I am considering purchasing a Broadway Limited SD40-2 that has the QSI sound decoder inside. I am seeking some feedback in terms of performance and decoder issues. Does the QSI decoder lash up well with other decoders such as SoundTraxx, etc? That is my main concern, since I would MU the BL units with other loco's.
The QSI decoder is not as much an issue as the gearing ratio of the BLI engines compared to other brands. I have several BLI locomotives, both steam and diesel, with QSI and their newer, proprietary Paragon2 decoders, and they all run at different speeds if put on adjacent tracks whether as a consist or individually.
I own 2 BLI AC6000 with QSI decoders and have not had a problem at all. The sound is fantastic Operating sounds such as motor up and down is great . I think you'll be pleased.
NickyB
I have an Atlas HH600/660 switcher with the newer "Q2" QSI decoder and the low-speed response is fantastic.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The only issues I ever had with BLI bluebox DC with sound when I put a DCC motor decoder in, it can be frustrating with programming cv's and addressing. I purchased the Powerpax booster especially for that purpose. Of course depending on what DCC system your using. DC analog you wouldn't have the issues! Jim
Success with addressing motor decoders in BlueLine locomotives also depends on whether you install a BLI "recommended" decoder or not. BLI lists those particular decoders in their BlueLine manual that work best with their proprietary Blueline sound decoder.
I installed a Lenz Silver MP decoder in my BlueLine Niagara and had no problem addressing the motor and sound decoders simultaneously. However, the QSI decoders (which BLI used to use) and BLI's BlueLine sound decoders are totally different systems.
Well the only 3 that I bought were with QSI and I did install the recommended decoders on the BLI site and the recommendations also came with the booklet, which I read (unusual). There are sites that you can go to for those of us that had problems with addressing and hence Tony's Train Exchange had the solution for me. But it was the last BLI loco's I ever bought and I personally wouldn't take another chance, too frustrating, supposed to enjoy this hobby! Jim