QSI appears to have developed the "current ultimate" in user defined sounds capable of coming out of our sound equipped locomotives. I am waiting for some of the entrepreneurs to come up with ads guaranteeing the exact sounds for old # 4662 of the XYZ RR
Putting the 'science' into model railroading .... While I find this concept fascinating, it seems to be rather complex; and you'd certainly have to be very familiar with the prototype to use this system to 'get it right'. But, the bottom line is it still sounds like a toy ....
Yes, there is a lot of options. It's not so much complex (any one option is pretty simple: it's just a single slider) as it is extensive.
That's why I remarked it looks like another hobby ... You could literally spend days, weeks, or even months playing with combinations to see what they do. But then QSI is known for having this level of configurability in their sound decoders. If it looks overwhelming, then vote with your pocketbook and go buy ESU or SoundTraxx.
Joe Fugate
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine
Would I need to purchase the Quantam Programmer and a Windows PC to access all the features? I currently use a Mac with a Digitrax PSR3xtra running JMRI.
...is a wide open field at this point, and is terribly exciting!
Mass properties emulation is a big field in engineering simulations - both digital and real-world modeling. In its most simple form, getting the center of gravity and mass distribution (for moment of inertia) correct in a scale model or a full-size dummy product are critical to determining how the live product will behave. Spacecraft, air-launched missiles and torpedoes are just a few instances where modeling of physical properties is critical.
Some pioneering work has been done in terms of making a model train behave like the real thing, but adding momentum to a locomotive is just a primitive beginning. The QSI software in the video looks like a sharp improvement in realism, with its ability to adjust the sound unit to more closely match the prototype sound signature, but the interface is way too "comprehensive" to appeal to most of us modelers, IMHO.
Here's what I envision (take it for what it's worth): A JMRI interface (perhaps a Decoder Pro major upgrade) to do much of what the QSI software does, but applicable to all decoders, with the software applying the desired settings as best as possible to the decoder being programmed. There would be two major aspects to what this interface does: First, it would set the decoder to emulate the mass properties of the train. Not just the locomotive, but the entire train. Second, it would set up the sound (if the decoder has sound) to match the prototype in terms of what sort of noises the locomotive makes when moving the train (for examples, prime mover spooling up prior to motion starting in diesels, or perhaps very long, heavy chuffs in a steam loco as it starts a heavy train).
A key part of this interface is front-panel simplicity, so I can program the train with just a few clicks, right on the main as I'm preparing to depart. Initially, maybe we just input the estimated train tonnage. The interface calculates all the CV values required to best emulate the mass and sounds of an equivalent real train, adjusted for the model world in which the train is operating (for example, taking a scale mile to accelerate to 20 smph might be a bit too far, since our layouts are nowhere near as long as the prototypes, but 150 scale yards might be OK), and off you go. The more capable the decoder, the more realistic the action. En-route adjustments to the decoder could easily be accomplished to adjust the properties as cuts of cars are added to or removed from the train. All the "extensive" (as Joe puts it) adjustments are still there and accessible for those who want to really tinker with the fine settings, but the simple interface would do a credible enough job for most of us.
The interface software would need a lot of smarts, obviously, but I doubt it would be much harder to accomplish, overall, than what is already out there in other parts of Decoder Pro.
I like your thinking, Mark! The technology is already there to provide those things. Someone just has to design the interface and incorporate the technology!
I would think we would need better throttles that are easier to enter the quickly changing parameters of the ongoing train movements such as what RailPro provides. I have Digitrax and although the old fashioned push button technology works great and I have no problems, at some point the DCC makers are going to have to make some radical changes to their throttle designs to keep up with the ever growing capabilities of the new technology.
Anyway, kudos to QSI on their major leap forward with their Emulation Technology and Titan decoders. I hope it becomes available to Mac and Digitrax users soon.
Comments
OK, Two out of Three
QSI appears to have developed the "current ultimate" in user defined sounds capable of coming out of our sound equipped locomotives. I am waiting for some of the entrepreneurs to come up with ads guaranteeing the exact sounds for old # 4662 of the XYZ RR
CM Auditor
Tom VanWormer
Monument CO
Colorado City Yard Limits 1895
...
Putting the 'science' into model railroading .... While I find this concept fascinating, it seems to be rather complex; and you'd certainly have to be very familiar with the prototype to use this system to 'get it right'. But, the bottom line is it still sounds like a toy ....
Reminds me of a guitar amplifier
All these knobs and sliders....where's the slider labeled "killer tone"? And does it go to 11?
It does look very complex, maybe it's just me, but I like the In 'n' Out experience where the menu is 1, 2, or 3 and they are all good :-D
Chris Palomarez
Yes, there's a lot here
Yes, there is a lot of options. It's not so much complex (any one option is pretty simple: it's just a single slider) as it is extensive.
That's why I remarked it looks like another hobby ... You could literally spend days, weeks, or even months playing with combinations to see what they do. But then QSI is known for having this level of configurability in their sound decoders. If it looks overwhelming, then vote with your pocketbook and go buy ESU or SoundTraxx.
Joe Fugate
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine
Read my blog
Incredible!
That really looks great! Is that new programming software or an upgrade of Quantum Programmer?
Pete
Latest Version of QuantumCV Manager
Check out the latest Version 2.5.0.12 of QuantumCV Manager which includes full support for the new Quantum Titan™ decoders.
Ken K
Thanks
Would I need to purchase the Quantam Programmer and a Windows PC to access all the features? I currently use a Mac with a Digitrax PSR3xtra running JMRI.
Pete
Supported Interfaces for QuantumCV Manager
Only the Quantum Programmer and NCE Powerhouse are currently supported.
Ken K
Model Railroad physical properties emulation...
...is a wide open field at this point, and is terribly exciting!
Mass properties emulation is a big field in engineering simulations - both digital and real-world modeling. In its most simple form, getting the center of gravity and mass distribution (for moment of inertia) correct in a scale model or a full-size dummy product are critical to determining how the live product will behave. Spacecraft, air-launched missiles and torpedoes are just a few instances where modeling of physical properties is critical.
Some pioneering work has been done in terms of making a model train behave like the real thing, but adding momentum to a locomotive is just a primitive beginning. The QSI software in the video looks like a sharp improvement in realism, with its ability to adjust the sound unit to more closely match the prototype sound signature, but the interface is way too "comprehensive" to appeal to most of us modelers, IMHO.
Here's what I envision (take it for what it's worth): A JMRI interface (perhaps a Decoder Pro major upgrade) to do much of what the QSI software does, but applicable to all decoders, with the software applying the desired settings as best as possible to the decoder being programmed. There would be two major aspects to what this interface does: First, it would set the decoder to emulate the mass properties of the train. Not just the locomotive, but the entire train. Second, it would set up the sound (if the decoder has sound) to match the prototype in terms of what sort of noises the locomotive makes when moving the train (for examples, prime mover spooling up prior to motion starting in diesels, or perhaps very long, heavy chuffs in a steam loco as it starts a heavy train).
A key part of this interface is front-panel simplicity, so I can program the train with just a few clicks, right on the main as I'm preparing to depart. Initially, maybe we just input the estimated train tonnage. The interface calculates all the CV values required to best emulate the mass and sounds of an equivalent real train, adjusted for the model world in which the train is operating (for example, taking a scale mile to accelerate to 20 smph might be a bit too far, since our layouts are nowhere near as long as the prototypes, but 150 scale yards might be OK), and off you go. The more capable the decoder, the more realistic the action. En-route adjustments to the decoder could easily be accomplished to adjust the properties as cuts of cars are added to or removed from the train. All the "extensive" (as Joe puts it) adjustments are still there and accessible for those who want to really tinker with the fine settings, but the simple interface would do a credible enough job for most of us.
The interface software would need a lot of smarts, obviously, but I doubt it would be much harder to accomplish, overall, than what is already out there in other parts of Decoder Pro.
Just my thoughts.
Wow! Way too long! Sorry folks!!
Can't be far off
I like your thinking, Mark! The technology is already there to provide those things. Someone just has to design the interface and incorporate the technology!
I would think we would need better throttles that are easier to enter the quickly changing parameters of the ongoing train movements such as what RailPro provides. I have Digitrax and although the old fashioned push button technology works great and I have no problems, at some point the DCC makers are going to have to make some radical changes to their throttle designs to keep up with the ever growing capabilities of the new technology.
Anyway, kudos to QSI on their major leap forward with their Emulation Technology and Titan decoders. I hope it becomes available to Mac and Digitrax users soon.
Pete