TIPS & TECHNIQUES

QSI SOUND IN DC MODE

I have seen and heard what QSI sound systems can do in several demonstrations.  My first look came at my local hobby shop where I got a demo on an HO Gauge layout of both sound and DCC capabilities. We at FGRS have had several clinics on the system for large scale, and it has been very impressive. I am only going to cover DC Mode right now, as many of us are heavily invested in Aristo power supplies and TE's.

       The QSI sound system will run in many modes. In DC you have to remember that if you bring your voltage down to "0" it will cut off since it requires a power supply to work, and it does not have an onboard battery like you find with Soundtraxx or Phoenix.  With Phoenix and Soundtraxx, the system is actually running off the battery, and the track power re-charges it. That is why your locomotive can be stopped at the station and you can still hear it running at idle along with the other sounds like hiss, compressor, and blow down.  These systems also use track power changes to control motor sounds, horn, bell etc.  QSI does not have this capability in DC mode, and since the TE must run the track voltage to "0" before you can reverse, you will lose your sound when changing direction. To remedy this situation, QSI offers a "Super Cap" or capacitor which stores enough power to keep your sound system running for 20 seconds after you stop your locomotive. After this time period the sounds will not come back on until you apply track power.

    To control the horn/whistle and bell in DC mode, you use your TE direction switches. For demonstration purposes, we will call the right TE button forward, and the left TE button reverse. To blow the horn you push your reverse (left) button. Don't worry, the TE will not allow the direction of the locomotive to change until it is stopped. To stop the horn push the forward (right button). A quick horn toot can be accomplished by a slow left and right (reverse and forward). 

    To start the bell ringing, quickly push the left and right button (reverse and forward). To stop the bell repeat this procedure. 

    This may sound tricky, but with practice, you can achieve the desired result.  Clean track is a MUST, and your TE must be working properly so that the base unit can accurately receive the reverse and forward commands. I will be writing more on this system in the future, as I am conversing with a friend out in San Diego, who is also an engineer, and who has a great deal of experience using this system on his home layout.