|
|
Post by PVRR 2647 on Sept 7, 2014 17:51:24 GMT -5
The next projects on my to do list is to repaint and redetail a couple of Atlas gold series GP40-2s into CSX YN3 or YN3b. When I do I plan on pulling out the QSI decoders that came with them, and installing TSU at-1000 emd 645 turbo decoders instead. So my question is can you repurpose the QSI decoders to use them as motor only decoders? The loco that I have in mind is a Athearn RTR CF7 that currently has a Digitrax DH123d plugged into the factory board. I can't stand the way this decoder runs, so I would like to change it to the QSI if it's possible? I don't want sound in this engine, because I use it primarily when I fly solo and when the children are asleep upstairs. Does not hooking the decoder to a speaker pose any long term issues?
PVRR2647 |
|
|
|
Post by Packer on Sept 7, 2014 20:42:28 GMT -5
I don't think disconnecting the speaker would cause any ill affects. I've disconnected the lights in my BLI C30-7 cause I hated having the markers always lit even though it's a trailing engine...
I do wonder if the boards they use now are the same type they used in the earlier P2K, Atlas, and BLI locos? If so, I've had a few go out and would be interested in these
|
|
|
|
Post by PVRR 2647 on Sept 7, 2014 21:19:49 GMT -5
Packer~
When I take the boards out I will keep you posted. I just spent the last 2 hours looking for suitable prototypes to turn these GP40-2 phase 1 into on CSX's active roster. It's going to be a challenge, but I think I have it narrowed down to 6108 YN3b and maybe 6060 YN3b. It looks like CSX is converting some of the 40-2 to 38-2S and the rest that are staying 40-2 as mothers for slugs. so I'm kicking the idea around of converting one of my 40-2 to a slug and running the motor off of the same decoder and using the extra electric connection required for the slug as a way to route the jumper wires between the units, and doing a 6900 series unit.
PVRR2647
|
|
|
|
Post by tpwillie on Sept 8, 2014 18:26:45 GMT -5
Why not update the sound file in the QSI decoder when you install it in the CF7 and use it for sound? You can mute the speaker when you don't want the sound. I would just just replace the Digitrax decoder with an NCE or TCS for 20 bucks and keep the QSI for a sound installation.
Lou
|
|
|
|
Post by PVRR 2647 on Sept 8, 2014 20:55:33 GMT -5
Why not update the sound file in the QSI decoder when you install it in the CF7 and use it for sound? You can mute the speaker when you don't want the sound. I would just just replace the Digitrax decoder with an NCE or TCS for 20 bucks and keep the QSI for a sound installation. Lou Lou~ I don't have the hardware and software to update the sound files, I thought of that a long time ago, I can't justify the expense for only 2 locomotives. The rest of the fleet except the DH123d have Tsunami decoders (6 Gevos & 2 567s) I talked to a rep from QSI a few years ago and he invited me up to their Lab/Shop in Vermont, (on the other side of the White Mountains) and they (QSI) would update the files for me. But the idea of a 16hr round trip drive didn't go over well with my better half. On another note could you or someone recommend a good motor only decoder, light functions are nice but not necessary, I just want motor control as good as the Tsunami decoders at 128 speed steps. The speed control on the QSI's is great that's why I thought about using them for motor only.
Thank You, PVRR2647
|
|
|
|
Post by tpwillie on Sept 9, 2014 18:02:18 GMT -5
Use the Soundraxx motor only decoders that best fit the units you want them in. linkMaybe you can find someone near by that can program the QSI decoders for you. I have done a few for friends. Good Luck. Lou |
|
|
|
Post by PVRR 2647 on Sept 9, 2014 20:09:37 GMT -5
Lou~
Thanks for the link. I didn't know that Soundtraxx offered motor only decoders, maybe I should look at their site a little closer next time. I have my heart set on the Tsunami 645 Turbo for the GP40-2 phase 1, I just love that 645 sound. I had a Genesis SD45-2 with the Tsunami in it, I used to put it on the layout and let it idle while I was working on something else, it was like music. Sadly when CSX tied them up for the last time I also sold mine to the secondhand market. Maybe I'll pull the QSI boards this weekend, And place my order for the Tsunamis and a motor only decoder as well.
PVRR2647
|
|
|
|
Post by Packer on Sept 10, 2014 11:45:40 GMT -5
I have one of those Soundtraxx motor-only decoders in an Athearn RTR SW15. Runs great.
If you decide to part with those boards, let me know.
|
|
|
|
Post by PVRR 2647 on Sept 10, 2014 19:03:37 GMT -5
Vincent~
When I take the boards out I will let you know.
PVRR2647
|
|
|
|
Post by detlef10 on Sept 13, 2014 5:50:44 GMT -5
Late to the discussion, but you can safely detach the speaker from the decoder board; no problems. The discussion also touched on another subject. TSU's motor drive are quite a bit different than the QSI, so its difficult to speed match them. The ST M-series motor only decoders, as was discussed, have the exact same motor drive configuration as their sound equipped big brothers. This makes speed matching a snap as the same CV's and CV values can be used. Only difference is the CV's related to sound are missing.
|
|
|
|
Post by PVRR 2647 on Sept 14, 2014 17:50:38 GMT -5
detlef10~
Thanks for the input on the SoundTraxx Motor only decoders. I will purchase one for the soundless CF7, when I purchase the TSU AT-1000 645 decoders for the GP40-2s that I am repainting to YN3b. I just have to remember to read back the CVs that I changed on the TSU GN-1000 that are already installed in the other two CF7s.
Regards,
PVRR2647
|
|
