June 13, 2008

Quantum Revolution-A Beta Tester Comments

QSI Solutions
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Republished from an original article posted at QSI Solutions web site.

by Bob R.

I have noted the following observations from the test of the QSI Revolution-A (Atlas Format) sound decoder.  Two members of the Sacramento Model Railroad Historical Society joined me in the test.

The decoder was very easy to install and perfect in size.  With exception of the capacitor it installs just like a normal AO decoder.

The sound was excellent with a wide range of options.  The number of options is incredible.  QSI has always done an excellent job with sound. The revolution goes further with its random sounds of pump, generator, etc. going on and off.  The notching works well.  I work on diesel locomotives as a conductor and brakeman.  The QSI Revolution really captures the sound of a real diesel locomotive. In my opinion it sets a new standard.

One of the on going issues with DCC is its ever growing complexity, particularly with the introduction of sound.  The Quantum Programmer goes a long way toward the simplification of DCC sound. The Q2 upgrade software was very straight forward and would make it easy to change sound files.  The cut and paste feature was excellent.  I particularly like the way you could change horns since the software had a complete identification of each horn available.  The compatibility feature allows the user to determine in advance if you have the proper sound files.

The CV Manager, programming software, is just wonderful. Sound CVs can be overwhelming.  The outline structure in the software of the CVs makes much more understandable.  The software also identifies what each CV does.  CV manager allows one to immediately test the results of changing the CVs. Most important you do not have to switch back and forth between the programmer and the run setting of the command station.   The look and feel of the OSI programmer software is good.

We completed all tests to our satisfaction.  The decoder supports LEDs for lighting without resistors.

The only area of concern I had was the use of small pads for soldering the speaker wires and some function wires.  It takes soldering skill to solder pads.  I would recommend that the decoder comes with wires soldered for the speaker.

Thanks for letting me beta test the QSI Revolution.