To All,
Having a problem with a QSI Quantum Q1a decoder. I'm unable to program any CV's or address its address with either my Digitrax Zephyr or my computer via JMRI Decoder Pro.
Can anyone suggest any ideas for reseting the decoder to factory settings. If I can't do that I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows where I can get a replacement decoder that will work ... the loco is a Walthers Proto 2000 GP7.
Thanks for your help,
Steve
Decoder resets from Tony's Train Exchange:
https://tonystrains.com/how-to-rescue-a-faulty-decoder/
This is a good one to bookmark...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I've found with QSI decoders the problem is usually reading back CVs more than not being able to program. You may need to get a booster that goes between the Zephyr (or your computer) and the programming track. I've found that without a booster it's more likely to work on Decoder Pro.
The QSI Quantum resets to factory defaults using CV 56.128.
It is recommended to do a reset to factory default on the main line using the Ops mode. It takes the following three steps:
CV49=128
CV50=255
CV56=113
You will hear "reset"when the operation is completed.
BTW, trying to reset a QSI Quantum decoder on the programming track is iffy at best.
Rich
Alton Junction
The problem with the QSI and the Zephyr is not one of readback or too low a power on the program track. It is that the decoder is too slow - even if you turn off the verbal readback, it NEEDS a delay between setting CV17 and CV18 and having CV29 modified to enable the long address. I had the same problem, until I bought a DT400 and suddenly the QSI decoder I had to do workarounds to program could be programmed just fine.
To work around this - if you do not know the current address of the loco, take all other locos off the track and select address 00. Then switch to program mode, you want Ops Mode. VERY IMPORTANT all other locos must be off the track - Ops Mode to address 00 is a broadcast and ALL locos on the track will respond. Next, use a CV17/18 and CV29 calculator such as the one here http://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm to determine what numbers you need to program into each CV. Do 17/18 first, then set CV29 to the appropriate value. Exit programming mode, and you should now be able to select your loco on the desired address.
At DT40x throttle works where the Zephyr console doesn;t because of the way they each do the automatic setting of CV29. The Zephyr console just sends the values for CV 17, then 18, then 29 right in a row. If verbal assist was on with the QSI, after 17 and 18 it would speak the address and wait for CV29. This time delay seems to be in effect even with the verbal response disabled. On the DT40x throttles, after you key or dial in the address, it then prompts you to enable long addressing. It also repeatedly asks until you exit. So hit Y a couple of times and it will work. Without a DT40x though, you have to use a workaround.
You can also put the Zephyr in Blast Mode (also remove all other locos from the track) which applies full power for programming, but usually the problem QSI isn't power.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
pustays If I can't do that I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows where I can get a replacement decoder that will work ..
Hey Steve:
Randy gave a good explanation of the programming process for QSI decoders. I would emphasize the need to go slow.
When funds permit I will replace my QSI decoders with Loksound Selects. They work flawlessly and are much easier to program. They can even program themselves with very little input required.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. I do have 2 digitrax DT402 throttles and will try to reset the board that way. I've also been using Decoder Pro through my computer (JMRI) on both the main and the programming track. I have not been able to read or write to the board.
One other thing to note. I had called Walthers, who is the manufacturer and they suggested connecting to a DC power pack and then trying to reset using a magnet. I could not reset (it turns out I don't have a reed switch in my loco ... or a jumper for reseting ... the QSI Quantam manual suggests both of those for resets) the board, but - The loco sound does come on and it does move down the track.
So I'm going to try the CV resets again as Randy has suggested.
Otherwise, I may get one of the LokSound Selects. I've never installed a decoder so it will be interesting. But I'm hoping I can wake up the QSI.
Thanks to all of you for your help.
If you can isolate the loco on the main track, my solution works great everytime.
Actually, I never worry about isolating the offending loco. If you know the long address, you can reset the QSI Quantum decoder in Ops mode on the main line without adversely affecting the decoders in the other locos on the layout. I often do it without any problem, and I have 12 locos with QSI Quantum decoders on the layout at all times.
Here is the reset procedure once again. It takes the following three steps:
And if you don't know the active address, ie the loco is not controllable, taking all the locos off the rails and using Ops Mode with address 00 selected should do the trick.
Sometimes when it fails to take a long address, all that you really need to do is set CV29 the correct value, as 17 and 18 get set but then it 'misses' the CV29 value.
Thanks Tom, this was the information which finally got my QSI decoder reset. I am a big user of Decoder Pro, but as pointed out in other posts using their 'restore factory settings' function will not work due to the delay needed between resetting each CV. I now have this sequence on a piece of paper handy to my throttle.