It’s designed to operate dual-mode sound locomotives that include the latest QSI Quantum Analog Remote Control (QARC) system. This QARC system is built into Atlas Master Gold Series, Life-Like Proto 2000, and Hobbycraft Canada sound-equipped locomotives. Broadway Limited Imports (BLI) also includes the QARC system in its recent versions of the Chesapeake & Ohio class T-1 2-10-4; Electro-Motive Division E-series passenger units, SD40-2, and yard switchers; and the Pennsylvania K-4 4-6-2.
Except for operating the horn and bell, the Engineer control is not suitable for older Quantum-equipped engines that do not have the QARC technology.
Easy installation and operation. The Quantum Engineer is built into a small plastic case, 2¾” x 5″ x 1¼”, to be mounted on a DC power pack with double-faced tape. Wiring is a matter of connecting a pair of wires to the power pack’s variable DC output and two wires to the track. When power is on, a red indicator light glows in the upper left corner of the controller. The same indicator flashes in the programming mode.
The normal power pack speed and direction controls remain active, but they’re supplemented by three groups of push buttons that are color-coded and clearly labeled to operate the various Quantum functions. The primary controls are on the right side of the panel, and they operate the horn or whistle (red button), bell (blue), and brake application and release (yellow). For best effect, the instructions recommend setting the throttle at the desired maximum speed and then controlling the train with the brake.
The 15 dark gray buttons in the middle of the panel select the sound functions such as coupling, fans, shutters, lights, and flange squeal – one even sounds the standard grade crossing warning.
A group of five light gray buttons (upper left) are used to control sound volume and for a variety of adjustable programming functions. Two of these actuate the throttle modes: STC (standard throttle control) for immediate response and RTC (regulated train control) for simulated inertia.
The last four light gray buttons control the system’s shut-down, standby, start-up, and verbal status- report functions.
Advanced features. This controller allows DC users to access advanced DCC programming options to simulate the effect of different loads on train handling, train braking rates, locomotive shut-down and start-up procedures, and verbal scale-speed readouts. A comprehensive two-page set of instructions is available as a PDF download from the Web site www.soundsliketrains.com. The small pull-out tab underneath the controller contains the basic programming instructions.
Overall, this Quantum Engineer controller offers an easy way for modelers with DC layouts to enjoy all of the amazing DCC sound and operating capabilities built into the latest crop of dual-mode locomotives.
Price: $59.95
Manufacturer
Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205-1102
www.atlasrr.com
Description
Add-on controller for DC operation of QSI Quantum dual-mode control system DCC features and programming
Features
Color-coded and clearly labeled push-button controls
DCC-style programming capabilities
Easy installation and wiring
Self-contained, ready to install
