lights after the horn button is released can be set using CV 55.110.5 (see DCC Programming on pages 15-16). The setting of this CV applies to
both Analog and DCC operation.
4If the prototype locomotive does not have a bell, your model will not have the Bell feature. However, all Quantum locomotives have a “Bell State” used for a number of Quantum
operations. The Bell State is turned on and off with a Quick Flip and Back operation of the reverse switch as described. You will hear a single bell ding when you enter the Bell
State and a double ding when you leave the Bell State.
Electric Loco Q1 w/Volume Pot Operation Manual, Version 2.8 2/21 8 March 2006

Advanced Analog Features
Starting the Locomotive
Most HO DC power packs with a standard reversing switch5are suitable for Analog operation. Generally, modern electronic type power
packs will provide better performance.
When operated with a standard DC power pack, your Quantum equipped Electric locomotive behaves quite differently from other
locomotives you may have operated. Unlike standard HO locomotives that start at very low track voltages, Quantum equipped locomotives
require a minimum amount of voltage to operate the electronics. Also, the response to the throttle is realistically much slower and more like
a prototype locomotive.
Turn the throttle up slowly until you hear the Quantum System™ come on with a Long Air Let-off sound. The Number Board Lights,
Cab Lights6and colored Marker Lights (if so equipped) will turn on7. The Directional Headlight will come on dim or, if your Electric
locomotive has a Mars Light, it will be dim and the Headlight will be off. Cab Lights will turn on after 10 seconds. See a table
summary of Directional Lighting Operation in the DCC section of this manual. You will hear the motor start up followed by the Air
Pumps.
Continue8to turn up the throttle voltage until the locomotive starts to move in Forward (this voltage is called V-Start9). The Electric
Traction Motor(s) sounds will increase in proportion to the engine’s speed and with labored sounds proportional to the locomotive’s
acceleration and Load setting (see QSI Sound of Power™ on page 5) and the locomotive will slowly start to move. The Headlight will
switch on bright and the optional Ditch Lights will turn on or the optional Mars Light will begin to pulse. After 10 seconds in Forward or
Reverse, the Cooling Fans will come on stay on. After 15 seconds in Forward or Reverse, the Cab Lights (if so equipped) will
automatically shut off.
Locomotive Inertia Effects
Your new locomotive is pre-programmed at the factory to use Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) in Analog (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 starting up too quickly if at rest and will resist
changes in speed once moving (see
Standard Throttle Control™ (STC™) and Regulated Throttle Control™
(RTC™)
on page 5). It takes a little practice to learn to move the throttle slowly and wait until the locomotive
responds. 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). Under STC there is no Inertial
Control. The Example at the bottom of page 7-8 in the Owners Manual explains how to program your
locomotive to use STC.
As you slow the locomotive down by gradually reducing the throttle to a little below V-start, the Electric Traction Motor(s) rev and
labored sounds volume decreases, while Squealing Brake sounds occur as the Electric locomotive comes to a slow stop10.
Note: If you need to turn your throttle up quite high to start your Electric locomotive, V-Start can be adjusted for operation with your particular DC power
pack (see Analog Programming on pages 7-9). For recommended power packs, consult the
Quantum Analog Reference Manual (Version 3) available at
http://www.qsindustries.com.
Doppler Effect
This sound effect changes the pitch and volume of the Horn, Bell or other Electric engine sounds as the locomotive passes.
While the locomotive is moving toward the observer, flip the direction switch to turn on the Horn.
Wait at least one second while the Horn is blowing.
Just before the locomotive passes in front of the observer, flip the direction switch back and forth quickly so the Horn does not shut
off. You will hear the Doppler Effect as the locomotive passes by.
5Some 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 (Version 3) at http://www.qsindustries.com.
6Your Electric locomotive may not have all lights described here, depending on the model.
7Side Marker Lights are red; end Marker lights are green approaching and red receding. See Page 11 in the DCC section for complete description of automatic Directional
Lighting for both DCC and Analog.
8It is not necessary to wait for the locomotive Start Up to finish before entering Forward. If you turn up the throttle, the Start Up sounds terminate and the electric locomotive will
immediately go into normal Forward operation.
9V-Start is set at 8.5 volts. It is important to note where V-Start is located on your conventional DC throttle control knob to know where you will enter and leave Neutral (see
Neutral on Page 4).
10 Squealing Brakes occur if the locomotive exceeds 40 scale-miles per hour (smph) (64.4 scale kilometers/hour) and then slows down to below 20 smph (32skph).
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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 the Doppler shift. Below 15 smph, there is no Doppler shift.
Special Horn Ending Sound
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 System sound sets have special Horn
Endings that can be activated using the direction switch to produce a unique sound effect similar to that of a prototype engineer’s
“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 Quantum equipped locomotive may not have special Horn Ending sounds included.
Neutral
In Neutral, the locomotive will continue to make prototypical sounds appropriate to its resting state.
Enter Neutral by turning the throttle down below V-Start but not off and wait for locomotive to stop 11. The Headlight or (if so
equipped) Mars Light switches to a steady dim or (if so equipped) the Ditch Lights will turn off and Reverse Light will turn off if
entering Neutral From Reverse (NFR).
You will hear a Short Air Let-Off when the locomotive stops moving and enters Neutral, and a Long Air Let-Off about three seconds
later followed by Air Pumps and other background sounds. In addition to the Air Pumps, Electric Traction Motor Cooling Fans and
Vents will come on at random time intervals in Neutral. After ten seconds the Electric Traction Motor Cooling Fans shut off if they were
on when you entered Neutral. Optional Cab Lights come on 10 seconds after entering Neutral.
If the electric locomotive is left in Neutral from Reverse, a special Low Idle state marked by subdues throbbing motor sounds will
automatically come on after 30 seconds (see description of Low Idle in the section on Quantum System Sounds on Page 17). The
electric locomotive will return to normal Diesel Motor sounds when the throttle is turned up.
After the Air Pumps start, you can also use the direction switch to blow the Horn or turn on or off the Bell12 (if so equipped).
If you cannot enter Neutral, or have difficulties with any of the operations, you may need to program your locomotive for optimal use with
your particular DC power pack (see Analog Programming in next section).
Changing the Locomotive’s Direction without Turning off the Sound
You can use the power pack’s direction switch while the locomotive is in Neutral to change the locomotive’s direction.
Put the locomotive in Neutral by bringing the throttle down below V-start and wait for the locomotive to stop13.
Flip the direction switch after you hear the Short Air Let-off but before you hear the Long Air Let-off 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:
1. Turn the power all the way off, change the direction switch and turn the power back on, or,
2. Flip the direction switch (the Horn will come on) and then turn up the throttle. 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. Or if the
direction is Reverse, the Horn will hoot two more times for a total of three hoots14.
Note: To prevent the first Horn hoot from being too long, do not delay in turning up the throttle after you have flipped the directionswitch.
11 If Regulated Throttle Control is enabled (see below) it is important to wait until the locomotive stops on its own. The locomotive’s electronic Inertial Control 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 turn off.
12 In Neutral, the mechanical bell feature has a distinctive turn-on effect as the pneumatic clapper gains full motion to strike the bell. The Bell may also have a shut-down effect
where each strike becomes less loud as the clapper slows its motion.
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 locomotive slows, you may need to reduce the throttle a little more to remain below V-Start.
14 Standard U.S. prototype railroad signaling is two hoots before starting in forward and three hoots before starting in reverse. Other countries have different signaling. Check your
Electric Model Specification sheet for horn sequences used on your model.
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Standard Throttle Control™ (STC™) and Regulated Throttle Control™ (RTC™)
Quantum locomotives have two types of Analog throttle control available, Standard and Regulated. Both Standard Throttle Control (STC)
and Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) will apply more power to the motor as a function of increasing track voltage beginning at the V-Start
setting. RTC includes an Inertial Control feature that prevents the locomotive from reacting quickly to changes in voltage or minor
impediments to motion such as misaligned track joints, tight curves, rough turn-outs, etc. A locomotive under STC may come to an
unrealistic halt from a raised track joint or a drop in voltage15 while the same locomotive under RTC, with its Inertial Control, will continue at
the same speed. RTC operates your locomotive as though it has the mass and inertia of a prototype locomotive; 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 your locomotive at very slow
prototypical speeds without having to adjust your throttle continually to maintain speed.
While small obstacles will not affect the locomotives speed under RTC, a continual force will slow your train down, just like the prototype.
For instance, if your Electric 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 if it encountered an upward grade.
The type of throttle control also affects how your engine 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 reduces the power available to the motor inertial 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 and Load setting. For instance, if your locomotive was running at top speed and you quickly reduced the track voltage to
just below V-Start (where the locomotive would normally be stopped) the locomotive would at first slow down rapidly as you reduced the
available power to the motor. After this initial rapid slow down, the locomotive would decelerate at a rate determined by RTC Inertial
Control and Load and finally coast to a stop
STC and RTC are selected under Analog Programming (see next section). The default is RTC.
Train Load
You can set your Electric locomotive to have any of 16 different Load levels, which represent added inertia from rolling stock (see Analog
Programming, Option 2, in next section). The higher the Load setting, the greater the inertia effect during acceleration and deceleration. As
you increase track voltage, the motor is provided an increasing portion of that voltage which, depending on the Load setting, will gradually
accelerate the locomotive realistically until it reaches full speed. Level 0 is the default, which is no Load.
Under STC, the level 0 Load setting will allow your locomotive to accelerate or stop as quickly as the internal flywheels will allow. Under
RTC, level 0 will add no additional Load to the Intrinsic Inertia already provided by RTC. For any Load setting from 1-15, your Electric
locomotive will take longer to change speed under either STC or RTC. At level 1, it will take approximately 15 seconds more to achieve full
speed at max throttle16; 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 as you decrease your throttle.
Sound of Power™
Your Electric locomotive will produce Sound-of-Power labored Electric Traction Motor sound effects under RTC or under STC as long as
you have selected any of the Load settings from level 1 to 15. Under acceleration, the Electric Traction Motor sounds will be more labored
until the locomotive has achieved its final speed where it will then produce standard sounds appropriate to its throttle setting. Under
deceleration, the Traction Motor sounds are less labored until it achieves its final speed where it will again produce standard Electric
Traction Motor sounds appropriate to its throttle setting.
Helpers
Prototype Helpers are locomotives that are used to provide extra power and/or braking for a heavily loaded train. These Helper locomotives
can be part of the head-end consist or as mid-train helpers or as pushers at the end of the train. Helper locomotives behave differently than
the train’s lead locomotive. Their horns and bells 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 Quantum System allows you to easily program how each locomotive
will behave by selecting between a Lead engine, Mid Helper, End Helper, or Pusher. Each type of Helper locomotive has different lighting
and sound characteristics as described in the table in the next section on Analog Programming, Option 3, page 7.
15 For instance, blowing the Horn takes power and can reduce track voltage substantially and quickly. Under STC at low speed, blowing the horn can stop your locomotive. Under
RTC blowing the Horn will not cause your locomotive to stop or slow abruptly.
16 Some unloaded power packs produce excessive voltage at max throttle and will activate the Quantum high-voltage circuit breaker. When this happens, your locomotive will skip
and emit a series of hoots until the power is reduced to a lower voltage (see Troubleshooting, page 19).
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Normal and Reversed Direction
Quantum also allows you to reverse the directional sense of your locomotive. 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
or electric Low Idle do depend on the directional sense. For instance, if you program your locomotive to be an End-Helper for your consist,
its Reverse Light (rear Headlight) operates only when the locomotive is moving in Reverse and the Headlight is disabled. This arrangement
is ideal for providing a Reverse Light for the consist. However, if this Electric locomotive is facing backwards at the end of a consist, the
Reverse Light faces forward and will be lit when the consist is moving Forward and there will be no Reverse Light for the consist. The
“Direction” program 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 Reverse Light (rear Headlight) will not light at all. When making up a train with different Helper types, it is
recommended that you also change its directional sense of any Helper that is intended to be operated backwards within the consist. See
“Option 4 Direction”, Analog Programming, next section.
Additional Analog Operation Features Available with the Quantum EngineerTM Controller
Your Quantum Electric locomotive is equipped with QSI’s QARC™ (Quantum Analog Remote Control) Technology. QARC Technology
uses special remote control signals to operate different Quantum System features without the need for complicated and expensive digital
systems. With QARC technology, you can operate features that are otherwise available only in Digital Command Control (DCC) plus some
new features that are not yet available in DCC. QARC will allow you to: 1) turn on or off lights, 2) shut down and start up locomotives, 3)
make up consists easily, 4) simplify Analog programming, 5) set System Volume or Mute while train is operating, 6) trigger Coupler Crash
sounds, 7) operate prototype-like Air Brakes, 8) turn on Dynamic Brakes, 9) activate Status Report or Verbal Speedometer Readout, and
operate many other features. The QARC System makes Analog operation more fun and more prototypical than DCC by eliminating the
need to configure function keys. Every button on the QARC controller does exactly what it is labeled to do. The only major difference
between QARC and DCC is that, with QARC, you are not able to independently operate multiple trains on the same powered track section
at different speeds at the same time.
The QARC controller, called Quantum Engineer, can be added to your existing Analog DC power pack in less than five minutes. Wiring is
simple: two wires go the variable DC output from the power pack and two wires go to the track. All features on the power pack remain the
same including throttle and reverse switch control. See our web site at http://www.qsindustries.com for further information.
Quantum Engineer Shown Attached to Standard DC Power Pack
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Quantum Engineer
Add-on Controller
Standard DC
Power Pack

Analog Programming
The Electric Locomotive can be Programmed Using a Standard Power Pack.
All advanced operations are easily programmed via your standard HO power pack. After entering programming (described below), features
are selected and operated by using the direction switch17.
Program
Option #’s
(POP’s18)
Option Name Message19 when
Entering Option
Option Description
1System Volume20
(16, Max)
“Volume equals X” Sets System volume (17 levels) where level 16 is maximum volume and level 0 is off.
2Load
(0, No Load)
“Load equals X” Selects the starting and stopping inertia for both Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) and
Standard Throttle Control (STC). Level 0 (no load), Level 1-15, increasing Load with
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”
“Pusher”
Selects Normal, Lead, Mid, End, or Pusher Helper in consists.
Normal Engine has all sounds and lights enabled.
Lead engine has all sounds enabled and Reverse Light, reverse Marker Lights,
disabled. Cab Lights and Number Board Lights are unaffected.
Mid Helper has Horn, Bell and all lights disabled21. Number Boards are unaffected.
End Helper has Horn, Bell and all lights disabled except Reverse Light, Marker Lights.
Number Board Lights are unaffected.
Pusher has Reverse Light on and Reverse Marker Lights on red all the time as train
warning lights. Horn, Bell and all other lights are disabled.
4 “Direction” (Normal) “Direction equals X” Selects if features associated with the locomotive’s direction are “Normal” or “Reverse”.
5-7 Reserved “Reserved”
8 V-Start (8.5v) “V-Start equals X” Sets track voltage where locomotive will leave Neutral. (See Example below)
9 V-Max (12v) “V-Max equals X” Sets track voltage where full power is applied to motor.
10 Throttle Mode
(RTC)
“Throttle Mode
equals X””
Selects between Standard Throttle Control (STC) and Regulated Throttle Control
(RTC).
11 Programming Reset “Warning – about to
reset”
After next Quick or Slow Operation, Bell rings22 followed by a hoot to indicate
locomotive returned to factory default.
12 About Model number Each Quick or Slow Operation provides progressive information about Quantum
Model Number, Software Version, and software Release Date.
13 Horn Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Horn Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
14 Bell Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Bell Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
15 Motor Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Electric Traction Motor Volume. (16 levels). Max is 15.
16 Vents and Cooling Fan
Volume
“Volume equals X” Customizes Vents and Cooling Fans Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
17-19 Reserved “Reserved”
20 Air Brakes Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Air Brake Air Release Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
21-25 Reserved “Reserved”
26 Pump Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Air Pump Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
27 Air Let-off Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Long Air Let-off Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
28 Short Air Let-off Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes Short Air Let-off Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
29 Reserved “Reserved”
30 Squealing Brake/Flange
Volume
“Volume equals X” Customizes Squealing Brake/Flange Volume (16 levels). Max is 15.
31 Reserved “Volume equals X”
32 Coupler Volume “Volume equals X” Customizes All Coupler Sound Volumes (16 levels). Max is 15.
33 Reserved “Reserved”
17 Programming is even simpler using a Quantum Engineer Controller (see previous section on page 6).
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 or with Programming or both. The Manual Volume Control will determine the range of volume control 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 Some lights that are not controlled by the Quantum System may remain on.
22 Bell will not be heard on models without bell feature.
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Where “X” is the current value of the Program Option. Defaults are shown in parenthesis next to the option name; defaults for volume levels are listed on the Electric Model
Specification sheet included with your locomotive.
Entering Programming
Use this simple sequence to enter Programming using the direction switch.
1. Apply power and turn up the throttle to hear the sound system come on.
2. Within five seconds of powering up, turn on the Bell23 with a Quick flip-and-back operation.
3. Within three seconds of the Bell turning on, turn the bell24 off with a second Quick flip-and back operation.
4. Within three seconds, turn the Bell back on again with a third Quick flip-and-back operation.
If you delay too long after power has been first applied, the opportunity to enter Programming will time out and you will need to start
again by shutting off and reapplying track power.
Once you perform the three bell operations after applying power, the Bell will shut off automatically and you will hear “Enter Programming”
and the Headlight and Reverse Lights will flash alternately off and on.
Scrolling through the Program Options
After entering Programming, you will hear an announcement of the first Program Option, “Option 1 - System Volume”.
To access other Program Options, simply flip the direction switch to the opposite position and leave it there. Listen as each option
number is announced in order.
When you hear the Option Number you want, flip the direction switch back and leave it there. After you stop at an option you will hear
the option number and name announced. When you are scrolling through and stopping at Program Options, you are not making any
changes. To make changes you must actually enter the Program Option.
Note: If you accidentally go to a higher option number other than the one you wanted, simply turn the power off, re-enter Programming and start again25.
Once you reach the last Program Option, it will continue to announce the last option number.
Entering a Program Option and Making Changes
After the verbal announcement of a Program Option, you can enter that option by performing a Slow or Quick flip-and-back operation of
the direction switch26. Upon entering a Program Option, you will hear the current setting for that option. For unused Program Options, you
will hear “Reserved”. For any volume option, you will hear “Volume equals X” (where “X” is its current volume level setting). After a
moment, you will hear the sound playing at its current volume27.
Note: Entering a Program Option does not change the settings for that option; it only provides information about its current value. After entering the
Program Option, additional Slow or Quick flip-and-back operations will program new settings as described in the above table. For all level adjustments, a
Quick operation will decrease one level while a Slow operation will increase one level.
Note: Since “System Volume” is the first Program Option, you can use Quick or Slow operations immediately after entering Programming to change the
System Volume.
Moving on to Other Program Options or Leaving Programming
Flip the direction switch at anytime to the opposite position, and leave it there. Quantum will first return to and announce the current
Program Option and then automatically advance to on to higher options.
Exit Programming anytime you want by turning the power off and back on again.
Example 1: Setting Throttle Mode (Program Option # 10)
This will determine whether your locomotive uses Regulated Throttle Control (RTC) or Standard Throttle Control (STC).
Enter Programming after powering up your engine by turning the Bell on, then off and then on as described above.
After the “Enter Programming” followed by “Option One - System Volume” announcement of the first Program Option, flip the direction
switch and leave it there. You will hear the announcement “Option 1, 2, 3 … etc.”. Stop when you hear “ten” by moving the direction
switch back. You will hear “Throttle Mode”.
23 If your locomotive does not have the Bell feature, you will only hear a single bell ding to indicate you have entered the Bell state.
24 If your locomotive does not have the Bell feature, you will hear a double ding to indicate you have left the Bell State.
25 If you have a Quantum Engineer, you can move both back and forth through Program Options.
26 If you have a Quantum Engineer, Quick and Slow operations are done with specific program buttons.
27 Setting any volume in Analog will also apply to DCC and vice-versa.
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Use a Slow or Quick operation of the direction switch to enter this option. If the throttle mode is at its default value (RTC), you will
hear “Mode equals Regulated;” otherwise, you will hear “Mode equals Standard.”
Use a Slow or Quick operation of the direction switch to change the Throttle Mode. Repeated Slow or Quick operations will cause
the throttle mode to alternate between its two possible values “Regulated” or “Standard”.
Once you have selected the Throttle Mode you wish to use, turn the throttle off. When you then power up again, your locomotive will
be using the Throttle Mode you have just selected.
Example 2: Setting V-Start (Program Option # 8)
This option will determine the voltage (and throttle position) at which the locomotive will leave Neutral and move out.
Enter Programming after powering up your locomotive by turning the Bell on, then off and then on as described above.
After the “Enter Programming” followed by “Option One - System Volume” announcement for the first Program Option, flip the
direction switch and leave it there. You hear the announcement “Option 1, 2, 3 … etc.”. Stop when you hear “8” by moving the
direction switch back. You will hear “V-Start”.
Use a Slow or Quick operation of the direction switch to enter this option. You will hear “V-Start equals X” where “X” is the track
voltage value currently set to leave Neutral.
Use a Slow or Quick operation of the direction switch to activate this option. Hear the message “Set throttle to V-Start”. After three
seconds, the voltage will be announced28. If you move the throttle, the new track voltage value is announced a few seconds later.
Once throttle is set, use a Slow or Quick operation of the direction switch to start the V-Start voltage setting procedure. The
locomotive will move29 at a slow speed and the Bell will ring continually for about 25 seconds30, indicating the correct value is being
calculated. If you choose a very low voltage setting, be patient. If the locomotive does not move during the procedure, return to the
beginning of this option31 or start over and chose a slightly higher throttle setting.
At the end of the process, the locomotive will stop moving and the Horn will hoot, signifying the end of the operation and you will hear
the message “V-Start = X” where “X” is the new setting.
To leave Programming, turn the throttle off, and then power up for normal locomotive operation.
Or continue to V-Max by moving the direction switch and waiting for the next Programming Option to be announced.
Note: The final value of V-Start may decrease from the original voltage reading because resistance in the power pack or pickups will drop the voltage
slightly during the calibration procedure.
Example 3: Setting V-Max (Program Option # 9)
V-Max is set in the same manner as V-Start except after entering this Program Option, you will hear “Set throttle to V-Max” which is the
throttle position where you want the full track voltage to be applied to the motor (usually about 80% of full throttle)32. Then do a Quick or
Slow operation to start the V-Max procedure. Like V-Start, the bell will ring continually33 until the voltage is set followed by a Horn hoot to
indicate the procedure is finished. Setting V-Max is much quicker than V-Start.
Note: During the V-Max setting, the locomotive will not move as it does under V-Start.
Note: When double heading your Quantum equipped locomotives34, make sure that both locomotives have similar speed/throttle characteristics by
adjusting V-Start and V-Max to prevent them from fighting each other.
For more information, download the Quantum Analog Reference Manual (Version 3) from http://www.qsindustries.com.
28 Quantum systems have a built in voltmeter that measures the track voltage and announces its value verbally. Depending on the power pack, this voltage may be slightly
different than values measured by an external meter. However, since the Quantum voltmeter uses its own values for throttle levels, it is the correct value for the system.
29 For earlier Quantum locomotives, the engine will only move at the very end of the V-Start calculation.
30 If the locomotive model does not have a bell feature, you will hear only a single ding indicator at the start of the process.
31 See section above:
Moving on to Other Program Options or Leaving Programming .
32 V-Max should not be set too low when using RTC. For most MRC™ power packs, the best choice for V-Max is about 1.5 volts below the highest throttle setting as determined
by the Quantum built-in Voltmeter.
33 If the locomotive model does not have a bell feature, you will hear only a single ding indicator at the start of the process.
34 Do not double-head Quantum equipped locomotives with standard locomotives and then operate the Horn or Bell while locomotives are moving. The standard locomotive will
reverse direction and fight with the Quantum equipped locomotive.
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DCC Operation
These steps will allow you to start operating your Quantum equipped Electric locomotive immediately using any DCC system that is
compatible with the applicable NMRA DCC specifications.
1. Select locomotive number 3.
2. Set your DCC controller to 128 (preferable) or 28 (acceptable) speed step range.
3. Start your locomotive immediately by pressing the F6 DCC function key35 to hear the locomotive Start Up sounds. Directional Lighting
System (Front Headlight, Reverse Light (Rear Headlight), colored Marker Lights, optional Ditch Lights and optional Mars Light 36)will
be off. Use the FL or F0 key to turn on the Directional Lighting. Cab Lights (if so equipped) and Number Board Lights will turn on. Cab
Lights will shut off automatically after ten seconds.
When you reduce the throttle to zero, the locomotive will automatically enter Neutral when the locomotive stops. You will hear a Short Air
Let-off when the locomotive stops moving and a Long Air Let-off about one second later - followed by Air Pumps and other background
sounds37. The Directional Front Headlight will go dim. If your model Electric locomotive is equipped with Quantum Ditch Lights, they will
turn off in Neutral. Similarly, if your model Electric Locomotive has a Quantum Mars Light, it will stop pulsing and go dim and the front
Headlight will turn off in Neutral. If you locomotive has QSI multicolored Marker Lights, they will go to red.
The direction of your locomotive will change when you press the direction key on your DCC throttle.
Function Keys
The following table lists features that have been pre-assigned to your DCC function keys. Operation of these keys can be different in the
Neutral state (locomotive stopped) and the Motive states (locomotive moving in Forward or Reverse). After you have selected your
locomotive, simply press any of the function keys listed below to produce the described effects.
Function Key* Forward and Reverse Neutral
F0 or FL or Headlight Directional Lighting on or off Directional Lighting on or off
F1 Bell on or off Bell on or off
F2 Horn or horn with Doppler Effect (see below) Horn on or off
F3 Coupler Crash/Coupler Fire Coupler Arm or Coupler Fire
F4 Cooling Fans on or off Cooling Fans on or off
F5 Dynamic Brake function on or off Dynamic Brake function on or off (“Disconnect” only)
F6 Initiate Doppler Effect Start Up
F7 Squealing Brake/Flanges and Air Brakes Brake Set - Long Air Let-off
F8 Audio Mute on or off Audio Mute on or off
F9 Short Air Let-off Shut Down
F10 Locomotive’s Verbal Speed Readout in SMPH. Locomotive’s Verbal Status Readout
F11 Number Board Lights on or off Number Board Lights on or off
F12 Cab Lights on or off (if so equipped) Cab Lights on or off (if so equipped)
* Quantum supports the new NMRA 0-12 function key standard; the old 0-8 standard is not supported.
If you have a DCC command station that supports only the older 0 to 8 function key standard, you will have no way to initiate Shut Down in
Neutral with these pre-assigned feature to function key mappings. There is an interim solution to this problem; Swap the features assigned
to the F7 and F9 outputs in Neutral by doing the following:
1. Set CV49 to 9, set CV50 to 1, and set CV53 to 145. Now F7 in Neutral controls Shut Down.
2. Set CV49 to 11, set CV50 to 1, and set CV53 to 9. Now F9 in Neutral controls Long Air Let-off.
Directional Lighting Operation (F0 or FL or Headlight)
The FL (or F0, or Headlight) key toggles the Automatic Directional Headlight/Reverse Light/Ditch Lights/Mars Light System38 on or off.
The defaults for Headlight/Reverse Light (Reverse Headlight) and optional Ditch Lights and Mars Directional Lights are off; default for
Marker Lights is on. When toggled on, the Directional Lights39 come on according to the table below.
35 It does not need to be F6; any function or speed command for an engine that is not in Shut Down will activate the locomotive.
36 Not all locomotive models have the Ditch Light or Mars Light feature.
37 Neutral sounds also include Traction Motor Cooling Fans with Vents opening and closing that turn on and off randomly.
38 Explicit lighting control features for Headlight, Reverse Light and optional Ditch Lights, Mars Light or Marker Lights can be assigned to DCC function outputs. (See QSI DCC
Reference Manual, version 3)
39 The Quantum System uses constant voltage lighting that is independent of track voltage.
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Directional Lighting Operation in DCC and Analog including Optional Ditch Lights, Mars Light and Marker Lights.
Forward Neutral from Forward Reverse Neutral from Reverse
Headlight On Off Off Off
Reverse Light Off Off On Off
Mars Light Strobing Dim Dim Dim
Ditch Lights On or Strobing Off Off Off
Front40 Marker Lights41 Green Red Red Red
Rear Marker Lights Red Red Green Red
Note: If your locomotive does not have Mars Light, the Headlight will be dim (instead of “Off”) in all states except Forward where it will be bright.
Coupler and Coupler Crash Sounds (F3)
There are two ways to use the F3 key.
As your locomotive is about to couple up to a string of cars, press the F3 key to trigger the crashing sound of locomotive coupling.
Use the F3 key again as the locomotive moves out to trigger the same sound as the slack is taken up in the cars.
Use the F3 key in Neutral to produce uncoupling sounds as you disconnect cars over uncoupler magnets. Press the F3 key once to
produce the sound of the lift bar and coupling pin being raised. This first press also arms the uncoupling sound effect. Press the F3
key again while moving or in Neutral to trigger the sound of the coupler knuckle opening and air-lines parting.
Sound-of-Power™
Your Electric locomotive will produce labored Electric Traction Motor sounds under acceleration and lighter Electric Motor sounds under
deceleration but only if CV 3, or CV 23 and CV 4, or CV 24 are set to non-zero positive values. The level of labored sounds is proportional
to the values for these four CV’s, and how much the throttle is increased or decreased.
Horn and Bell Buttons (F2, F1)
Some DCC controllers have separate horn and bell buttons along with function keys assigned to horn and bell operation. The bell is usually
assigned to F1 and the horn is usually assigned to F2. The F2 key behaves differently than using the horn button.
Pressing the F2 key and releasing it will cause the horn command to come on and stay on, until you press F2 again 42.
Pressing the horn button will send the horn only as long as you are holding the button down.
Pressing the F1 key and releasing it will cause the Bell to come on and stay on, until you press F1 again43. There is no difference in
operation between the bell button and its corresponding function key.
Note: If your locomotive is equipped with Ditch Lights, they will automatically strobe from one light to the other when the Horn is being blown and will
continue for five seconds after the horn signal has stopped44.
Doppler Operation (F6)
With DCC, you can trigger the Doppler Effect by quickly interrupting the horn signal in the same way it is described under Analog control.
Or you can use the function key (F6) assigned to the Doppler Effect.
Start the Horn and/or Bell by pressing and releasing their function keys45.
Press F6 to hear the Doppler shift. A few seconds after the horn button is turned off with the F2 key the electric locomotive sounds
return to normal 46.
Squealing Brake and Flange Sounds (F7)
Quantum provides automatic brake squeal as a locomotive slows to a stop. The operator can also control squealing sounds for
continuous and variable brake sounds for protracted stops or to simulate the sounds of squealing wheel flanges on curved track.
Squealing Brakes come on automatically when the speed is reduced from high-speed travel (over 40 smph) to less than 20 smph.
40 Side Marker Lights, when on, are always red.
41 Marker Light feature may not be multicolored on some models. If so, Marker Lights will be white in all directional states.
42 Since the prototype horn uses compressed air, you will hear the Air Pump sounds turn on after the Horn is operated.
43 If the prototype locomotive does not have a bell, your model will not have the Bell feature. However, all Quantum locomotives have a “Bell State” used for a number of Quantum
operations. The Bell State is turned on and off with the F1 key. You will hear a single bell ding when you enter the Bell State and a double ding when you leave the Bell State.
44 The hold time for strobing Ditch Lights after the horn button is released can be set in CV 55.110.5 (see DCC Programming on pages 15-16).
45 If you do not turn on either Horn or Bell, the Doppler shift will still occur but will be less dramatic.
46 If the Bell was on, it will shut off prior to sounds returning to normal. If you do not have the Bell feature, but the Bell State is on, it will turn off prior to locomotive sounds returning
to normal.
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Pressing the F7 key when the locomotive is moving at any speed will manually activate Squealing Brake sounds, and repeated
pressings while the Squealing Brake sounds are occurring will continue the sounds uninterrupted.
Note: If you slow the engine too quickly, the brake sounds will terminate abruptly when the locomotive stops and enters Neutral.
Note: If you lower your throttle to speed step 0 on a moving locomotive, the F7 key will apply Air Brakes to slow the locomotive. See next section.
Air Brakes (F7)
If you have selected any non-zero deceleration inertia or momentum value in CV 4 and/or CV 24, the F7 key can be used to apply Air
Brakes to stop the locomotive more quickly than it would normally stop from the inertia settings 47. To use Air Brakes:
Turn the throttle down to speed step 0 on a moving locomotive; this enables the F7 key to act as a brake.
Press the F7 key. Hear a brief brake squeal sound and air being released from the brake lines continually. The longer the air is
released the greater the braking action.
Press the F7 key again to stop the air release. The train will continue to slow at the last braking value.
If you want to apply more braking, press the F7 key again to release more air. When you reach the desired amount of braking, press
F7 again to stop the air release.
Note: If you continue to release air (for over 24 seconds total), all the pressure will be released and brakes will be on full; you will hear no further air
release sounds.
Turn up the throttle to any value above 0 to release the brakes; this action resets the locomotive’s deceleration to a value determined
by the sum of CV 4 and CV 24.
If the locomotive is in Neutral when the F7 key is pressed, a Long Air Let-off sound simulates setting the brakes. However, no braking
effect is activated48.
Note: If the throttle is set to any speed step except 0, Air Brakes are not enabled; instead the F7 key will now manually activate Squealing Brake/Flange
sounds but will not affect the locomotive’s deceleration.
Automatic Features with “Take Control” Operation
The Quantum System allows the operator to take control of certain automatic features by using their associated function key or keys. Once
you “Take Control”, the features will no longer have automatic operation and you will control their operation and their state with function
key commands. Automatic and Take Control operations are described in the table below.
Electric Locomotive “Take Control” Operation
Automatic Operation Take Control
Forward Reverse Neutral Function Key Operation
Vents & Cooling
Fans
Non-operating Non-operating On and off at random
times
F4 Toggles Vents/Cooling Fans
operation between on or off.
Number Board
Lights
On On On F11 Toggles Number Board Lights on or
off
Cab Lights Off after 15 seconds Off after 15 seconds On after 10 seconds F12 Toggles Cab Lights on or off.
Example: Take Control of Automatic Cooling Fans
Take Control of Automatic Cooling Fans with the F4 key to stop Automatic Control and select whether the Cooling Fans are on or off.
Regardless of the state of the automatic Cooling Fans (on or off), if you press the F4 key, the Cooling Fans will be set to on if the F4 key is
“1” and off if the F4 key is “0” and Automatic Control will be disabled. Thereafter, the fans will respond only to the state of the F4 function.
Automatic Control will be restored if the power is shut down and reapplied or if the F6 Start Up key is double pressed in Neutral (see the
description of Start Up on the following page).
Three Stages of Electric Locomotive Shut Down: 1. Disconnect, 2. Standby, 3. Total Shut Down (F9)
Locomotive Shut Down has three distinct stages that you can control. Each stage is entered by double pressing the F9 key49.
Stage One: Disconnect
Double press the F9 key in Neutral to enter Disconnect. You will hear a Long Air Let-off.
47 C4 and C24 determine the deceleration rate. Applying the brakes increases the deceleration rate temporarily.
48 If the brakes are set in Neutral, turning up the throttle automatically releases the brakes.
49 Double pressing ensures that Shut Down stages are not entered or exited accidentally. Double pressing is defined as two F9 commands sent within two seconds. Note that the
F9 key may have to be pressed three times, due to the DCC command station and locomotive having different initial states for F9.
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To leave Disconnect, either double press the F6 Start Up key described in the Start Up section or double press the F9 key again to
reach the next stage of Shut Down, Standby.
If you double press the F9 key in Neutral, the motor drive will be disconnected. Once you hear the Long Air Let-off, the DCC throttle can be
moved up and down without the Electric locomotive moving.
Stage Two: Standby
Double press the F9 key while in Disconnect to enter Standby. You will hear a Long Air Let-off followed by a special “Low Idle” sound.
The Directional Lighting and optional Ditch Lights or Mars Light will shutdown. The motor will remain disconnected, while the Air
Pumps, automatic Cooling Fan operation, Number Board Lights and Cab Lights will continue to operate. In Standby, the locomotive
will not respond to throttle or function keys50. The three exceptions are the F6 Start Up Function Key, the F8 Mute Key (described
below) and the F10 Status Key (described below).
To leave Standby, either double press the F6 Start Up Key, as described in the Start Up section, or double press the F9 key again to
reach the final stage of Shut Down, Total Shut Down.
Note: Standby is ideal for leaving your locomotive running on a siding. Besides hearing the Low Idle electric motor sounds, the locomotive will not respond
to accidentally changing the throttle setting or pressing the function keys.
Stage Three: Total Shut Down
Double press the F9 in Standby to enter Total Shut Down. You will hear a Long Air Let-off.
To leave Total Shut Down, double press the F6 key.
The Air Pumps will turn off, followed by the Number Boards (if so equipped), Marker Lights and the sounds of the Cooling Fans shutting off,
the louvers closing, and finally, the Cab Lights (if so equipped) turning off. A few seconds later you will hear the engineer’s door open and
then shut. In Total Shut Down, the locomotive will not respond to throttle or function keys. The two exceptions are the F6 Start Up Function
Key (described below) and the F10 Status Key (described below).
Note: Total Shut Down allows the operator to take the locomotive “off line” (turn off sounds, lights, ignore throttle settings and function commands)
independent of the operating session; that is, the locomotive will still be “off line” when power is reapplied for the next operating session, irrespective of
whether this next session is Analog (conventional DC) or DCC.
Note: If power is turned off at any stage of Shut Down (Disconnect, Standby or Total Shut Down) or during a Shut Down procedure, the locomotive will
remember the last Shut Down stage it was at during power down, and the locomotive will power up in the same stage. If Start Up is initiated during any of the
above Shut Down procedures, Shut Down is aborted and the locomotive returns to normal operation.
Dynamic Brakes (F5)
Prototype Electric locomotives do not have dynamic brakes. However, the Dynamic Brake function has been included to make the
Quantum Electric engine consistent with other Quantum equipped locomotives.
Pressing the F5 key in Forward or Reverse will set the Traction Motor Sound-of-Power to the lowest setting allowing the Electric’s
labored sounds to be consistent51 with other locomotives that do have Dynamic Brake sounds in multiple unit consists.
Pressing the F5 key in Neutral will have no Dynamic Brake effect unless the locomotive is in Disconnect (see above).
Dynamic Brakes automatically turn off when entering or leaving Neutral, when locomotive speed drops below 7 smph52, or when the throttle
is turned up. Dynamic Brakes cannot be turned on in Forward or Reverse unless the locomotive speed is over 8 smph.
Note: In contrast to Air Brakes (F7), Dynamic Brakes do not increase the deceleration rate specified by CV 4 and CV 24.
Start Up (F6)
If your Quantum equipped Electric locomotive is in any stage of Shut Down, you can return your locomotive to normal operation by double
pressing53 the F6 key. Start Up will be different for each stage of Shut Down, but all will start up with a Long Air Let-off and will enter normal
operation.
Start Up from Disconnect: If you double press the F6 key in Disconnect, the Electric locomotive will produce a Long Air Let-off, Dynamic
Brakes will shut off (if on) and the locomotive will enter normal operation.
Start Up from Standby: If you double press the F6 key in Standby, the Electric locomotive will produce a Long Air Let-off, Directional
Lighting will turn on (if previously on), the Electric Motor sound will change from the special Low Idle to regular Idle, and the locomotive will
enter normal operation.
50 Pressing a Function key will only produce a Short Air Let-off.
51 It would be inconsistent for an Electric locomotive to be working at full Sound-of-Power while Dynamic Brakes are being applied to other locomotives within the same consist.
52 Dynamic Brakes on prototype locomotives are less effective and are seldom used at low speeds.
53 Double pressing ensures that Start Up is not entered accidentally. Double pressing is defined as two F6 commands sent within two seconds. Note that the F6 key may not have
to be pressed three times, due to the DCC command station and locomotive having different initial states for F6.
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Start Up from Total Shut Down: If you double press the F6 key in Total Shut Down, the Electric locomotive will produce a Long Air Let-
off, you will hear the engineer’s door opening and closing, and see the Cab Lights come on (if available and Normal or Lead Helper),
Number Boards and colored Marker Lights come on (if available and a Normal Engine or Lead-Helper), Directional Lighting turning on (if
previously on). These actions are followed by the sounds of vents opening, the Air Pumps starting up, and the locomotive entering normal
operation.
Note: During the Start Up procedure, none of the DCC function keys are active. If the throttle is turned up from zero during any of the above Start Up
procedures, the Start Up procedure will abort and the locomotive will enter normal operation.
Note: Whenever a Start Up command is sent, regardless of whether the locomotive is in Shut Down or operating normally (in Neutral), the Quantum
System will automatically restore all Automatic Control.
Mute (F8)
The Quantum System allows you to reduce the System Volume to a lower level or increase it back to its original setting using the F8
function key. This capability is useful when you need to reduce the sound to engage in a conversation or to answer the phone. If you have
many trains operating at once, you can reduce the volume on all those that are running in the background of the layout and increase the
volume of the closest locomotive. The Mute feature changes the sound gradually over a second or two, which allows the sound to increase
or decrease realistically as the locomotive approaches or recedes from the observer.
Press the F8 key in Neutral or Forward/Reverse to gradually decrease or increase the locomotive’s volume.
Note: Mute state is not maintained if power is turned off and then turned back on; the locomotive will return to full volume setting.
Note: Mute is shut off if the Status F10 key is pressed to allow clear audio reporting (see Status below).
Note: Mute Volume can be programmed in CV 51.1.
Status (F10)
The Quantum System provides verbal information about the locomotive’s current operating state when the locomotive is in Neutral or the
locomotive’s current speed in scale miles per hour when the locomotive is moving.
Press the F10 key in Neutral; the locomotive will verbally report first its currently enabled long or short DCC address followed by its
consist ID (if it has one), followed by its Shut Down state (Disconnect, Standby or Shut Down).
Press the F10 key in Forward or Reverse; the locomotive will verbally report the locomotive’s speed in scale miles per hour.
Note: When Status Report (or Verbal Speedometer Readout) is activated, mute is shut off and the locomotive’s sounds will reduce to one half their
current volume settings during the verbal report. Locomotive sounds return to normal non-muted volume when the report has ended.
Note: In a consist, all engines will simultaneously report their status when the F10 key is pressed unless disabled in CV22.
Function Key Operation in Neutral
Some function keys used in Forward and Reverse will have different effects in Neutral:
The F7 key produces Squealing Brake Sounds or applies brakes for a moving locomotive, but produces a Long Air Let-off in Neutral.
Pressing F6 results in Doppler shift for a moving locomotive but activates Start Up in Neutral.
Pressing F9 produces a Short Air Let-off in a moving locomotive but activates Shut Down in Neutral.
Note: Horn, Bell, Doppler Shift, Squealing Brake and Neutral sounds are described in detail on page 18, in the Quantum System Sounds section of this
manual.
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DCC Programming
Most DCC command stations currently available will program Quantum equipped locomotives in Service Mode54 on a programming track or
Operations (Ops) Mode on the main track. In Service Mode, your locomotive (if queried) will report back CV values to your command
station. In Ops Mode, reports are verbal using the locomotive sound system.
Changing the System Volume Electronically in CV 51.0
You can change the volume either manually (as described in the
Special Operation and Troubleshooting section) or electronically using
QSI CV 51.0 in DCC55. To change volume in Service or Ops Mode, do the following:
Set CV 49 to 0.56
Enter the System Volume in CV 51. The System Volume can be set to any value between 0 (no sound) and 127 (100%). The default
System Volume is 127.
Note: When you change the System Volume in Ops Mode, you will immediately notice the change in volume .
Changing the Mute Volume Electronically in CV 51.1
To change the Mute Volume in Service or Ops Mode, do the following:
Set CV 49 to 1.
Enter the Mute Volume in CV 51. The System Volume can be set to any value between 0 (no sound) and 63 (100%). The default
Mute Volume is 0.
Note: When you change the Mute Volume in Ops Mode, and the locomotive is muted, you will immediately notice the change in Mute Volume.
Note: The Mute Volume level will be the smaller of either the Mute Volume setting or one half the current System Volume. In other words, the Mute
Volume will never be more than one half of the System Volume.
Enable/Disable Horn Triggered Doppler Shift (CV 51.2)
Set CV 49 to 2.
Set CV 51 to 0 to disable Horn Triggered Doppler, set to 1 to enable Horn Triggered Doppler.
Changing Individual Sound Volumes (CV 52.X 57)
To change the volume of Individual Sounds listed in the table below do the following58:
Set CV 49 to the Primary Index for the individual sound from the table below.
Enter Volume level in CV 52 as follows: “0” = No sound, “1 – 15” sets volume from the lowest level at “1” to the highest at “15”, with
volume levels at 2db increments.
Primary Index entered into CV 49 Individual Sound
0Horn
8Bell
10 Electric Traction Motor
16 Air Pump
19 Vents and Cooling Fans
21 Long Air Let-off
22 Short Air Let-off
24 Squealing Brakes/Flanges
34 Coupler Sounds
37 Air Brake Sounds
See your Electric Model Specifications sheet for Individual Sound Volume default settings.
Setting the Ditch Light Strobe Hold Time (CV 55.110.5)
After the horn stops blowing, Ditch Lights will continue to strobe for the hold time set in CV 55.110.5.
54 If your DCC command station will not program in Service Mode, check with the command station manufacturer; some companies will give you a free upgrade. Also, see Special
Operation and Troubleshooting on page 19.
55 System Volume changes in DCC also apply to Analog and vice-versa.
56 In Ops Mode, you will hear the value spoken out when changing the value of a CV.
57 ‘X’ refers to the value in column 1 of the table, the Primary Index number that will be entered into CV 49.
58 Setting any Individual Sound Volumes in DCC will also apply to Analog and vice-versa.
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Set CV 49 to 110.
Set CV 50 to 5.
Set CV 56 to the number of seconds you want the Ditch Light Strobe to continue after the horn command is stopped59. Range is from
0 to 31 seconds. Default is 5 seconds.
Reset all 60 CV’s to Factory Default Values (CV 56.128.255)
Note: This does not affect Analog settings, except for volumes.
Set CV 49 to 128.
Set CV 50 to 255.
Set CV 56 to 113 61. In Ops mode, you will hear 3 hoots when reset is completed.
Special Procedure for Short or Extended Address Programming (CV 56.129)
If you cannot program your Short or Extended ID number in Service Mode and your DCC command station prevents you from setting either
of these addresses in Ops Mode (using CV 1, or CV 17 and CV 18) use the following alternative procedures to program your locomotive’s
ID’s.
Alternate Procedure for Entering Short (Primary) Address in CV 56.129 in Ops Mode
Set CV 49 to 129.
Set CV 50 to 1.
Set CV 56 to your Short Address (1 or 2 digits). Hear the address spoken back.
If necessary, set CV 29, bit 5 to ‘0’ (or set CV 29 to 6 which is factory default) to enable your new Primary Address.
Procedure for Entering Long (Extended) Address in CV 56.129.17 in Ops Mode.
Determine the value of CV 17 and CV 18 for your Extended Address from the ID Table in your
Electric Model Specification Sheet or
follow instructions in CV 17 and CV 18 in the
Quantum DCC Reference Manual (Version 3) to calculate a different ID number.
Set CV 49 to 129.
Set CV 50 to 17.
Set CV 56 to the value of CV 17 from the table. There will be no verbal response.
Set CV 50 to 18.
Set CV 56 to the value of CV 18 from the table. Hear the new full Extended Address spoken out.
Set CV 29, bit 5 to ‘1’ (or set CV 29 to 38 62)to allow operation with your new Extended Address.
Disable/Enable Verbal Announcements (CV 62)
In Ops mode, the Quantum System will automatically speak out the value of the CV you enter.
To disable set CV 62 to 063; to enable set CV 62 to 164. Default is Enabled.
CV Inquiry with Verbal Feedback in Ops Mode (CV 64)65
To inquire about the current value of any CV through Verbal Feedback in Ops Mode:
Set CV 64 to the CV you wish to query. Hear the verbal message “CV ‘X’ equals ‘Y’”, where ‘X’ is the CV number and ‘Y’ is the value.
Note: If the CV has a Primary Index such as QSI CV nn.pp (where nn is the CV number and pp is the Primary Index), set CV 49 to pp before you set CV
64 to nn. For example, if you want to inquire about the Bell Volume, which is CV 52.8, set CV 49 to 8 and set CV 64 to 52. You will hear, “CV five two point
eight equals ‘Y’ (where ‘Y’ is the current volume setting). If the CV has both a Primary and Secondary Index, such as CV nn.pp.ss where ss is the
Secondary Index, set CV 50 to ss in addition to setting CV49 to pp before you set CV 64 to nn.
59 Setting the Ditch Strobe Hold time will apply to both DCC and Analog operation.
60 Consult the Quantum DCC Reference Manual (Version 3) to learn how to reset different groups of CV’s.
61 “113” is QSI’s Manufacturer’s ID Number assigned by the NMRA.
62 Entering “38” leaves the other configuration settings in CV 29 at factory default, but changes the ID to Extended Address type.
63 You will not hear “CV 62 = 0”.
64 You will hear “CV 62 = 1”.
65 This option is not affected by CV 62 (Disable/Enable Verbal Announcements).
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Note: If you enter either ‘17’ or ‘18’ in CV 64, you will hear the full one to four digit Extended Address ID number spoken out.
Common NMRA Configuration Values (CV 29)
Each bit in CV 29 controls some basic operational settings for DCC decoders, including Extended Addressing, Speed Table Enable, Power
Source Conversion, Lighting Operation, Locomotive Direction, and others. Quantum default for CV29 is 6.
The following table provides some of the more common values for CV 29 for the features indicated.
Extended
Addressing
Speed
Tables
Power
Conversion
28/128
Speed Steps
Reversal
Direction
Decimal
Value
Binary
Value
Hex Value
X 2 00000010 2
X X 6 00000110 6
X X 18 00010010 12
X X X 22 00010110 16
X X 34 00100010 22
X X X 38 00100110 26
X X X 50 00110010 32
X X X X 54 00110110 36
X X 3 00000011 3
X X X 7 00000111 7
X X X 19 00010011 13
X X X X 23 00010111 17
X X X 35 00100011 23
X X X X 39 00100111 27
X X X X 51 00110011 33
X X X X X 55 00110111 37
For more information, download the Quantum DCC Reference Manual (Version 3) from http://www.qsindustries.com.
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Quantum System Sounds66
Traction Motor Whine: Although both Diesels and Electric locomotives have Traction Motors, Electric locomotives do not have loud diesel
engines drowning out the sounds of the Traction Motors. You will hear the Traction Motors when the Electric Locomotive starts out,
especially if the Cooling Fan volume is turned down to a lower value. Like the prototype, the Quantum Traction Motor whine pitch increases
and decreases with the speed of the locomotive. It is not affected by track voltage.
Traction Motor Cooling Fans: The Electric Traction Motors get quite hot from the enormous current supplied to their circuits. All Electric
locomotives have powerful Cooling Fans that can create so much draft that the access panel doors cannot be opened when the Cooling
Fans are operating at full power. It is not surprising that these fans can easily be heard in idling and operating locomotives. You will also
hear the sounds of louvers opening before the fans start. When Cooling Fans shut down, you will hear the louvers close.
Air Pumps: When a locomotive is sitting still, the pumps come on in a steady beat to replace the air lost from the brake air release or any
other air operated appliances. Once the pressure is up, the Air Pumps only turn on occasionally to maintain the pressure. Air Pumps are
electrically operated and are quite noticeable if the Cooling Fans are turned off. In Forward, you will hear the Air Pumps come on soon after
the Horn is operated to maintain the air pressure.
Appliance Air Release: Compressed air is used on locomotives for operating various appliances. You will hear either a Short Air Let-off or
Long Air Let-off at various times.
Air Brakes: When prototype train brakes are applied, air is released from the brake lines to reduce the pressure. The more the pressure is
reduced, the greater the braking. You will hear a continual air release sound from the Electric locomotive model as braking is continually
increased. The longer the air is released, the quicker the Electric locomotive model will slow down. Once all the pressure is released, the
locomotive will continue at maximum braking which can still require a long stopping distance depending on your Load settings.
DCC and
QARC
67
Only.
Brake Squeal: You can hear the brakes squeal on prototype locomotives when the locomotive is moving slowly. This sound can become
quite loud when the wheels are just about to stop turning. Listen at slow speeds for automatic Squealing Brake sounds and the final
distinctive squealing sounds as the Quantum equipped Electric locomotive slows to a stop.
Horn: The Quantum System uses authentic locomotive sounds whenever possible. All Quantum Horns are engineered by QSI sound
experts to give you the most authentic effects. If you blow the Horn briefly, you will produce a realistic short Horn sound or “hoot”.
Bell: North American Electrics and Diesel locomotives, as well as larger Steam locomotives, usually have pneumatically operated
mechanical bells. Small steam locomotives often have hand-pulled bells. During turn-on in Neutral, you will hear the pneumatic clapper
gain greater throw with each stroke until it finally strikes the bell. During shut down in Neutral, you will hear the Short Air Let-off sound
followed by the Bell sound fade out.
Doppler Run-by: The locomotive sounds get louder as the train approaches, then immediately drop to a much lower pitch and lower
volume as the train passes by. With a little practice, you can activate the Doppler Effect exactly when and where you want. Doppler pitch
change is based on the speed of the locomotive, so the sounds change more dramatically when the locomotive is running faster. After the
Doppler shift has occurred and the Horn is no longer being blown, the Bell shuts off automatically and locomotive sounds return to normal.
Coupler: To give you the most authentic coupler sounds, QSI has identified three distinct types of coupler activity. The first is when the
coupler is Armed where you will hear the clanking sound of the coupler lift bar and coupler pin raising. The next is Firing the coupler, where
you hear the opening of the coupler with the hiss of the air-lines parting. The third sound occurs when the locomotive couples up to its load
of cars, and you hear the Coupler Crash as all of the cars bunch together from the impact.
DCC and QARC only.
Flanges: When a train enters a curve, the flanges on the wheels ride up on the inside of the rail and squeal. Recreate this squealing effect
by pressing and releasing the Squealing Brake/Flanges DCC function key or QARC Analog button quickly and repeatedly as necessary.
DCC and QARC only.
66 Not all features are included on every Electric Locomotive. Consult your
Electric Model Specification s sheet for a list of features and sounds that apply to your locomotive model.
67 QARC™ or Quantum Analog Remote Control™ uses special signals under Analog control to operate different Quantum features. With QARC, you can operate features that are
currently available only in DCC in addition to features that are not yet available in DCC.
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Special Operation andTroubleshooting
For a full description, see the Troubleshooting section in the Quantum DCC Reference Manual (Version 3) at www.qsindustries.com.
With some Command Stations, using the horn button to activate the Horn, and, while this button is held down, activating the F6 Doppler
key, will cause the Horn to shut off instead of causing a Doppler shift effect.
We have experienced intermittent and independent horn signal interruption with some DCC command stations, causing unexpected
Doppler shifts. If this happens frequently, you may want to disable the Horn Triggered Doppler (CV 51.2).
Manual Volume Adjustment (Analog and DCC)
To adjust the volume by hand:
Locate the Manual Volume Control (potentiometer) on the roof of your Electric locomotive as shown in the
Electric Model
Specification
sheet that was included with your model.
Use a small screwdriver to turn the potentiometer clockwise to increase volume or turn it counterclockwise to decrease the volume.
Note: Volume can also be adjusted digitally using the programming methods described in the programming sections of this manual. However, if you turn
the volume down using the Manual Volume Control, you will not be able to increase the volume using programming above the level set by the
potentiometer.
Using the Quantum Reset Jumper to Return Your Locomotive to Factory Default Values (Analog and DCC)
In case your locomotive’s sound and control system misbehaves and turning the power off for 15 seconds does not return it to normal
operation, you can reset your locomotive to original factory values. The jumper68 is located as shown in the
Electric Model Specification
sheet that was included with your model.
Turn off the power.
Remove the jumper by pulling it up.
Reapply power, after a few seconds your will hear the word “reset”.
Turn the power off, reinstall the jumper. The locomotive has now been returned to original factory defaults including all DCC and
Analog values.
High Voltage Circuit Breaker (Analog and DCC)
Your Quantum equipped locomotive is designed to operate on normal HO track voltage supplied by most HO power packs. If track voltage
exceeds 21.5 volts peak, the motor drive circuit will automatically shut down and the locomotive will coast to a stop. The Quantum System
alerts you to the problem through a continuous series of Horn hoots. This built in safety feature protects the Quantum electronics and motor
from excessive voltage.69
To restart your locomotive, reduce the track voltage until the hooting stops and the motors re-engage.
Program Track Operation
Your locomotive conforms to NMRA standards for program track operation. However, the Quantum System requires more current to
operate than standard DCC decoders and may not respond to the limited program track power from some command stations. If you are
unable to program in Service Mode on your program track, all CV’s in your locomotive can be programmed in Ops Mode. You can also
purchase from Tony’s Train Exchange®70, a simple, inexpensive power booster (PowerPak™ by DCC Specialties) that will allow you to
program on the program track with any DCC command station.
Reasons why Your Locomotive is Silent or will not Start (Analog and DCC)
In case your locomotive remains silent after power up and turning the power off for 15 seconds does not return it to normal operation, try
the following suggestions to bring your locomotive back to normal sound operation.
Make sure the engine has not been Muted with the F8 key.
Check to see if your volume potentiometer or digital sound has been turned all the way down.
68 On some locomotives a slide switch was used instead of a jumper.
69 The high voltage circuit breaker will sometimes activate if the load (inertia or momentum) feature is used. Most power packs have substantial series resistance, which lowers the
track voltage when the locomotive is drawing power. However, with a load setting, the locomotive does not require much power when it first starts moving. If the throttle is turned
up all the way before the locomotive gains speed, the track voltage will be unusually high and can trigger the high voltage circuit breaker.
70 Tony’s Train Exchange; 1-800-978-3427; http://www.tonystrains.com/ .
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You may have shut your locomotive down in DCC using the F9 key, which will also shut it down in Analog. Go back to DCC
operation and start your locomotive with the F6 key71. Once started, you can return to DC or DCC operation.
If the above methods do not start your locomotive, use the reset jumper to reset your locomotive to factory default values as
described above.
71 It may take a couple of tries to get it started.
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