Broadway Quantum Engineer, anyone have one?

[Berk-fan284]

Hello all, my question is for anyone with first hand experience or knowledge of the BLI Quantum Engineer. In specific will it work with the older BLI locomotives such as the N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 and the PRR M1a 4-8-2 and would it work with the Lionel Challenger (hopefully) also? In my present situation I only can setup a temporary layout (on the basement floor) so that precludes DCC for the foreseeable future before anyone mentions DCC.

[jondrd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Berk-fan284

Hello all, my question is for anyone with first hand experience or knowledge of the BLI Quantum Engineer. In specific will it work with the older BLI locomotives such as the N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 and the PRR M1a 4-8-2 and would it work with the Lionel Challenger (hopefully) also? In my present situation I only can setup a temporary layout (on the basement floor) so that precludes DCC for the foreseeable future before anyone mentions DCC.

[2c][2c]
I'm fairly sure it will only work with BLI/QSI system with QARC(Quantum Analog Remote Control) technology. BLI 2005 catalog, pg.7: "More modern BLI locomotives are equipped with QARC technology."

A BLI listing dated 27-Jan-05 cites the following BLI locos as having QARC technology:
PRR K4
UP Mountain 4-8-2
NYC S1b Niagara 4-8-4
N&W J Class
AT&SF Northern 2-10-2/2-10-4
EMD E3/6
Remaining E3/6, additional E7
EMD SD40-2
EMD Diesel Switchers
RSD15
GE AC6000CW
EMD E8/9
GE C30-7
EMD F7
Above models without sound(Stealth versions) do not have QARC. Obviously it would be best to check with BLI re updated list. You could also check with vendors such as Tony's Train Exchange if you can update your units to have this technology-I think it's possible via recent product announcements. Best to check.

Sometimes it's not best to be "first on your block with latest units" lest they become not modern(antique?) per BLI. As has been noted on the forum in various other contexts model railroading is incorporating technology at a fast pace. What's new today is "non modern" tomorrow.

P.S. 1 When Quantum Engineer was first announced I was looking forward to purchase. Subsequent ads/annoucements indicated applicability only to locos with QARC technology. And so it goes....

P.S. 2 I've got Hudson, GG-1, E7 and M1b without QARC. [sigh] [:(] I said [censored] and made decision to embrace DCC.


Jon

[mdtell]

Only the whistle and bell buttons on the Quantum Engineer will work with non-QARC engines and you cannot access the doppler effect on non-QARC engines through the Quantum Engineer. For doppler you wil have to use the reverse button or a Side Kick. Upgrade chips for non-QARC engines should be available from QSI soon.

[jeffers_mz]

This company:



...was supposed to introduce QSI aftermarket decoders, but apparantly has passed the responsibility to another company per their site, the new one being:

http://www.qsisolutions.com/

A release schedule for OEM upgrades is promised for next week per the site, hopefully we'll see some info on aftermarket releases as well. Even if not, we'll have something to go by as to their ability to meet projected release dates. They currently plan to release aftermarket decoders, but I suspect they have to deal with the difference between designing a circuit for a particular locomotive and designing a circuit that will work for all intended installations.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[bobwrght]

I have one and the whistle, bell and (yes) the doppler will all work with non-QARC
engines. For the doppler you have to hold down the horn and then doppler together.
For all other engines with QARC (BLI, Atlas, Life-like) all other functions work and it makes things alot easier and more fun.

Bob