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Model Railroading > Ho Atlas Gold GP-40 with sound


Date: 10/19/24 13:32
Ho Atlas Gold GP-40 with sound
Author: Trainatic

I bought one of these recently with sound and it has the original QSI sound decoder in it. Here is the weird thing I've never seen. When we put it on our DCC test track it runs and sounds ok- when we put it on our mainline with Tony's trains circuit breakers installed, it will not run and no sound.
Has anyone ever seen something like this?
My gut feel is the decoder is about shot and I'm thinking just take it out and put in a TCS sound one.
Thanks,
Joe



Date: 10/19/24 13:50
Re: Ho Atlas Gold GP-40 with sound
Author: ATSFSuperCap

Some older decoders do not like to work with some DCC systems without some kind of reset.    That may be the case here.    The latter QSI sound decoders are quite robust.   I have a number of locos that have them and they all work fine where as latter decoders from the other big makers I have had some problems with them poofing.    The only downside to the QSI today is that the sound profiles are not as good and they have fewer custom sounds built in.   In fact one of the newer decoders that poofed was TCS.    They are pretty good about replacing them, but so is Soundtrax.   I do not know about ESU, I do not like thier sound profiles and really don't like thier programing so I stay away and buy factory locos that would come with ESU as no sound and then put in Soundrax and Scale Sound speakers.



Date: 10/19/24 14:02
Re: Ho Atlas Gold GP-40 with sound
Author: TomG

I was instantly unhappy with the QSI sound, I ripped out every one of them and replaced them with Tsunami 2s right off the bat. Run better, sound better.



Date: 10/20/24 10:24
Re: Ho Atlas Gold GP-40 with sound
Author: ATSFSuperCap

YES.    This is what most guys that enjoy sound systems will do.   And, I totally agree that Tsunami is way way way better than ESU.   But we do need to keep in mind that many modelers do not have money or the skills needed to change a sound system.   The LATTER version of QSI is perfectly usable just not as nice as the Tsunami II boards.    But with all that you also need to get rid of the factory speakers and at least use Scale Sound Systems speakers.    For me, which is different than most model railroad settings, I like to watch  TV or listen to music when I run trains so after a short time I turn off the sound so I do not feel the need to buy expensive replacement systems.    Only about 1/3 of my locos have sound.   Only about 1/2 even have decoders for DCC!    But, again, for me, my layout is very much different than most.   It is fully 100% double track, divided into 6 grand blocks.   Each grand block is controlled by a rotary switch with positions set for OFF, NCE corded, NCE wireless, and the last two are for 2 MRC Controlmaster 20 DC throttles.    For instance one track can be running DCC and the other DC.   With double track the huge advantage of DCC is minimized and I often run locos with no decoders that way.    

Richard.



Date: 10/20/24 18:45
Re: Ho Atlas Gold GP-40 with sound
Author: DocJohn

Since this thread is about Atlas QSI sound, I thought I would add my experiences.  In 2004, when Atlas announced the FM Trainsmasters with QSI sound, I ordered CNJ 2410 and received it in October 2004 (Yes, I have been doing DCC sound for 20 years).  As soon as Atlas offered at second round of FM Trainmasters, I ordered CNJ 2403.  In 2013, the lead truck  on the 2410 failed, and Atlas repaired it at no charge and replaced the shell with CNJ 2413.  Tonight, I put both locos on my large layout and the were MU'ed through the short ends.  Locomotives started right up and consisted them with my 2003 SuperChief system and 402 throtlles.  I just don't have the CNJ passenger cars to go behind them.

John



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