QSI or Loksound for forthcoming Atlas SD40's???

Bill - I don't know the answer to your question - but if AtlasO is going to use an OEM built QSI design It would be nice to know if they are going to load the decoder with the latest firmware and related Q3 Emulation Technology (ET) sound set.  There is a big difference in performance between the early GSI Titan firmware/sound and that currently available for QSI Titan decoders.   AtlasO and Sunset 3rd Rail use OEM's produced QSI decoders (vice aftermarket ones by QSI Solutions) and sometimes do not load their decoders with the latest QSI firmware or sound sets.  Fortunately in many cases those with access to a QSI Programmer can upgrade Titan decoders with new firmware and sound sets.  In the past year I upgraded my Sunset E7's with the latest firmware and EMD 567 Q3 sound set and am very pleased with smoother running and improved sound - especially diesel notching.   

Atlas is moving towards the ESU LokSound Decoder and I hope they take the time to get the OEM programing right so customers dont have to dick around programming  CV's to get them to work correctly.

I know that the latest run of Trainman U23Bs had the plug-in capability for a Loksound L sound decoder and, as you mentioned, Atlas has been using ESU Loksound in HO for over a year I think.

Ed, I'm aware that there is a big difference between the Q2 and Q3 sounds. The earlier QSI, like in my MP15DC: ripped out.

I'm hoping for Loksound as well!

I've been waiting for Atlas O to make the switch over, as they've done with HO and N.

They've had this instruction sheet out since March ..... LOKSOUND USER MANUAL .... which includes O scale.

At York I was told the last models to get the QSI decoders will be the F7s.  I am very happy about this!  I love ESU!  If you haven't tried the new full throttle features they are awesome!  I will try to post a video soon.  I have installed the ESU loksound L 4.0 decoders into my units and they are awesome.  I chose the 4.0 over the select so I could modify the sound files to add smoke controlled by sound.  I now have smoke with variable output based on engine load and full throttle which is great.  I am a huge Atlas cheerleader and I am very happy with the direction they are going.  With that said I hope they continue to offer smoke with their 2 rail diesels.

I emailed Jerry Kimble about this awhile ago since I have 4 SD40's preordered and he said it looks like they'll probably go with LokSound. I have 2 Atlas GP35's that I'm converting to DCC so I ordered 2 LokSound XL 4.0 decoders if I ever decide to run them with my SD40's.

Originally I was going to buy QSI Titan sound decoders but these aren't available. At least that's what Traintek told me.

Ugh; I thought I had read somewhere that the F7's would have Loksound.

I know: Someone should ask if I would like some cheese with my whine.

I'll be happy to offer purchasing any QSI decoders that get removed in place of ESU units. I have no issues using or programming them. As Ed points out, once the Q3 firmware is properly loaded, the performance of both power and sound is improved.

Bill McBride posted:

Ugh; I thought I had read somewhere that the F7's would have Loksound.

I know: Someone should ask if I would like some cheese with my whine.

 

Bill, Hope so!

If not, QSI will be replaced.